Itinerary for 7 day trip to Pouilles

A week in the stunning region of Puglia (or "Pouilles" in French) is a fantastic idea, especially with a focus on the life of Padre Pio. You’ll be enchanted by the beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and delicious cuisine. Let’s dive into your 7-day itinerary, starting from Paris!

Day 1: Arrival in

Morning: Fly from Paris to . Once you land, pick up your rental car.
Afternoon: Head to the historic center of . Stroll through the narrow streets of Vecchia, visit the , and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria. Don’t forget to try the famous orecchiette pasta!
Evening: Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant. A glass of local wine will be the perfect way to end your first day!

Day 2: (Padre Pio)

Morning: After breakfast, drive to (about 1.5 hours). This is where Padre Pio spent most of his life.
Afternoon: Visit the , where you can see the tomb of Padre Pio. Explore the new church, which is an architectural marvel.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in . Try some local specialties like "focaccia" or "cicoria" (chicory).

Day 3:

Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to (about 30 minutes). This town is known for its stunning views and the .
Afternoon: Explore the historic center and visit the sanctuary. The atmosphere is serene and spiritual, perfect for reflection.
Evening: Return to for dinner. Perhaps join a local evening mass if you’re interested in the spiritual experience.

Day 4: and

Morning: Depart for (about 1 hour). This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its trulli houses.
Afternoon: Spend the day wandering through the trulli district, and don’t forget to visit the . Afterward, head to nearby , known for its circular old town and beautiful views.
Evening: Enjoy a wine tasting in , sampling the local white wines. Dinner in a local osteria will be a delightful end to your day.

Day 5: and

Morning: Drive to , the "White City" (about 30 minutes). Explore the charming whitewashed streets and visit the .
Afternoon: After lunch, head to (about 30 minutes). This picturesque coastal town is famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Take a stroll along the cliffs and visit the beach.
Evening: Enjoy dinner overlooking the sea. The seafood here is a must-try!

Day 6: (Basilicata)

Morning: Take a day trip to (about 1.5 hours). This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as "Sassi."
Afternoon: Explore the , visit the rock churches, and enjoy lunch in one of the cave restaurants. The views are breathtaking!
Evening: Return to Puglia and have dinner in a local trattoria. Reflect on the unique experience of .

Day 7: Return to

Morning: Head back to (about 1 hour). Spend your last day exploring any sights you may have missed, like the or the local markets.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch and do some last-minute shopping for local products like olive oil and ceramics.
Evening: Return your rental car and catch your flight back to Paris, filled with wonderful memories of Puglia!

Tips:

Make sure to try local delicacies like "burrata," "taralli," and "pasticciotto."
Keep your camera handy; the landscapes and architecture are stunning!
If you have time, consider visiting some local vineyards for a wine tour.

I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable journey through Puglia, with a special connection to the life of Padre Pio! Safe travels! 🌍✈️🍷