Lee had been hinting at a big surprise and Polignano was it. Wow. Perched atop limestone cliffs, the old town is a maze of cobblestone streets filled with shops, restaurants, inns and spectacular views of the turquoise blue Adriatic sea.

You may know of Polignano because of its famously romantic restaurant in a cave – gratta – Gratta Palazzese.

Lee and Ciro love this town and it’s gorgeous cove below the cliffs where she has been swimming with her son for a dozen years.

In one section of town, Vicolo della Poesia, poetry is written on staircases, walls and doorways.

We had drinks on the patio of the Aquamarea Hotel overlooking the cove where the hip bartender made a most delicious martini.

Our evening ended on a perfect sweet note at Bella Blu Gelateria with gelato and their signature espresso drink with Amaretto and a twist of lemon.