Hi, we are planning a trip to Puglia and Basilicata for about 12 days in the Christmas / NYears timeframe (December 27 to January 8). Here is the proposed plan – fly to Bari, one night in Bari, three nights in Lecce, three nights in Monopoli or Ostuni, and 3 nights in Matera. I would love to hear thoughts on this itinerary. We probably won’t have a car (at least not for the whole time). May get a car in Monopoli and/or Lecce for day trips. Had planned to go to Matera first but having trouble finding accommodations over New Year’s weekend. Still working on it. Please send thoughts! Many thanks.
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Saint Paul, Minnesota
1538 posts
If you want to (or have to) stay in Lecce before Matera, I would fly into Brindisi airport and rent a car --- we did this recently. Lecce is an hour's drive from Brindisi airport instead of the 2 to 2.5 hours from Bari.
Pretty sure you're going to need a car.
Here's one vote for Ostuni --- we stayed in the historic center for a week and never ran out of great places to eat. Did many day trips from there.
If you want to visit Bari, I would stay there the night before you leave rather than the day you arrive.
Sounds like a fun trip!