Scents and Colours of Puglia

Get back in your car and say goodbye to Alberobello.

Start your walk through the history of Locorotondo from this little church with its characteristic rose window on the edge of the old town.
It may seem simple and bare, but it’s actually a church of great historical value, as it’s the oldest church in Locorotondo (it would appear to date back to the late 15th century).
Inside, it contains a local stone altar and a 16th-century sculpture of St George the Martyr, both very valuable and beautiful.

As you make your way through the old town, you’ll pass this church and, if you like, you can go inside.
There’s an air of simplicity, also given by the structure’s neoclassical style, but it’s worth spending a few minutes here to recall the history of its construction. It was in fact built at the behest of a priest who, in 1885, had the old castle that stood here demolished to replace it with the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, so as to forget (and, perhaps, ask forgiveness for) the atrocities that had been committed in the underground prisons.

Stroll through the garden of the Villa Comunale and look out onto the panoramic terrace, letting your gaze wander over the landscape of the Itria Valley, dotted with characteristic trulli and olive trees.

Say goodbye to Locorotondo with a stop in a special place: an exceptional view from the fields over the town with an extra-special feature: the hay bales here have been decorated with crocheted doilies, in a truly perfect combination of elegant and rustic.
This is part of an artistic project that sings the praises of the power of Nature and the union between the Sun (the wheat, symbol of fertility) and the Moon (the doilies, pale mandalas), in order to make the Apulian landscape an authentic living picture that you can immerse yourself in.

Leave your car in this convenient car park on the edge of the town.

Visit the Church of St Nicholas of Patara, the spiritual heart of the city and religious legacy of the past, since it was built on the remains of an ancient temple of Basilian monks, built around the year 1000.
Inside, you can still see traces of the original construction, as well as the most important sculpture of the Apulian Renaissance: the Madonna del Cardellino from 1517.
Don't miss this masterpiece of art and history.
The church remains open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Here you are in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the heart of Cisternino.
The most iconic monument in the square, which still retains its original appearance, is undoubtedly the mid-19th-century Clock Tower, whose neoclassical style contrasts interestingly with the 17th- and 18th-century style of the surrounding buildings.
Clock as an instrument for marking time in daily life and as the fulcrum of the village: as in the past, during the 19th century, when the Civic Clock Towers established themselves in Puglia as a symbol of the identity of the urban context, so today, this square represents the meeting place par excellence for the inhabitants of Cisternino.

No fixed stops now: follow your instincts and let them guide you through the alleys of the old town, paved with typical Apulian stone.
Here, more than ever, you can enjoy getting lost and discovering hidden corners, in this village where the white of the houses acts as a canvas for the explosion of colours of the flowers that you’ll see everywhere.

After this nice walk, return to your car and head for the perfect place for your lunch.

You undoubtedly deserve to end your road trip on a high note and, since you’re spending the last day in Puglia, the winning choice can only be to have lunch in an authentic masseria.
The Apulian masseria was a group of rural buildings, sometimes even fortified, formerly used as animal shelters, storage for farming tools, and the dwelling of farmers and landowners.
The Masseria Il Frantoio is one of them: for five centuries, it was a farm, and has now been renovated as an organic agritourism and charming hotel.
The menu at the Frantoio is fixed, different every day, and no one knows what it is before eating it (obviously, in the kitchen, they take into account any allergies, intolerances, or preferences communicated).
You’ll also be able to taste the oils and rosoli (liqueurs) they produce and you’ll be looked after with care and warmth the whole time, receiving an explanation of each dish and the main ingredients.
This place’s strength is undoubtedly its humility and connection to tradition: although the dishes could well be starred, at the Frantoio they are keen to emphasise that there are no chefs in the kitchen but "km0 female cooks" because, according to their philosophy, cooking to nourish body and soul is a task that requires the sensitivity of women and mothers. No need for further introduction – you just have to sit down in this unique location and let yourself be transported into this culinary experience!
The restaurant is open daily for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and for dinner from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
To book your table, visit the website.

With your senses satisfied after the splendid lunch, head to one of the pearls of Puglia: Ostuni, the so-called "white city".
The reason for this name will immediately jump out at you as you look out from this panoramic terrace.

Leave your car in this car park within walking distance of the centre and now enter the city's alleys.

A symbolic place for Ostuni is the Spire of Saint Oronzo, built in 1711 in honour of the city's patron saint to thank him for saving the population from cholera and the frequent epidemics of the time.
It’s also an excellent starting point for your exploration of Ostuni.

Admire the elegance of the Ostuni Co-Cathedral, characterised by a peculiar Gothic façade, on which a gigantic rose window with concentric circles stands out. The outer one is formed of 24 rays, symbolising the hours of the day, and the outer one of 12 rays, representing the months of the year.
The interior is also worth a visit, especially for the 18th-century canvases dedicated to the life of Jesus, the martyrdom of Saint Blaise, and the Patron Saint Oronzo.
Located on the city's highest hill, it’s an essential stop in Ostuni, especially considering that right in front of its entrance is another of the wonders the white city has to offer: the Arco Scoppa, simply called "the Loggia" by the locals.
This arch, originally made of wood, is clearly distinct from the style of the town and therefore the surprising effect it will have on you when you see it will be even greater.
You can also try to take a picture of the co-cathedral through the arch, so that two of Ostuni's architectural treasures are captured in one photo.
The church can be visited inside every day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A place of overwhelming charm, the old port of Monopoli is one of those sights that will remain in your heart.
Its construction is thought to date back to the time of the old Messapian city in the 5th century BC (the Messapians were an ancient Apulian population settled in Salento) and today it’s used by local fishing boats that, especially during the morning, carry out traditional fishing activities.
Stunning in all seasons and in any light, don't miss the opportunity to stroll through this historically significant place.

As you make your way to the end of the pier, you’ll pass this peculiar building: it’s impossible not to notice Palazzo Martinelli, an 18th-century building constructed on the ancient city walls.
The façade overlooking the harbour is characterised by the three neo-Gothic arches of the loggia and the 18th-century round-arched windows of clear Venetian inspiration. A true architectural gem of Monopoli.

Walk past the Charles V Castle, a 16th-century building dating back to the Spanish occupation, to the far end of the pier, just below the Red Lighthouse, which sent the first light signals to sailors in 1878.
Apart from the lighthouse itself, this spot is special above all for its location: from here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the old harbour and the city from a privileged angle.

Leaving Monopoli, drive along this coast of rare beauty until you reach Polignano a Mare, where you’ll leave your car in this car park near the centre.

Besides churches, country roads and good food, Italy is also good music. That’s why you may find it interesting to walk around Polignano a Mare, starting by approaching the statue of Domenico Modugno, the famous singer-songwriter who was born here in 1928.
This emotional sculpture represents the singer in the act of embracing his hometown, with his arms outstretched as if to enclose it entirely.
With your eyes closed, with only the sound of the sea and wind behind you, you can almost hear the great Mimmo singing "Nel blu dipinto di blu...".

Stop and admire the breathtaking view from the Bourbon Bridge. From here, you’ll have a wonderful view of the beach of Lama Monachile, the most beautiful and photographed beach in town.
Experience a unique atmosphere, with the houses overlooking the sea, which seem to be suspended above it, and listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks before saying goodbye to the town of Polignano.

Get back in your car to start the last leg of your road trip through southern Italy.

Park your car a stone's throw from the restaurant to enjoy your last Italian dinner of this incredible road trip.

For your last dinner among Italian flavours, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an all-round sophisticated culinary experience.
As soon as you walk through the door of the restaurant, you’ll realise that you’re in an elegant ambience with sophisticated touches. The chef will take you on an incredible gastronomic journey, where traditional dishes from Puglia will be enriched by the highest quality products used to compose them.
Chef Scalea's cuisine will stimulate your gastronomy and artistic imagination bite after bite, leaving you with a tasty flavour of Puglia in your mouth so that you’ll only need to close your eyes and return to La Bul in your mind.
The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
We recommend booking in advance on the website.

Your incredible route through the whole of Italy ends here – or maybe not!
If you want to spend a night in the enchanting city of Bari, book your stay through the link below.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.