10 Days Discovering the Heel of Southern Italy
A Relaxed 10-Day Puglia Itinerary for Travelers Who Prefer the Quiet Corners
I recently worked with a couple planning a 10-day trip to Italy in April. They were experienced European travelers, but this time they wanted something different. Southern Italy caught their attention — and as we talked more, it became clear they had very little interest in the usual highlights.
So I asked a simple question: If you went to Italy and never stepped foot in Rome, would that bother you? The answer was an enthusiastic no.
That confirmed the direction immediately. Instead of fighting crowds, we leaned into a slower, more local region that still delivers culture, food, and beauty in spades: Puglia, the boot-heel of Italy.
Start (and Ending) in Bari
This itinerary begins and ends in Bari, Puglia’s largest city and an easy point of entry. Sitting right on the Adriatic, Bari has a lived-in feel — less polished than Rome or Florence, but full of energy.
Here, the pace is gentle. A few favorite ways to spend time include a street food tour through the old town, a bike ride along the waterfront, or a boat trip to the sea caves near Polignano a Mare. It’s a great place to shake off jet lag without feeling rushed.
After a few days, it’s time to hop on a short train ride inland.
Ostuni and the Olive Groves
Next stop: Ostuni, often called the White Town for its whitewashed buildings that glow in the sun. Perched on a hill about eight kilometers from the sea, Ostuni feels timeless and calm.
This part of Puglia is serious about olive oil and wine, so it made sense to center activities around both. A wine tasting paired with an olive orchard tour and oil tasting fit the tone perfectly.
Another standout option is a day trip to Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses. For these clients, I found a tour that combined Alberobello with a wine experience — always a win.
Lecce: Baroque Beauty & Rest
After Ostuni, the journey continues south to Lecce, often called the Florence of the South. The comparison comes from its ornate Baroque architecture, much of it carved from local limestone.
A guided walking tour is the best way to appreciate the details here. But Lecce also offers one of my favorite travel activities anywhere: cooking. With wheat, olive oil, and wine forming the backbone of local cuisine, a hands-on cooking class fits right in. The one I booked for these clients was titled “Make Pasta. Drink Wine.” No notes.
A Smooth Journey Home
After a few slow days in Lecce, it’s an easy train ride back to Bari for one final night before an early flight home. No long backtracking. No stressful last-minute transfers. Just a calm wrap-up to the trip.
Beyond This Itinerary
Even with ten days, this itinerary only scratches the surface of what Puglia offers. Cities like Brindisi, Monopoli, and Taranto deliver the same easygoing feel with their own personalities.
And just beyond Puglia’s border lies Matera, with its cave dwellings carved into the rock. While many people visit on a day trip, it’s far more memorable with an overnight stay or two.
Why Choosing Hidden Gems Makes Your Trip Better
Exploring small towns in Europe isn’t just about avoiding crowds—it’s about connecting more deeply with a place. These destinations invite you to pause, breathe, and genuinely take in where you are.
They’re slower. They’re warmer. And they make Europe feel personal, not just photographic.
If you want help weaving these kinds of places into a thoughtful, well-paced itinerary, I’d love to create something just for you.
Author Bio
Meet Chris Gassler
Chris Gassler is a Europe-focused travel advisor and fluent French speaker who has lived abroad and traveled extensively across the continent. Through Hidden Pearl Travel, he helps travelers plan well-paced, deeply personal trips that feel intentional rather than overwhelming.
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