By boat along the Eastern Route from Otranto to Rodi Garganico

The first leg of your trip starts in the beautiful town of Otranto, whose port is protected from the winds and offers a sandy seabed with safe anchorage. Before you leave, why not take a walk through the old town, where you can still see the balls of granite thrown from the Saracen ships. You can also discover the Aragonese Castle, the Clock Tower and the magnificent mosaic floor in the Cathedral. Once back on board you'll be heading towards Brindisi, known as the Gateway to the East. From here, Greece is just a seagull's flight away. The columns marking the end of the Appian Way let you know that the path ahead lies in the sea. But there's no rush ... enjoy the view, sip a glass of Primitivo rosé and take a stroll along the Regina Margherita promenade.

The second leg of your trip takes you to Monopoli, on a course of 280° for about 40 miles. The coastline here is varied, alternating between sandy stretches and rocky outcrops. Shortly after the natural haven of Torre Guaceto you'll see the glimmering white city of Ostuni at the top. Keep sailing as far as Torre Canne, and enjoy the 4-mile stretch of towers and castles on the skyline. You might even want to stop and have a swim - the sea here is spectacular. Once round Capo di Canne, you'll arrive in Monopoli, a city of rock churches and a beautiful cathedral.

On day three, the voyage takes you towards Bari for about 26 miles, with a stop after the first 9, when you see Polignano a Mare, heralded by a view of the Hermit Rock. Leave your boat at the Calaponte marina and enjoy the wonder of this place with its overhanging cliffs, caves to explore and the famous Lama Monachile beach. Back on board, it's off to Bari, capital of the Levant. Amid the maze of narrow streets in Bari's old town, admire the awesome sight of the Cathedral of St Nicholas and order a potato and mussel tiella with a glass of Verdeca.

Stage four heads straight to Trani. Once you get to Bisceglie, a about 20 miles from Bari, you are just 6 miles from your destination. The port is an amphitheatre overlooking the sea. Don't miss a tour around the fish market and the narrow streets of the old port. Behind every corner of the little stone houses you can find irresistible craft boutiques. But what visitors really love about this place is the spectacular cathedral, which looks like a galleon ready to take to the sea.

Back at sea, you will set off towards Barletta, about 11 miles from Trani. On disembarking you can visit the castle, the walls and the Cathedral. A short distance away is Canne, once the site of a famous battle between the armies of Hannibal and the Romans. After about 26 miles of sailing, you'll come to Manfredonia, considered the gateway to the Gargano. Berth your boat at the new Port of Gargano (the largest on the Adriatic) before visiting the cathedral, castle and the Siponto archaeological park.

Next, you'll set sail from Manfredonia, circumnavigating the Gargano National Park. You'll come to the little town of Mattinata and the bay of Pugnochiuso, where you can enjoy a wonderful dive, and the beautiful town of Vieste with its golden shorelines, caves and famous Pizzomunno beach. With the boat safely at berth, why not treat yourself to a tour of the streets in the old town before heading off towards Rodi Garganico. This little village overlooking the sea is the final stage of your trip, and an excellent starting point for exploring the sights of the Gargano, such as the Umbra Forest, Peschici or the lakes of Lesina and Varano.

Information provided by Viaggio Italiano