48 Hours in Puglia

Tucked away in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a region bursting with charm, flavour and sunshine. It’s a destination where time slows, olive groves stretch endlessly and ancient towns spill into the blue of the Adriatic Sea. Spending 48 hours here offers a perfect introduction to southern Italian life, filled with delicious food, warm hospitality and striking architecture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another taste, Puglia never fails to surprise and delight.

Day One: Discovering Bari and the Adriatic Breeze

Begin your Puglian adventure in Bari, the region’s vibrant capital. Once a gritty port city, Bari has reinvented itself into a lively cultural hub that still retains its authentic soul. Start your morning at Bari Vecchia, the old town, where locals make fresh orecchiette pasta right outside their doorways. Wander through winding alleys, discover hidden courtyards and pop into the Basilica di San Nicola, home to the relics of Saint Nicholas.

For lunch, head to a seaside trattoria and sample some of Puglia’s famous seafood. Grilled octopus, marinated anchovies and sea urchin pasta are all worth trying. After lunch, take a gentle stroll along the Lungomare promenade, with views of the Adriatic stretching endlessly ahead.

In the afternoon, jump on a regional train to Polignano a Mare, a picture-perfect town perched dramatically on cliffs. Enjoy a gelato in the piazza, then walk through the narrow streets until you reach the famous Lama Monachile beach. The view is postcard-worthy, with turquoise waters tucked between limestone cliffs.

End your day with dinner at a cliffside restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh produce and local wine with the sound of the sea below.

Day Two: Trulli, Olive Groves and Countryside Charm

Rise early and head inland to Alberobello, one of Puglia’s most iconic sights. The town is famous for its trulli, traditional limestone houses with conical roofs that look like something from a fairy tale. A stroll through the Rione Monti district will transport you back in time, as you pass rows of whitewashed trulli shops, cafes and homes. For a truly memorable view, climb up to the Belvedere Santa Lucia for a panoramic perspective.

Next, take a short ride to Locorotondo, a small hilltop village that is regularly named among the most beautiful in Italy. Its circular layout, whitewashed homes and flower-filled balconies make it feel peaceful and pristine. Stop here for a glass of the town’s signature white wine, best enjoyed with a platter of local cheeses and cured meats.

For lunch, make your way to Martina Franca, a Baroque town known for its elegance and refined architecture. Here, you can explore grand piazzas and winding alleys that open onto sun-drenched courtyards. Dine al fresco in the historical centre and try capocollo, a local cured meat with Protected Designation of Origin status.

Spend your final afternoon in Ostuni, the “White City” set dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the olive-planted plains and sea in the distance. Its whitewashed houses glow under the southern sun, and getting lost in its alleys is part of the charm. Stop by the Cathedral of Ostuni, with its striking rose window, then grab an espresso in a quiet square to soak up the relaxed rhythm of Puglian life.

Why Visit with Marvellous Escapes

Exploring this region by train is not only convenient but also incredibly scenic. With rolling countryside, coastal cliffs and charming towns all linked by rail, Puglia is ideal for slow travel. Marvellous Escapes offers carefully curated rail holidays to Italy that combine cultural discovery, local experiences and relaxed luxury. Travelling with them ensures you see the best of the region without the stress of planning or navigating. From authentic stays to seamless connections, every detail is taken care of.

Make Every Hour Count in Puglia

In just 48 hours, Puglia offers an unforgettable taste of southern Italy. Whether it’s exploring trulli towns, enjoying a seafood lunch by the sea or simply watching the sunset over ancient rooftops, every moment is steeped in beauty. With rail holidays to Italy from Marvellous Escapes, you can enjoy all this with ease, comfort and expert guidance.

Let us help you plan a truly marvellous escape to Italy’s sun-drenched heel.