Puglia and Basillicata Self-drive
Uncover Italy’s rugged south on this 10-day self-drive. You’ll start in Puglia, the ‘heel’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, then cross into Basilicata, a little-known region that’s big on history and natural beauty.
“Puglia is often known as ‘the table of Italy’ for its fresh produce and good, honest home cooking. The region offers some of the best cheese, olive oil, bread, pasta and excellent easy-to-drink wines like Locorotondo white or Primitivo red. The Saturday market in the charming hilltop town of Ostuni is a must-visit for foodies, filled with an array of delicious local produce. Forty-five minutes’ west of Ostuni is the fairy-tale town of Alberobello, home to many historic trulli houses. For good quality produce and wines, seek out Enoteca Tholos, where I like to stock up on excellent olive oil.
On the drive to Basilicata, stop off at Altamura, where you can buy the best bread in all of Italy! In Basilicata, stay in Matera. Here, you’ll find the sassi, which are districts of spectacular ancient cave dwellings. Stroll around the labyrinthine alleys and streets of the two sassi and you’ll come across cave houses, cave restaurants and cave bars!”