Explore Puglia, Italy On a 7-Day Travel Itinerary
A week in Puglia is the sweet spot; enough time to wander whitewashed hill towns, relax in a countryside masseria, savor homemade pasta, and discover both the regions coastal and cultural charm. This Puglia 7-day itinerary takes you from the iconic trulli of Alberobello to the glowing baroque streets of Lecce and finally to the warm, shallow waters of Gallipoli. With built-in rest days, authentic culinary experiences, and handpicked accommodations, it’s designed to give you a beautiful blend of culture, coastline, and slow-living Italian allure.
To learn more about the region, check out my guide to the Best Towns to Visit in Puglia, Italy. Or, for a shorter stay, don’y miss this curated 3-day Puglia Itinerary.
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If you’d like this itinerary turned into a fully custom, book-ready framework with specific restaurant reservations, hotel and masseria bookings, and tours aligned to your exact dates and travel style, I can do that for you with Dear Destination Travel Itineraries.
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How to Use This 7-Day Itinerary
- Arrival/Departure hubs: Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS). These airports can be accessed internationally or easily added to a larger Italy itinerary via short domestic flights.
- Transport: I recommend a rental car for maximum flexibility. Where helpful, I’ve added train/bus notes.
- Accommodations: Vetted and highly rated, I have included stunning recommendations that bring the incredible culture and beauty of the region to life. If you like what you see I’ve included Booking.com links for your convenience.
- Tours: Cooking classes and activities referenced are from GetYourGuide, so you can actually book them.
I’ve included affiliate links within each itinerary. If you make a purchase using one of the links provided, I may receive compensation from the service or product provider at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.
7-Day Puglia Highlights Itinerary
Focus: Trulli stay, masseria lifestyle, coast, and a bit of baroque
Suggested route: Bari → Alberobello → Ostuni countryside → Lecce → Gallipoli → Bari
Overview
- Nights 1–2: Alberobello (trullo stay)
- Nights 3–5: Ostuni countryside (masseria with trulli)
- Nights 6–7: Gallipoli (Ionian Coast)
- Lecce: Included as a half-day stop between Ostuni & Gallipoli
Where to Stay (7 Days)
- Alberobello (2 nights, trullo): Trulli Terra Viva, Trullo Piccolo are historic trulli buildings remastered into luxury villas just outside of town; or for a centrally located trullo Le Alcove is beautiful.
- Ostuni countryside (3 nights, masseria with trulli):
- Masseria Cervarolo– historic 16th-century farmhouse with some rooms in actual trulli, a beautiful pool, and strong focus on local cuisine.
- Masseria Salinola – Rustic elegance describes the white-stone, cave-style dwellings among resort style gardens a short drive outside of the old town.
- Ionian Coast – Gallipoli (2 nights):
- Luxury: Palazzo del Corso – A wellness resort in the heart of Gallipoli with panoramic views over the city and the Ionian Sea.
- Boutique: Palazzo Presta – Artfully curated, romantic boutique stay in the old town with a sun-drenched rooftop terrace for dreamy Aperol-sunset moments.
- Relaxed: I Bastioni San Domenico – Built into Gallipoli’s ancient sea walls with coastal views that feel far more luxurious than the price tag.
Day 1 – Arrive & Settle into Your Trullo (Alberobello)
Moring into Early Afternoon (depending on flight times):
Arrive in Bari or Brindisi and pick up your rental car. Drive 1-1.5 hours to Alberobello and check-in to your trullo. In the afternoon take a guided trulli walking tour to get your bearings. Try one of these tours:
- “Alberobello: 1-Hour Trulli Guided Walking Tour” or
- “Alberobello: Private 2-hour Walking Tour”
- Your guide will explain how trulli were built, and point out icons like Trullo Sovrano and the trullo-shaped church.
Relaxing Evening After a Long Day of Traveling:
Enjoy dinner in town at a cozy trattoria (try the orecchiette with cime di rapa), followed by an evening passeggiata (leisurely walk) through the softly-lit lanes before turning in for a restful night.
Day 2 – Valle d’Itria Villages & Wine
Morning – Explore Charming Villages
- Drive 10 min to Locorotondo for coffee, pasticciotto (Apulian pastry), and photo-perfect balconies overlooking the Valle d’Itria.
- Continue to Cisternino (about a 15 min drive), known for its “fornelli pronti” butcher shops that grill meat to order.
Afternoon – Wine or Olive Oil Experience
- Book a Valle d’Itria wine tasting or olive oil tasting (look for Martina Franca/Locorotondo/Ostuni-area tours – there are options pairing masseria visits with EVOO tastings and vineyard tours). Here are my recommendations:
- “Apulia: Guided Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers” – explore the authentic flavors of the region at the Vigna il Castagno winery. This tour includes a decadent wine and appetizer pairing set among rows of grape vines for a truly authentic Italian farm to table experience.
- “Cisternino E-bike Tour: Visit a winery and an oil mill” – tour the streets of Cisternino by e-bike. Then head out of town to a local winery and oil mill where you will learn all about local production and enjoy 3 glasses of wine produced on site and an Apulian friselle doused with evo oil.
- “Valle d’Itria: A Day Tour with Tasting” – this full day tour covers all the bases, starting and ending in Martina Franca and hitting Locorotundo, Cisternino and Alberobello in between. This all-in-one tour also includes a wine tasting, olive oil tasting and a traditional lunch.
Evening
- Dine in one of Cisternino’s, fornelli pronti (butcher shops that grill meat to order) before heading back to your hotel for a quiet evening.
- Optional: Take in a stunning sunset over the countryside from a Locorotondo hilltop viewpoint on your way back.
Day 3 – Masseria Life in the Ostuni Countryside
Morning
- Check out of your trullo and drive ~40–50 minutes to your masseria near Ostuni (e.g., Masseria Cervarolo).
- Settle in, enjoy a welcome espresso and a wander through olive groves.
Afternoon – Pool & Slow Time
- Built-in rest block: lounge by the pool, read, nap, enjoy the quiet.
Evening – Masseria Dinner
- Many masserie serve a multi-course dinner for guests focused on hyper-local ingredients and house olive oil. Book in advance and make this a relaxed, on-property evening.
Day 4 – White City of Ostuni & Cooking Class
Morning – Ostuni Town
- Head to Ostuni, the “White City.” Wander the Centro Storico, from the cathedral to Piazza della Libertà, poke into boutiques, and pause for an espresso with a view over the Adriatic.
Afternoon / Evening – Cooking Class
- Return to the countryside for a cooking class such as:
- “Ostuni: Puglian Cooking Class with Wine Tasting” – hosted at a winery where you will be invited to pick fresh ingredients straight from the estates garden before participating in a hands-on cooking experience followed by a sit-down meal with wine pairings.
- “Ostuni: cooking class for fried panzerotti and puccitedde” – learn how to make fried local fare in a traditional home in Ostuni.
- You’ll learn regional dishes (often panzerotti, orecchiette, and a typical dessert) and enjoy them with local wine.
Day 5 – Beach Day: Torre Guaceto or Costa Merlata
Morning / Afternoon
- Drive to a nearby Adriatic beach (e.g., Torre Guaceto Beach and Nature Reserve or the small coves near Costa Merlata such as Spiaggia di Santa Lucia, Cala Fiorella or Cala di Luna Giuliana).
- Pack a simple picnic or grab panini from a local bar.
- Swim, nap, read – this is intentionally a low-key day.
Evening
- Casual dinner back near Ostuni or at your masseria. Make it an early night and enjoy stargazing over the olive trees.
Day 6 – Transfer to the Coast: Gallipoli with a Lecce Stopover
Morning – Depart Ostuni for Lecce (50 minutes)
- Park near Lecce’s historic center and enjoy 3–4 hours exploring. Don’t miss:
- Basilica di Santa Croce (baroque masterpiece)
- Piazza del Duomo
- Roman amphitheater
- Coffee & rustico leccese (a local savory pastry)
Afternoon – Continue to Gallipoli (30 minutes)
- Arrive at your hotel on Gallipoli Island.
- Spend your first afternoon walking the seafront old town, exploring the maze-like alleys and the castle.
Evening
- Dinner overlooking the Ionian Sea. Try fresh grilled prawns or Gallipoli’s famous seafood crudo.
- Optional: sunset from the old walls or a rooftop terrace.
Day 7 – Sea Caves & Departure
Morning – City views from the sea
- Take a boat tour around the island. Try one of these tours:
Afternoon
- Return to Gallipoli’s historic center: visit the cathedral, browse artisan ceramics, stop at the fish market.
- Head to Baia Verde or Punta della Suina for warm, shallow, Caribbean-like turquoise water.
- Swim, relax, rent loungers if you want full comfort.
Evening
- One last Ionian sunset dinner.
- Optional: If you missed the earlier boating opportunity book a short sunset sail from Gallipoli (often available to local coves or for sunset).
Depart the next morning for Bari/Brindisi depending on your flight.
Puglia 7-Day Itinerary Packing List
A week in Puglia means a mix of countryside relaxation, historic towns, and beach time, so your packing list should cover comfort, style, and versatility.
Clothing & Footwear
- Light linen outfits for warm days exploring Valle d’Itria.
- Dressier evening looks for dinners at masserie or seaside restaurants.
- Comfort-first shoes for cobblestone streets (avoid slippery soles).
- A pair of beach sandals or slides for easy transitions between sand, coves, and your hotel.
- Swimsuits (at least two), especially for masseria pool days and Ionian beaches.
- A breathable cover-up for walking between beach areas or grabbing lunch seaside.
- Light scarf or wrap for breezy evenings or church visits.
Essentials for the Coast & Countryside
- Sun protection kit: wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses.
- Water-resistant tote or beach bag for coastal days at Torre Guaceto or Baia Verde.
- Quick-dry towel for spontaneous swims or boat tours.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during warm days in Ostuni or Lecce.
- Bug spray, especially if you’re staying in an olive grove–surrounded masseria.
Toiletries & Wellness
- After-sun lotion, aloe, or hydrating cream.
- Nausea relief medication/remedy for your boat day. I prefer this inhaler.
- Travel-size first-aid basics (pain reliever, blister patches, antihistamine).
- Any personal medications—rural pharmacies may have limited hours.
Tech & Travel Organization
- Portable charger for full days out in hill towns.
- Universal adapter (Italy uses Type C/F plugs, 220V).
- Offline maps for the countryside and beaches where cell service can dip. Check out my article on the Best Travel Apps for my navigation picks.
- Small day bag for villages, market stops, and Lecce sightseeing.
Check out my more general Travel Essentials Packing Checklist and get your free download.
Final Thoughts from Your Travel Consultant
After seven indulgent days, you’ll leave Puglia with a camera full of coastal sunsets, a craving for orecchiette, and maybe even a bottle of olive oil in your checked luggage. This itinerary showcases the region’s diversity, complete with historic towns, countryside relaxation, and sparkling Ionian beaches, while leaving in time to breath, be and simply indugle in the Apulian lifestyle.
If you’d like a version of this itinerary tailored for romance, family travel, food lovers, or a luxury-forward escape, I’d be thrilled to design a custom travel plan just for you, complete with reservations, logistics, and local insights. Get in touch with me on my services page.
