Itria Valley: Polignano, Ostuni and Locorotondo, from Bari

Overview of the Itria Valley Tour: Polignano, Ostuni, and Locorotondo from Bari

Imagine a day spent wandering through some of Italy’s most picturesque towns—Polignano a Mare with its dramatic cliffs and legendary sea caves, Ostuni with its striking whitewashed buildings overlooking the countryside, and Locorotondo, a small, circular village famed for its harmonious architecture. All this for around $68 per person, with a flexible duration of 7.5 to 10 hours, depending on how long you want to linger in each spot.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines convenience and authenticity: a comfortable air-conditioned bus takes you between towns, freeing you from the stress of driving and parking. Plus, with an informational brochure and support throughout the day, it’s clear this trip is designed for travelers who want to see the highlights without rushing or fussing.

One possible consideration is that the time in each town is limited—roughly two hours in Polignano, 2.5 hours in Ostuni, and 2 hours in Locorotondo. This is perfect for a quick overview but might not satisfy those looking to explore deeply or enjoy long meals and wandering at leisure.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate beautiful scenery, local character, and expert organization—especially if you’re staying in Bari and looking for a hassle-free way to see some of Apulia’s most iconic towns.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation by air-conditioned coach simplifies travel.
• Visit three distinct towns in one day—Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, and Locorotondo.
• Flexible schedule with options for start times, plus informative brochures and support.
• Authentic towns with stunning visual appeal—cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and circular streets.
• Less stress and more sightseeing without the need to drive or park.
• Highly rated guides and organization with reviews praising punctuality and helpfulness.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Easy Meet & Comfortable Ride

The tour begins with a straightforward meeting point, which varies depending on the chosen option—either near the train station or at the designated parking area. From there, a clean, air-conditioned bus is your chariot for the day. We found the transportation to be impressively comfortable, which is a big plus in the warm Italian sun.

First Stop: Polignano a Mare

Just over 30 km from Bari, Polignano a Mare is a highlight for many travelers. Famous as the birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno, its postcard-perfect cliffs and crystal-clear sea immediately catch the eye. The town’s historic core features remnants from Arab, Byzantine, Spanish, and Norman influences, giving it a layered feel. The remains of four defense towers still mark the horizon, hinting at its strategic past.

We loved the spectacular views of caves and sea carved into the rocks, which you can admire during your roughly two-hour self-guided exploration. You’ll have time to stroll through narrow streets, enjoy a coffee or gelato, or simply soak in the scenery.

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Second Stop: Ostuni, the “White City”

Next is Ostuni, perched atop a hill with sweeping vistas of olive groves and the Adriatic. Its nickname, the “White City,” refers to the uniform appearance of its buildings—so white they seem to glow in the sunlight. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta dominates the main square, with its impressive Romanesque-Gothic façade and intricate rose window.

From the cathedral, you can wander the narrow, winding streets that lead to panoramic terraces. The lively Piazza della Libertà is perfect for a quick coffee break or just people-watching. Meanwhile, the surrounding countryside is dotted with centuries-old olive groves, offering a glimpse into the region’s agricultural roots.

Third Stop: Locorotondo

The final town, Locorotondo, is commonly cited as one of Italy’s most charming villages. Its circular layout and harmonious architecture earned it an Orange Flag from the Touring Club. The white “cummerse” houses with sloped limestone roofs create an almost fairy-tale feeling, especially when viewed from the surrounding hills.

You’ll have about two hours to explore the narrow streets paved with local stone, admire the elegant portals, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Some visitors find this town’s balanced design and tranquil vibe a perfect way to wind down the day.

Returning to Bari

After your visits, the coach takes you back to your original meeting point. The overall pace is relaxed, with enough time in each location to appreciate the scenery and snap plenty of photos, but not so long that you feel overwhelmed.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Transportation and Organization

The key to the success of this tour is its smooth organization. The bus is described as very clean and comfortable, with air conditioning making the journey pleasant even on warmer days. The driver, often praised for being helpful and punctual, ensures that the schedule runs smoothly, which reviews consistently highlight.

Guided Support and Informational Brochures

While the tour itself is mostly self-guided once at each town, an informational brochure is provided, helping you understand the significance of each location and plan your free time. This thoughtful detail enhances the experience, especially for those who like to explore independently but with some context.

Value for Money

At around $68, the tour offers the chance to see some of Apulia’s most photogenic towns without the expense and hassle of renting a car. Considering the organized logistics, transportation, and admission-free exploration, it’s a good deal—particularly for travelers who want a light, scenic day with minimal planning.

What Past Travelers Say

Reviews consistently praise the helpfulness of the driver—with one calling Nuzzio “very professional and trustful.” The time allocation seems appropriate: “There was enough time spent in each of the towns looking at the sights according to the schedule,” noted one reviewer, while others appreciated the ease of logistics and lack of traffic concerns.

The only drawbacks mentioned are the short time in each town, which might limit deep exploration or sitting down for a longer meal. However, most agree that for a day-trip overview, it’s well-organized and enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a taste of Apulia’s finest without the complications of driving or navigating unfamiliar roads. It suits those who appreciate beautiful vistas, charming towns, and efficient logistics. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed, picturesque day will find it especially appealing. If your goal is to see iconic towns, snap stunning photos, and learn a little about the region, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you crave more time in each town or want to dive deeper into local culture and cuisine, you might prefer to explore these towns independently or book a longer guided experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and practical comfort. With easy transportation, informative support, and a schedule that hits all the highlights, it provides excellent value for those wanting a snapshot of the Itria Valley’s treasures.

The quality of guides and organization seems to consistently impress travelers, making this a reliable choice. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys beautiful views, quick cultural insights, and hassle-free logistics. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to see some of Italy’s most famous small towns in one day—saving you time while still capturing the essence of Apulia.

If you’re staying in Bari and looking for a full-day escape with minimal fuss, this tour will likely meet and even exceed your expectations.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is between 7.5 and 10 hours, depending on the start time and how much time you want to spend in each town.

What towns are visited on this tour?
You’ll visit Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, and Locorotondo.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes. The tour uses a GT bus with air conditioning that is described as very clean and comfortable, making the long day pleasant.

How much free time do I get at each town?
You can expect around two hours in Polignano, 2.5 hours in Ostuni, and 2 hours in Locorotondo, enough for sightseeing, photos, and quick snacks.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll want to bring cash or cards for any meals or refreshments you wish to purchase.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
While the reviews don’t specify age restrictions, the relaxed pace and comfortable transport make it generally suitable for most ages, especially if mobility is okay with walking in town centers.

Can I customize the stops or schedule?
This is a guided, pre-arranged tour; customization isn’t typically offered, but you have some free time at each place to explore independently.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, some water, and perhaps a hat—especially if visiting in warm weather.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in Italian, though many guides are helpful and accommodating for international travelers.

To sum it up, this trip offers a balanced combination of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and practical convenience. It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, scenic overview of some of the most photogenic towns in Apulia. If you’re short on time but want to see the highlights, it’s an excellent choice—especially for those who appreciate authentic towns, stunning views, and stress-free logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here: