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A Lazy Pugliese Week

7 Days / 6 Nights

Bari, Monopoli, Lecce, Bari

from$2,250 per person

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Ever wondered where the Italians go on vacation? They often head south, to Puglia. The heel of the boot has much to offer, from cosy coastal towns like Monopoli and the baroque gem of Lecce, a city with millennia of history. You'll be able to relax the whole way, as you're driven around by English-speaking drivers. We'll arrange for expert local guides to tell you the stories of their towns and cities but there's also time for relaxation, and enjoying some of Italy's best seafood.

One of our team in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.
Route for Bari, Monopoli, Lecce, Bari tour

Day Stop in Bari

Day Stop in Bari

1 days in Bari
1 days in Bari

Day Stop in Bari

At first glance, stepping off a ferry or a train, Bari might seem anything between unexceptional and ugly. But hidden away is a beautiful historic city center that rewards the curious traveler with a number of gems. The final resting place of the bones of St Nicholas, the saint who inspired the Father Christmas legend is in the Basilica that bears his name. Wander through the centro storico and most afternoons you'll find the local ladies sitting outside their homes making orecchiette, the 'small ear' shaped pasta that Puglia is famous for. If you have time a visit to the Norman castle, approaching its thousandth birthday now and still in rude health is worth an exploration to see whatever the current exhibit is.

At first glance, stepping off a ferry or a train, Bari might seem anything between unexceptional and ugly. But hidden away is a beautiful historic city center that rewards the curious traveler with a number of gems. The final resting place of the bones of St Nicholas, the saint who inspired the Father Christmas legend is in the Basilica that bears his name. Wander through the centro storico and most afternoons you'll find the local ladies sitting outside their homes making orecchiette, the 'small ear' shaped pasta that Puglia is famous for. If you have time a visit to the Norman castle, approaching its thousandth birthday now and still in rude health is worth an exploration to see whatever the current exhibit is.

Day 1 - Day Stop in Bari

Day 1 - Day Stop in Bari

Upon your arrival at Bari Airport, our driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodation in Monopoli. The journey will take about 1 hour.

3 Nights in Monopoli

3 Nights in Monopoli

4 days in Monopoli
4 days in Monopoli

3 Nights in Monopoli

The heel of the Italy's boot, Puglia has long been off most foreign travelers' radar, but not so for the Italians. This is where they love to go on their own vacations, particularly in summer, because the food down here is just that good. In Puglia you'll find a distinctly Mediterranean approach to life, the clear blue waters of the Adriatic and some fantastic food and wine with cuisine changing almost every few miles. One of our favorite spots on the coast is the small town of Monopoli. The whitewashed and white stone buildings of the old town and the marble-smooth limestone paving have a relaxing effect. Monopoli is popular with Italian vacationers too, but the fact that almost everyone's speaking Italian adds to that "for-locals" feeling. All the bounty of the sea is on menus around the old town, but we'll share the best places with you. You're ideally placed here for day trips either along the coast or inland to some of Puglia's small hilltop towns, the trulli of Alberobello, or the caves of Castellana Grotte.

The heel of the Italy's boot, Puglia has long been off most foreign travelers' radar, but not so for the Italians. This is where they love to go on their own vacations, particularly in summer, because the food down here is just that good. In Puglia you'll find a distinctly Mediterranean approach to life, the clear blue waters of the Adriatic and some fantastic food and wine with cuisine changing almost every few miles. One of our favorite spots on the coast is the small town of Monopoli. The whitewashed and white stone buildings of the old town and the marble-smooth limestone paving have a relaxing effect. Monopoli is popular with Italian vacationers too, but the fact that almost everyone's speaking Italian adds to that "for-locals" feeling. All the bounty of the sea is on menus around the old town, but we'll share the best places with you. You're ideally placed here for day trips either along the coast or inland to some of Puglia's small hilltop towns, the trulli of Alberobello, or the caves of Castellana Grotte.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Monopoli

Monopoli's Old Town is mostly pedestrian and access for cars is restricted. Your driver will bring you as close as technically possible to the accommodation. The hotel will arrange a pick-up by their courtesy vehicle directly at your parking spot, and will help you with luggage.

People Watching in the Main Square

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you are here for the first time and have already explored the historic center a little bit, or you have a walking tour planned for the day after, then there is nothing left to do other than sit in the main square, enjoy a nice, refreshing glass of white wine and some pizza, and do some people watching (an all-time favorite activity for people in the South of Italy!). The very best place to engage in this is Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. It's a gorgeous square, but the best part is that it really comes alive after 5:00 PM when locals go to enjoy a nice aperitivo. And you know what they say, right? When in Rome…

People Watching in the Main Square

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Monopoli

Monopoli Private Walking Tour

Small Town, Long Story

Included in your vacation package price.

At first glance Monopoli might seem like a run-of-the-mill quaint fishing village but dig beneath the surface (literally) on a walking tour with a Monopoli native and you'll discover that there's more to this city than meets the eye. Given the labyrinthine nature of the narrow streets in the town you'll also find it a helpful way to get oriented and avoid getting lost later on! The tour concludes with a visit to a shop specializing in Apulian products for a tasting of typical foods of the area.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 Hours

Discover the Best Beaches in the Heel of Italy

Suggestion to explore on your own

With more coastline than any other mainland region of Italy, the heel of Italy is a beach-lovers dream. The Adriatic coast is mostly small stone beaches, meaning crystal clear water, while the Ionian coast tends to be more sandy. Wherever you're staying, you should find some great beaches that are easily reached by car and some that are even accessible by foot. Often, you'll find public beaches as well as private stretches that have beach clubs, including many luxury facilities. Your local Destination Expert will be able to let you know where to go.

Discover the Best Beaches in the Heel of Italy

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Monopoli

Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Private Excursion

Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Private Excursion

Included in your vacation package price.

Don't miss the highlights and gems of northern Puglia, explore them with a private driving tour! Your English-speaking driver will bring you to the UNESCO world heritage site of Alberobello with its gorgeous, world-famous Trulli, together with the countryside, and the seaside wonders of Polignano a Mare, one of Puglia's most famous spots for swimming. This is an eight hour tour, so you will have plenty of time to not just discover the two towns, but also relax and swim!


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Lecce by Private Transfer

The journey to Lecce takes about one and a half hours and we'll have a driver meet you at your accommodation in Monopoli to drive you there. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim along the coast, a snack or even a full day of exploration like for example a visit to Ostuni, the "white city". You can make these arrangements for an extra fee with your local JayWay contact nearer the time of your trip and they'll let you know the additional costs involved.

We also offer the following excursions in Monopoli

Castel del Monte and Altamura Private Excursion
Light8 hours
Farms, Olive Trees, and Grotto Churches Group Bike Tour
Strenuous5 hours
Lecce Half-Day Private Tour from Monopoli
Light4 hours
Manduria Noble Wines and Heavenly Beaches Private Tour
Light8 hours

3 Nights in Lecce

3 Nights in Lecce

4 days in Lecce
4 days in Lecce

3 Nights in Lecce

Lecce is the most important town on the Salentine peninsula, the very heel of Italy. The town's rich history, stretching back to the times of the ancient Greeks, is what makes it so interesting.. The centerpiece of the old town is a 2nd century Roman amphitheater which was only rediscovered in the early 1900s during construction work, and it is still half buried; however, the exposed part is now used for concerts. Much of Lecce's historical center's architecture dates from the Baroque period and has earned the city the nickname 'Florence of the South'. These beauties stand in stark contrast to some of the Fascist buildings erected during Mussolini's reign.

Lecce is the most important town on the Salentine peninsula, the very heel of Italy. The town's rich history, stretching back to the times of the ancient Greeks, is what makes it so interesting.. The centerpiece of the old town is a 2nd century Roman amphitheater which was only rediscovered in the early 1900s during construction work, and it is still half buried; however, the exposed part is now used for concerts. Much of Lecce's historical center's architecture dates from the Baroque period and has earned the city the nickname 'Florence of the South'. These beauties stand in stark contrast to some of the Fascist buildings erected during Mussolini's reign.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Lecce

Your driver will bring you directly at your hotel in the city center of Lecce.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Lecce

Lecce Private Walking Tour

Lecce Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Get to know the charming town of Lecce with your local guide. Splendid historic and artistic attractions of the center of Lecce await, spanning through over 2000 years of glorious history and with a spectacular scenic effect. An experienced guide will show you the main attractions of the Roman and Baroque times.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Lecce

Gallipoli and Otranto Private Tour

Otranto and Gallipoli Private Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

This experience will lead you to discover the gems of the Salento region: Otranto and Gallipoli, which face Puglia's two seas. You'll start the day with a walking tour of Otranto, the easternmost "medieval citadel" of Italy, renowned also for its splendid seaside and its historic center, protected by mighty walls and located on an enchanting portion of the Adriatic coast. While there, you'll visit the cathedral, which displays hundreds of skulls. An hour's drive will take you across the Salento peninsula, to the Ionian Sea. There, you'll visit Gallipoli, an ancient Greek colony (its name means "beautiful city" in Greek), home to monuments from different eras, many baroque churches, and a castle.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Bari by Private Transfer & Private Car

Today our driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Lecce and take you to your next destination, Bari. The journey takes about 2 hours depending on the traffic. Along the way, for an extra fee, we can arrange a stop to visit some additional attractions like the magnificent hilltop city of Ostuni.

We also offer the following excursions in Lecce

Half-Day Group Cycling Tour of Lecce and its Countryside
Moderate4 hours

Day Stop in Bari

Day Stop in Bari

1 days in Bari
1 days in Bari

Day Stop in Bari

At first glance, stepping off a ferry or a train, Bari might seem anything between unexceptional and ugly. But hidden away is a beautiful historic city center that rewards the curious traveler with a number of gems. The final resting place of the bones of St Nicholas, the saint who inspired the Father Christmas legend is in the Basilica that bears his name. Wander through the centro storico and most afternoons you'll find the local ladies sitting outside their homes making orecchiette, the 'small ear' shaped pasta that Puglia is famous for. If you have time a visit to the Norman castle, approaching its thousandth birthday now and still in rude health is worth an exploration to see whatever the current exhibit is.

At first glance, stepping off a ferry or a train, Bari might seem anything between unexceptional and ugly. But hidden away is a beautiful historic city center that rewards the curious traveler with a number of gems. The final resting place of the bones of St Nicholas, the saint who inspired the Father Christmas legend is in the Basilica that bears his name. Wander through the centro storico and most afternoons you'll find the local ladies sitting outside their homes making orecchiette, the 'small ear' shaped pasta that Puglia is famous for. If you have time a visit to the Norman castle, approaching its thousandth birthday now and still in rude health is worth an exploration to see whatever the current exhibit is.

Day 7 - Day Stop in Bari

Day 7 - Day Stop in Bari

Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in Bari.

Sadly the time has come to say arrivederci to Puglia. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Bari to take you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Bari

Bari Airport - Monopoli Private Transfer

Monopoli

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Monopoli Private Walking Tour
Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Private Excursion
Monopoli - Lecce Private Transfer

Lecce

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Lecce Private Walking Tour
Lecce - Bari Private Transfer

Bari

Bari Airport Private Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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