Set out on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through the sun-drenched heart of Southern Italy, where stone cities, dramatic coastlines, and whitewashed villages meet. Beginning on the of Bari, this journey guides you through the baroque elegance of Lecce, the turquoise waters of the Salento Peninsula, and the fairytale trulli of Alberobello. Crossing from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, you’ll wander through the ancient cave dwellings of Matera and journey deep into the subterranean caverns of the Castellana Caves. Combining total freedom on the open road with rich gastronomy, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and laid-back southern charm, this itinerary offers the ultimate road trip through Apulia and Basilicata.
Highlights
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Itinerary - click for more
Day 1: Bari Arrive at Bari Airport, collect your rental car, and take the short drive into the city center. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy free time exploring Bari’s coastal streets, soaking in the lively southern atmosphere, and settling into your hotel for the overnight stay.
Day 2: Bari, Polignano a Mare & Lecce Begin with breakfast before taking a morning tour of Bari’s historical heart. Wander the narrow winding alleys of Bari Vecchia to discover Romanesque architecture at the 12th-century Basilica di San Nicola and the Cattedrale di San Sabino, along with the imposing Norman-Swabian Castle. Afterwards, drive south to the coastal town of Polignano a Mare to take in sweeping views from the famous cliff-framed Lama Monachile beach, stroll past the Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption, and stop by the statue of singer Domenico Modugno. Wrap up the day by driving inland to Lecce for your overnight stay.
Day 3: Lecce & OtrantoDedicate your morning to a walking tour of Lecce, often hailed as the “Florence of the South” for its intricate Baroque architecture. Marvel at the 2nd-century Roman Theatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the grand Duomo, Porta Napoli, and the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce, while observing local artisans practicing traditional papier-mâché and soft stone carving. In the afternoon, drive east to Otranto on the Adriatic coast to explore its historic center, including the Aragonese Castle, the Byzantine Church of San Pietro, and the Romanesque Cathedral with its famous medieval mosaic floor and columned crypt. Return to Lecce for the night.
Day 4: Santa Maria di Leuca & Gallipoli Drive across the Salento peninsula to Gallipoli, an ancient town suspended over the Ionian Sea whose historic center sits on an island connected by a 16th-century bridge. Explore its ancient defensive walls, Baroque churches, white-washed alleys, and the ancient Greek Fountain, with optional time for boat trips or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Continue south past Ugento to Santa Maria di Leuca at the southern tip of Apulia, where you can admire 19th-century Art Nouveau villas, visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria De Finibus Terrae, or take a boat tour to explore the coastal sea caves and take a swim. Return to Lecce overnight.
Day 5: Ostuni, Alberobello & Taranto Depart north into the scenic Itria Valley, starting with a stroll through Ostuni, the “White Town,” where maze-like stairways and courtyards lead up to a 15th-century cathedral overlooking vast fields of ancient olive trees. Drive past countryside masserie (fortified farmhouses) toward Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-designated trulli—iconic conical limestone houses steeped in local lore. After capturing panorama photos from the town’s Belvedere viewpoint, drive west to Taranto to check into your hotel for the evening.
Day 6: Matera Take a full-day excursion west into the Basilicata region, driving through rolling hills and hilltop villages to reach Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Known as the “Second Bethlehem” and the backdrop for film sets like Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, Matera is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Sassi, a complex network of ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the rock face. Spend the day walking through its stone alleys and taking in dramatic viewpoint panoramas before returning to your hotel in Taranto.
Day 7: Castellana Caves Enjoy a day dedicated to underground natural wonders with a drive to the Castellana Caves, one of Italy’s most spectacular karst cave systems. Follow a guided path deep below the surface through subterranean chambers and winding caverns that maintain a crisp 16.5°C temperature year-round. Afterwards, drive back to your hotel to relax and enjoy your final evening in Apulia.
Day 8: DepartureEnjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out by 10:00 AM. Drive back to Bari Airport, return your rental vehicle, and head onward to catch your departure flight home
Included
Not Included
Hotels or Similar
2027 Rates $Cad Starting From
| Rates valid from 01 Apr -30 Oct |
|---|
| $1450 pp based on duble |
Notes:
Rental vehicle one way drop fees may apply. Each rental day is a fraction of 24 hours, the vehicle must bereturned on time or within the next 59 minutes to avoud extra costs
Supplements: It is possible to add join in city tours.
Platinum insurance, the amount of the deductible will not be charged. The “Platinum” package clears the deductibles provided for all damages,partial, attempted and total theft, including windows, tyres, damage to the roof, damage to the lower part of the vehicle. Damage to the interior and damage caused by vandalism, riots, etc. are excluded
Hotel name reconfirmed 30 days prior to departure: In case of problems the indicated hotels may be replaced with similar category located in the same area of city for towns to a nearby town up to 30 Km distance, where will be possible to realize the program. Incase of hotels fully booked we confirm the booking in a middle-classhotel
The CAD ($) rate is indicative of Euro price and subject to change.
Price per person in CAD $ Dollars.