We are looking for advice on travel from the Siena, Tuscany area down to Monopoli in Puglia in a year's time. We can fly, drive, take a train - just need to know the most efficient way for this distance. We don't wish to arrive late at night, as we are renting an apartment in Monopoli and we do not wish to inconvenience our host. What airlines are most reliable? What's the drive like - can it really be done in 7-8 hours? Any advice is most welcome.
Posted by
Brunswick, Maine, USA
90 posts
It's about 430 miles from Siens to Monopoli. It would be a long day's drive that I would break up into 2 days. That way we could enjoy the scenery along the way along with a stop for a relaxing and decent lunch. BTW if this is a first to Monopoli, look forward to a charming little city...excellent restaurants, picturesque harbor and countryside, etc...
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
You can drive or take trains, but it would be less painful to stop somewhere overnight. I would not drive there the day of arrival from the US or Canada.
Posted by
81 posts
According to Trenitalia it will take 8-9 hours and two transfers to get to Bari. Siena to Florence station then onto either Bologna or Roma Termini then switch lines to Bari. If you are planning to go to either of these cities I suggest you use them as your departure point instead of Siena. Siena can be a pleasant day trip from Florence for example.
For a flight you'll have to go to Florence's airport. Google.com/flights says flights three months from now are about $250, take about three hours and again you will have to transfer in Rome.
If it were me. I would stay in Siena for a few days (it is a small town) taking at least one day trip to another Tuscan town. Then spend a day in Florence. Next morning take the flight or train to Rome. Stay in Roma at lease one night (you need three days to see it properly) then continue onto Bari either by train or plane.
Whether you train, plane or drive you will loose a day just traveling. I prefer to let someone else drive so I can relax and be recharged when I get to the new city. Viator has reliable transfers but for that location, you'll have to contact them for pricing.