Discovering Salento, the Italian heel
A journey through Apulia ancient landscapes, historical towns and southern Italy feasts
Land of passage since thousands of years, Apulia has always been the western Europe gateway to the near east. Its position, in front of the Balkans, turned this region into a land of conquest for Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, French and Spanish. Hundreds of wars and dozens civilizations, languages and religious beliefs, have left their indelible marks in this land and its culture. Salento is the southernmost part of the region, the richest in history, culinary tradition and charming ancient hamlets. Our trip will take place through tracks of rusty-like red earth and endless stand of thousands-year-old huge olive trees, enjoying the best of this wonderful region. From Lecce, the baroque "Florence of south Italy" to the medieval town of Otranto, then to the maze-like centre of Ostuni to end in the breath taking scenery of Alberobello and Matera, stunning Unesco listed cities, our journey will let you discover one of the most hidden secret treasures of Italy.
Highlights:
- The overnight stays in the historical centre of Ostuni and in a trullo house in Alberobello
- Apulian food and wine, among the best in Italy
- Matera, unique city entirely carved in the bare limestone rock and European capital of culture in 2019
Highlights:
- The overnight stays in the historical centre of Ostuni and in a trullo house in Alberobello
- Apulian food and wine, among the best in Italy
- Matera, unique city entirely carved in the bare limestone rock and European capital of culture in 2019
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Bari Airport. A single group transfer by minibus it is organized to reach Lecce. Check in at our hotel. Meeting briefing and with our guide, dinner not included and overnight stay in Lecce.
Day 2 : Otranto and the Adriatic sea
Day dedicated to the visit of Otranto, the Italian gateway to the East. Private transfer to Otranto then visit introductory walk of the easternmost town of Italy. We will walk through the little streets of the beautiful fortified medieval historic centre, its Spanish castle and, most of all, the wonderful cathedral and its with huge "mosaic of the life" decorated floor. According with the season and weather, free time to dive into the Adriatic sea, or to have a nice easy walk you’re your tour leader along the Adriatic coast following the Salento famous coves and creeks. Private transfer back to Lecce. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Lecce.
Day 3 Lecce and Ostuni
In the morning guided visit of the prettiest streets of this wonderful city and its Baroque style churches and palaces. But Lecce is also famous for a centenary tradition in the art of papier-mâché. In the first afternoon private transfer Ostuni . On the way, stop in a typical “Masseria” and visit the ancient underground oil mill. The tour will ends with an olive oil tasting. Check in at our hotel in Ostuni Free time to discover the maze - like historical centre of the "White City", as it's known for its bright whitewashed walls and noble palaces. Settled in the top of a solitary hill, it dominates all the area letting you enjoying a breath taking view until the Adriatic coast. Night in Ostuni.
Day 4: Ostuni countryside (3hrs walking : +100m –100 m, 9km)
In the morning we will walk on tracks overlooking the Adriatic coast, on one of the most known Apulian countryside. All along the walk we will enjoy the view of millions of huge olive trees, some of those more than a thousand years old. Along the walk stop for a visit at the archaeological park of Agnano and at its 30.000 years old grotto. Arrival in a "Masseria”, typical apulian farm and be ready for a fun cooking class! Enjoy a typical lunch and then private transfer back to your accommodation. Free time for dinner and night in Ostuni.
Day 5: Castellana Caves and Alberobello (1 hr walking: 1 km )
In the morning transfer to Castellana Grotte, the Italian most important and hugest cave system. We will have a guided visit of the partial itinerary and will enjoy the view of the “Grave” , the first and most extensive cave , the only one that make it possible for the visitors to raise their eyes searching for a corner of Puglia’s blue sky. In the afternoon private transfer to Alberobello. Alberobello town, UNESCO World Heritage, is an intriguing and unique city populated by dry stone dwellings also known as “trulli”, surrounded by the beautiful Itria valley. Once in Alberobello, visit a typical winery for a wine tasting with local product. We will spend the rest of our week in a real trullo house in the historical centre of the town. Night in Alberobello.
Day 6: Free day
Today you can reach by train Bari, the capital of Apulia, or Castel del Monte, Unesco World Heritage classed castle and one of the most magnificent and mysterious buildings of the whole Italy, or Trani, elegant town on the Adriatic sea shore known for hosting the prettiest Apulian Roman style cathedral. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Alberobello.
Day 7 : Matera
In the morning we will take a private bus to Matera, listed Unesco World Heritage Site since 1993. This absoultely awesome city, one of the oldest of Italy, has been built on the ridge of a "gravina", spectacular canyon dug by a river. We will have a guided visit in the "Sassi" district. This city, completely carved in the bare limestone rock, has been for centuries one of the poorest areas of Italy and shame of the city. Our guide will disclose its millennial history. Free afternoon to discover the city on your pace. Dinner not included and overnight stay in in Matera. Meals
Day 8 : Bari
Today, after breakfast, you have a single group transfer by bus to Bari airport.
Note: This day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. Although we update our itineraries on a regular basis, to take into account such things as changes to trekking routes and changes in the routing or availability of local transport, it is not possible to guarantee that any of our trips will run exactly according to the proposed itinerary. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and difficulties with transportation, can lead to enforced changes. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary.
Arrival at Bari Airport. A single group transfer by minibus it is organized to reach Lecce. Check in at our hotel. Meeting briefing and with our guide, dinner not included and overnight stay in Lecce.
Day 2 : Otranto and the Adriatic sea
Day dedicated to the visit of Otranto, the Italian gateway to the East. Private transfer to Otranto then visit introductory walk of the easternmost town of Italy. We will walk through the little streets of the beautiful fortified medieval historic centre, its Spanish castle and, most of all, the wonderful cathedral and its with huge "mosaic of the life" decorated floor. According with the season and weather, free time to dive into the Adriatic sea, or to have a nice easy walk you’re your tour leader along the Adriatic coast following the Salento famous coves and creeks. Private transfer back to Lecce. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Lecce.
Day 3 Lecce and Ostuni
In the morning guided visit of the prettiest streets of this wonderful city and its Baroque style churches and palaces. But Lecce is also famous for a centenary tradition in the art of papier-mâché. In the first afternoon private transfer Ostuni . On the way, stop in a typical “Masseria” and visit the ancient underground oil mill. The tour will ends with an olive oil tasting. Check in at our hotel in Ostuni Free time to discover the maze - like historical centre of the "White City", as it's known for its bright whitewashed walls and noble palaces. Settled in the top of a solitary hill, it dominates all the area letting you enjoying a breath taking view until the Adriatic coast. Night in Ostuni.
Day 4: Ostuni countryside (3hrs walking : +100m –100 m, 9km)
In the morning we will walk on tracks overlooking the Adriatic coast, on one of the most known Apulian countryside. All along the walk we will enjoy the view of millions of huge olive trees, some of those more than a thousand years old. Along the walk stop for a visit at the archaeological park of Agnano and at its 30.000 years old grotto. Arrival in a "Masseria”, typical apulian farm and be ready for a fun cooking class! Enjoy a typical lunch and then private transfer back to your accommodation. Free time for dinner and night in Ostuni.
Day 5: Castellana Caves and Alberobello (1 hr walking: 1 km )
In the morning transfer to Castellana Grotte, the Italian most important and hugest cave system. We will have a guided visit of the partial itinerary and will enjoy the view of the “Grave” , the first and most extensive cave , the only one that make it possible for the visitors to raise their eyes searching for a corner of Puglia’s blue sky. In the afternoon private transfer to Alberobello. Alberobello town, UNESCO World Heritage, is an intriguing and unique city populated by dry stone dwellings also known as “trulli”, surrounded by the beautiful Itria valley. Once in Alberobello, visit a typical winery for a wine tasting with local product. We will spend the rest of our week in a real trullo house in the historical centre of the town. Night in Alberobello.
Day 6: Free day
Today you can reach by train Bari, the capital of Apulia, or Castel del Monte, Unesco World Heritage classed castle and one of the most magnificent and mysterious buildings of the whole Italy, or Trani, elegant town on the Adriatic sea shore known for hosting the prettiest Apulian Roman style cathedral. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Alberobello.
Day 7 : Matera
In the morning we will take a private bus to Matera, listed Unesco World Heritage Site since 1993. This absoultely awesome city, one of the oldest of Italy, has been built on the ridge of a "gravina", spectacular canyon dug by a river. We will have a guided visit in the "Sassi" district. This city, completely carved in the bare limestone rock, has been for centuries one of the poorest areas of Italy and shame of the city. Our guide will disclose its millennial history. Free afternoon to discover the city on your pace. Dinner not included and overnight stay in in Matera. Meals
Day 8 : Bari
Today, after breakfast, you have a single group transfer by bus to Bari airport.
Note: This day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. Although we update our itineraries on a regular basis, to take into account such things as changes to trekking routes and changes in the routing or availability of local transport, it is not possible to guarantee that any of our trips will run exactly according to the proposed itinerary. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and difficulties with transportation, can lead to enforced changes. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary.
Skill level: easy, suitable for most people in good health, these trips include short walking days mostly on good paths and at low altitude
.Accommodation :
2 nights in hotel Eos *** or President**** in Lecce .
2 nights in hotel La Terra or Sant Eligio Relais or Hotel Palace at Ostuni.
2 nights in real Trulli houses in Alberobello Trulli e Puglia or Trulli Holidays or La Corte dell’Astore
1 night in hotel Sassi *** in Matera
Luggage: we advise you to use one large bag with wheels where you put all your staff. A backpack (20-30 litres) for your 2 easy walks days.
Equipment: walking shoes, warm shell, wind and water proof jacket, hat, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun screen cream, daily backpack
Getting there : The destination airport is Bari. We will set a meeting time with the guide at Bari airport for the transfers on day 1 and day 8. 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 .The transfer to the airport at the end of the trip will also be timed according to the recommended group flight.
Included in the price:
- 1 single group transfer hotel airport on day 1 and day 8
- Accommodation in ensuite rooms with breakfast double/triple room
- Wine and typical products tasting (day 5 )
- Cooking class with lunch in Masseria at Ostuni countryside ( day 4)
- Visit an old oil mills with olive oli tasting ( day 3)
- English speaking guide
- Private transfer from Lecce to Otranto (day 2)
- Train ticket to from Otranto to Lecce (day 2)
- Lecce guided visit (day 3 )
- Entrance fee to S. M Agnano archeologic park (day 4)
- Castellana Caves entrance fee (day 5)
- Sassi Matera guided visit (day 7)
- Private transfer from Lecce to Ostuni (day 3)
- Private transfer from Grotte di Castellana to Alberobello ( day 5)
- Private transfer from Alberobello to Matera ( day 7)
Not included in the price:
- Lunches (except on day 4)
- Dinners
- Beverages
- Monuments, Museums entrance fees – such as the Castle of Otranto
- Tips
- Tourist taxes
- Everything not mentioned in “included”
Cancellation policy:
The client can cancel their holiday at any time. Any cancellation by the client must be sent as soon as possible to Mandala Tour in order to update the rooming list and to determine the cancellation charge applicable. The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price:
1) Cancellation 30 days or more before departure: 0% of the tour price
2) Cancellation 29-15 days before departure: 25% of the tour price
3) Cancellation 14-9 days before departure: 50% of the tour price
4) Cancellation 8- 4 days before departure: 75% of the tour price
5) Cancellation less than 3 days before departure: 100% of the tour price
.Accommodation :
2 nights in hotel Eos *** or President**** in Lecce .
2 nights in hotel La Terra or Sant Eligio Relais or Hotel Palace at Ostuni.
2 nights in real Trulli houses in Alberobello Trulli e Puglia or Trulli Holidays or La Corte dell’Astore
1 night in hotel Sassi *** in Matera
Luggage: we advise you to use one large bag with wheels where you put all your staff. A backpack (20-30 litres) for your 2 easy walks days.
Equipment: walking shoes, warm shell, wind and water proof jacket, hat, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun screen cream, daily backpack
Getting there : The destination airport is Bari. We will set a meeting time with the guide at Bari airport for the transfers on day 1 and day 8. 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 .The transfer to the airport at the end of the trip will also be timed according to the recommended group flight.
Included in the price:
- 1 single group transfer hotel airport on day 1 and day 8
- Accommodation in ensuite rooms with breakfast double/triple room
- Wine and typical products tasting (day 5 )
- Cooking class with lunch in Masseria at Ostuni countryside ( day 4)
- Visit an old oil mills with olive oli tasting ( day 3)
- English speaking guide
- Private transfer from Lecce to Otranto (day 2)
- Train ticket to from Otranto to Lecce (day 2)
- Lecce guided visit (day 3 )
- Entrance fee to S. M Agnano archeologic park (day 4)
- Castellana Caves entrance fee (day 5)
- Sassi Matera guided visit (day 7)
- Private transfer from Lecce to Ostuni (day 3)
- Private transfer from Grotte di Castellana to Alberobello ( day 5)
- Private transfer from Alberobello to Matera ( day 7)
Not included in the price:
- Lunches (except on day 4)
- Dinners
- Beverages
- Monuments, Museums entrance fees – such as the Castle of Otranto
- Tips
- Tourist taxes
- Everything not mentioned in “included”
Cancellation policy:
The client can cancel their holiday at any time. Any cancellation by the client must be sent as soon as possible to Mandala Tour in order to update the rooming list and to determine the cancellation charge applicable. The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price:
1) Cancellation 30 days or more before departure: 0% of the tour price
2) Cancellation 29-15 days before departure: 25% of the tour price
3) Cancellation 14-9 days before departure: 50% of the tour price
4) Cancellation 8- 4 days before departure: 75% of the tour price
5) Cancellation less than 3 days before departure: 100% of the tour price
Trips Note
Destination: Apulia
Trip type: guided walking holiday
Interest: History &Culture, Culinary
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures: Mar Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct
Group size: from 4 to people
Airport: Bari
