Itinerary

A 25-day adventure through Bari, Lecce, and Sicily sounds like a dream! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and a taste of the local culture.

## Days 1-5: Bari

## Day 1: Arrival in Bari

• Arrive in Bari and check into your accommodation.
• Stroll along the Lungomare (seafront promenade) and enjoy the sunset.
• Dinner at a local trattoria—try the orecchiette pasta!

## Day 2: Explore Bari Vecchia

• Morning: Visit the Basilica di San Nicola and the Castello Normanno-Svevo.
• Afternoon: Wander through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, stopping at local shops.
• Evening: Enjoy a gelato at a local gelateria.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Alberobello

• Take a day trip to Alberobello (about 1 hour away).
• Explore the iconic trulli houses and visit the Trullo Sovrano.
• Return to Bari for dinner.

## Day 4: Polignano a Mare

• Morning: Head to Polignano a Mare (30 minutes by train).
• Spend the day at the beach and explore the charming old town.
• Try the famous “caffè speciale” at a local café.

## Day 5: Matera Day Trip

• Take a day trip to Matera (about 1.5 hours away).
• Explore the Sassi cave dwellings and enjoy lunch in a cave restaurant.
• Return to Bari for a relaxing evening.

## Days 6-10: Lecce

## Day 6: Travel to Lecce

• Morning: Take a train from Bari to Lecce (about 2 hours).
• Check into your accommodation and have lunch.
• Afternoon: Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Piazza del Duomo.

## Day 7: Lecce’s Baroque Architecture

• Spend the day exploring Lecce’s stunning baroque architecture.
• Visit the Roman Amphitheater and the Church of the Holy Cross.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Puglian dinner.

## Day 8: Otranto Day Trip

• Take a day trip to Otranto (about 30 minutes away).
• Visit the Otranto Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle.
• Relax on the beach before heading back to Lecce.

## Day 9: Gallipoli

• Day trip to Gallipoli (about 1 hour away).

• Explore the old town and relax on the beautiful beaches.
• Try the local seafood for dinner.

## Day 10: Relax and Explore Local Markets

• Spend a leisurely day in Lecce.
• Visit local markets and shops, and perhaps take a cooking class.
• Enjoy a quiet evening in a local wine bar.

## Days 11-15: Sicily (Catania and Taormina)

## Day 11: Travel to Catania

• Morning: Take a train or bus to Catania (about 3-4 hours).
• Check into your accommodation and have lunch.
• Afternoon: Explore the historic center, including Piazza del Duomo.

## Day 12: Mount Etna

• Take a day trip to Mount Etna.
• Go hiking or take a guided tour to explore the craters.
• Return to Catania for dinner.

## Day 13: Taormina

• Day trip to Taormina (about 1 hour away).

• Visit the ancient Greek Theatre and enjoy stunning views of the coast.
• Spend some time at Isola Bella beach.

## Day 14: Siracusa

• Day trip to Siracusa (about 1 hour away).

• Explore the archaeological park and the beautiful Ortigia Island.
• Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

## Day 15: Relax in Catania

• Spend a leisurely day in Catania.
• Visit local markets and try street food like arancini and cannoli.
• Enjoy a quiet evening at a local café.

## Days 16-20: Western Sicily (Palermo and Trapani)

## Day 16: Travel to Palermo

• Morning: Take a train or bus to Palermo (about 2.5 hours).
• Check into your accommodation and have lunch.
• Afternoon: Visit the Palermo Cathedral and the Quattro Canti.

## Day 17: Explore Palermo

• Visit the Capuchin Catacombs and the Teatro Massimo.
• Enjoy a street food tour in the evening.

## Day 18: Day Trip to Monreale

• Take a short trip to Monreale to see the stunning cathedral.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the town and enjoying the views.

## Day 19: Trapani and Erice

• Day trip to Trapani (about 1.5 hours away).

• Visit the salt pans and take a cable car up to Erice for breathtaking views.

## Day 20: Relax in Palermo

• Spend a leisurely day in Palermo.
• Visit local markets and enjoy a final Sicilian dinner.

## Days 21-25: Return to Bari and Surroundings

## Day 21: Travel Back to Bari

• Morning: Travel back to Bari (about 4 hours).
• Check into your accommodation and relax.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Bari.

## Day 22: Day Trip to Castel del Monte

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Castel del Monte.
• Explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy a picnic.

## Day 23: Relax and Explore More of Bari

• Spend a leisurely day exploring any areas you may have missed.
• Visit local shops and enjoy a final gelato.

## Day 24: Beach Day

• Spend a day at one of the nearby beaches, like Torre a Mare or Polignano a Mare.
• Relax and soak up the sun.

## Day 25: Departure

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping.
• Depart from Bari with wonderful memories!

---

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and pace. Enjoy your Italian adventure! 🌍✈️🍝