Puglia Summer Road Trip

Time of year: June - August

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Cities and destinations visited: Bari, Monopoli, Polignano a mare, Egnazia, Ostuni, Dune Costiere Park, San Foca, Torre dell'Orso, Otranto, Baia delle Orte, Avetrana, Porto Selvaggio.

Total route: 450 km

9 days / 8 nights

950€ per person

based on 2 people booking

A pristine coastline, salty breeze and that gorgeous Mediterranean sun

A road trip across Puglia is an unforgettable way to see so much of what this region has to offer. From seaside towns and tiny villages to spectacular beaches and nature reserves, there’s absolutely no shortage of things to do in Puglia in Summer.

Starting in Bari, this itinerary features our 10 favourite beaches in Monopoli, Otranto and Gallipoli areas.

What you will see

You will have the pleasure to see a variety of landscapes, from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, from rocky to sandy beaches, all unique and marvellous. You will be driving from the cliff-edged town of Polignano a Mare to the ancient Roman port ruins of Egnazia where you will actually swim!

You will experience the crystal sea of Monopoli and the uncontaminated natural reserves of Porto Selvaggio and Baia delle Orte, free from human settlements and a joy for the soul.

Get ready to experience Puglia sun, sea and breeze at their best!

The pleasure of a Road Trip with the support of local people

We create a personalized digital travel pack to help you get the most out of your valuable holiday time. The pack contains a day-by-day itinerary, driving tips, a digital map, hotel information, emergency numbers and a paper travel journal. This pack will provide you with all you need to explore Puglia with confidence.

For you to enjoy one of our road trips, it’s not enough for us to craft a great itinerary. We want you to feel like you are travelling like a local because we share with you what we love ourselves. And we don’t like to schedule every minute, which is why we leave room for serendipity – a local festival, a food stall by the road, a chance encounter.

What's included

BASIC PACKAGE - 950 € per person

9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS

Stay at traditional accommodations like a trullo, masseria, agriturismo, each one hand-picked by us. The Road trip includes 2 nights in Monopoli area, 2 nights in Ostuni area, 2 nights in Otranto area, 2 nights in Nardò area. All accommodations have on-site parking, Wi-Fi and A/C. Breakfast is included.

1 FIAT 500 CAR RENTAL

Drive the iconic FIAT 500, the epitome of La Dolce Vita. Our standard package comes with a FIAT 500 POP (full insurance included for theft and damages, see T&C for more info).

2 PRIVATE TRANSFERS

We know how important it is to get your vacation off to a seamless and smooth start. If you’re flying in, we’ll meet you at the airport in Bari and transfer you to your car rental. When you are back we will transfer you to the airport in Bari from the car rental offices.

1 DIGITAL TRAVEL PACK

The digital pack contains a day by day itinerary, driving tips, a digital map, lodging information, emergency numbers and an actual paper travel journal. This pack will provide you with the knowledge to explore Puglia with confidence.

1 PAPER TRAVEL JOURNAL

There’s nothing like putting pen to paper at the end of a day of sightseeing. A paper travel journal is a perfect way to document your trip, a tangible memory that you will bring home with you and a token of appreciation from our team at AuthenticPugliaTours. You’ll find the paper journal in your car.

FULL PACKAGE - 1200 € per person

BASIC PACKAGE SERVICES+

2 TRADITIONAL MEALS

Two full-course meals, including beverages, at some of our favourite trattorias and restaurants in Monopoli and Nardò areas.

3 OUTDOOR ACTIVE NATURALISTIC TOURS

Have fun in the sun and sea on these half-days guided excursions (in English) to three of Puglia’s hidden gems:

- a bike tour in the Millenary Olive trees park with olive-oil tasting and light lunch;

- a hike to bauxite caves and the most Eastern part of Italy, the Punta Palascia lighthouse in Baia delle Orte;

- a day in the Porto Selvaggio Nature Reserve, home to a stunning coastline.

1 BEACH DAY PASS

Enjoy quality beachfront amenities and a relaxing beach ambience at one beach club along your itinerary. The pass gets you a beach umbrella and two sun loungers, as well as access to the beach club facilities (showers, toilets, beach access).

What's NOT included

Municipality tourist tax (0,5-1,5 EUR/person/night).
Car rental deposit refunded at the end of the road trip.
Fuel and parking fees.
Tips to local guides.
Lunches and Dinners on your own.
Other expenses not clearly mentioned in the “WHAT’S INCLUDED” section.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – Bari and Monopoli

Arrival in Bari and transfer to the rental car offices. Collect your vehicle, drive to Monopoli and check-in into your accommodation. Free time and dinner on your own.

Included: private transfer, car pick-up and accommodation.

Day 2 - Polignano and Monopoli

Head to Polignano to visit this small seaside town and enjoy a day at the beach. Back to Monopoli in the late afternoon, aperitivo time and authentic dinner in our selected restaurant.

Included: accommodation, dinner.

Day 3 - Egnazia and Ostuni

Drive to Egnazia, where you’re all set for a nice day at the beach. The beach club you have day passes to is set amidst Roman ruins, truly one of a kind! Drive to your next accommodation in the late afternoon, check-in and then head for dinner on your own in Ostuni.

Included: beach day pass, accommodation.

DAY 4 – Ostuni, Dune Costiere National Park and Cisternino

Drive to Dune costiere National Park and get ready for an easy bike tour among the Millenary olive trees park with olive-oil tasting and light lunch. An afternoon of relax at the beach or visiting Cisternino in Valle d’Itria. Dinner on your own and back to the accommodation.

Included: bike tour with olive oil tasting and light lunch, accommodation.

Day 5 - San Foca and Otranto

Drive along the coast north of Otranto. This incredibly scenic road offers many photo opportunities, you can pick your favorites from our digital map. You can stop at the Grotta della Poesia (Poetry Cave) and swim at the beach of Torre dell’Orso. Drive to your next accommodation in the late afternoon, check-in and then head for dinner on your own in Otranto.

Included: accommodation.

Giorno 6 - DAY 6 – Otranto, Baia delle Orte and Bauxite caves

Drive to the nature reserve of Baia delle Orte, Italy’s easternmost point, where you’ll meet your guide who’ll take you on a hike to the beautiful beaches that can be found here. An invigorating walk amidst stunning views and wild and unspoiled nature is rewarded by beautiful clear waters where to swim and the stunning view of the Punta Palascia lighthouse and bauxite caves. Spend the rest of the day at the beach then drive back to your accommodation in the late afternoon, then head for dinner at a restaurant in Otranto.

Included: guided tour at the Orte Bay and Bauxite caves, accommodation.

DAY 7 – Free day at the beach and Nardò

Day at the beach on your own, you can pick your favorite from our digital map. In the late afternoon drive to Nardò to check-in at your accommodation. Authentic Dinner in a local Agriturismo.

Included: accommodation, dinner.

DAY 8 – Porto Selvaggio and Nardò

Trekking in the natural park of Porto Selvaggio with a naturalistic guide. Another amazing area of Puglia free from the human settlement with a bay of unique beauty. You can admire the sunset from the top of a Norman tower and swim in the crystal waters of Porto Selvaggio natural park. Back to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

Included: guided tour at Porto Selvaggio Natural Park, accommodation

Day 9 - Bari

Drive to the car rental offices in Bari to return your vehicle, private transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.

Included: airport transfer.