Puglia, the gateway to the Orient, a land forged by history and mixture of civilizations and cultures. From the red earth of the "Salento", a strip of Italic land punctuated by notes of the "taranta", from the legacies of Messapi and Byzantines, the people who lived in ancient times. The elegant city of Lecce and its magnificent Baroque and Otranto, Italy's easternmost geographical point. The journey from the coast to the inland to discover Ostuni, known as the White City, by the blinding marble that forms the town. From the "trulli" of Alberobello, extravagant country houses unique because of the shape, to the "Sassi" of Matera, the "house caves" that form one of the most fascinating and mysterious city of Italy.

Day 1: Matera
Individual arrival to Bari Airport and train to Matera. Matera, UNESCO world heritage city, really excavated in the rocks "Sassi" facing a deep canyon. Accommodation in a charming hotel in the old city centre. Dinner and overnight stay in Matera. Meal ( D)

Day 2: Archaeological park of rock churches (2 hrs walking,:+150m –150m, 7 km )
In the morning wonderful hike to discover the Murgia plateau facing Matera, admiring the rock churches of the VIII century, painted by Byzantines frescoes. The landscape is composed by pastures and stone farmhouse, where it's possible to watch the fly of different types of falcons and oaks. In the afternoon, at 4 pm meeting with the guide at your hotel and guided visit of the "Sassi" area of the town. After the visit you will taste some typical products. Overnight stay in Hotel in Matera. Meal (B)

Day 3: Alberobello
In the morning private transfer to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, an intriguing city populated by dry stone dwellings also known as "trulli", surrounded by the beautifully exotic Itria valley. Tonight you'll be accommodate in a typical "Trullo" in the historical centre of Alberobello. Wine and typical product tasting, overnight stay at Alberobello. Meal (B)

Day 4: Itria Valley and Locorotondo (4 hrs walking: +100m –100m, 13 km )
Today we will discover the Itria Valley, walking along an old aqueduct to Locorotondo. We walk, passing between ancient olive trees, vineyards and trulli, all against the backdrop of a charming landscape. Way back by train to Alberobello. Overnight in Alberobello. Meal (B)

Day 5: Ostuni, "the white city"
Private transfer to Ostuni. This striking hilltop village, within touching distance of the seashore, is known as "the white city", due to its fortress of whitewashed buildings clustered together on the hillside. Ostuni's charm lies within the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets, showing off some fine Mediterranean architecture. Free time to discover this fairy-tale-like town. Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight in hotel in Ostuni.
Meal (B-D)

Day 6: Lecce
Private transfer to Ostuni train station and train to Lecce. The accommodation is charming B&B in an ancient 17th century building, located in the historical centre of the city, will be your "home" for 2 days. Free time to discover the main monuments of the Salento region's capital, characterized by the baroque style. Overnight in Lecce. Meal ( B)

Day 7: Otranto and the Adriatic coast (4hrs walking :+100m –100 m, 11km)
Train to Otranto, the gate to the Orient: a little seaside village facing the Adriatic sea, that conserve the "Life Mosaic", one the most amazing mosaic flooring present in Italy. Hike along the coast line, discovering flowers and plant of the Mediterranean vegetation and "Saracens" watchtowers. Train back to Lecce and overnight in Lecce. Meal (B)

Day 8: Departure
After Breakfast ends of the service and individual departure.

Note: B (Breakfast); L (lunch); D (dinner)

 

Accommodation:
- 2 nights in Hotel*** in Matera
- 2 nights in typical Trullo in Alberobello
- 1 night in hotel*** in Ostuni
- 2 nights in charming B&B in Lecce

Luggage: We recommend you bring a suitcase or large rucksack (maximum 15kg) and a daypack (approx. 30 litres) for your personal items. Very short distance carrying your luggage.

Equipment required: Walking boots with good ankle support and a sturdy sole, sunglasses and high factor sunscreen, windproof and waterproof jacket.

Price per person:
Single room supplement +250 €
Single traveller surcharge + 300 €
Optional transfer by taxi from Bari airport or station to Matera on day 1 + 90 €
Optional transfer by taxi from Lecce to Bari airport or station on day 8 + 180 €
Extra night in hotel *** in Bari double/single room +45€/60€

Included in the price
- All the private transfer as mentioned in the program
- Accommodation with breakfast in B&B and Hotel
- Wine and typical product tasting at Alberobello (day 3)
- Sassi Matera guided visit and typical products tasting (day 2)
- Dinners on day 1 and 5
- Maps, road book and detailed description of the route
- Emergency Number 24h/24

Not included in the price:
- Beverages
- All lunches
- Dinners not included in the program
- Train transportation and public bus (approx. 30€)
- Tourist tax