Our Trip to Foggia and Lucera - Family Vacation with Kids in Italy

Hello friends. 🤗 After leaving Pescara, we embarked on the next leg of our journey. Our next stop was a city called Foggia. The drive was delightful and we enjoyed the scenic views along the way. Traveling from Pescara to Foggia we followed the Adriatic coast, passing through charming towns like Ortona, Vasto and Termoli. These towns were filled with colorful houses and quaint harbors.

We arrived in Foggia amidst scorching 38 degree heat. Maybe even hotter. Our first stop was McDonald’s for a quick snack before exploring the city. Feeling full after the meal, I couldn’t help but think about the weight I’d probably gained on this trip. The bread here was irresistible and desserts were too tempting to pass up. After paying for an hour of parking, we ventured out into the blazing sun. Despite the heat Foggia seemed like a city straight out of a fairytale. While the city center was lively, the outskirts felt almost abandoned.

Strolling through the streets, we found ourselves in an area lined with luxury stores, most of which were closed. Only one store was open, selling items we didn’t quite understand. Most shops remain closed until 4:30 pm. due to the siesta hours. The streets were almost empty as people escaped the intense heat. Foggia wasn’t particularly touristy. It was just a stopover on our journey. At the end of the day, we were heading to another city where our hotel awaited. This quick visit was a chance to stretch our legs and get a glimpse of the area. I promised myself to stay away from bread and desserts for at least a month once the vacation ended. 😄

The city likely becomes livelier in the late afternoon. For now, it was quiet and serene. A stark contrast to Venice, where the narrow streets are teeming with people, like a bustling anthill. Foggia, with its wide streets and calm atmosphere, was the opposite.

We seemed to be the only ones wandering around. It was magical to feel like we had the entire city to ourselves. During the holidays, I imagine the streets would be decorated with festive lights. Traffic here was chaotic, much like in Milan. Cars ignored red lights, drove in the wrong lanes and blocked intersections. Pedestrians didn’t have the right of way, making the traffic feel quite dangerous.

A bit further ahead, we came across a street with a Christmas-themed vibe. I wasn’t sure if the lights were ever turned on during summer. But the empty street was perfect for taking photos. It was a touristy area with signs in Italian that I couldn’t understand. The streetlights would surely make the place even more charming at night. The architecture was stunning: old, historic buildings in a classic Italian style. I found myself wishing to step inside these homes to see how people lived. It would’ve been lovely to sip a cup of coffee or a glass of prosecco here. The local prosecco was exceptional. At the hotel restaurant, they served their own handcrafted prosecco, unlike anything you’d find in stores. I regretted not buying a few bottles to take home. They were beautifully wrapped like gifts. Next time I’ll be sure to grab some.

After some exploration we got back in the car and headed to our hotel. The Sorriso Hotel, located 18 kilometers from Foggia, was our destination. By the time we arrived, my youngest daughter was already asleep. This hotel was a historic gem: luxurious and grand. It had chandeliers with a royal flair, large windows and a regal atmosphere. The room was cool, with separate beds for everyone and elegant, royal-style lamps.

After resting for a bit, we ventured out again. The hotel was situated on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. We were now in a small, historic town called Lucera. This charming town had a rich history and picturesque scenery. We spent some time exploring the area before calling it a night. The mountains and hills surrounding us were amazing.

First we climbed a hill to take in the views, then explored the town’s quaint streets. Lucera had an ancient feel, with architecture reminiscent of Malta. The narrow alleys, small balconies and greenery created a delightful atmosphere. It was a cozy place, perfect for wrapping up a day filled with adventure.

While walking through the streets, I suddenly found myself on a road with passing cars. At first, I thought it was a pedestrian-only street, but it wasn’t. In this historic town, the roads aren’t paved with asphalt but with cobblestones and they’re quite narrow.

There’s a buzz of activity in the street: shops, hair salons and small squares make up the lively atmosphere. The streets here are like a labyrinth. Without navigation, finding your way is nearly impossible. While the locals seem to navigate effortlessly, the complexity was quite challenging for us. Churches, shops and streets adorned with Christmas decorations caught our attention. The older buildings and intricate decorations in the town center were especially amazing.

The people in this town are impeccably stylish. Everyone was dressed elegantly as they strolled about. Most of the population seemed to be older and the streets were almost empty of crowds. My little daughter started to grow tired, showing signs of sleepiness as she adjusted to the bumpy cobblestone roads.

This charming town left a wonderful impression on us, though it’s not very touristy. With no coastline or beaches, there weren’t many visitors around. It served as a delightful stopover during our journey. The next day, we set out for another city, continuing our adventure.

I’ll wrap up my post here. Visiting two cities in one day felt incredibly productive. Thank you so much for reading. See you in the next post, ciao for now. 😍