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2 week itinerary for Puglia

Posted by Victoria on 04/25/26 02:04 AM

I would like to divide my time so I have 3-4 areas to stay and do day trips from there.
At the moment, I have:

Bari - 3 nights stay in Murat close to the old city
Matera - 2 nights
Monopoli - 3 nights
Lecce 3 nights
Travel to Rome by train
Rome 3 nights

I think this is pretty standard, but I am using public transport so I am limited. I would love to get a couple of day on a sandy beach, but my research is not getting very far. I would love some suggestions for accommodations (prefer something with a desk as opposed to an Airbnb), cooking classes and personal experience with a driver (in case I want to go off the beaten track). Appreciate any and all suggestions.

Posted by Kenko

Citizen of the World

04/25/26 03:17 AM

3911 posts

Bari has an interesting old town, but it doesn’t take three nights to take in.
You might enjoy Gallipoli or Otranto for beaches. Both can be reached from Lecce by either train or the
bus.

Posted by Victoria OP

04/25/26 04:30 AM

258 posts

Thanks for your reply. I will add a day onto Lecce.

Posted by Jean

Idaho, USA

04/25/26 04:39 AM

9635 posts

Hi Victoria, lots of interest in Puglia lately. Here’s recent posts:

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Puglia&utf8=%E2%9C%93

Filter on the 6 months or newer option.

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

04/25/26 07:49 AM

17758 posts

I don’t think you can go by train from Lecce to Gallipoli. Only bus.

The train to Otranto is actually a train to Maglie, then at Maglie you switch to a bus for Otranto. It takes about 2 hours. There might be faster options with SalentoInBus bus initiative in summer:
https://www.provincia.le.it/salento-in-bus-orari-e-linee/

Renting a car is a more efficient option for Puglia.

Posted by Kenko

Citizen of the World

04/25/26 11:10 AM

3911 posts

I see trains scheduled from Lecce to Gallipoli, although the bus is quicker.

Posted by Victoria OP

04/25/26 11:31 AM

258 posts

Thank you for the responses. Jean - I have been reading your posts and trip reports. I have noted your food recommendations. Thank you.

I love Baroque architecture and I don’t want to miss Lecce, but I will probably need some beach time.

I just realized I am just missing Carmen in Martina Franca. That’s a disappointment.