Italian Rail Holiday Adventure
Olivia’s Puglia Adventure: Exploring Italy’s Authentic South by Rail
Olivia’s Puglia Adventure: Exploring Italy’s Authentic South by Rail
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Marvellous Escapes Travel Designer, Olivia Price, recently explored the beautiful region of Puglia, discovering a slower, more authentic side of Italy by rail.
From the historic streets of Lecce and the coastal charm of Monopoli to the traditional whitewashed towns of Alberobello, Ostuni and Locorotondo, Olivia experienced the perfect blend of culture, history, cuisine and stunning scenery that makes Puglia such a special destination.
We asked Olivia all about her journey, including her favourite destinations, standout experiences and her top tips for travelling through Puglia by train. Here’s what she shared about her Italian adventure.
What were your first impressions of Puglia when you arrived?
My first impression was that Puglia felt very authentic and relatively untouched in many areas. It was more rustic than some areas I have visited but less touristy, it had a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.
Which destination was your favourite – Bari, Brindisi or Lecce – and why?
Lecce was my favourite by far. It has so much history and character and not at all like other towns like Bari or Brindisi, there are also lots of lovely restaurants, cafés and bars, so there was always somewhere great to stop and enjoy the atmosphere.
Which hotel stood out the most, and what made it special?
The hotel that stood out most to me was Grand Hotel Lecce. You could really tell that in its day it was such a special hotel, location was great, right between the station and the beginning of the old town and the outdoor pool area was lovely and relaxing.
What was the best rail journey or train experience during the trip?
The journey from Bari to Brindisi in First Class was a highlight. It was one of the longer train journeys of the trip, so it was nice to experience it with the extra comfort and space. I will definitely say First Class is worth considering if the budget allows.
Which included tour or excursion was your favourite?
The trip to Alberobello, Ostuni and Locorotondo was my favourite excursion. It was an excellent way to see all three destinations in one day, particularly as they aren’t as easy to visit by public transport. The lunch included was lovely too. Locorotondo was a real surprise for me – it wasn’t originally on my list of must-see places, but it ended up being one of my favourite towns of the trip.
Was there a particular attraction or landmark that you think every visitor should see?
I would recommend exploring the historic centre of Lecce. The mix of Italian and Spanish influences, beautiful churches and the Roman Amphitheatre really showcases the city’s history and character. It’s also a wonderful city to simply wander around and discover at your own pace.
Did you discover any hidden gems that you would recommend?
Locorotondo was probably my biggest hidden gem. I hadn’t expected it to be one of my favourites, but I absolutely loved its charming streets, beautiful, whitewashed buildings and relaxed atmosphere – it was also less busy than Ostuni and Alberobello.
Which café, wine bar or aperitivo spot had the best atmosphere?
There were so many lovely places to choose from, particularly in Lecce. The city has a fantastic restaurant and café culture, with lots of atmospheric spots tucked away amongst the historic streets. Sira Rooftop Bar in the Petra Place overlooks Basilica of Santa Croce which was one of my favourite historical buildings in the city, also the rooftop bar in Leon d’Oro in Bari has a lovely atmosphere and great location beside the Station
What was your favourite beach, coastal view or scenic location?
Monopoli was a favourite. It’s only around 20 minutes by train from Bari, making it incredibly easy to visit, and it has a beautiful coastal setting with charming streets and lovely sea views.
Which destination had the nicest old town to explore?
Lecce, without a doubt. I loved the contrast between the streets and architecture, with both Italian and Spanish influences. The churches, Roman Amphitheatre and beautiful historic buildings give the city so much character, and there are endless great restaurants, cafés and bars to discover along the way.
What surprised you most about the region?
I was really surprised by how vegan-friendly Puglia was. I also loved how untouched a lot of the region still feels. It doesn’t feel overly commercialised, which gives it an authentic character.
What practical tips would you give clients travelling around Puglia by rail?
The Italian rail network is a great way to get around and is particularly useful for connecting places such as Bari, Brindisi, Lecce and Monopoli. I would recommend checking train times in advance and allowing yourself plenty of time at the stations. For longer journeys, First Class is worth considering if your budget allows, as the additional comfort makes the journey more enjoyable. For smaller towns and some of the more rural destinations, I would recommend booking an organised excursion in advance to avoid disappointment.
Who do you think this itinerary is perfect for?
I think this itinerary is perfect for clients who want to experience authentic Italy while combining history, culture, food and beautiful coastal scenery. As someone who has travelled Italy quite a lot over the years, it definitely has a slower pace than Northern Italy and major cities and with such variations in towns and coastal areas it’s the perfect place to do a multicentre trip without too much travel.
Finally, sum up your Puglia adventure in just three words.
Historic. Authentic. Charming.
Would you like to explore Puglia by rail?
Our Italian rail holidays offer a captivating way to explore one of Europe’s most vibrant and diverse countries, combining carefully selected hotels, scenic train journeys and unforgettable experiences along the way.
Whether you’re looking to discover Puglia’s historic towns, beautiful coastline and authentic local experiences, or combine the region with other highlights of southern Italy, our Puglia rail holidays offer a carefully planned way to explore this captivating part of Italy. From our Puglia Beyond Grand Tour to our Puglia Beyond itinerary, our Travel Designers can tailor your journey to match your interests, pace and travel style.
If Olivia’s journey has inspired you to discover Puglia for yourself, speak to our Travel Designers on 020 3764 2445 or contact us via our enquiry form. We’d love to help you plan your own Italian rail adventure.
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