Southern Italy’s beaches, villages, and wines: from Puglia to Basilicata

Stop 1: Altamura

Stop in the capital of southern bread-making and sample traditional sourdough.

• See the communal wood-fired ovens on Corso Federico II
• Try the PDO Altamura sourdough, enduring since the Middle Ages
• Visit the incredible Altamura Cathedral, a 13th-century masterpiece

Stop 2: Gravina in Puglia

Marvel at this canyon town and its dramatic stone bridge over a limestone ravine.

• Photograph the 17th-century bridge featured in No Time to Die
• Visit San Michele delle Grotte, carved into the ravine
• See Gravina’s famous clay bird whistles in the Cola Cola Museum

Arrival in Matera

Spend the night in this mysterious city built around ancient cave dwellings.

• Start in the Casa Noha exhibits for an overview of Matera’s history
• See a preserved cave home at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario
• Head to the “rock churches” (Rupestri) and their ancient frescoes

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Stop 1: Grottaglie

Immerse yourself in Italian ceramic arts in this historic town.

• Visit multi-generational ceramic workshops and watch pottery throwing
• See the 14th-century castle-turned-museum, Castello Episcopio
• Hike the Gravina del Fullonese paths winding through the ravine

Stop 2: Manduria

Visit one of Italy’s most famous wine regions and the birthplace of Primitivo di Manduria red wine.

• Taste Manduria’s iconic wine at Museo della Civiltà del Vino Primitivo
• Wander the ancient ruins of the Messapian Archaeological Park
• Explore the town center, especially the Palazzo Imperiali-Filotico

Stop 3: Gianfranco Fino Winery

Dive further into world-renowned wine production at this modern estate.

• Stroll through the vineyards of gnarled vines grown in iron-rich clay
• Descend to the subterranean aging cellar and its star-vaulted ceilings
• Book a tasting of the winery’s most popular vintages

Arrival in Lecce

Wrap up the day and admire Lecce’s theatrical architecture and Barocco Leccese style stonework.

• See the Basilica di Santa Croce, a dramatic riot of carved details
• Visit the Roman amphitheater in Piazza Sant’Oronzo
• Explore the Old Town, entering through the Porta Napoli

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Stop 1: Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate

Explore an isolated 12th-century abbey and its peaceful courtyards.

• See the main church’s stone entryway and Byzantine paintings
• Enter the dark caves where the monks used to make olive oil
• Visit the interactive exhibits and museum of popular arts

Stop 2: Carovigno

Wander a white-walled village encircling a medieval castle.

• Tour the Castello Dentice di Frasso, with its three watch towers
• Stroll the village’s center and see its preserved stone gates
• Visit the cave church of Santuario della Madonna del Belvedere

Arrival in Ostuni

Spend the night in Ostuni, a whitewashed city perched on the top of a hill.

• Follow narrow lanes to the cathedral, featuring a rose window
• Step onto terraces offering views of the Adriatic and olive groves
• Get lost in the maze-like old town, visiting artisan shops and cafes

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Stop 1: Cisternino

Visit a welcoming town known for its “ready ovens” culture and hilltop views.

• Wander the narrow white alleys of the old town
• See the 19th-century clock tower of the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
• Head to the Villa Comunale for jaw-dropping views of the valley below

Stop 2: Locorotondo

Explore this circular town with scenic valley views and an abundance of locally produced wine.

• Stroll the Via Nardelli for sweeping views of the vineyards and olive groves
• Take a break in the peaceful public park, the Villa Comunale
• See the Baroque Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio

Arrival in Alberobello

Find yourself in a fairytale for the night in Alberobello, famous for its cone roofs and winding streets.

• Explore the Rione Monti district to see the trulli (cone houses)
• Visit the cross-shaped Church of St. Anthony of Padua
• Enjoy panoramic views at the Belvedere Santa Lucia

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Stop 1: Castellana Caves

Sink underground into this 90-million-year old cave system featuring winding tunnels and crystal deposits.

• Do not miss the white cave, an alabaster-filled crown jewel
• See La Grave, the only open-air cavern in the system
• Find familiar shapes in the rock formations, like the owl and camel

Stop 2: Monopoli

Visit a traditional fishing port and admire the postcard-esque red-and-blue wooden boats.

• See seafaring artwork in Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia 
• Enjoy Adriatic sea views from the Castello Carlo V, a fortress
• Relax or swim at the most popular beach, Cala Porta Vecchia

Arrival in Polignano a Mare

Stay the night in this dramatic coastal town balanced on cliffs above clear blue water.

• Visit Lama Monachile, a pebble beach with incredible views
• Explore the historic center’s whitewashed churches and balconies
• Dine in the Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant set into a sea cave

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Stop 1: Mola di Bari

Take a break at this bustling port town, where you can explore a seaside fortress and sample renowned seafood.

• Visit Castello Angioino, the 13th-century fortress on the water
• Stroll the Lungomare Dalmazia for sea breezes and cafes galore
• Visit the harbor to see local fishermen in action

Return to Bari

Round out your 6-day journey with a night in Bari, Puglia’s spirited capital.

• See daily life unfold in the Bari Vecchia, a whitewashed maze
• Watch women hand-shape orecchiette pasta on the Strada Arco Basso
• Walk the Lungomare (seaside promenade), among the longest in Italy

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