Puglia Day Trip: Ostuni, Alberobello & Polignano a Mare Tour

Summary

Explore Puglia’s white towns and cliffside villages on a day trip from Lecce

You’ll wander Ostuni’s maze of white alleys, catch sweeping valley views in Locorotondo, touch the ancient stones of Alberobello’s trulli, and breathe salty air above Polignano’s cliffs—all with hotel pickup from Lecce and stories from a local guide. Expect real moments: laughter in narrow streets, olive oil on your hands, and time to let Puglia sink in.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t trust anyone who says they don’t get lost in Ostuni,” our driver Marco grinned as we squeezed into the first alley. He wasn’t wrong. The White City really does glow—almost too bright to look at in the late morning sun. I kept brushing my hand along the rough walls, cool even though it was already warm outside, and every corner seemed to smell faintly of lemon and laundry. We had an hour to wander “la terra” and honestly, I could’ve just sat on those uneven steps watching old women gossip in dialect forever.

Locorotondo was next—a quick stop but worth it for that view over the Itria Valley. Our guide pointed out little details I’d have missed: tiny balconies overflowing with geraniums, the way the town curves like a ring. Lunch was on our own (I grabbed a focaccia that left olive oil on my fingers for ages), then we were off again. The drive between villages is almost hypnotic—olive trees, stone walls, that pale Apulian light you only notice when you’re not rushing.

I’ll admit, Alberobello felt surreal at first—like someone built a fairytale set and forgot to pack it away. The trulli houses are stranger up close; their stones are rougher than photos suggest, and some have little painted symbols on top (our guide tried to explain them but I got distracted by a cat sleeping in the doorway). In “Aia Piccola” it was quieter, less touristy, just old men playing cards under an archway. And then Polignano a Mare—well, you hear about those cliffs but standing there with sea spray in your nose is something else. People were singing “Volare” somewhere below; I laughed because I thought it was just a cliché but apparently Domenico Modugno really was born here.

The drive back to Lecce was sleepy—everyone nodding off except Marco humming along to some local radio station. I still think about that blue light over the sea at Polignano sometimes. If you’re after something polished or fancy this isn’t it—but if you want a day trip from Lecce where you can actually feel Puglia under your feet (and maybe get lost once or twice), this is probably your kind of thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare

• Travel from Lecce to Ostuni
• Explore Ostuni old town center
• Pass by Locorotondo viewpoint
• Visit Polignano a Mare historic center
• Enjoy sea terraces in Polignano a Mare
• Travel to Alberobello
• Explore Alberobello Trulli districts
• Return to Lecce

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Lecce to Ostuni, Alberobello & Polignano a Mare?

The tour covers all three villages in one day with comfortable transport departing from Lecce.

Is hotel pickup included for this Puglia day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off service in Lecce is included.

Are there English-speaking guides on this tour?

Yes, your expert tour leader speaks both English and Italian.

Will there be free time to explore each village?

Yes, you’ll have free time at each stop including Ostuni and Alberobello.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included; you’ll have free time to choose where to eat.

Can infants join this day trip?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

What should I wear for this tour?

Comfortable shoes are recommended due to cobbled streets and walking.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned minivan transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Lecce plus an English-Italian speaking tour leader guiding you through each stop; infants are welcome with prams or specialized seats available so everyone can join comfortably.