Active Self-Drive Week in Puglia

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Day Stop in Bari / Arrival in Monopoli

   At first glance, stepping off a ferry or a train, Bari might seem anything between unexceptional and ugly. But hidden away is a beautiful historic city center that rewards the curious traveler with a number of gems. The final resting place of the bones of St Nicholas, the saint who inspired the Father Christmas legend is in the Basilica that bears his name. Wander through the centro storico and most afternoons you'll find the local ladies sitting outside their homes making orecchiette, the 'small ear' shaped pasta that Puglia is famous for. If you have time a visit to the Norman castle, approaching its thousandth birthday now and still in rude health is worth an exploration to see whatever the current exhibit is.

   You can reach Bari with regular inexpensive flights from several locations within Italy, by changing planes in Rome or Milan after a direct flight from the US, or by direct trains from Rome. Upon arrival to Bari International Airport, you will find most of the main car rental offices at the arrivals area.

   The journey to Monopoli takes around one hour. We will provide detailed instructions about how to reach your hotel, which will assist you for parking and pick-up for check-in. We've included a VW Polo or comparable car with manual transmission. If you prefer automatic transmission please let us know and we can advise of the additional cost. Although it is possible to rent a GPS unit we suggest using a GPS app on your smartphone.

   The heel of the Italy's boot, Puglia has long been off most foreign travelers' radar, but not so for the Italians. This is where they love to go on their own vacations, particularly in summer, because the food down here is just that good. In Puglia you'll find a distinctly Mediterranean approach to life, the clear blue waters of the Adriatic and some fantastic food and wine with cuisine changing almost every few miles. One of our favorite spots on the coast is the small town of Monopoli. The whitewashed and white stone buildings of the old town and the marble-smooth limestone paving have a relaxing effect. Monopoli is popular with Italian vacationers too, but the fact that almost everyone's speaking Italian adds to that "for-locals" feeling. All the bounty of the sea is on menus around the old town, but we'll share the best places with you. You're ideally placed here for day trips either along the coast or inland to some of Puglia's small hilltop towns, the trulli of Alberobello, or the caves of Castellana Grotte.

   Monopoli's Old Town is mostly pedestrian and access for cars is restricted to residents. According to the hotel you choose, we will provide instructions about parking. In most cases, the hotel will arrange a pick-up by their courtesy vehicle directly at your parking spot, and will help you with luggage.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Monopoli

   

   Monopoli Private Walking Tour

   At first glance Monopoli might seem like a run-of-the-mill quaint fishing village but dig beneath the surface (literally) on a walking tour with a Monopoli native and you'll discover that there's more to this city than meets the eye. Given the labyrinthine nature of the narrow streets in the town you'll also find it a helpful way to get oriented and avoid getting lost later on! The tour concludes with a visit to a shop specializing in Apulian products for a tasting of typical foods of the area.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Life's a Beach

   With more coastline than any other mainland region of Italy, the heel of Italy is a beach-lover's dream. The Adriatic coast is mostly small stone beaches, meaning crystal clear water while the Ionian coast tends to be more sandy. Wherever you're staying you should find some great beaches in easy reach by car and some on foot even. Often you'll find some public beaches as well as private stretches, with beach clubs and full facilities. Your local JayWay contact will be able to advise you where to go.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Monopoli

   

   Traditional Apulian Group Cooking Class with Dinner in Polignano a Mare

   Take part in an exclusive immersive cooking class rooted in Puglia’s gastronomic tradition and discover the authentic flavors of one of Italy’s most refined cuisines. Guided by expert local chefs in a unique location, you'll prepare traditional dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients, including handmade orecchiette with a weekly local sauce. The experience includes frisella, local wine, water, amaro, and dessert. At the end, you will enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared alongside typical local products and fine regional wines in a warm, refined atmosphere.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Lecce by Rental Car / Arrival in Lecce

   The journey to Lecce takes about one and a half hours. We will provide detailed instructions about how to reach your hotel, which will assist you with parking and pick-up for check-in. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim, a snack or even a full day of exploration like the splendid Ostuni, "the white city". We will provide more details if you are interested.

   Lecce is the most important town on the Salentine peninsula, the very heel of Italy. The town's rich history, stretching back to the times of the ancient Greeks, is what makes it so interesting.. The centerpiece of the old town is a 2nd century Roman amphitheater which was only rediscovered in the early 1900s during construction work, and it is still half buried; however, the exposed part is now used for concerts. Much of Lecce's historical center's architecture dates from the Baroque period and has earned the city the nickname 'Florence of the South'. These beauties stand in stark contrast to some of the Fascist buildings erected during Mussolini's reign.

   Lecce's historic center is subject to access restrictions and pedestrian areas. According to the hotel you choose, we will provide instructions about the best itinerary to reach the hotel and parking options.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Lecce

   

   Lecce Private Walking Tour

   Surrender to the gilded allure of Lecce on this intimate, guided walking tour through the heart of Salento's cultural masterpiece. An expert guide will lead you through a labyrinth of sun-drenched streets and hidden piazzas, transforming astonishing Baroque facades into living narratives of forgotten legends and whispered secrets. Marvel at the elegance of carved churches and aristocratic palaces, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of this unforgettable jewel of Southern Italy.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Lecce

   

   Bike, Hike and Swim in a Coastal Oasis: Le Cesine Natural Reserve

   "Oasi delle cesine" is a natural reserve only 15 km from Lecce. Open mostly on weekends, it contains 350 hectares of coastal scenic beauty to explore on foot or by bike among coastal dunes, orchids, and pine woods. You'll also want to swim in the waters of nearby San Roca. We recommend exploring it with our expert local guide and combining it with a bike trip from Lecce, which includes the medieval fortified town of Acaya, and an opportunity to taste the local cuisine.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : Around 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   Otranto and Gallipoli, the gems of Salento

   Otranto and Gallipoli are ideal destinations for a wonderful day trip exploring the many historic and landscape attractions of Salento. You can decide to dedicate half day to each of them, or visit both enjoying the 2 seas of Puglia. For a comprehensive experience, we recommend a guided excursion with our experienced local guide.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Bari by Rental Car / Day Stop in Bari

   The journey to Bari takes about 2 hours. In case you need to return the car to Bari airport and catch a flight, please make sure to arrive in advance because there can be queues and delays at the airport.

   At first glance, stepping off a ferry or a train, Bari might seem anything between unexceptional and ugly. But hidden away is a beautiful historic city center that rewards the curious traveler with a number of gems. The final resting place of the bones of St Nicholas, the saint who inspired the Father Christmas legend is in the Basilica that bears his name. Wander through the centro storico and most afternoons you'll find the local ladies sitting outside their homes making orecchiette, the 'small ear' shaped pasta that Puglia is famous for. If you have time a visit to the Norman castle, approaching its thousandth birthday now and still in rude health is worth an exploration to see whatever the current exhibit is.

   Once you arrive to Bari airport you will need to drop your car off at the rental company's office at the airport.

   Sadly the time has come to say arrivederci to Puglia. After dropping your rental off, you should be able to breeze through check in and security to await your departing flight.