Traveling to Puglia for about a week in late summer. I know it will be hot but I'm tied to that time bc I'm in Europe for something else :). We will be coming from Vienna area and arriving in Rome but have option for Bologna or Florence too but thinking arrival in Rome.
I'm looking for suggestions on where to base for ease of day trips. Starting in Bari and will likely just rent a car. Most interested in relaxation, seeing the country, historical sites, meeting people, tasting the food + a few hours at a beach or pool sprinkled in. Ending in Rome for flight home. Traveling with another person and our budget is moderate - we don't want dumpy but we don't need fancy. Base out of Monopoli - is that a good location?
Specifically asking for:
Bari accommodation recommendation
Car rental company suggestions - and take train from Rome to Bari and back or rent car in Rome and drive to Bari?
Accommodation recommendations to base out of after we leave Bari and do day trips
Itinerary thoughts include but not limited to or necessary to include all of this. I haven't fully done my research on each one yet.
Bari one night/day
Monopoli
Polignano a Marie
Matera - anyone have a rec for a cave hotel?
Alberobello
Locorotondo
Cisternino
Ostuni
Lecce - further south
Ortanto
Thanks for any great tips!