this fall I'm going to be going to the Adriatic side, the stretch from Bari down to Lecce. My local bookstore doesn't have anything that covers this area; can anyone recommend guidebooks (or websites) about trael to this region?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32470 posts
Mike,
If Rick's Italy doesn't cover that area, you might try The Lonely Planet series. Unfortuantely, the area south of Rome is not as well covered as the north.
Good luck!
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2401 posts
Just returned from four weeks in that area. Lonely Planet is the most practical, though it's a first edition and has some minor errors here and there. Second choice is Cadogan's Bay of Naples & Southern Italy. Others I got a few tidbits from are Insight Guides Southern Italy and National Geographic Traveler's Naples & Southern Italy. Brindisi gets mostly negative attention, but we made it a day trip and were glad we didn't pass it by. Please e-mail me if you'd like specific information.
Posted by
Wodonga, Australia
440 posts
LP Southern Italy, Rough Guide Italy. As I have mentioned in previous posts, contact the Italian Tourist office in the US; tell them where you plan to visit, and if they are as helpful as their office in Australia, maps, brochures, books, web addresses will very quickly come your way. A car is practically a necessity. there are so many towns worthy of half a day at least, as you meander. Nothing is far from anywhere else. Martina Franca and Grottiglie ( a ceramics town) are worth a visit either side of your (presumed) trip to Alberobella. Ostuni of course. Monopoli, Conversano, Gallipoli... Do lots of Googling. The Gargano Peninsula is gorgeous, if you have time to drive north for a day or two. Puglia is by far my most favourite mainland region. Frederick, bless him, has left numerous castles for me to enjoy. Having some tourist level Italian language will go a long way.
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
thanks for the advice. I'm ordering some of these books.