JENNIFER LUKE
Copywriter
Rail Europe
The Brief
Rail Europe want to get avid travellers to explore Italy, while enjoying a smaller carbon footprint than they'd get by flying. To help achieve this, the rail network require a new content piece of their online magazine, focused on part of the country that is ripe for adventure.
The task: Write 600 words on exploring the region of Puglia by train, including an intro to what it is and a summary of the places worth exploring there.
My Approach
I made sure to research as much as possible on Puglia and it's transport connections before diving into the writing of this piece. As for the tone, I aimed to strike a balance between practical advice and aspirational descriptions.
Travel by train and discover a whole new side of Italy
The region of Puglia, sometimes known by its Latin name Apulia, lies to the south of Italy – in what some call the country’s ‘heel’. A train journey here may be a long one (between 21 and 36 hours from London’s St Pancras International, depending on your destination), but it’s worth it. No matter what rail route you take, you’ll experience some of the wondrous vistas of the Adriatic coast as well as those of the French and Italian countryside. Another bonus of travelling by train instead of flying is that you could save roughly 150 kilos of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere!
Once in Puglia, these are just a few of the places you could visit by train:
Bari
As the capital of the Puglia region, Bari is the main transport hub for the south. While not a mainstream tourist destination, it still has plenty of treasures to discover. From the narrow streets of the old, walled-in town to the 19th century city, Bari is a cultural and historic hotspot. Explore the Castel del Monte - which is still used for a variety of events - or admire the Romanesque architecture of the Basilica di San Nicola. An abundance of train stations make this city easy to get to and easy to travel around.
Credit: HolidayGuru
Credit: agapuglia.
Grotte di Castellana
With a convenient station of the same name, this trail of underground caves isn’t for the faint-hearted. With nearly two miles of the most breath-taking canyons, stalactites, stalagmites and abysses, it’s a mysterious place that’s full of rich history. Entry will set you back €12 (or €16 depending on the itinerary chosen) and is free for under 5’s - just remember to check the timetables online for specific tour times. The caves also hold events throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to experience the setting in a whole new light. You’ll find the station on the Bari to Taranto line.
Lecce
Sometimes referred to as the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is one of the most architecturally intriguing cities in the whole region. While some structures are typical of the 17th century, there are also ruins that date back to the Roman period - including an amphitheatre that’s used for summer theatrical performances even today. Lecce also boasts several Piazzas and churches which reveal much of the city’s history. Trains from Lecce travel through Bari and run all the way to Milan as well as Rome, Bologna and other local towns in Puglia.
Credit: Jennifer Bringardner
Credit: Holidayguru
Alberobello
Alberobello has the best preserved examples of ‘trulli’ houses. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the houses (dating as far back as the mid-14th century) are made from limestone using a dry-stone wall technique and can be easily identified thanks to their unique, cone-shaped roofs. These magnificent structures are found throughout the Itria Valley, but are at their highest concentration in Alberobello. The town can be reached via a regional train from Bari, which takes under 2 hours. The station is also on the Bari to Taranto line, with one-way tickets from Bari around €5 each.
Rome
For a day trip this one is a bit of a stretch, but a high-speed train from Bari is just shy of 4 hours. But if you wish to extend your holiday beyond Puglia, what could be better than visiting Italy’s historic capital. Take in the wonders of the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain or the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and embrace your inner tourist! Prices start at around £10 or €11 and improved rail services between Puglia and Rome mean the journey is easier than ever before.
Credit: Liberty Travel