ahi travel puglia

2023 Apulia ~ Undiscovered Italy

• Life moves at a slower pace in Apulia, Italy’s sun-kissed southern region.
• From your base in seaside Polignano a Mare, travel over timeless terra to historical towns filled with indelible wonders.
• Witness the preserved heritage of Alberobello and enjoy Mediterranean meals amidst olive groves and family vineyards.
• Each day invites new opportunities to drink in vistas of brilliant blue seas and savor the region’s famously fresh cuisine.
• Along your journey, celebrate Puglia’s authentic culture and warm hospitality.
• Limited offer of no single supplement fees for solo travelers!* 

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This Italian Region Is a Bucket-list Destination for Food, Wine, and Postcard-worthy Ocean Views

This four-day route hits all the highlights, but if you want to take it slow, allow for multiple nights at each stop.  

Nina Ruggiero is Travel + Leisure's senior editorial director and the co-founder of Be A Travel Writer , an online course for aspiring travel journalists. A New Yorker based in Los Angeles, she has a special interest in beach destinations, outdoor adventures, unique hotels, pet-friendly travel with her golden retriever, @travelswithcali, and all things Italy.

Follow the winding roads of the Puglian coastline—the heel of Italy's boot—to hidden sea caves, clifftop towns, and farmhouse masserie . This four-day route is an ideal addition to a more extensive Italian itinerary , or stay multiple nights at each stop for a stand-alone trip with plenty of time to explore this serene corner of the country.

Day 1: Bari to Lecce

After flying into Bari, follow SS-16 along the Adriatic Sea to Polignano a Mare —its limestone cliffs and whitewashed houses put the region on the proverbial map. Start your trip on a celebratory note with lunch at the elegant Osteria di Chichibio , where freshly caught seafood is prepared with reverence. Then drive south to Ostuni, a hilltop maze of a city whose white houses would look right at home in the Cyclades. The moody, grotto-like Riccardo Caffè is a fitting spot for a drink after seeing the cave paintings of Santa Maria di Agnano . Finish your day in Lecce, a city of Baroque sandstone architecture, where you'll stay at 17th-century masseria La Fiermontina . Its 18 rooms and suites have vaulted ceilings as well as patios that look out on the olive-tree-lined courtyard pool. Tormaresca Vino e Cucina is run by heavy-hitting vintners who serve wines made from native varietals alongside local dishes like frittura mista di mare (mixed fried seafood).

Day 2: Lecce to Gagliano del Capo

Wake early to catch the morning sunlight on Lecce's Baroque Basilica di Santa Croce and order an iced espresso at Caffè Alvino . Don your swimsuit for a dip at the Grotta della Poesia, a nearby swimming hole that inspired myths of nymphs and sea goddesses, followed by a visit to the white-sand beach in Torre dell'Orso to see Le Due Sorelle, the two sisters, twin rock formations jutting out of the sea. A stop at L'Altro Baffo , in Otranto, for mussels with bread crumbs and pecorino is a must—as is a stroll through the city's medieval heart. Further south, the Punta Palascia lighthouse sits at the end of a wildflower-strewn path at Italy's easternmost point, where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian. Spend the night in Gagliano del Capo at Palazzo Daniele , where the minimalist design lets the contemporary artwork and restored 19th-century frescoes shine.

Day 3: Gagliano del Capo to Crispiano

Round the heel of the boot to Gallipoli, a port city whose old town is situated on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Walk the town's cobblestone streets and snag one of the papier-mâché figurines the area is famous for, or break for a bowl of zuppa di pesce alla Gallipolina (fish soup). In the afternoon, wade into the Gulf of Taranto, explore the lively fish markets of Porto Cesareo, or spend a few euros on a boat ride to nearby island beaches. End the day in rural Crispiano, where the Masseria Amastuola Wine Resort is surrounded by vineyards, farms, and centuries-old olive groves.

Related : 10 Destinations in Italy Where Italians Love to Travel, According to a Local

Day 4: Crispiano to Savelletri

Head north for an afternoon in Alberobello, a UNESCO site known for its 1,500 trulli, conical prehistoric limestone huts that now house restaurants, bars, shops, and private homes. Access Italy leads walking tours that reveal the history of these fairytale structures—and let you taste local specialities at some of the eateries inside them. In Savelletri, check into Borgo Egnazia , a luxury resort set in a dreamy recreation of a traditional Italian village. With six restaurants, three bars, a golf course, and private beaches, it's the perfect place to linger for a few days before driving back to Bari.

The Perfect 7 Day Puglia Road Trip Itinerary

We always knew that we would fall in love with Puglia, but after diving deep into the region on an extended Puglia road trip, it’s safe to say that we’re near-obsessed with it.

From exploring whitewashed hilltop villages to dipping (again and again and again) into the sparkling Adriatic Sea, and from devouring endless plates of orecchiette to sleeping in one of the region’s famous trulli , Puglia is awash with delightful Italy travel experiences.

Longtime readers know that we have a tendency to fall in love with certain corners of Italy and return to them repeatedly, and, well–let’s just say we expect to have plenty of opportunities to continue updating this Puglia blog post over the years.

Located on the “heel of the boot”, Puglia (sometimes called Apulia) is known primarily as a beach destination to Italian and other European travelers.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

It’s less popular with North Americans (so far), but that balance seems to be shifting a bit more each year.

With a hidden gem as absolutely sublime as this one, though, it was only a matter of time until the secret got out.

If you’re looking to spend a week exploring a laid-back and beautiful corner of Italy, where the food is fresh (fun fact: around 40% of Italy’s olive oil comes from Puglia!), the driving easy, the and the swimming sublime, this Puglia road trip itinerary is for you.

(And, I didn’t even mention yet that Puglia is significantly less crowded and less expensive than hotspots like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre ).

Here’s how to make the most of 7 days in beautiful Puglia, Italy!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Puglia Itinerary

Renting a car for your road trip (+ traveling to puglia), can this puglia itinerary work without a car, other destinations to add to your itinerary for puglia, the best time of year to visit puglia, italy, what to pack for a 7 day puglia road trip, one week puglia travel itinerary map.

With a region as large and diverse as Puglia, narrowing down the best places to visit on a 7 day Puglia road trip is quite the challenge!

Unlike many of the itineraries on Our Escape Clause , we’ve structured this Puglia itinerary as a point-to-point trip leading (loosely) from Bari to Lecce, rather than as a loop.

However, as Lecce and Bari are less than 2 hours apart by either train or car, you’ll easily be able to return to Bari at the end of your trip if needed.

We designed this trip to Puglia around visiting whitewashed villages, historic cities, and–of course–lots of beaches and seaside landscapes.

It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves visiting many beautiful towns, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually take less than 5 hours!

You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in a week, even at a relaxed pace.

In other words, you have more time for beach time than you might think at first glance!

However, try as you might, it’s impossible to explore all of the best places to visit in Puglia in a week, so some (very worthy) destinations have been cut.

Because of this, in addition to the detailed 7 day itinerary for Puglia that we’ve outlined here, we’ve also made notes of several more incredible places in the region that you can add or swap in, depending on your travel style, the season, and how much time you have to enjoy the heel of the boot.

This Puglia travel guide is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!

For most people, of course, taking a Puglia road trip will require renting a car

We recommend renting a small car through  Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare the prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

For the purposes of this itinerary, we recommend picking up your car in Bari.

To get to Puglia itself, you can either fly into Bari (Brindisi, to the south, has an airport as well, but Bari is more convenient for this itinerary), or take the train there.

If you’re coming from outside of Europe, there’s a good chance it will be more affordable to fly into Rome or Venice, and then take the high-speed train to Bari to start your road trip in Puglia.

If you’d like to investigate flying into a major city and then taking a train to Puglia, we recommend checking the train schedules and prices through Omio (bear in mind that tickets for high-speed trains can dramatically increase as the trip gets closer).

Check rates & book your rental car for Puglia today!

This Puglia itinerary is specifically designed as a road trip, and we do strongly believe that driving is the best way to visit the heel of Italy’s boot!

From offbeat villages to quiet, out-of-the-way beaches, your trip to Puglia will absolutely be enhanced by having your own set of wheels.

That being said, if you can’t or would rather not drive, you can still cover the vast majority of the sights included on this Puglia road trip itinerary through a combination of public transportation and guided tours.

If you’re not planning to drive, you can still follow the bulk of this itinerary by train.

However, you’ll likely need to cut some of the smaller towns in the Itria Valley (as you won’t be moving as quickly), as well as stick to beaches/swim spots within walking distance of town.

You’ll also want to be sure to choose lodging that’s within walking distance of the train stations.

And, if you’re not attached the idea of sleeping in a trullo (though I’ll be the first to say it is a delight), you may consider spending longer based in Monopoli and visiting the interior towns via day trips.

If you want to structure your itinerary for Puglia without a car, we highly recommend using  Omio  to check exact ticket schedules and pricing for trains and buses in the region.

Check schedules and shop train and bus tickets in Puglia  today!

Day 1: Arrive in Bari and head to Monopoli.

Bari, Puglia’s capital and largest city, is the perfect launching pad for your road trip whether you arrive in the region by train or plane.

While Bari has several attractions worth exploring, for the sake of time, we won’t dedicate much time to Bari on this itinerary.

If you arrive by train and are a completionist at heart, it’s about a 15-minute walk from Bari Centrale to the heart of the old town, if you’d like to take a quick spin around the city’s central sights like the Basilica San Nicolo and the Cathedral of San Sabino.

Once you wrap up, though, it’s time to pick up your rental car and zip off to Monopoli!

It’s about a 45-minute drive between the 2 cities, depending on traffic, so you’re not in a rush.

After checking into your hotel (ideally in or near the historic center–more on that in a minute), it’s time to start exploring.

While Monopoli’s historic center has some interesting churches and such to check out, the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is definitely worth a peek (as is the Bella Blu Gelateria right on it), what you’re most likely looking for is the sparkling Adriatic Sea!

Head to the Porto Antico (Old Harbor) to start your stroll past the Castello Carlo V and along the Lungomare.

As you head further away from the historic center, you’ll notice more and more people with their towels spread out on the rocks, going for a dip–and yes, this is highly recommended!

Where to Stay in Monopoli, Italy

We loved our stay at La Maison dello Zio : the property was clean, spacious, and very quiet (extra impressive considering its location in the heart of Monopoli’s small historic center).

We’d be happy to stay again!

Other popular, well-reviewed options in Monopoli include Corte Sant’Angelo or–if you’re looking for a splurge complete with incredible views–the stunning Hotel Don Ferrante .

We recommend staying in Monopoli for 2 nights.

Check rates & book your stay in Monopoli!

Day 2: Visit Polignano a Mare and explore Monopoli.

On the second day of your road trip in Puglia, head just 15 minutes north or so along the coast to the famous town of Polignano a Mare.

You’ll likely recognize Polignano a Mare’s picture-perfect beach: the views of this beach from above are some of the most iconic images of the region!

While the beach itself is small and very rocky (you’ll definitely want water shoes if you plan to swim there), the water is gorgeous and the views of the coast from above are well worth the trip.

Polignano a Mare is one of the most popular–read crowded–towns in Puglia, so we recommend getting an early start if you can.

Don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the old town, seeking out stunning views of the Adriatic along the way.

Terrazza Santo Stefano in particular is a must-see!

If you want even more unique views of the coast, joining one of the popular Polignano a Mare boat tours is a fantastic option (and will also give you an opportunity to swim away from the crowds at the beach).

Want a bucket-list dining experience while in Puglia?

The picturesque cave overlooking the sea found at Hotel Grotta Palazzese has been used as a restaurant since the 18th century (today, you’ll definitely need reservations if you plan to eat lunch there).

After wrapping up your morning exploring, eating, and possibly swimming your way through Polignano a Mare, head back to Monopoli and enjoy the afternoon and evening there!

To swim, check out Cala Porta Vecchia, or keep walking along the water until you hit Cala Cozze or Porto Bianco.

There are plenty of lidos (paid Italian beach clubs with umbrellas and chairs) around Monopoli, but for less than a full beach day, we prefer to stick with free swimming spots.

Day 3: Head inland to Alberobello and nearby whitewashed towns.

As difficult as it can be to leave the coast behind, it’s worth it to see another side of Puglia during your week in the region!

Puglia is famous for trulli –the dry, stone, conical buildings typical of the area, and the buildings are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

You can find them across the Itria Valley, but no town has a higher concentration of them than the famous–and stunning–Alberobello.

After Polignano a Mare’s central beach, the trulli of Alberobello are probably the most recognizable image of Puglia.

However, today won’t just be about Alberobello, but about the surrounding villages.

The nearby small towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca are both also well worth visiting, and while they have fewer trulli , they’re beautiful and will be far less crowded.

We recommend saving Alberobello for the end of the day, and spending the night there–ideally in a trullo !

The crowds of day trippers that swarm Alberobello throughout the day can be downright overwhelming, making this down best enjoyed in the evening and the early morning (and if you’re visiting in the summer, this will help with the heat, too).

If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the most iconic trulli , this popular walking tour is a great addition to your time in Alberobello.

Book your walking tour of Alberobello today!

Where to Stay in Alberobello, Italy

For a memorable stay in the Itria Valley, you can’t beat spending the night in a trullo!

We can’t rave enough about our stay in the Miratrulli Apartment & Trullo –everything from the structure to the location to the hospitality of the owner was flawless.

If it’s booked, though, Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso and Trulli Soav e also get excellent reviews.

We recommend spending 1-2 nights here.

Check rates & book your stay in Alberobello today!

Day 4: Continue exploring the Itria Valley or head to Matera.

As you hit the mid-point of your Puglia road trip, it’s time for a decision!

Option one: stay in the Itria Valley, continue exploring whitewashed hilltop towns, tasting wine, sampling olive oil, and enjoying trulli .

With this option, you may want to head over to the gorgeous city of Ostuni, a longtime favorite in the region that features magnificent views from its hilltop as well as plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

Alternatively, you can head west to the fascinating city of Matera.

Matera, though located in the region of Basilicata rather than in Puglia itself, is a popular addition to Puglia itineraries.

Matera is an endlessly interesting place, known for being populated since the prehistoric area, its incredible views, and its Sassi area–the area populated by cave dwellings dating back thousands of years.

In the 1950s, Matera gained international notoriety for the poor living conditions in the Sassi, and was nicknamed the “Shame of Italy”.

The population was forcibly removed the the “new” (still quite old) town surrounding the Sassi, and the historic cave dwellings were abandoned.

Fast forward several decades, though, and Matera has achieved new life as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a popular filming location (for films ranging wildly from “The Passion of the Christ” to “James Bond: No Time to Die”), and a European Capital of Culture.

Many of the formerly shameful Sassi have been converted into popular boutique cave hotels.

Matera is absolutely, without a doubt, worth visiting–but it is also incredibly hot during the summer months, even by the standards of southern Italy.

If that sounds like a fair trade, or you’re enjoying 7 days in Puglia outside of summer, Matera is a great idea.

If you don’t have a high heat tolerance, consider sticking around the Itria Valley instead, where it still gets quite hot, but is easier to cool off.

Where to Stay in Matera, Italy

Unfortunately, as beautiful as the views from our balcony were, we can’t recommend the cave hotel we stayed in when visiting Matera.

However, Conche Luxury Retreat and Il Belvedere are both beautiful properties that get excellent reviews!

Matera in general is extremely affordable by Italian standards, making it a wonderful place to splurge on a memorable place to stay.

If you choose to visit Matera, we recommend spending one night there.

Check rates & book your stay in Matera today!

Day 5: Make your way back to the sea in Otranto.

Whether you’ve been exploring the Itria Valley or Matera, if you’re visiting Puglia during the summer, one thing is certain: at this point, you’re going to be ready to get back to the sea!

Make your way to Otranto (despite this being your longest drive of the trip, getting from Matera to Otranto is still likely to take you only about 3 hours), where you can enjoy wide, sandy beaches and plenty of coastal charm again.

Choosing a favorite between Monopoli and Otranto would be very, very difficult, but Otranto’s wide, sandy beaches located right next door to the center are definitely a plus.

(Monopoli has plenty of swimming near the center too, of course, but not as many sandy stretches quite as conveniently located).

While in Otranto, be sure to pay a visit to the gorgeous Duomo, the Castello Aragonese, and the tiny Church of St. Peter.

Walking along the town ramparts is also a must, but without a doubt, a good portion of your time in Otranto should be dedicated to beach time!

Where to Stay in Otranto, Italy

We loved our stay at the spacious Marimar Apartments , located a short walk from Centro Storico and an even shorter walk from the sea.

B&B Palazzo Marzo and Palazzo de Mori are both excellent options as well!

Otranto’s small size and location hugging the Adriatic make it simple to find places to stay near the water, a big advantage for a beach town.

We recommend staying in Otranto for 2 nights and wrapping up your 7 days in Puglia here.

Check rates & book your stay in Otranto today!

Day 6: Explore Otranto and visit the Cave of Poetry.

While we’ve tried to leave plenty of room for afternoon swimming in this 7 day itinerary for Puglia, today is the only day that is dedicated almost exclusively to it!

Other than perhaps a bit of sightseeing (gelato in hand, of course) in Centro Storico, today is all about the water.

We recommend taking a drive out to the Cave of Poetry (in Italian, Grotta della Poesia ) to enjoy one of the most stunning swimming holes we’ve ever had a chance to enjoy!

Featuring crystal-clear water, jaw-dropping views, a cave to swim through, and even some nearby ruins to explore, it’s a remarkable sight.

And, if you’re feeling particularly daring, you can even join the locals for a bit of cliff-jumping.

Looking for something a bit different, either as an alternative or an addition to your day?

The Bay of Turkey ( Baia dei Turchi ) is also nearby and boasts what is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia.

If you happen to be visiting Puglia outside the swimming season and are looking for an alternative away from the water, you could substitute a visit to Gallipoli and/or Lecce here.

Day 7: Make your way home, possibly stopping in Lecce on the way.

As you wrap up your 7 days in Puglia and prepare to head home, there’s one final stop we recommend making on the way: Lecce, the “Florence of the South”.

This university city is packed with stunning Baroque architecture and long history with ties to Ancient Greece and Rome.

It’s gorgeous and well worth a visit, but since it’s located inland in the southern part of Puglia, it doesn’t draw nearly as many visitors as the coasts.

If you have time, spend some time exploring the best things to do in Lecce’s Centro Storico, including the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and the Piazza del Duomo and Duomo itself.

This well-reviewed walking tour can help you efficiently cover the highlights of the city in just a couple of hours!

If you don’t want to drive back to Bari to drop off your rental car (it’s about a 2-hour drive), consider checking prices for a one-way rental that you drop off in Lecce.

That’s what we did on our Puglia road trip, and it ended up being very affordable!

Lecce is home to a well-connected train station that can easily whisk you off to your next destination in Italy if you’re planning to continue your travels within the country.

If you’re flying home from Bari, though, it’ll likely be easiest to drive back yourself.

While this itinerary covers quite a bit of Puglia in 7 days, no one trip could hope to cover it all!

In addition to the choose-your-own-adventure modifications we’ve included throughout the itinerary, here are a few more stops you might consider adding on with more than a week in Puglia.

Located on the western edge of the Salento region of Puglia, Gallipoli is located more or less opposite Otranto on the peninsula.

Featuring the beautiful seaside Castello Aragonese, a charming center, and plenty of surrounding beaches, Gallipoli makes for a delightful seaside base in southern Puglia.

Gargano National Park

This itinerary for Puglia doesn’t stray further north than Bari, so sadly doesn’t pass through Gargano National Park.

However, if you’re looking for rugged, wild beaches, offbeat small towns like the gorgeous Vico del Gargano, and even a forest (the Forest Umbra is stunning), Gargano National Park has you covered.

Unless you have an exceptionally long time to spend on your Puglia vacation, this part of the region is probably best visited on a separate trip.

Tremiti Islands

This small archipelago, made up of 5 main islands, is known for its magnificent beaches, sea caves, cliffs, and brilliant turquoise water.

The Tremiti Islands are part of Gargano National Park, but you’ll need to hop on a boat–or, if you’re feeling like a splurge, a helicopter–to get there!

Castel del Monte

The mysterious Castel del Monte dates to the 13th century and was built by King Frederick II.

Its unusual shape has caused some to speculate over the centuries that it was never meant to be a defensive fortress at all!

Today, it is known as one of Puglia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is located just outside of Bari.

Located right on the Adriatic Sea and featuring a beautiful Duomo, charming Centro Storico, and the remains of once-important defensive structures, Trani has quite a bit in common with towns like Monopoli and Otranto!

Too far north to fit into this 7 day Puglia trip, it is nonetheless well worth a visit with more time in the region.

Grotte di Castellana

This stunning karst cave system is a feast for the eyes, and definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Puglia!

And, during the summer, “coolest” is literal: the caves maintain a constant temperature of around 62 ° F/16.5 ° C, making them a great place to escape the summer heat on a particularly hot afternoon.

You can reach the Grotte di Castellana in under 30 minutes from Monopoli or Alberobello.

We’ve designed this Puglia road trip for a visit that takes place during the swimming season–so late spring, summer, and early fall.

Personally, we find June and September to be the ideal months for visiting Puglia if you’re hoping to swim and have a typical beach trip: the water will be great for swimming, and the towns lively without being overrun as in July and August.

July and August are the most popular months for visiting Puglia, so if you want the height of the mid-summer, peak season experience, that’s when to go!

In May, the weather is a bit cool for swimming as far as we’re concerned, but some brave souls do take it on.

Spring and fall are both ideal for cultural trips to Puglia focused on exploring the villages of the Itria Valley, the region’s historic sites, and of course, its food.

We found sweating during mid-day when inland a fair trade-off for swimming in the Adriatic, but we definitely would have been far more comfortable in places like Locorotondo and Alberobello in the spring or fall.

Winter is a decidedly slow season in Puglia, however, the weather does stay mild and quite dry, making it a great choice if you’re looking to escape the cold, dark weather further north during winter in Europe !

Here are a few essentials that you should definitely add to your packing list as you prepare for your road trip in Puglia, Italy!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for trips to Italy.

Travel Adaptors for Italy  — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

Hands-Free Phone Mount  — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is fumble with the GPS on your phone when driving in Puglia.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Dry Bag — Want to keep your electronics safe during a beach day or boat trip?

Securing them in a dry bag is the perfect low-cost solution!

Sunscreen — The day we visited Polignano a Mare, we forgot our sunscreen and ended up panic-buying a very overpriced bottle in town… that didn’t even work well.

Moral of this story: bring your own sunscreen!

Additional Car Insurance  — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Portable USB Charger  — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re spending long days driving from village to village: add a portable charger to your packing list.

Swiss Army Knife  — Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that fresh focaccia from the bakery?

You’ll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along on your Puglia vacation!

Camera  — We absolutely adore our  Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works.

Just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!.

Hand Sanitizer  — We carry this everywhere, and have never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

10 thoughts on “The Perfect 7 Day Puglia Road Trip Itinerary”

Hi there, absolutely loved all the info. I am from Canada and going to Italy(Verona) to visit family from May 24- June 29th. My friend is meeting me in Italy within those 5 weeks and we are going to Puglia. We are planning out our trip next week. This info was perfect. We will be renting a car and are planning for a 7-10 day trip. If we wanted to spend a couple of extra days to relax would you recommend just staying in Otranto?

Otranto is a great choice! Monopoli would be almost a tie with it for us–can’t go wrong with either. 🙂

Hi, Was it easy having the dog with you? Was the dog allowed eveywhere you went e.g. Beaches, restaurant etc. Or was it difficult? I’m asking as I would love to bring my dog with me

In general, it’s very easy to travel with dogs in Italy, and that’s true in Puglia, too. 🙂

Dogs are allowed on some beaches (some are limited to the winter and not all lidos are dog-friendly), so definitely check before heading out on that.

Outdoor dining at restaurants is more or less universally dog-friendly.

Not all hotels and apartments are dog-friendly, but a wide variety are, and we are never short on options for places to stay.

Hope you and your furry friend have a great trip!

Just read your 7 day itinerary for Puglia and so tempted to book almost everything you mentioned. Looks a great trip! So glad we found your site.

Thank you so much, Tina! Hope you have a wonderful time in Puglia!

Hi Kate, my husband and I are planning our 3rd trip to Italy this coming March (2024). Our 2nd trip was to the northern regions, and your advice was extremely helpful. This trip we are going to focus on the southern region. Is there a way to easily print your guides? I didn’t see a print bottom and the formatting changed a bit when I tried to print the page – cutting off some of the info. Thanks for all the great information!!

Thank you so much, that’s great to hear our posts already helped you once! 🙂

Unfortunately we don’t have a specific printable version available right now, though it is something we’ve considered setting up in the future!

Do you know of the Masseria Pote winery in Puglia? We are headed to a wedding there this fall and love your 7 day tour of the area.

I am not, but it looks beautiful! Hope you guys have a fantastic time–Puglia is such a special place. 🙂

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The Best Things to Do in Puglia

By Lucrezia Worthington

Over the past couple of years, Puglia has become one of Italy 's trending destinations—but there is more to the region than just photo-worthy locations. Puglia is home to numerous folkloric traditions, ancient histories and diverse landscapes, from the dramatic coastline along the Parco Nazionale del Gargano to the scattered trulli in the Valle d’Itria and the crystalline beaches of Salento. It’s truly difficult to narrow down the best things to do in Puglia, but the following 11 are the most spectacular experiences you need to consider on your next trip.

Swim in waters that rival the Caribbean

The region is characterized by an extensive and diverse coastline (nearly 600 miles long) between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. From dramatic cliffs to the long swath of sandy beaches passing through crescent-shaped rocky coves, finding the best beach can be daunting. But the formula is simple: catch the early morning sun along the east coast and golden sunsets in the south and west. One of the most enchanting beaches is Punta della Suina, in Gallipoli. Fringed by a dense pine forest, its rugged coastline descends into crystal clear, shallow turquoise waters. However, a true, hidden gem is Cala dell’Acquaviva—a small rocky cove among staggering rocks on the eastern coast between Santa Cesarea Terme, and Tricase. The water, fed by both salt and spring water, is strikingly fresh, and there’s a small kiosk on site to stock up on cold drinks and snacks.

The Thremiti Islands are one of Italy's most fascinating archipelagos, with some of the world's most beautiful beaches on the shores.

Go island hopping

Legend states that the Greek King Diomedes threw three rocks from the Gargano upon his return from the Trojan War, and these rocks created the Tremiti islands—one of the most fascinating archipelagos in Italy. The largest and greenest of the isles, San Dominio, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches , including the secret sandy patches of Cala Matano and the rocky coves of Cala del Pigno. From San Dominio, you can take a motorboat to explore San Nicola, best known for its historical sites such as the monastery Santa Maria a Mare and the 13th-century Badiali Castle, and the island of Capraia, where you can swim in the beautiful inlets amidst the rocks. Cretaccio, the smallest of the islands, and Pianosa, a protected Marine Reserve, are also stunning places to visit if you have time.

Lecce is known as the Florence of the South for its open-air museum quality, with a rich heritage unveiled through numerous architectural styles.

Visit Puglia’s most cultural city

Also known as the ‘ Florence of the South’, Lecce is a major attraction for culture-seeking travelers—the historic city feels like an open-air museum. Distinct Leccese limestone envelops the town, and its rich heritage is unveiled through numerous architectural styles. The most predominant is Baroque (hence the city’s reputation as the ‘capital of Baroque architecture’), with opulent decorations embellishing the façades of churches such as the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Cathedral dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta. One of the best ways to truly embrace the southern lifestyle is to spend the afternoon in a café (we love the Caffè Alvino or Pasticceria Natale) and soak up the surroundings as you sip on your Caffè Leccese (iced coffee with fresh almond milk) and nibble on crema pasticcera filled pasticciotto.

Go shopping

When you think of Puglia, two things come to mind: food and ceramics. Travelers should always bring home taralli (ringed bread snacks), caciocavallo, and cacioricotta (Southern Italian cheese), but purchasing the iconic Ceramiche Pugliesi is a way of permanently remembering the region's beauty long after your trip has ended. Grottaglie is the ceramics district of Puglia, where many ateliers have been for generations, each with countless years of history and stories to tell. Franco Fasano has been in the Fasano family for 18 generations, selling a large collection of tableware, vases and amphorae. The method of production is traditional, but Franco Fasano’s visionary approach with bold colours and creative patterns has caught the eye of notable clients from Francis Ford Coppola to Giorgio Armani. Visit the shop and ask to pop into the nearby workshop to see the magic happen.

The small village of Alberobello is sprinkled with quaint restaurants and shops housed within the conical roofs and thick stone walls of trullo.

Visit Trulli

Some people say that trulli look like little gnome houses scattered throughout the region. Driving through the Valle d’Itria, you can see a few trulli around, but visit Alberobello for the real experience. This small village is sprinkled with quaint restaurants, bars and shops, all housed inside this UNESCO -protected trulli. The conical roofs and thick stone walls keep the interiors cool (you are not allowed to install air conditioning in the trullo). To get the full experience, book a stay overnight—there are many masserie and B&Bs that offer rooms in trulli across Puglia.

Try Puglia’s most delicious coffee

With its crescent-shaped sandy beach between two spurs of rocky, narrow whitewashed streets, Polignano a Mare steals the heart of many travelers. It is here, in Piazza Garibaldi, where you’ll find the best ice cream place in Puglia. While the ice cream at Il Super Mago del Gelo is exceptional, travelers should also try the Caffè Speciale—created by Mario Campanella, who has been working alongside his father at the gelateria since he was seven. This unique recipe is espresso with panna, lemon peel, and homemade Amaretto.

Alex Erdekian

Jessica Puckett

Several trabucchi between Peschici and Vieste have been restored and converted into seafood restaurants.

Feast on fresh seafood in converted fishing platforms

As you drive through the Gargano coastline between Peschici and Vieste, you’ll notice large wooden structures suspended above the sea. These are trabucchi, centuries-old machines used by fishermen to optimize their work. Today a few trabucchi have been restored and converted into restaurants, where guests can feast on fresh seafood with a view of the Adriatic. Al Trabucco da Mimì was founded by Mimì and Lucia, who decided to turn their family’s trabucco into a thriving, exciting restaurant where diners can eat local catches of the day on a wooden veranda. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of working trabucchi in action as it brings up fresh mullet and bluefish from the sea.

The Cava di Bauxite is an old quarry lake from which Bauxite was once extracted for the production of aluminum—it's now one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Visit one of Puglia’s natural wonders

Puglia is home to some extraordinary landscapes, but one of the most jaw-dropping sites is located just below Otranto. The Cava di Bauxite is an old quarry lake once used to extract Bauxite for the production of aluminium. From the parking lot, follow a rocky path that leads you to a shallow, emerald-colored lake surrounded by red rocks and Mediterranean scrub. It’s truly beautiful—visit at golden hour to watch the sun reflect intense, deep red hues from the rocks.

A Sunday spent haggling flea market in Puglia is a Sunday well-spent.

Go to the antique markets

In Italy, Sundays can mean one of two things: long, lazy and wine-infused lunches with family and friends, or spending the morning rummaging through unique finds at antique markets. Every so often, there will be a market in the Valle d’Itria where you can purchase beautiful homeware, clothing and collector's items. The most popular is in Ceglie Messapica, which runs on the last Sunday of every month, and Fiera dell’Antiquariato in Martina Franca, which only lasts for seven days in August each year.

Seafood pasta is a staple of southern Italian cuisine, best tasted during an August sagra.

Experience a local sagra

Paper plates, long tables, live music and Cucina Casereccia are the key staples of La Sagra, a culinary festival that rolls out in squares or fields across Italy. Upon arrival, guests are handed a piece of paper with a scribbled menu (usually limited to a couple of starters, some options for primi courses and a few main dishes), and there are typically funfairs, small markets and post-dinner entertainment. The best ones in Puglia to try and visit are the Sagra delle Orecchiette nelle ‘Nchiosce in Grottaglie on Tuesday August 8 and Wednesday 9 2023, and Sagra del Fico Mandorlato in Piazza Marconi, San Michele Salentino from Monday 21 August to Sunday 27 August 2023.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller.

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Puglia itinerary 2024 – a complete travel guide in Puglia for 3, 7 and 14 days

Discover the ultimate Puglia itinerary in this comprehensive guide, showcasing all the things to do in Puglia and the hidden gems of these region. Besides being italo-brasiliani (we both have Italian citizenship), we spent more than two months exploring from the upmost corner of Puglia to the most southern point. And we fell in love with Puglia. The region instantly became our favorite spot in Italy. Now we hope that Puglia becomes your favorite spot in Italy too.

In this itinerary for Puglia , you will find the best ways to explore the “heel of the boot”, whether it’s by renting a car, utilising public transport or an adventurous cycling trip – that was our choice, by the way. Also, read about all the attractions you cannot miss on your itinerary, all the most picturesque beaches and the details that will make your experience perfect, just like ours was.

As you are reading this article, I believe Puglia is already on your travel radar. So let this article be your gateway to an unforgettable journey. And as all unforgettable journey, we will start by creating yours Puglia travel itinerary with all the tips find here.

The Ultimate Puglia Itinerary

• Map of Puglia – understand the region

How to get to Puglia Italy

• How to get around in Puglia (car, bike and train)
• Best cities and attractions in Puglia
• Activities to Puglia to include in your itinerary

Best time to visit Puglia

• Puglia itinerary 7 days / 3 days and 14 days
• What cities to use as a base during your Puglia trip

Map of Puglia in Italy

Let’s start with the question where is Puglia? Puglia is in Southern Italy and is the “heel of the boot”. Although it might appear as the most southern part of the country, it is almost on the same line as Rome , as the country is “crooked” on the map!

Puglia has many regions , from Gargano all the way down to Santa Maria di Leuca, where both the Adriatic and the Ionian sees meet. There are over 800 km (497 mi) of beautiful beaches and endless charming historic cities for you to explore.

We lived in Italy for over a year and travelled quite a lot around and when people ask us “Is Puglia worth visiting “, our answer is a massive YES . Puglia is one of the most diverse, beautiful and interesting regions of Italy.

Both the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea give its beaches crystal clear water, let alone the charming towns. However, don’t mislead yourself into thinking tourism in Puglia is just about gorgeous landscapes. This is a destination full of history and tradition too.

Due to its strategic position, pilgrims, travellers and even invaders considered Puglia the gateway to and from Europe for many centuries. This convergence of so different cultures and people was vital in the development of their culture, which stands out for its plurality and hospitality.

If you are wondering how to get to Puglia Italy, it is super easy! There are a few options:

• Getting to Puglia by plane: for those travelling to Puglia by plane, there are three airports – Bari, Foggia and Brindisi. As the capital of Puglia, Bari has the biggest airport, and it is probably the best place for you to arrive. There are direct flights to Bari Airport from many European cities, such as London, Paris and Cologne.
• Getting to Puglia by train or car: Alternatively, you can fly to Rome and rent a car – check prices here or take the train to Bari. This 400 km (267 mi) long route is easily made both ways.

How to get around Puglia (car, bike and train)

Renting a car in puglia.

As opposed to North Italy, which counts on a good network of public transportation, the south of the country is more “lacking”. There are not so many railways in Puglia and buses won’t take you everywhere.

Therefore, we suggest a good old Puglia road trip . Renting a car in Puglia is surely the best way to go around and be able to visit the most remote villages and the best beaches in Puglia .

As we already explained, Bari is the capital of Puglia and the best place for you to kick off your Puglia road trip. If you are looking for a more flexible Puglia itinerary, you can easily pick up and drop off the car from different cities – you could arrive in Bari and leave from Rome for instance.

Cycling in Puglia

Another option not so much considered by the majority of tourists in Puglia – and extremely pleased by the way – is to cycle in Puglia. If just reading this previous phrase makes you breathless, a ride on a motorbike will do the job too. Cycling also demands time. If you don’t have much time for your travel in Puglia , then surely rent a motorbike or a car.

We spent a month cycling around the whole Puglia region and we cannot recommend a better way for a different Puglia road trip .

Most of the time, you cycle on a flat land and the scenery is stunning. Travelling by bike is extremely immersive and allows you to absorb everything you see and experience as no other means of transportation can. Is that something you are interested in, by the way?

Getting around Puglia by train

Travelling around Puglia without a car is possible by train (you can check prices and routes on Trenitalia ). Bear in mind though that this is not the most convenient, because trains do not reach all the most touristic cities. BlaBlaCar also works in Puglia.

Puglia itinerary – Best cities of Puglia

So, where to go when travelling to Puglia? We are going to lay out the most important cities and activities and then give you below our suggested itinerary according to the length of your holidays, such as what to do in Puglia in 3 days , or what to do in Puglia in 7 days .

We shall begin this Puglia guide with Bari, the capital city of Puglia .

Bari – the capital of Puglia

Time in Bari – Puglia : One to two days

Bari has one of the oldest historical city centres in the region. It’s walled and with many alleyways, which reminds some Middle Eastern countries.

Even though the old town of Bari looks slightly abandoned, don’t miss out on the opportunity to wander about it, at least for a few hours. You will probably feel the bohemian vibe and see nice old ladies chatting on their doors and windows, making fresh pasta or just standing still. It’s quite the stereotype of Southern Italy!

Make sure to visit the spectacular Bari’s main cathedral. You can see other tours available in Bari here .

You can easily explore the city of Bari in just a few hours. Unless you feel a strong connection with it, we advise you to cross Bari out of the itinerary and enjoy more time on other wonders of Puglia.

Find your accommodation in Bari  here.

Castel del Monte in Andria

Time in Castel del Monte : half-day activity

Another cool stop to add to your Puglia itinerary is the Castel del Monte, located in the city of Andria, near Bari. Also known in Italian as the castello otagonale (octagon castle of Puglia).

Adria is a charming little town with public parks, squares, churches and palaces. On the way there, you find the Castel del Monte, the mysterious fort built by Frederick II, now a UNESCO Heritage Site in Puglia.

The architecture of the castle aims at perfect symmetry, with a pinch of spooky fascination for the number 8. The octagonal castle has eight sides – obviously! – eight towers and eight rooms on each of its two floors. The centre has an eight-sided courtyard and used to have an octagonal fountain too. From there, you can see the sky, through an octagonal shape, of course.

Other sinister facts about this castle is that it has no kitchen, moat or bridge, which makes everyone think about the purpose of it. Surely, not for a comfortable living nor for a military purpose.

Anyway, the castle lies gloriously on top of the mount near Andria, overlooking the sea of Puglia.

Admission to the castle costs €7 and it is open every day from 9am to 5pm.

Grotte di Castellana

Time in Grotte di Castellana : half-day activity

The Grotte di Castellana is a complex of incredible caves and grottos with formations dating back more than 90 million years. There are two types of guided tours:

• Complete: It has a 3km of distance, takes 2 hours and passes through the famous Grotta Bianca (White Grotto). It costs €18.
• Short: The short tour takes about 50 minutes and walks around 1km. It costs €15.

Polignano A Mare

Time in Polignano A Mare : One to two days

This illustrious city is one of the best places in Puglia . It’s also the hometown of Domenico Modugno, the famous singer of “Volare”. Even if you are not fond of well-worn destinations – just like us – it is yet impossible to not fall in love with this town.

Its white houses, stone-paved alleyways, cliffs meeting a stunning blue sea, amazing restaurants and rather hospitable people will definitely win your heart over.

Polignano A Mare is one example of a city that makes you lose track of time. Don’t miss out on sunbathing on the beach, try one of the homemade ice creams and visit the Domenico Modugno statue. A Puglia itinerary is surely not complete without a stop in this charming city!

For those staying for one or more nights in Polignano, we recommend the cosy and centrally located Malu B&B , however, there are many other hotels to choose from.

Alberobello – the city of the Trulli

Time in Alberobello : One-day activity

The city, famous for the trulli, has long taken the fancy of tourists. Just like Polignano, Alberobello has lost some – or more – of its originality. Currently, there are not many people living in trulli as most of them were turned into shops, restaurants and hotels. Yet, visiting Alberobello is more than fascinating and also one of the best towns in Puglia .

Find out more about the history and legends of Alberobello in this article .

Tip: A cool thing, if you want to extend your visit to Alberobello, is to spend the night in one of the trulli houses .

Cisternino – the place to eat

Time in Cisternino : half-day activity

This was recommended to us by some locals and we simply loved it, so we are including it in this Puglia itinerary. Cisternino is a cute little town, typical of the Valle d’Itria region.

However, the purpose of your visit is not to wander about its alleyways. In Cisternino, you have a clear goal: Eat at the Al Vecchio Fornello Restaurant and try their famous bombetas . Seriously, it’s a must!

Ostuni – the Città Bianca

Time in Ostuni : One to two days

Ostuni is known as the Città Bianca D’Italia –  The White City of Italy. Well, it’s just a charming town with an old city centre and alleyways, but white. But let’s not undermine its charm too. The relaxing atmosphere is greatly appreciated over here.

Our greatest surprise, however, was to experience Ostuni at dusk. Just when the sun goes down, the Città Bianca turns into a bohemian scenario, with many restaurants illuminated by candles, bars with cushions on the stairs of the old city, live concerts and many more attractions.

To have a true feel of Ostuni, we recommend staying in a traditional house in the city centre, like The Welcome B&B , but there are many other hotels and B&Bs there.

PRO TIP : Locals do not see Ostuni as a gastronomical sight. So, avoid their expensive touristy restaurants and swing by the neighbour town Ceglie Messapica, just 12km – or 7 miles – away. Ceglie is the gastronomic hub of the region. Our advice is the L’Antico Arco Osteria, where local friends took us. Their food and hospitality are out of this world .

Lecce – the capital of the Baroque

Time in Lecce : One to two days

Lecce is also called the Capital City of the Baroque in Italy, and is another must-see in Puglia! The town has a gracious city centre, is full of churches, mansions, a Roman amphitheatre and many more interesting sights.

We stayed in an awesome B&B there,  the Le Giravolte, one of the best b&b in Puglia . But, as it only has three rooms available, you might want to book in advance .

Check here to see other accommodations in Lecce .

Otranto – the best of Salento

Time in Otranto : One to two days

Otranto was one of our favourite cities in our Puglia itinerary! Otranto is not just gorgeous, it’s very – really, very! – historical and has plenty of nice places to see.

The castle holds art expositions, including photo exhibitions, pictures and so on. There is a church with the largest medieval intact mosaic in the Western world. Also, you can see a sanctuary with the mortal remains of more than 800 men killed during the Turkish invasion in the XV century.

In addition, there is a Bauxite Lake that makes you feel you are inside a portrait.

But let’s not forget the charming alleyways, the turquoise sea and the gastronomy, as usual delicious. And obviously, the hospitality of the people in Otranto is incredible.

Find out where to stay in Otranto .

Grotta della Poesia

Time in Grotta della Poesia : half-day activity

A piece of the cliff – but not the edge – fell off, forming a wonderful natural swimming pool of seawater. The Grotta della Poesia is of extraordinary beauty and it cannot stay out of your Puglia itinerary. Have a look at the aerial video we did from there!

PS – This is an example of an incredibly remote place which you would hardly be able to visit via public transport.

Time in Gallipoli : Two to four days

Gallipoli is probably the most famous city of Puglia, mainly among youths. Mainly also because is one of the best beaches in Puglia . Therefore, if you are not much of a party-lover, this won’t be your cup of tea. If you are, though, you might be interested in reading our full guide about the Full Moon Party, in Thailand .

Nevertheless, it’s worth visiting its historical city centre and one of the best Puglia beaches . Moreover, you cannot miss the Frantoio Ipogeo and its history . It was down in these cellars that local workers lived in sub-human conditions, pressing olives to produce oil that would keep the lights of most European capitals on over the XV to XIX centuries. The oil of Gallipoli was exported all over Europe and that gave them international recognition and wealth.

TIP of accommodation : Just 7km away you will find the Tenuta La Baronessa , a very traditional Masseria which can serve as a base for you to explore the region of Salento. It is one of the best places to stay in Puglia. You can read more about this Masseria over here.

Otherwise, find more accommodations in Gallipoli here .

Salento – the West coast of Puglia

Time in Salento : A day trip to four days

The west coast beaches of Puglia can very well be the most beautiful beaches in Puglia . But they can very well be the wildest too. For this reason, if you are travelling with children, perhaps, is wiser to check if the place you are planning to visit has the infrastructure to welcome the little ones.

Santa Maria Al Bagno, Porto Selvaggio, Porto Cesario, Torre Colimena, Torre Chianca, and Punta Prosciutto are to name a few of the best beaches in Puglia you should make an effort to visit or spend the weekend in Puglia .

We recommend staying in Porto Cesareo. Find accommodation here .

Time in Taranto : One to two days

Visit Taranto is more of an anthropological visit than a touristy one. The city suffered greatly from the construction of a factory, which let the place practically impossible to live in. Taranto is ugly, dirty and with a historical city centre that many judges as dangerous. Yet, it is interesting and quite historical too.

If you have some spare time, make sure to spend a day in Taranto. It is worth going even if it is to understand the question about emptying historical city centres of Puglia during the economic boom of post-II World War .

Find your accommodation in Taranto here .

Activities to include in your Puglia Itinerary

Watch a Pizzica Concert

The Pizzica is the traditional music/dance of Salento and has its origins in an exorcism ritual that used to be carried out mainly on women a long time ago.

Put a visit to Matera in your Puglia itinerary

Matera was the Europe’s Capital of Culture 2020. Even though is not in Puglia but in Basilicata, the neighbouring province, it is definitely worth including in your Puglia itinerary. It was the place where the film The Passion of the Christ , with Mel Gibson was filmed. It’s different than anywhere else and everything else you have seen. It most definitely should be on anyone’s itinerary of Italy. You could add Matera at the end of your Puglia itinerary, on your way back driving to Bari or Rome.

Visit the wild Gargano region

If you have some spare time, don’t miss this authentic and pristine area in northern Puglia .

Include staying in a Masseria in your Puglia itinerary

Masserias are the traditional Puglian farms, where you can have a sense of the countryside life in Puglia. There are many beautiful Masserias around Puglia, more specifically in the Salento region.

Well, with that alert being given, I think it is fair to explain what is Ferragosto . By the way, you can find more information about the country in our dedicate page about Italy . But to sum up, the factories agreed a long time ago that all the workers should take their holidays all together to avoid disruption in the work. And up to date, the second and third week of August we have cities completely empty, while others are packed , in Italy. You can imagine where Puglia fits in between those two categories, being a very beautiful holiday destination.

The high season is July and August , with temperatures at its peak (as well as prices). From the end of June onwards, expect queue in most tourist activities and the necessity o book things in advance.

The low season is November to March , with temperatures at its low (and quite a few places closed too). It is definitely not the best season to enjoy the gorgeous beaches, but if you don’t mind the cold, don’t like the mass and not found of touristy things, then why not.

Anything in between is the sweet spot . If you can actually pick when to go, I would go the end of May or first weeks of June . Or the month of September too, but you will see that people that work with tourism, such as beach clubs and restaurants, will be less enthusiastic with you there as they were in early season. Easy to understand that too though.

Our suggested Puglia itinerary for 3, 7 or 14 days

It is worth emphasising that this is a rather flexible travel guide. The idea is to provide you with enough information so you can make a decision about the order of the cities and tailor your Puglia itinerary towards your taste and needs. If you have any comments, advice, or doubt, be sure to leave them in the comment section below or get in touch with us directly.

Puglia itinerary 7 days

A week in Puglia is perfect. You will be able to visit quite a few places and enjoy both the Adriatic and Ionic coasts.

• 01 day – Bari
• 02 day – Polignano a Mare
• 03 day – Alberobello (sleep in Ostuni)
• 04 day – Ostuni
• 05 day – Lecce
• 06 day – Otranto
• 07 day – Return to Bari by car – 2h10min

Tip: If you are the kind of traveller who prefers to avoid daily check-ins and check-outs, our suggestion is to choose two cities as a base for this 7-day itinerary in Puglia. Our recommendation is Polignano A Mare and Lecce.

3 days in Puglia itinerary

If, for the unfortunate event of having only three days to travel in Puglia, we recommend you to:

• Option 1: you can arrive from Bari and stay three days in Polignano a Mare , using it as a base to visit the nearby cities of Monopoli, Polignano A Mare, Alberobello and Ostuni.
• Option 2: Focus on the Salento region, more on the South. Use Gallipoli or a Masseria as your base and explore the beautiful beaches and cities of Maria Al Bagno, Porto Selvaggio, Porto Cesario, Torre Colimena, Torre Chianca, and Punta Prosciutto.

Puglia itinerary 14 days

Two weeks in Puglia is what we recommend if you want to enjoy the most of Puglia.

• 02 day – Castel del Monte (Bari)
• 03 day – Polignano A Mare
• 04 day – Polignano A Mare
• 05 day – Grotta Castellana & Alberobello (sleep in Ostuni)
• 06 day – Ostuni
• 07 day – Ostuni
• 08 day – Lecce / Otranto
• 09 day – Lecce / Otranto
• 10 day – Lecce / Otranto
• 11 day – Gallipoli
• 12 day – Gallipoli
• 13 day – Porto Cesario
• 14 day – Porto Cesario (return to Bari by car – 2h)

Where to stay in Puglia – what cities use as a base

A good way to visit Puglia, considering that cities are very close to one another, is to choose two or three cities as a base and, from there, explore the rest of the peninsula. Otherwise, you would spend one night in each city and that can be exhausting. To have as a base, we recommend:

• Bari or Polignano A Mare to explore the northeast;
• Ostuni to visit the Vale D’Itria
• Lecce for the southeast and west
• A Masseria in the countryside of Salento to better know the beautiful Puglia beaches of the west coast
• Vieste for the Gargano Region

* This article was updated in October 2023 *

See the summary of this Puglia Itinerary in these FAQs

We lived in Italy for over a year and travelled quite extensively around the country and can say for sure Puglia is one of the most beautiful and interesting regions in Italy. There are over 800 km of beaches with crystal clear water and many charming historical towns too.

01 day – Bari 02 day – Polignano a Mare 03 day – Alberobello (sleep in Ostuni) 04 day – Ostuni 05 day – Lecce 06 day – Otranto 07 day – Return to Bari by car – 2h10min

There are 3 airports in Puglia, but the biggest one is Bari, with direct flights to many European cities. Alternatively, you can use Rome airport (430 km away) and take the train or rent a car to Puglia.

Yes, but with many restrictions. There are trains from the biggest cities, but not the small charming villages and beaches. Thus, our recommendation is for a road trip.

1. Polignano a Mare 2. Ostuni 3. Alberobello 4. Otranto 5. Gallipoli 6. Lecce 7. Grotta della Poesia 8. Porto Selvaggio 9. A Masseria 10. Punta Prosciutto.

Option 1: Arrive from Bari and stay three days in Polignano a Mare, using it as a base to visit the nearby cities of Monopoli, Polignano A Mare, Alberobello and Ostuni. Option 2: Focus on the Salento region, more on the South. Use Gallipoli or a Masseria as your base and explore the beautiful beaches and cities of Maria Al Bagno, Porto Selvaggio, Porto Cesario, Torre Colimena, Torre Chianca, and Punta Prosciutto.

Hi, loved your article, lots of food for thought. We are planning a trip to Puglia for 10ish days at the end of May ‘24. Should we plan to book accommodation in advance or do you think we can book nearer the time I.e 2-4 days in advance. We are spending a month in southern Italy and if possible would like to be flexible. We will be driving and happy to stay in the countryside / less busy areas. Many thanks. David

Hello David. Thanks for getting in touch. What a fantastic trip! So, we will always recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible to avoid disappointments. However, when we travel, we do like you are planning to do. We leave to book a few days before-hand so we can be flexible on our itinerary. As you are travelling not in high season (but just about – in fact, perfect timing to visit Puglia), I don’t think you will have problems to book a few days before, particularly because your trip will go through countryside and less busy areas. Just keep in mind that some activities is better to book in advance, such as the restaurant Grotta Palazzesse. You can save this article and always go back to it to book your accommodation, car rental, insurance and reorganise your itinerary. And whenever you need to contact us, I will be more than happy to help. Safe travels,

Hi, Great information, thank you for sharing. I am trying to plan a trip for my birthday in June, and I wanted to know if you had recommendations for a great place to eat, preferably one with a great view. The lunch/dinner place could be a splurge within reason. I look forward to your reply.

Hello Roy, Thank you very much for your comment and amazing to spend your birthday in Puglia! I recommend the Grotta Palazzese, in Polignano A mare. But you have to book before as it gets really busy, particularly at this time year you are going. Let us know if you need any assistance to design your itinerary. Safe travels,

Hi, Wonderful article,I’m planning to go to Puglia in April, can I use Uber over there?

Hello Julia. Thank you very much, I’m glad you liked Unfortunately not. We recommend renting a car (check availability above) or, if you have to use public transportation, it is also possible, but it will require a bit more planning. You can save this page so you can come back easier later on to plan your trip in Puglia. Otherwise, we have a service to prepare a personalised itinerary for you too. If that is something that interest you, please let me know. Safe travels, Tiago

Hi, I’m a solo traveler. First I will arrive from Asia to Rome. I want to visit Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Alberobella, and Matera. Can I use a train/flight to go to Bari? From Bari, I must arrange a taxi from the airport, right? How I can travel from Trulli to Matera? Please take note that I don’t want to drive. Any suggestion?

Hello Thiru!! Where about in Asia, just out of curiosity 🙂 ? So, you can indeed take a train from pretty must anywhere to Bari. Flights is also a good option if you are going from Rome to Bari. From the airport, you can take buses to the city – or taxis, if you prefer. From Alberobello to Matera I don’t think is the best option. You can either go on a tour from Bari ( have a look at this tour for instance: Tour to Matera ). Apart from tours leaving to the main cities, you can also take the train too. Have a look at Trenitalia for prices and availability: Trenitalia . Hope it helps, Safe travel

Hi Tiago and Fernanda

We are going to explore the Puglia region in June for 10 nights. Aiming for equal split of City and Coast. Our itinerary is currently; Bari, down to Coast of Polignano a Mare, Ostuni and then we want to travel further South to Lecce and finally Ortranto, going by train if possible. Does this look feasible? Have we missed any key “must see” places especially furthest South?

Katy, Monica, Massimo & Matteo

Ciao Katy Sounds good. An option is, instead of going to Ostuni, be based in Polignano or Bari and go on a tour to Alberobello and Ostuni. Then, go straight to Lecce. That is less checking-ins and outs. It does look feasible, though you might be limited to the hours you can travel. Just make sure you book your train tickets before hand. Even though Early June is not the high season, you don’t want to risk. I believe 10 nights you will cover the main parts of Puglia indeed! There are a ton more to explore, which I am sure you will definitely go back later 🙂 If you need assistance on your itinerary, we make tailored itineraries with suggestions of accommodations and activities. Let us know if that interests you. Safe travels,

Amazing article! Can´t wait to visit Puglia and all these places on our upcoming trip to Italy next month!

I am sure you are going to have an amazing time in Puglia! Make sure to save the article to visit later too and let us know if we can help with anything with your trip. Safe travels,

Hello! This article is great! My fiancé and I are currently planning are honeymoon and are considering Puglia! We are looking for a more local authentic experience and hoping for something a bit active, but we are also on a pretty tight college budget haha… can we bike down the coast from Bari and stay along the way, then rent a car to get back to a main airport? And would this be doable on a small budget?

Hello Caroline. Thank you for getting in touch! Wowww, congratulations!!! Puglia is definitely a great option for honeymooners. It is totally doable. However, renting a bike is something I wouldn’t know really how to tell you. Most of the renting bike shops are not really prepared for a long-trip. I believe it is something you would have to organise once you arrive in Bari. But as soon as you have the bike, it is totally doable and worthy. We actually did that (as you probably read) and the views are amazing. Then, on your way back, you can try to put both bike on the car and drive back.

Hi , Mu husband and I will be going to visit for a 14 days in the Puglia region from April 1 to April 16 2024. We will be taking a train from Rome to Bari and then renting a vehicle. During our stay we would like to organize a cooking class with a family for a day. Where would be the best place to do this during our stay. Another activity we would like to do is visit an Olive oil farm and also Vineyards to do wine tasting. This means that we have days that we will not be traveling to visit has we will want to enjoy the local people in the Puglia region. Do you have any suggestion of where we should base ourselves to do these different activities.. We also want to visit the region of Matera during our stay. Any suggestion would help as we have not reserved any place to stay as of yet. We would appreciate your suggestions of an itinea

Hello Monique. Thank you so much for stopping by. Wow, I am sure you will have a wonderful trip in Italy!! And April is good timing too. Cooking class you can do it in most of the big cities, so I recommend Bari. To visit an olive oil farm, do it in Salento. In fact, in Gallipoli, look for the Frantoio Apogeo, which were old oil making areas underneath the earth. Really interesting. I recommend staying in a Masseria, where you can enjoy the organic food and feel the country atmosphere. Wine tasting is pretty much everywhere in Italy :). Some places are great for food though, such as Ceglie Messapica, Locorotondo… If I were you, I would choose three base cities (Polignano/Bari; Masseria; Lecce/Gallipoli). And definitely visit Matera!!! We offer a tailored itinerary service, which we give you information about Italy, curiosities, two recommendation of hotel, activities to do, beaches to visit, all tailored to your preferences and pocket. If that’s something that interest you, send me an email to [email protected] . I would love to arrange a call to discuss this further. Safe travels,

I am planning a 10 day stay in Pulia in May 2024.. we have rented a villa in Ostuni and will explore from there. Thanks for your article, it’s a great reference..

It’s amazing to hear that! Enjoy Puglia 🙂

Hi Can you recommend anyone that would do a private driving tour around Puglia for two people Thx

Hello Gabby, I don’t know anyone in particular. You can have a look at this guy here (day tour choose own itinerary). If you can’t find anything, let us know and we can ask around. Safe travels,

Would you recommened visiting Trani? What are the highlights to see there?

Hello Natalie.

Trani is a very cute little town. We stopped in Trani for no more than 2h and we felt it was enough. I would not spend a night there and I would say that if you miss it, it wouldn’t be so much of a miss. However, if you are driving (or cycling, like us) down the coast from Gargano, then it is worth stopping by to check it out. By the way, depending on the time of the year (May and June mostly), if you are actually coming from Gargano down south, you can see the the pink flamingos in between Zaponeta and Margherita di Savoia. Then, in Trani it is worth checking Il Duomo (Basilica Cattedrale Beata Maria Vergine), both Molos (the piers), the very beautiful park on the right of the port (Villa Comunale) and the Castello Svevo di Trani.

Enjoy you trip,

Such an amazing article – thank you so much!! Wondering if you would recommend any beach clubs for a group of us going in our late 20s? Wanting something fun with music and am curious if there is anywhere in particular you went that was fun. Thank you so much regardless!

Cheers, Sydney

Hello Sidney. Thank you very much for your comment. And yes, Gallipoli is quite famous for that, particularly in July and August. You might find other beaches with beach clubs, such as Porto Cesario, but definitely Gallipoli for having fun!

Hi – We are planning a 10 -12 day trip to Puglia in May. Our plan is to land in Bari, rent a car and immediately drive to Ostuni to stay in a Masseria for three nights and from there visit a few places. Then drive to Lecce and stay two nights (maybe three) and then to Matera and stay two nights and then back to Bari and stay two nights, flying home from there. Does that sound like a doable itinerary and are we missing anything that we should be including? Thanks for this great article.

Do you do any travel arrangements for people?

Hello Nina, thank you for stopping by. Yeah, it does sound like a perfect itinerary! I think you got all covered and I’m sure you are going to have an amazing time!

We do offer a service of bespoken itinerary and travel consultancy. But to be honest with you, it seems like you are set. Travel in Puglia, particularly driving, is not a hassle. But if you do need any assistance, please do get in touch. It will be a pleasure.

Also, if this article was of any help to you, I would really appreciate if you could use our affiliate links to rent your car, book your hotels, insurance and tour activities. You won’t pay any more and it will help us creating content such as this one.

Safe travels,

Hi! I will be traveling to puglia in September 2023. I like your 7 day itinerary. Where should I set base for this itinerary? Also, can I travel by train to the different towns?

Sincerely, Sandra Zaragoza

Hello Sandra! I’m glad to hear that. We love Puglia. So, with regards to set base, try either Bari, Polignano a Mare or Ostuni. And even though you can travel by train, I don’t really recommend. It is not very reliable and it won’t take you to the most places you want to visit. Definitely renting a car is the best option here and prices are not too expensive. Check it out some deals in this link . I hope we helped. Safe travels,

Thank you!!

Anytime! Please be in touch if you need any more assisstance with your itinerary. Safe travels,

Great article. If you were going to rent a villa for a 6 day stay, what would you recommend as a central location. We don’t mind driving by car in any direction to visit other places, and would prefer to do this then picking up and moving unless you feel like we will miss out on the experience of staying in multiple cities/towns?

Hello Nanette. Thank you for stopping by. I would definitely have a place as a central location for my 6-day visit to Puglia, so I save time and money on moving a few times. The place, though will depend on what you want to visit. If you want to stay in Gargano region, then Vieste. In the mid-region, to visit the most traditional places of Puglia, such as Ostuni and Alberobello, then Polignano A Mare is a great point – or perhaps Bari. Now, if Salento is your desired region in Puglia, then I would focus in either Lecce or Gallipoli. I don’t believe you would miss out on anything by not staying the night in some cities. If you would like some help on making an itinerary for your trip, including accommodation and places to visit, please do let us know as we offer this service. Hope you have a lovely time in Italy and do let us know how it went. Safe flights,

Buongiorno. My husband and I (we are from India), are planning to spend about 2 weeks in Puglia, in October 2023. We would like to hire a car and drive around. Is it difficult to drive in Bari and Lecce? Is it difficult to find parking? Would you recommend Airbnb properties? Any advice and recommendations will be helpful. Thank you.

Ciao Girija! Ah, that’s amazing! I’m sure you will love Puglia and I hope this article can help you out. Please do let us know any doubts and questions about a trip to Puglia. So, with regards to your question, driving in Bari and Lecce is not difficult. You do have to pay attention when driving in “centri storichi”, which are the historical city centres. Driving in these areas is limited and inspected, so you should ensure you can drive. Normally, if you rent a room in the historical city centre, the renter will let you know if you can drive or, like most cases, you give them your registration to allow you to drive there. Apart from that, just mind some narrow roads and you will be fine. The way between Bari and Lecce is amazing too! I do recommend downloading an offline map: click here-> maps.me , which will help you greatly. I also do recommend AirBnB properties too, but I don’t have any specific. The accommodation we recommended in this article, we actually stayed and totally recommend it. Again, lease feel free to send us as many questions you want. In case you would like us to provide you with a tailor itinerary too, we have this service. Safe travels, Girija

Would you reccomend a stay in Santa Maria di Lueca?

We will shortly be flying to Bari and spending 10 days in Puglia.

Many thanks

Robert and Jean Fraser

Hi Robert, I definitely recommend a stop-by in Santa Maria di Leuca, because you can see both seas, the Adriatic and Ionian, divided by the colours. They don’t mix up. I have to be honest that we didn’t really see it very well. I suppose it depends on the time of the year or the condition of the weather to clearly see the division between both seas. Anyway, is interesting to visit the most southern town in the heel of the boot 🙂 However, I might sure about staying for the night though. As you have 10 days in Puglia, I would most definitely stay somewhere like Gallipoli, Otranto, Lecce or a nice masseria, such as Tenuta La Baronessa, to use as base and depart to other places in Salento.

If you plan to rent a car – and is surely a good idea – I would use Bari as base for about 4 nights and explore the surroundings. Then, Tenuta La Baronessa (or other masseria in Salento) for another 3-4 nights and explore around. That will also gives you room for one or two nights somewhere else you would like to spend the night, perhaps Polignano A Mare or Ostuni, or any other mentioned above.

If you would like a tailored itinerary, we do offer this service. Drop us an email and we can sent you a document explaining how that would work. But anyway, feel free to ask us as many questions as you would like!

Excellent list! We are weighing up Puglia and this may have just convinced us!

That´s fantastic. I’m sure you won’t regret Puglia!!

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On the southeastern coast of Italy is Puglia, a culturally rich region where miles of beaches meet dense forests and vine-covered hills. Enjoy the sunny climate while indulging in hearty feasts cooked up by the locals, who are known for their culinary prowess and hospitality.

If you are looking for fresh-air adventure, head to the Gargano promontory and amble through the Gargano National Park or ride a bike through Foresta Umbra. After, stop by the clifftop fishing town of Peschici and enjoy a lunch with sea views. For culturally inclined travelers, the Sanctuary of San Michele in Monte Sant’Angelo is a prime spot to study Lombard art.

Shop in boutique stores along the coast in Bari, Puglia’s capital, which is known for its historic old town and vibrant nightlife scene. Hidden inlets in Taranto, nicknamed the “city of two seas” for its location between the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, offer places to relax and sunbathe.

Further south, there is lots more to explore including the oceanfront town of Gallipoli, whose historic core sits on a small island and comprises a warren of narrow winding streets. Also worth a visit is the 15th-century Castello Aragonese fortress in the seaside town of Otranto. Venture just outside Otranto to reach Bauxite Lake, a sparkling green lake surrounded by deep orange rocks and Mediterranean scrub. Nearby Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South” for its stunning Baroque architecture, while the town of Arnesano has quaint streets and delightful local cuisine.

Anyone with an interest in history should make a beeline for Foggia, a city built over the ashes of the ancient Italian city of Arpi. Visit the Civic Museum in Palazzo Arpi and marvel at the beautiful architecture of Palazzo Belvedere.

July and August are popular times for Italians to visit Puglia. Come during these months and the coast will be very busy. Travel in May and things will be quieter, though temperatures will still be pleasantly warm. Buses and trains serve the major towns in Puglia renting a car gives travelers extra freedom.

Popular cities in Puglia

Reasons to visit.

• Basilica of San Nicola
• Bari Cathedral
• Norman-Hohenstaufen Castle
• Piazza Sant'Oronzo
• Piazza del Duomo
• Roman Amphitheater
• Scialmarino
• Scialara o Castello
• Ponte dei Lapilli
• Cala Fetente
• Spiaggia Cala Incina

Cities in Puglia

Polignano a Mare

Alberobello

Porto Cesareo

• Other Cities in Puglia

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and any products or services booked. ahi travel collects, uses and discloses only that information reasonably required to enable ahi travel and its third party suppliers to provide the particular tour, products and/or services that you have requested. you waive any claim against ahi travel and its third party suppliers based on or related to such disclosure of your personal information. special covid-19 notice-during the period of covid-19 or any other pandemic or epidemic or contagion, you should refrain from joining a trip if you are feeling unwell, exhibit fever or other symptoms of contagious disease, or have been in contact with a person exhibiting symptoms of contagious disease within 14 days of trip departure. if cancellation is necessary due to covid infection or other illness, the cancellation fee schedule herein will apply. trip cancellation insurance is available and recommended. an application will be sent after you reserve. air transportation-the price of air transportation offered by ahi travel is based on advance purchase excursion fares. after tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticket price may be levied. if connecting flights are requested, special promotional fares may be used, in which case penalties of as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reservations are changed or canceled after ticketing. after departure, if the reservations are changed, you will be charged the higher, all year economy class fare. variations to the group itinerary must be requested no later than 60 days prior to departure. passengers who choose to make their own airline reservations independently will be wholly responsible for arrival and departure transfers, and any airline fees or penalties incurred as a result of program cancellation and/or change in travel dates, or airline schedule(s), and ahi travel shall have no liability in respect thereof. baggage-baggage restrictions vary according to the airline policy and the class of service flown. details will be provided with your pre-departure information. baggage allowances are subject to change by the carrier without notice. excess baggage charges for additional or oversized/overweight pieces are expensive and not included in your trip price; plan your wardrobe accordingly. transport of baggage and personal effects is at the owner's risk throughout the travel program, and ahi travel shall have no liability in respect thereof. applicable law-you agree that any and all legal claims, actions and proceedings against ahi travel under, in connection with, resulting from or incident to your participation in an ahi travel program may only be brought, tried and resolved in the applicable federal or state courts having jurisdiction in the state of illinois. you further agree that all such claims, actions and proceedings shall be governed by and decided in accordance with the internal laws of the state of illinois, without regard to its conflicts of laws rules. in the event that any one or more of these terms & conditions is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision or provisions shall be severed and the remaining terms & conditions shall remain binding and effective. as a condition of and by acceptance of your reservation, you agree as follows: you have read, you understand, and you agree to these terms & conditions in respect of your participation in an ahi travel program. you recognize and accept any risk associated with the travel program and the conditions, including the cancellation policy, set forth herein. you acknowledge that there are many risks and uncertainties inherent in any travel, including, but not limited to weather, flooding, high/low water levels, acts or omissions of foreign governments, terrorism, war or insurrection, theft, illness, widespread communicable disease outbreak (e.g., covid-19, sars, etc.) or other public health emergency event, whether or not declared by local, state or federal government order to be an epidemic, pandemic, public emergency or similar, quarantines, bites from or attacks by animals, insects, or pests, and damage to person or property due to the negligent acts or omissions of tour staff or others. ahi travel makes no warranties and representations in respect of the travel program and related services, other than those expressly set forth in these terms & conditions, whether implied by operation of law or otherwise, all of which are disclaimed. in consideration of, and as part payment for, the right to participate in the travel program, you hereby agree that ahi travel shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damages, including any incidental or consequential loss, directly or indirectly, arising from the ahi travel program and related services, and you hereby agree to release and hold harmless, and covenant not to sue ahi travel, its officers, employees, representatives and agents, the sponsoring association and its officers, employees, representatives and agents, and third party suppliers from all liability, including, without limitation, in respect of personal injury, death, property damage or any other loss suffered by any person in connection with the travel program and related services, even if caused by the negligent actions or omissions of travel program staff or other related persons or entities, other than to the extent such conduct is finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be grossly and willfully negligent or fraudulent. these terms & conditions represent the entire agreement of the parties, and ahi travel shall not be bound by any other agreement or modification unless set forth in a writing signed by an officer of ahi travel., pricing - all prices quoted are in usd, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated) and are subject to change without notice. authority to use images and audio recordings-on occasion, ahi travel obtains, from its staff, or from trip participants, photographic or video images of passengers and trip activities. by participating in this travel program, you authorize ahi travel, brown university and the brown alumni association, without providing compensation to you, or obtaining additional approvals from you, to include photographic and video recordings of you, as well as voice recordings included with any videos, in ahi travel's and/or brown's sales, marketing, advertising, publicity and/or training activities. responsibility-ahi travel, brown university and the brown alumni association do not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for this program, and act only as agents for the independent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other services. all such persons or entities are independent contractors. as a result, ahi travel and the sponsoring association are not liable for any negligence or willful act of any such person or entity or any third person. in addition and without limitation, ahi travel and the sponsoring association are not responsible for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, death, damage or injury to person or property, or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. dates, program details and tour costs, although given in good faith and based on tariffs, exchange rates and other information current at the time of printing, are subject to change at or before the time of departure. no revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. in no event shall any party to this contract be liable for incidental or consequential damages. in the event of an act of god, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of communicable disease, or other event or circumstance beyond its control that results in the cancellation of all or a portion of a travel program, ahi travel reserves the right to issue a travel credit to the passenger in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future ahi travel program. baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. if the entire program is canceled for any reason, participants shall have no claim other than for a full refund. by forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract set out herein and in more specific pre-departure passenger information. the airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. the passage contract in use, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the company(ies) and the passenger and/or purchaser of this trip..

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