7-Day Puglia Self-Drive Wine Trip in Summer

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 self-drive holiday takes in the tiny town of Alberobello with its traditional Trulli huts, the ancient Roman port ruins of Egnazia and the cliff-edged town of Polignano a Mare

Everything is arranged for you. All you have to do is get in the car, follow the itinerary, and enjoy the perfect road trip! Not every minute is scheduled, there is plenty of opportunity for serendipity – a local festival, a food stall by the road, a chance encounter.

Day 1: Bari and Fasano Area
Upon arrival in Bari airport, collect your FIAT 500 and then drive to your Masseria in the Fasano area. Free time and welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant.   

Day 2: Polignano and Monopoli 
After breakfast, enjoy some time at the Masseria by the pool. Take your time and then drive to Polignano a Mare for a private boat experience. With your skipper, you will sail along the rocky coast of Polignano entering some caves carved by the sea. You will enjoy a dip in the blue sea and an aperitif on board. This experience lasts about 2 hours. In the afternoon visit Monopoli, another amazing town by the sea to enjoy a gelato and a stroll in the Old town. Back to your accommodation. 

Day 3: Martina Franca and Locorotondo 
After breakfast, drive to a family-owned salumi factory to learn how the famous Capocollo di Martina Franca and other local salumi delicacies are produced. After a light lunch at the factory, drive to a winery near Locorotondo where you will meet the owner, visit the winery and enjoy local wines. Visit Locorotondo at sunset, enjoying its white alleys and a breathtaking sunset over the Itria Valley. Back to your accommodation.

Day 4: Parco delle Dune Costiere, Alberobello and Cisternino 
After breakfast, drive to Parco delle Dune Costiere. Meet your guide for a relaxed group cycling tour in the Millenary Olive Trees Park with stops in old Masseria where you will try olive oil and have a light lunch. After this experience drive to Alberobello, the UNESCO site famous for its trulli, white stone huts where people live and have shops. Stroll around to visit the town. If you have time, drive to Cisternino, another gem of Itria Valley where you can visit the small old town, have an aperitivo enjoying the amazing view of the Itria Valley from its public terrace. Drive back to your Masseria in the evening. 

Day 5: Otranto
After breakfast, check-out and drive to Otranto, the most eastern town in Italy, facing the beautiful Adriatic sea. You can stop in different areas by the beach to swim or take beautiful pictures. Stop in a winery on the way to enjoy a winery visit and a wine tasting. After lunch, drive to your new accommodation and enjoy the time relaxing by the pool.

Day 6: Baia delle Orte and Lecce  
After breakfast, meet your local guide for trekking to the national park of the Orte Bay. Learn about the history of Otranto, discover the wonderful nature around its bay and visit the bauxite caves. The path is fine and flat, so perfect for a walk without too many ups and downs. After a light lunch in Otranto, drive to Lecce to meet your guide for a “Lecce Food Tour” to discover all the local food delicacies that the city has to offer and learn the history and secrets of the amazing architecture of Lecce. Back to your accommodation at night.   

Day 7: Salento and Bari 
Drive back to Bari to return your vehicle and transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. On the way to Bari, stop in one of the top wineries in the Salento area to indulge in another unforgettable wine tasting trying the local grapes that made Puglia and Salento famous for its wines.