I would like to plan a trip for me and my husband to travel to the Puglia region of Italy from 4/27 - 5/6/2024 (10 days) flying from Boston to Bari. I'm seeing some prices on Luftansa's site but have not booked yet. We would like to take some day trips to visit some of the nearby towns or maybe spend several days in Lecce or Trani then return to Bari to fly out of. We would like to visit the olive groves, beaches, sea caves and fishing villages while in the area. I am looking for suggestions on how to plan an itinerary for this trip, places to visit and stay (mid-range with larger rooms or a mini suite. Thanks for any assistance!

Welcome to Fodors. We moved your thread to the Europe Forum, it is now tagged for italy

I will be there in Nov 2024 doing Southern Italy for the month. On a map going out from Bari I would list the towns, which will probably number about 10. I have been watching and finding lots and lots of videos and articles on the hidden treasures of southern Italy, best beach towns of SI, best picturesque towns of SI, you get the idea. Ostuni, Lecce, Alberbello, Monopoli, Otranto, Polignano, Trani, Molfetto, Locotondo, etc.

You could fly into Bari, spend a day or two based there (including a daytrip to Trani by train). While public transport exists, a car is useful for your intended daytrips (you can pickup a rental when leaving Bari). Pick one base somewhere in Valle d'Itria (to cover Polignano/Alberobello/Locrotondo/ Ostuni/Martina Franca etc, as listed by jan47ete) and one further south in the Salento, perhaps Lecce. I prefer multiple bases to avoid needless backtracking but thats a choice for you to make. Do invest in a good guidebook like Lonely Planet's Southern Italy before you firm up a plan.

Jan47ete - Good idea. I’ll take a look at some videos on You Tube. And, yes a map going out from Bari is a good idea. Thanks.

ANUJ - Not sure we would rent a car. Are the drivers like they are in Rome or Sorrento - yikes? Are trains easy to get on and purchase tickets a few days before heading out? I’ve been on Lonelyplanet’s site and will take a look at their guide. Thanks.

Do your ten days include arrival and departure days?

I was in Puglia this May but had more time than you do and also rented a car. Lecce to Bari and back are easy by train. Monopoli and Polignano a Mare easy by train too. The Valle d'Itria may requite a bit more planning. A Fodorite took a trip to Puglia this past spring, didn't rent a car and instead arranged private transfers/tours for her trip. Her trip report is here:
Trip Report-Puglia and Matera (8 nights)-last minute trip-mid to late March 2023

Just FYI, the TripAdvisor Puglia forum is very active, lots of tips there.

I've been a few times (cycling, driving and using public transport) now and can recommend the trains and long distance buses especially if you are travelling town to town. If you decide to stay in a masseria (look it up, they are special) then a car makes more sense. Having a car in some town centres will be a real pain, for example the old centre of Lecce can be a nightmare with very narrow streets. So certainly get a small car not a large one. If driving to Lecce, ask the local hotel or B&B to give advice as to where to park etc. Similar views exist in some other towns. You'll find that many towns in the area have lovely centres but maybe not so pretty externals, so push through and find the pearls.

Towns mentioned are all good, some of the more extraordinary are further down in the heel and the base of the heel, but all are interesting.

My advice is to turn off any northern European/North American anglo saxon type expectations, the people are lovely but a little chilled and relaxing into stuff will make the trip go better.

We spent ten days there based in Polignano a Mare. Beautiful spot! We had a rental car and I can’t imagine touring Puglia on public transportation. Get a car!

Another related TR, sorry no fotos yet.
Bella Puglia (also Basilicata and Rome)
I am done. the end

Yes, our 10 days includes arrival and departure so we are really only there for 8 days. We really don't want to rent a car as we do enough driving here at home and need a break from that and don't want to deal with driving/parking hassles. In your opinion would 8 days be enough to be based in Bari then take day trips to Lecce, Monopli and Polignaro a Mare? If you were to stay in one of the other areas for a few days as well as Bari which would you choose? I will take a look at the Fododite's trip to Puglia.

Thanks.

Got it, thanks.

Will look into Polignaro a Mare since it is only 35m from Bari airport. Maybe stay here for a few days as well. Thank you so much.

Thanks for your help in planning an itinerary to Puglia!