From Brindisi. Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Tour

If you’re considering a day trip to explore some of Puglia’s most photogenic and culturally intriguing towns, this From Brindisi to Ostuni, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare tour might just fit the bill. It promises a full day of charming villages, stunning views, and a local guide who can shed light on the area’s secrets. No, it’s not a private tour, but with a small group and an experienced leader, you’ll feel like you’re exploring with friends.

We love that this tour offers the chance to see three distinct towns in one day—each with its own vibe—without the hassle of navigating on your own. The air-conditioned minivan keeps things comfortable, especially during warmer months. Plus, having a guide who speaks both English and Italian means you get interesting commentary without the tourist trap feeling.

One potential drawback? The timing can be tight, especially in Alberobello, where you get about two hours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re slow to wander or love taking your time, you might find the schedule a touch rushed. Still, for most travelers looking to tick off iconic spots, it strikes a good balance.

This tour is perfect if you want a structured, manageable way to see Puglia’s highlights—great for first-timers or those short on time but eager to see the region’s beauty and architecture firsthand.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning makes the long day more pleasant.
• Small group size (max 8 travelers) offers a more personal experience.
• Flexible drop-off options in Brindisi or Lecce add convenience.
• All stops are free of admission fees, so you can explore without extra costs.
• Timing is tight, especially in Alberobello, so be prepared to move at a steady pace.
• The guide’s knowledge enhances the experience, providing cultural and historical insights.

A detailed look at the tour experience

This tour kicks off at 9:45am from Via del Mare, 3 in Brindisi. From the start, the promise is a relaxed yet structured day, which is ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of self-driving and want someone who knows the area to handle logistics. The group is capped at 8, which tends to mean more personal attention and fewer crowded moments, especially during stops.

The journey and transportation

You’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned minivan, which is pretty vital for comfort in southern Italy, especially if you’re visiting during warmer seasons. The driver is also your guide, offering insights into the towns you’ll pass and visit. It’s a good setup if you prefer to relax and soak in the scenery without worrying about directions or parking.

Ostuni: The White City

Your first stop is Ostuni, the so-called “White City.” It’s a picture-postcard spot with its maze of alleys, whitewashed houses, small shops, and craft stalls. You get about one hour and fifteen minutes here, which is enough to wander the old town’s narrow streets, snap photos, and maybe grab a quick coffee.

What makes Ostuni special isn’t just the looks—though those are striking—it’s the atmosphere of walking through a medieval town, with a modern buzz of small cafes and artisan shops. We’ve read reviews mentioning how well-preserved and charming the old town is, and that the walk through “la terra” offers a real sense of stepping back in time.

Locorotondo: The Balcony on the Itria Valley

Next, you’ll visit Locorotondo, often called “the balcony on the Itria Valley.” Although the schedule isn’t detailed here, the views from this town are spectacular. It’s a quick stop, but enough to get a feel for its gentle charm and panoramic vista.

While there isn’t a specific time allotment, it’s a chance to admire the landscape and possibly enjoy some local snacks or a quick look at the streets. It’s a quieter, less crowded spot compared to Alberobello or Polignano a Mare—perfect if you like relaxing, scenic views.

Alberobello: The Trulli Town

The highlight for many is Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is practically a living museum of trulli, the white, conical-roofed structures that look like they belong in a fairy tale. You get about two hours here, which is generally enough time to walk through the two main districts: Rione Monti and Aia Piccola.

These districts are full of tiny shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, with some trulli housing small museums or displays of traditional life. The charm is undeniable, and the sight of these whimsical buildings always draws oohs and aahs. Many reviews mention how striking Alberobello is and appreciate the time allotted to explore its narrow streets and snap photos.

Given the UNESCO designation, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes since the cobblestone streets can be uneven. Also, take your time to look inside some of the trulli if you’re curious—many are decorated simply but beautifully.

Polignano a Mare: Cliffside Charm and Spectacular Views

Your final stop is Polignano a Mare, a seaside town built on cliffs overlooking the Adriatic. Here, you’ll have about one hour and fifteen minutes to wander the historic streets, peek at Roman remains like the Via Traiana bridge, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the terraces.

Polignano is known for its dramatic setting—think rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and colorful houses. The maze of streets offers a lively scene of cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a perfect spot for some last-minute photos or just soaking in the sea breeze.

From reviews, it’s clear people love the views here, especially standing on the terraces overlooking the water. The town’s connection to Domenico Modugno, the singer who made “Volare” famous, adds a touch of Italian pop culture.

End of tour and drop-off options

You can choose to end the tour either back in Brindisi or Lecce, which adds flexibility depending on your travel plans. The tour wraps up around 6pm, making it feasible to continue exploring or head to your next destination.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This trip is a solid choice for travelers who want a well-organized day of sightseeing without the stress of planning each stop. If you enjoy exploring towns at a relaxed pace with insightful commentary, you’ll appreciate the guide’s role. It’s also good for those who prefer comfortable transportation and don’t want to worry about driving or parking.

However, if you’re someone who loves to linger and take their time at each location, especially in Alberobello, you might find the schedule slightly tight. Still, for most, it offers a good balance of sightseeing and free time.

Final thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a worthwhile, hassle-free way to experience some of Puglia’s most iconic towns. The small group size and knowledgeable guide help create a friendly, personal vibe, and the stops are curated to give you a taste of local architecture, views, and culture.

The price is reasonable considering the full day of sightseeing, especially since transportation, guide, and the flexibility to choose your endpoint are included. The fact that it’s well-loved—reflected in a perfect 5-star rating from all reviews—speaks to its quality.

If you’re after stunning vistas, charming villages, and a taste of regional character, this tour hits the mark. It’s a great way to see Puglia’s highlights without the stress of self-driving or trying to fit everything in alone. Just be prepared for a busy day, and bring comfortable shoes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-focused, the pace and stops are generally manageable for older children. Just keep in mind it involves some walking around towns with cobblestone streets.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide who speaks English and Italian, and the drop-off service in Brindisi or Lecce.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy available up to 24 hours before the start.

How long is each stop?
Ostuni is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Alberobello is 2 hours, and Polignano a Mare is another 1 hour and 15 minutes. Locorotondo’s stop is brief but enough for a quick visit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must due to cobblestone streets and walking. You might also want a water bottle, sun protection, and a camera.

Is this tour available year-round?
The data doesn’t specify seasonal availability, but given the nature of the sites, it’s likely available most of the year.

Will I have free time in each town?
Yes, each stop provides free time to explore, shop, or take photos, making it flexible enough to suit your interests.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll need to plan for meals during your free time or bring snacks.

This tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to get a taste of Puglia’s most photogenic towns with the convenience and comfort many travelers appreciate. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone with limited time in the region, it’s worth considering for a memorable day out.