Car rental round trip Apulia - The jewel in the south of Italy

With Bari and Brindisi, Puglia has two international airports. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local partners and receive a detailed briefing on your rental car. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the worth seeing the old town with its white shining churches in the afternoon.

After a short drive from Bari, you will reach Trani, the lively small town on the Adriatic coast. During a walk along the promenade, you will enjoy the typical Italian way of life for the first time.

Bari airport to Trani: approx. 30 minutes / approx. 25 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Trani, Apulia, Italy

The enchanting Gargano Peninsula is largely protected and is best known for its stunning scenery and rugged cliffs. Along the coastal road, your route will take you north from Trani up to the medieval village of Vieste. The village and the region were inhabited over 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by cave paintings in nearby Sfinalicchio. At the Museo Civico, you will have the opportunity to view numerous artifacts from pre-Roman times, including fragments of a stele from the Messapians, the indigenous people of southern Italy.

After a relaxing lunch in the quaint old town of Vieste, you will continue your journey toward the center of the peninsula. The Foresta Umbra is a vast pine forest that covers much of the nature reserve.

On your way back to Trani, be sure to stop at the picturesque little town of Monte Sant'Angelo. The town's landmark, the Grotto Church of San Michele, is a pilgrimage church built by the Normans and dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 and even renowned pilgrims such as Pope John Paul II have been guests there.

Duration of trip: approx. 5 hours / approx. 300 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Trani, Apulia, Italy

About 30 minutes from Trani, Castel Del Monte, built by the Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II, stands on a hill. Not much is known to this day about the use of the 13th century structure known as the Crown of Puglia. However, due to its octagonal shape, Italy's national monument is unique in the region. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, and because of its fame, Castel Del Monte has also made it onto the back of the Italian 1-cent coin.

In the afternoon, you will continue your journey and after a short period you will reach the town of Altamura. The historic center of the town was built around 1230, and what is special about the old town are the countless "claustri" courtyards, enclosed by several residential buildings, inviting you to stroll around. Try a piece of Altamura bread, a tasty grano duro wheat bread typical of this region.

Altamura became famous in 1993 when the fossil remains of the so-called Altamura Man were discovered in a cave, estimated to be between 150,000 and 250,000 years old.

In the evening, you will leave the Puglia region for the first time and make a detour to the neighboring province of Basilicata. Your destination is Matera, where you will check into your hotel for tonight.

Trani - Matera: approx. 2 hours / approx. 110 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Matera, Apulia, Italy

Matera, the European Capital of Culture for 2019, is best known for its historic old town, built on the hillside. It consists of a considerable extent of cave settlements, the so-called Sassi. Since 1993, these Sassi have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Already inhabited in the Neolithic period, the region is one of the oldest cities in the world. During excavations, relics dating back to around 11,500 BC were found describing the transition from hunter-gatherers to settled farmers. The cliff dwellings carved into the soft tufa were inhabited from the Stone Age until the 1950s. So you may well encounter dwellings that have been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years. Over the millennia, a wide variety of cultures have also left their mark. The Romans and Greeks of antiquity were succeeded by the Byzantines and Lombards. Later it was the Saracens, the Normans and, finally, the Hohenstaufen who left their mark.

After lunch, you will head for the city of Gallipoli, for many the most beautiful city in southern Italy. The city is built on a small peninsula, separating the new part and the old town. From the borgo (Ital. village), now the new town, you will reach the centro storico, the old town, via a narrow strip of land. With its narrow streets, white houses and terraced roofs, the old town looks like an oriental oasis town.

On your onward journey towards Lecce, you will also find the town of Nardò with its charming old town, the Cathedral of San Dominico and Piazza Salandra.

Matera - Lecce: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes / approx. 260 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Lecce, Apulia, Italy

The builders of the city of Lecce resorted to the soft, yellow sandstone from the region for the choice of materials, which gives the facades of the buildings their unique appearance. But it is not only constructions from the Baroque period such as the famous Basilica of Santa Groce that are very well preserved to this day; there are also many very well preserved buildings from the ancient Roman period. The Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century AD, with a capacity of about 20,000 spectators, represents one of the highlights of any city tour. Travelers interested in culture should also not miss the Cathedral of Sant'Oronzo, the Palazzo di Governo and the Church of San Nicolo.

In the afternoon, head towards the small port town of Otranto, also called the Gateway to the Orient. A long stretch of beach leads to the historic center of the town, which, similar to Gallipolli, is located on a small promontory. The Norman church as well as the Byzantine church of San Pietro are particularly known for their masterfully crafted mosaics. The 12th-century cathedral is dedicated to the martyrs who heroically sacrificed themselves during the Turkish invasion in 1480.

Duration of trip: about 30 minutes / about 50 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Lecce, Apulia, Italy

After breakfast, head north to the picturesque village of Ostuni. The "White City" was built on three hills, with a medieval fort perched on the top of the highest hill. The old town is again very much characterized by ornate Renaissance buildings, and the 13th-century cathedral is also worth a visit.

Afterward, treat yourself to a little time out by the sea, whether it’s for sunbathing, swimming, or taking a stroll.

In the evening, you will finally reach Alberobello, where you can end the evening with a glass of wine.

Lecce - Alberobello: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes / approx. 120 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy

The landmarks of the region around Alberobello are the so-called trulli, round stone buildings with a conical roof. The city center consists of over 1000 trulli and has been protected by UNESCO since 1996. Many of the inhabitants of the region live from agriculture, local food is traditionally home-cooked. Southern Italians are very proud people, especially when it comes to their local cuisine. So it is not uncommon when tourists are spontaneously invited to dinner and served the typical bombette (veal roulades).

In the afternoon, you should pay a visit to the small beautiful town of Locorotondo. A must: stroll through the alleys and admire the view of the Itria Valley from the park.

Afterward, make your way to neighboring Martina Franca, a small town founded around the 10th century. According to recent studies, people first settled in the area after fleeing Taranto, which had been overrun by the Saracens. The old town is also adorned with numerous baroque buildings, making Martina Franca the second most important baroque town in the south.

Duration of trip: about 20 hours / about 15 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy

After an exciting and thrilling week, the time has come to make your way home. Alternatively, we recommend an extension at one of the beautiful beaches of Puglia. If you feel like seeing more of what this gorgeous country has to offer, it is worthwhile to continue your trip to the neighboring provinces. The city of Naples is just 330 kilometers away and you can easily reach it by rental car.

Alberobello - Bari drive: approx. 1 hour / approx. 55 km

Alberobello - Brindisi drive: about 1 hour 30 minutes / about 80 km

Palazzo Filisio****, Trani, Apulia, Italy (2 nights)

Located in the heart of Trani's historic center, Palazzo Filisio offers guests a first-class restaurant and rooms overlooking the harbor and the Adriatic Sea. The historic 18th-century building offers 10 rooms. Its location makes it ideal for exploring the city and region of northern Puglia.

Hotel Sextantio****, Matera, Apulia, Italy (1 night)

Antique furniture, old stone floors, and white stone walls are lovingly combined with the latest techniques at Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita! Enjoy fresh products from the Basilicata region in the in-house cave church - By glowing candlelight, you will feel as if you have been transported to another time! Pure romance!

Suite Hotel Santa Chiara****, Lecce, Apulia, Italy (2 nights)

The boutique hotel in the middle of the old town of Lecce has only 21 rooms furnished to a high standard. Lecce's famous cathedral is just across the street, and most other of the main sights are within walking distance. From the rooftop terrace, hotel guests enjoy a wonderful view of the city, especially at sunset.

Masseria Torricella****, Alberobello, Apulia, Italy (2 nights)

In the middle of the Itria Valley, Masseria Torricella welcomes you with a heated outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a spacious private area. In the surrounding area, you will find numerous trulli stone houses.

The on-site restaurant serves fresh Apulian cuisine with organic local produce. Wi-Fi is free of charge in public areas.

Closest city: Bari

Closest airport: Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport

Duration of the trip: 8 days / 7 nights

Included

• 7 nights in the above-mentioned accommodations or similar:
  • 2 nights at Hotel Palazzo Filisio**** with breakfast in a Classic Room in Trani, Italy.
  • 1 night at Hotel Sextantio le Grotte**** with breakfast in a Classic Room in Matera, Italy
  • 2 nights at Hotel Santa Chiara Suite**** with breakfast in a Classic Room in Lecce, Italy
  • 2 nights at Hotel Masseria Torricella**** with breakfast in a Standard Room in Alberobello, Italy
• 7 days of the rental car category BB (VW Polo or similar)
• The starting price is valid in the travel period 17.10.21 - 03.11.21

Not included

• International flights
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services
• Excursions (sightseeing, entrance fees, etc.)
• Tips and personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Luggage during the ferry crossings (per piece of luggage approx. 2 EUR)
• Tourism tax (to be paid on the spot)

Car rental

• Unlimited kilometers
• Comprehensive insurance and car theft protection with reimbursement of the deductible, including damage to glass, roof, tires, underbody (incl.oil pan and clutch)
• Reimbursement of towing costs
• Reimbursement of costs for loss of or damage to vehicle keys and documents
• Reimbursement of damage and theft of car radio and navigation system (mobile or built-in) in connection with burglary damage
• Reimbursement of accident handling fee
• Customary national liability coverage as well as supplementary liability insurance in the amount of EUR 7.5 million. Accident insurance (PAI): including coverage up to EUR 20,000 per person in the rental car.
• Local taxes and airport fees
• Other rental car categories are available on request
• Additional services, such as driver & luggage insurance, GPS, child seats and additional drivers can be booked on site at the rental car station.
• Minimum age: 25. For drivers aged 23 and 24 years, there is an additional Young Driver fee.
• Driver must be in possession of a driver's license for at least one year