A journey in the spur of the Italian boot. Puglia is a mix of history, culture, good food and beautiful landscapes. Gateway to and from the middle and far east, this region has kept the heritage of all people, religions, and languages that over the centuries have ruled and just walked this very long and narrow strip of land. Inhabited since thousands years, Salento, the easternmost Italian region, is covered by immense stretches of ancient olive groves, and preserves dozens of wonderful towns, including some listed Unesco world heritage. On this journey we will be staying and sleeping in Matera's Sassi district, in the magical setting of Ostuni's old town, in the fairy-tale settting of Trullis of Alberobello, to end in the historical baroque city centre of Lecce. A good mix of easy walks, city tours, traditional delicacies and charming accommodation, available for you all year round!
Highlights:
- Ostuni and its whitewashed historical centre
- Unesco heritage towns: Alberobello, the "Trulli" enchanting city, and Matera, built on a bare carved rock
- Lecce, baroque capital of the south of Italy
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Brindisi airport. Transfer to Ostuni (45min). Check in at our hotel in the heart of the historic Old Town. Briefing with your guide and free time to explore this beautiful city. Known throughout the world as the "White City", you will understand why as you walk through its maze of narrow streets and among its noble palace and cathedral ... Dinner in restaurant and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 2: Ostuni, the White City (3 hours walking, +100 mt -100 mt)
In the morning walk through the beautiful countryside of Ostuni, among its ancient olive groves and on its deep red soil. We will stop for a well-deserved lunch in a typical farm. Return to our hotel, dinner in a pizzeria and overnight stay in Ostuni.
Day 3: Alberobello (4.30 hours walking, +50 mt -50 mt)
In the morning transfer to Alberobello (1h) and walk in the Alberobello surroundings to discover the greenest and richest countryside of the region. We will walk upon the Apulian Aqueduct, the longest in Europe, a huge engineering work still watering an otherwise very dry area. Arrival at Locorotondo, one of the most graceful villages of Italy, known for its beautiful historical centre and all its flowery streets. Short train trip back to Alberobello where we sleep in a "trullo", typical circular house of limestone topped with a conical roof and a pinnacle with lime.
In the afternoon free time to visit Alberobello and its "historical centre". Overnight stay in Alberobello.
Day 4: Matera (6 hours walking, +150 mt -400 mt)
In the morning transfer to Matera (1h30). Walk along the karst cliff on which the city is built and inhabited for thousands of years. This scenic hike takes us through caves, rock villages and ancient churches carved into the bare rock, overlooking the deep ravine. Return by bus to Matera, dinner not included and overnight stay in a charming hotel in the heart of the "Sassi" historic district.
Day 5: The Murgia Rock churches park (3 hours walking, +150 mt -150 mt)
In the morning we go down into the canyon at the foot of Matera then climb the "Murgia", the rocky hill on the other side of the ravine. We walk on a panoramic trail, enjoying magnificent views of Matera. On our way we will pass next to the famous Byzantine rock churches of the Murgia, carved into the rock overlooking the ravine. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight stay in Matera.
Day 6: Matera and Lecce
In the morning a local guide will unveil the secrets of the city and the "Sassi", Matera's stunning neighbourhoods listed in the Unesco register. In the afternoon transfer to Lecce. Check in at the hotel in the centre of the city. In the afternoon free time to explore Lecce, the capital of the Salento region, also known as the "Florence of the south", beautiful Baroque city. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight stay in Lecce.
Day 7:Otranto and the Adriatic Coast (3.30 hours walking, +100 mt -100 mt)
In the morning train transfer to Otranto, the most eastern Italian city, a medieval village and land of epic battles. This beautiful coastal hike will let you explore the wild side of Salento and its hinterland. During the walk you may also notice the peaks of the mountains of Albania in the distance, on the other side of the sea. Free time back in town to visit its beautiful historic centre, its majestic castle and especially the cathedral with its famous "mosaic of life." Train ride back to Lecce. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight stay in Lecce.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast transfer to Brindisi airport.
Grade: This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Activities include hiking, sea kayaking and optional swimming. Trip members should be capable of hiking up to 6 hours on concurrent days, should know how to swim and be comfortable in the water. A prior hiking experience is advisable.
Accommodation:
- 2 nights in hotel*/B&B in Ostuni
- 1 night in typical Trullo in Alberobello
- 2 nights in hotel*/ in Matera
- 2 nights in hotel*/ in Lecce
Equipment: hiking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat, flashlight, sun glasses and sun cream, walking poles, swimming suit
Getting there : The destination airport is Brindisi. We will set a meeting time with the guide at Brindisi airport for the transfers on day 1. For clients arriving not at the set meeting time, we cannot guarantee a transfer. In this instance clients have to make their own way to the first hotel, at their own expenses. At the end of the trip group transfer from Lecce to Brindisi airport.
Included:
- 7 nights in hotel with breakfast included
- All meals (exc. dinner day 46)
- All private and private transportation and trains as detailed in the program
- Guided visit to Sassi district in Matera
- English speaking guide
- Local taxes
- Local English speaking leader throughout
Not included:
- Dinner on day 4
- Lunch on day 1 and day 8
- Any other services not mentioned in the itinerary
Trips Note
Destination: Apulia and Matera
Travel Style: Self-guided walking holiday
Interest: Cultural sites , Wine & Gastronomy
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures: Mar Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct Nov
Group size: from 1 person
Airport: Bari
