Long answer here but we research airfares frequently. Prices are ranging from $1,300 to $1,600 for departure 6/11 and a return date of 6/15. This price range is for a flight leaving Denver to Rome and connecting flight to Bari or Brindisi; or, connecting thru another European hub to Brindisi. The total flight duration varies from just under 13 hours to 16 hours depending on connections. Note that for our last two trips (6/25 and 10/25) we found it cheapest to search on google flights, find a fare and use the link on the search engine for the airline. Many times if you use the airline's website, the fare is more expensive because the airline bundles the flight with their partner airlines (that may be more expensive.) In other words - we found a good fare on google flights, clicked the link to book directly with the carrier (United) and paid far less then the published fare on the United website.
Hotel prices in Ugento are between $120 - $200 per night and almost all include a full breakfast of savory and sweet items. The options under our "Travel Basics" are within a 5 minute walk of the Castle. There are a variety of AirBnB options as well. Prices range from $120 - $200 per night (including tax) for 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with a kitchen, terrace, etc. See our Travel Basics page for some options.
Yes if you want to drive to explore other beaches or towns or countryside beyond Ugento. However, if you want to come to Ugento and go on any of the day trips we are planning, there will be transportation available. We can help arrange a group shuttle from either the Bari or Brindisi airport to Ugento. Please share your travel details with us via text or email and we can coordinate.
A four day is approximately $300 in total. See the 'Travel Basics' page of our website for details and tips. We found using a Europcar or similar costs far less than USA-based rental car companies. Also, you can pickup a car at one airport and drop it at another airport (fee of approximately $75) but this is a great way to start your trip in one spot and explore along the way to another place before departing Italy. Final note - double check that you don't choose a manual transmission if you don't know how to drive one :)
We can arrange a group shuttle from the Brindisi airport on either Thursday 6/11 or Friday 6/12. Please share your details with us so we can arrange.
Not easily but it is possible to take a train/bus. You can easily get a train from Rome to Bari or Brindisi or to Lecce.
We found prices to be incredibly reasonable in Puglia. The local apulian wine is very good and you can buy a nice bottle at dinner for less than $12.