Puglia Adventure: 10 Days of Italian Bliss Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to the Bari Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Bari). This bustling port is not only a gateway to the Adriatic but also a hub of activity and commerce. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the views of the ships and boats docked at the port. Next, join the Bari: Rickshaw Street Food Tour. This unique tour will take you through Bari's historic streets while sampling some of the city's best street food. From freshly made focaccia to delicious panzerotti, you'll get to taste a variety of local specialties while learning about their origins from your knowledgeable guide.

For lunch, head to Ristorante La Cecchina, known for its traditional Apulian dishes and warm atmosphere. Afterward, visit the Madonna delle Virtù Church (Chiesa di Madonna delle Virtù). This beautiful church is carved into the rock and offers stunning views of Bari's old town. In the afternoon, explore more of Bari with the Bari: Private custom tour with a local guide. Your guide will tailor the tour to your interests, taking you to hidden gems and lesser-known sites that showcase Bari's rich history and culture.

As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at Osteria del Borgo Antico, a cozy restaurant offering delicious seafood dishes. After dinner, unwind at Murattiano Cocktail Bar, known for its creative cocktails and relaxed ambiance.

Begin your day in Lecce with a visit to the magnificent Lecce Cathedral (Duomo di Lecce). This Baroque masterpiece is one of Lecce's most important religious sites. Take your time to admire its intricate façade and beautifully decorated interior. Next, explore more of Lecce on foot by joining the Bari Walking Tour, which will guide you through some of Lecce’s most iconic landmarks including Piazza Sant'Oronzo and Porta Napoli.

For lunch, dine at Le Zie Trattoria, renowned for its authentic Apulian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Afterward, head over to visit another architectural marvel - Church of Saint Irene (Chiesa di Sant'Irene). This historic church boasts stunning frescoes and an impressive altar. In the afternoon join an engaging cooking class experience -Apulian Cooking Course with Menu-. Learn how to prepare traditional Apulian dishes under expert guidance while gaining insight into local culinary traditions.

Conclude your day with dinner at Trattoria Le Zie which serves delicious regional specialties in an inviting setting before heading out for drinks at Caffè Alvino, located right on Piazza Sant'Oronzo offering great views along with excellent coffee or cocktails.

Start your third day by traveling from Lecce to Matera Zone which takes approximately 2 hours by car or train . Begin exploring Matera’s unique landscape starting off with visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site -Sassi di Matera-. These ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs offer fascinating insights into early human settlements dating back thousands years ago . Next , embark on guided e-bike tour -Matera Zone: E-bike Tour delle Murge and Cooking Class- allowing you not only explore picturesque countryside surrounding Matera but also participate hands-on cooking class learning how make delicious local dishes using fresh ingredients sourced nearby farms .

For lunch , enjoy meal prepared during cooking class before continuing exploration visiting another remarkable site -Murgia National Park (Parco della Murgia Materana)-. This vast parkland home diverse flora fauna as well numerous archaeological sites including prehistoric rock paintings ancient tombs making it perfect destination nature lovers history enthusiasts alike . Spend rest afternoon hiking trails within park taking breathtaking views rugged landscapes dotted wildflowers olive groves .

Return back town center enjoying dinner at highly recommended restaurant -Ristorante Francesca- serving delectable Italian cuisine amidst charming rustic ambiance followed relaxing evening sipping wine cozy wine bar -Enoteca dai Tosi- offering extensive selection regional wines paired delicious antipasti platters .

Padula Charterhouse (Certosa di Padula) is one of Italy's largest monasteries and an architectural marvel. Begin your day by exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charterhouse's grand cloisters, ornate chapels, and vast gardens provide a fascinating glimpse into monastic life. Next up is an engaging guided tour -Matera Zone: E-bike Tour delle Murge and Cooking Class-. This tour combines an e-bike ride through Matera’s picturesque countryside with hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn how prepare traditional local dishes using fresh ingredients sourced nearby farms .

Trattoria Lucana offers delectable regional cuisine perfect for lunch after morning explorations . Post-lunch , visit another remarkable site -Archaeological Park of Paestum (Parco Archeologico di Paestum)-. This ancient Greek city boasts well-preserved temples dating back centuries providing deep insight into early civilizations that once thrived here . Spend rest afternoon wandering around park taking breathtaking views ruins surrounded lush greenery learning about history through informative displays scattered throughout site .

Ristorante Francesca serves delicious Italian cuisine amidst charming rustic ambiance making it ideal spot dinner before heading out relaxing evening sipping wine cozy wine bar -Enoteca dai Tosi- offering extensive selection regional wines paired delicious antipasti platters .

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Gargano National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gargano), a natural paradise known for its diverse landscapes, from lush forests to stunning coastlines. Start your exploration with a hike through the Umbra Forest, one of the park's most famous areas. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife and offers numerous trails that cater to different fitness levels. After your hike, take some time to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. The fresh air and natural beauty of the park make it an ideal spot for a morning picnic. Don't forget to bring along some local delicacies from Puglia to enjoy during your break.

For lunch, head to Ristorante Il Capriccio, located near the park's entrance. This restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, join the Bari: Typical Fishing Boat Tour with Swimming and Snorkeling. This tour will take you along the beautiful coastline of Gargano National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The tour also includes stops at some of the park's hidden coves and beaches, allowing you to fully appreciate its natural beauty.

As evening approaches, make your way back to Bari for dinner at Ristorante Biancofiore, a highly-rated restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional Apulian cuisine. After dinner, unwind at La Ciclatera Sotto il Mare, a charming bar located near Bari's old town that offers a wide selection of cocktails and wines.

Start your day with a visit to Trani, a picturesque coastal town known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. Begin by exploring the stunning Trani Cathedral, which is located right on the waterfront. This Romanesque church is one of Puglia's most iconic landmarks and offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Next, join the Bari: Private custom tour with a local guide. Your guide will take you on a personalized tour of Trani's historic center, where you'll discover hidden gems such as medieval churches, ancient palaces, and charming piazzas.

For lunch, dine at Osteria La Banchina, a popular restaurant that serves fresh seafood dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Afterward, visit another historical site -Castel del Monte-. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an impressive 13th-century fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. Its unique octagonal shape and mysterious history make it one of Italy's most intriguing castles. Spend your afternoon exploring Castel del Monte's various rooms and towers while learning about its fascinating past through informative displays scattered throughout site .

Conclude your day with dinner at Trattoria da Miana which serves delicious regional specialties in an inviting setting before heading out for drinks at Bar Centrale, located right on Piazza Quercia offering great views along with excellent coffee or cocktails.

Begin another exciting day in Lecce by visiting one more architectural marvel -Lecce Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce)-. This ancient amphitheater dates back 2nd century AD provides fascinating glimpse into city’s Roman past . Next , embark guided walking tour -Bari: Old City Highlights Walking Tour- allowing you explore more highlights including Basilica Santa Croce , Porta Rudiae other notable landmarks while learning about their historical significance from knowledgeable guide .

For lunch , enjoy meal at highly recommended restaurant -Le Zie Trattoria- renowned authentic Apulian dishes made locally sourced ingredients before continuing exploration visiting another remarkable site -Porta Napoli-. This grand triumphal arch marks entrance historic center Lecce serves as great starting point further explorations around city . Spend rest afternoon wandering through narrow streets admiring Baroque architecture stopping occasionally quaint cafes sample local pastries such pasticciotto or gelato .

Return back town center enjoying dinner at highly recommended restaurant -Osteria degli Spiriti- serving delectable Italian cuisine amidst charming rustic ambiance followed relaxing evening sipping wine cozy wine bar -Vineria Santa Cruz- offering extensive selection regional wines paired delicious antipasti platters .

Faggiano Museum (Museo Faggiano) provides fascinating insight into Lecce’s rich history spanning over two thousand years . Start your day exploring this unique museum housed within historic building showcasing artifacts discovered during renovations revealing layers past civilizations including Roman medieval periods . Next , embark guided walking tour -Bari Walking Tour- allowing you explore more highlights including Basilica Santa Croce , Porta Rudiae other notable landmarks while learning about their historical significance from knowledgeable guide .

Le Zie Trattoria renowned authentic Apulian dishes made locally sourced ingredients perfect spot lunch before continuing exploration visiting another remarkable site -Porta Napoli-. This grand triumphal arch marks entrance historic center Lecce serves as great starting point further explorations around city . Spend rest afternoon wandering through narrow streets admiring Baroque architecture stopping occasionally quaint cafes sample local pastries such pasticciotto or gelato .

Return back town center enjoying dinner at highly recommended restaurant -Osteria degli Spiriti- serving delectable Italian cuisine amidst charming rustic ambiance followed relaxing evening sipping wine cozy wine bar -Vineria Santa Cruz- offering extensive selection regional wines paired delicious antipasti platters.

Begin your final day in Puglia with a visit to the Trullo Sovrano. This unique structure is the only two-story trullo in Alberobello and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's architectural heritage. Explore its interior to understand how these traditional dry stone huts were constructed and used by local families. Next, join the Walking Tour In The Wonderful Monopoli. This guided tour will take you through the charming streets of Monopoli, a coastal town known for its picturesque harbor and historic buildings. Learn about the town's history and culture as you stroll through its narrow alleys and visit key landmarks.

For lunch, head to Ristorante Il Guazzetto, a highly-rated restaurant in Monopoli known for its fresh seafood dishes. Afterward, make your way to Zoosafari Fasanolandia, one of Italy's largest wildlife parks. Spend your afternoon exploring the park's various sections, which include a safari drive-through area, an amusement park, and numerous animal exhibits. Enjoy close encounters with exotic animals such as lions, elephants, and giraffes while learning about their habitats and conservation efforts. The park also offers fun rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.

As evening approaches, return to Bari for your final dinner at Terra Terra, a cozy restaurant offering traditional Apulian cuisine with a modern twist. After dinner, unwind at La Biglietteria, a stylish bar located near Bari's old town that offers a wide selection of cocktails and wines. Reflect on your incredible journey through Puglia as you enjoy your last evening in this beautiful region.