Apulia Travel Itinerary in 8 days

Day 1: Manfredonia

Reach Manfredonia in the late afternoon and visit the town. Explore the Swabian-Angevin Castle, an imposing fortress that offers panoramic views of the gulf. Stroll through the historic center, visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo Maiorano and the National Archaeological Museum, which houses important local artifacts. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront at sunset.

For your stay, you might consider one of our vacation rentals in the province of Foggia.

ALSO READ: The 7 most beautiful medieval villages in the province of Foggia.

Day 2: Gargano

Discovering the Gargano, Puglia's only promontory, which offers breathtaking views, enchanting beaches and bays, pure nature, forests, pine forests and quaint villages. The first stop is Vieste, a beautiful medieval town dominated by a castle dating back to 1200, from which you can enjoy fabulous views. You also have time for a swim. Then continue to the Foresta Umbra, which in 2017 was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ancient beech forests, and reach the Falascone Lake viewpoint for a photo stop.

For the night, you could choose one of our Holiday Homes on the Gardano.

READ ALSO: Gargano's most beautiful villages.

Day 3: Trani - Castel del Monte - Bari

In the morning reach Trani, a city with a rich artistic heritage, for a panoramic tour of the medieval cathedral with a guide. Then continue with a guided tour of the mysterious Castel del Monte. After lunch, reach Bari and discover this Byzantine city with its historic center and the Basilica of St. Nicholas. For dinner, we recommend stopping at a small restaurant and tasting typical seafood dishes, with a tour of the city by night.

For the night, you could stay in one of our vacation homes in the Province of Bari.

Day 4: Castellana Grotte - Ostuni - Lecce

In the morning set off for Castellana Grotte, where a tour of its speleological complex is available. Then move on to Ostuni for lunch. In the afternoon visit the historic center of Ostuni, the "white city" of Puglia, strolling through the squares and alleys. In the evening depart for Lecce, where you can have dinner.

For an overnight stay, you could book one of our vacation homes in Lecce.

ALSO READ:Tour from Ostuni to Lecce: what to see in the upper Salentoregion.

Day 5: Lecce - Otranto

In the morning visit the major points of interest in the baroque historic center of Lecce. After lunch reach Otranto, a Byzantine village developed around the castle and cathedral. Return to Lecce for dinner. If you have a chance, attend a Salentine pizzica performance.

If you prefer to stop by the sea, you could choose the ideal accommodation for you from our vacation homes in Otranto.

Day 6: Salento

In the morning leave for Galatina and visit the historic center with the Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most important Gothic and Romanesque monuments in Puglia. Then move on to Gallipoli where you'll have some time available for lunch and a swim in the sea.

If you decide to stop and spend a night by the sea, you could book one of our vacation homes in Gallipoli.

READ ALSO: Holidays in the old town of Gallipoli.

Day 7: Itria Valley

This day is dedicated to discovering one of the most characteristic areas of Puglia: the Itria Valley. Start in Alberobello, "the capital" of trulli, and visit the center and the Sovereign Trullo. Book lunch in a typical little restaurant. In the afternoon move on to Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Stroll through the whitewashed alleys of its historic center, which amazes with an explosion of colors created by the typical flowered balconies until dinnertime.

For the night, you could stay in one of our accommodations in Itria Valley.

READ ALSO:The unique experience of sleeping in a Trullo in Alberobello.

Day 8: Return

In the morning, calmly begin your return journey. After intense days of exploration and adventure, give yourself some time to relax and reflect on your experiences. You can have a leisurely breakfast at one of the local cafes, perhaps enjoying a typical pastry or a fragrant croissant accompanied by coffee.

If your return trip permits, you could make a stop in another characteristic corner of Puglia that you have not yet visited, such as the town of Polignano a Mare with its spectacular cliffs, or Monopoli with its charming old town and picturesque harbor.

Be sure to leave with enough time to avoid stress and enjoy every moment of the return trip. If you have to return a rental car, plan to arrive early to handle any unforeseen events. Along the way, you might stop at a service area for a rejuvenating break, listen to your favorite music or a good audiobook.

Finally, take with you memories of the wonderful days you've spent, the people you've met and the enchanting places you've visited. Puglia will surely have left an indelible mark on your heart, and who knows, it might just be the beginning of more adventures in this fascinating land. Have a safe trip back!

You might be interested in:

• Gargano's trabucchi
• Bari the city with the best climate in Italy
• Discovering the most beautiful beaches in Ostuni
• Otranto: the most beautiful beaches of the Adriatic Sea
• What to see in Lecce in a day: the beauties of the center
• Where to sleep in Lecce: the best neighborhoods of the city
• Gallipoli: most beautiful beaches not to be missed

BarbarHouse has an extensive catalog of vacation homes and villas in Italy. Its offer covers all kinds of needs: from apartments in the city or historic centers to villas by the sea, to budget and luxury accommodations such as hotels, residences and B&Bs.

Authors: the BarbarHouse editorial staff

Marcello De Vincenti

Silvia Lazzari