Discover the magic of Apulia
Traveling through Apulia, or Puglia as it is called in Italian, is to discover another side of Italy - a place where time seems to stand still and the landscape is characterized by olive groves, limestone cliffs and azure blue sea. For those who want to experience the region's most iconic cities, picturesque villages and genuine food culture, a combination of Alberobello and Ostuni is a fantastic idea. The flight goes to Bari, where you pick up a rental car to easily explore the region and get between the different places. With the car as a faithful companion, a journey full of contrasts awaits, from fairy-tale trulli houses to grand coastal views.
Alberobello - the fairy tale city with the iconic trulli houses
The journey begins in Alberobello, which is about 70 km from Bari and takes about an hour by car. The unique trulli houses, characterized by their white facades and cone-shaped roofs, give the city an almost magical feeling. Here you stay two nights, which gives plenty of time to stroll through the historic districts Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A visit to Trullo Sovrano, the only trullo in two floors that now functions as a museum, provides an exciting insight into the history and construction of the trulli houses. The Sant'Antonio church, a church entirely built in trulli style, is also worth a stop.
In Alberobello, do not miss the opportunity to taste the local cuisine. Here you can enjoy traditional dishes such as the iconic orecchiette pasta, often served with tomato sauce and ricotta forte, as well as fresh burrata - a delicate cheese with a creamy interior. At one of the small family-run trattorias, you get a genuine food experience with flavors from the region.
For those who want to discover more of the area, an excursion to Grotte di Castellana is a must. Just a half hour's drive away awaits one of Europe's most beautiful caves, where you can walk through a fascinating underground world of stalactites and stalagmites.
Ostuni - the white city by the Adriatic Sea
After two nights in Alberobello, the journey continues to Ostuni, which is about 35 km away and takes about 40 minutes to drive. The city is called 'The white city' thanks to its whitewashed houses that shine in the sun. Here you check in at the Grand Hotel Masseria Santa Lucia, a beautiful masseria where you can enjoy the tranquility in a rural environment, while you have proximity to both Ostuni's historic center and the Adriatic Sea.
In Ostuni, an exciting mix of history, culture and scenic views awaits. The old town offers a labyrinth of winding alleys, charming piazzas and cozy cafes where you can sit down with an espresso and enjoy the city's life and movement. One of the most impressive landmarks is the Ostuni Cathedral, a Gothic building with a beautifully decorated facade that dominates the city's silhouette. For those who want to shop, there are plenty of local markets where you can find everything from craft ceramics to fresh delicacies from the region.
Ostuni is just 15 minutes from the coast, making it easy to alternate city life with relaxation by the sea. Beaches like Lido Morelli and the protected nature park Torre Guaceto offer crystal clear water and golden sand, perfect for long days of sun and swimming.
Excursions from Ostuni
Puglia offers endless opportunities for excursions, and with the rental car it is easy to discover some of the region's most spectacular places. A short drive away is Polignano a Mare, a dramatic coastal city where you can swim at the iconic beach Lama Monachile and enjoy postcard-beautiful views over the turquoise sea. Not far from there awaits Monopoli, a charming port city with beautiful bathing bays and a lively old town where you can stroll along the narrow alleys and enjoy fish and seafood at one of the local restaurants.
For those who want to explore more of the region's history and architecture, Lecce is a perfect destination for a day trip. The city, also called 'The Florence of Southern Italy', is known for its lavish baroque buildings and its rich culture, and here you can admire impressive churches, grand palaces and elegant squares.
Conclusion of an unforgettable journey
After five nights in Ostuni and a week full of adventure, swimming and culinary experiences, the journey goes back to Bari for the return journey. The car journey back to the airport in Bari takes about an hour and 20 minutes, a last chance to enjoy Puglia's beautiful landscape before you return home. With the heart filled with impressions and the camera filled with memorable images, you leave Puglia with a feeling of having experienced the real Italy - far beyond the tourist trails. Arrivederci Puglia - see you again!
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
