Leece

Carol, we visited the area (Puglia) a couple of years ago, and absolultly loved it. For our trip down we rented a car in Rome and dove the four hours to our 1st stop outside of Giovannazzo. We returned using a cheap flight out of Brindisi. We used the Lonely Planet guidebook, and found it to quite good. From the Gio area we visited the seaside towns of Trani (great B&B 1/2 block from the awesome port and water side restaurants), Polianono a Mare (fantastic restaurant in a cave), went to the gigantic Grotto di Castellana, visited the Triulli houses in Arberobella (quick visit is all that is needed), etc. When we were in Lecce, we stayed in a old town B&B. We picked the wrong one. There are some great Agris outside of town that would have been better. We loved Lecce; it is a mini-Siena. The Passigiatta at night in fun. Don't miss the great "Cucina Casareccia restaurnt. My wife discovered that shopping was really "cheap" there, and bought out the shoe stores! We used Lecce as a base to visit the seaside towns of Otranto (some awesome seaside sand dunes No. of town)and Gallolopi. We drove down the Eastern "heel" until we reached the tip one day. Nice drive. We found that a car is the best way to see this area, and a GPS and map is a must! (especially trying to drive thru Lecce) The NY Times wrote a great article about the area a couple of years ago: http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/travel/06Puglia.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5124&en=7fc0ee4c82bf1ba5&ex=1336276800&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink PM me if you want more info.

awesome information! thank you so much!

Haven't visited yet but we're staying in Martina Franca from the 7th to the 9th. We'll be visiting Locorotondo and Arborobello as well. Have'nt come up with a whole lot to do in the area other than wander through the towns and see the caves but it should be a nice couple of relaxed days. We reserved a trullo also which should add to the experience. I've been told the wines of the area are supposed to be very good and cheap. We'll see!

We are having a great time...and still another week to go. We are staying in Trani currently. Have visited Grotti di Castellana (no tours in English during winter but still worth the 15 euros.) and Castel del Monte (3 Euro + 1 Euro to park). Heading to Leece and area in a couple of days

Cool Carol! Make sure that you get reservations at the Cucina Casareccia restaurant in Lecce.. It is a kind of "fixed price" meal, and the owner only speaks Italian, but she does it so slowly that you can understand your options. Ron, be advised that the Trulii houses can be very damp and cold. Make sure that you ensure that your rental can be, and will be heated. Guys, I forgot to mention the World Heritage site @ Matera. The cave houses are facinating. Carol, since you are Trani now, drive down to Giovanzzo and find a restaurant off the North end of the cental plazza called Punto e A Capo. I swear we had the best Italian dinner of our lives in this tiny little place. Somehow I ordered a seven or more course meal with many little seafood "bites". It was heaven.... and was super cheap. Ron, the wines are super cheap, an so is the food. We hard a hard time getting past the table wines. Since you are there in winter, your touring options are limited...we really like the area in early summer. PS When you guys get back, don't tell anyone how low-cost and wonderful this area is. Steve

OMG! can i tell you about the most wonderful restaurant we discovered in Trani? Pandiccco (wwwpanidicucco.traini.web.it) is amazing! we ate there 4 times and each time was amazing! David, the owner, is the nicest man and his wife is the chef. They will treat you to an amazing menu! we are "foodies" and had some of the best meals (and wines) of our lifetime!