2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights in charming B&Bs or 3 star hotels, 2 nights in a typical Trullo
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1260GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WIP

Trip highlights

  • View the red earth of Salento and olive groves by the sea
  • Discover Lecce and its historic centre, and the seaside town of Otranto
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage trulli of Alberobello and the Sassi of Matera
  • Stay in atmospheric hand picked hotels and guesthouses

Puglia is a land forged in history by a mixture of civilisations and cultures. This enriching walking trip combines archaeological and architectural treasures, with hiking through valleys and along coastal paths surrounded by landscapes of red earth, olive groves and vineyards. See the unique dry stone cottages known as Trulli in intriguing Alberobello and the cave houses known as Sassi in Matera. Explore the enchanting maze of narrow streets in the 'white city' Ostuni, the seaside village of Otranto facing the Adriatic and visit the elegant Baroque city of Lecce.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Lecce

Finishing Point:

Matera

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Lecce. From the train station you can walk to your accommodation (approx. 800m/0.5mi) or take a taxi (allow EUR15). A charming B&B located in the historical centre of the city will be your home for 2 nights. This afternoon you are free to discover the main monuments of the capital of the Salento region, which are Baroque style.

Meals:  Nil

The focus today is Otranto, a little seaside village facing the Adriatic sea. Take the bus or train this morning. Make sure you visit the Norman Cathedral to see the unique 'Tree of Life' mosaic floor. Hike along the coastline, discovering flowers and Mediterranean vegetation and the Saracen watchtowers. Bus or train back to Lecce to your B&B. Distance: 11km/6.8mi, ascent +100m/328ft, descent -100m/328ft Note: there are no public transport connections between Lecce and Otranto on Sundays and public holidays so private transfers are required and the Saturday arrival supplement applies. Additionally, if you prefer not to take the train/bus on other days, optional return transfers are available - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Private transfer to the station, then take a train to Ostuni. This striking hilltop village, a short distance from the seashore, is known as the "white city" due to its fortress of whitewashed buildings clustered together on the hillside. Private transfer from the station into town, with free time to discover the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets and fine Mediterranean architecture. Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight in hotel in Ostuni.

Meals:  B,D

Hike to discover the unique countryside of Ostuni. Enjoy a nice walk through millenary olive groves on red clay-like soil with wonderful views of the Adriatic. At 4pm, a private transfer takes you to UNESCO World Heritage listed Alberobello, with its intriguing dry-stone dwellings known as trulli, in the beautifully exotic Itria valley. Your accommodation is in the historical centre. Wine and typical product tasting, overnight in Alberobello in a trullo (subject to availability). Distance 9km/5.6mi, ascent +100m/328ft, descent -100m/328ft

Meals:  B

Morning transfer to Coreggia to discover the Itria Valley, walking along an old aqueduct to Locorotondo. Pass between olive trees, vineyards and trulli through this enchanting landscape. Return by train to Alberobello. Distance 13km/8mi, ascent +120m/393ft, descent -90m/295ft

Meals:  B

After breakfast, transfer to World Heritage listed Matera. Its fascinating 'Sassi', ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited since Paleolithic times, have been excavated in the rocks facing a deep canyon. Upon arrival, after you check into your accommodation, enjoy a guided visit of the 'Sassi' area (approx. 2 hours). Overnight in Matera.

Meals:  B

Enjoy a wonderful hike to discover the Murgia plateau facing Matera, with its rock churches painted with Byzantine frescoes. The landscape here is of pastures and stone farmhouses, and there is the chance to watch the flight of different types of falcons. Dinner in a typical trattoria to experience the flavour of the region and overnight in Matera. Distance 7km/4.3mi, ascent +150m/492ft, descent -150m/492ft

Meals:  B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast with your transfer to the bus or train station. We can arrange a private transfer from Matera to Bari, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
  • 5 nights in charming B&Bs or 3 star hotels and 2 nights in a typical Trullo (subject to availability) on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €10-15)
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked (by email), GPS Tracks are available
  • Luggage transfer (max 20 kg pp) except on Day 3 from Lecce to Ostuni, when you take your luggage with you on the train
  • Private transfers as noted (public transportation is not included)
  • Wine and product tasting at Alberobello
  • Sassi Matera entry and guided visit, tasting of typical products
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Lecce and from Matera
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included, Public transportation (train and bus) allow €40
  • Hotel taxes (allow EUR10-15)
  • Optional arrival transfer Brindisi airport to Lecce, optional return transfers between Lecce and Otranto
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Printed documents - supplement applies

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

The walking is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily walks between 3 and 4 hours. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. We recommend that you have some previous experience of trekking. Waymarking - there are no official walking trails maintained by the government in Puglia nor waymarking. We have carefully constructed walking routes on mainly dirt paths and along rural trails but from time to time the farmers who also use these tracks may asphalt them. The maps are not of the same standard you would find in other walking destinations. However the countryside is wonderfully suited for walking and carefully reviewing the notes and visualising the route before you set out will optimise your walking and navigational experience.

Departure dates

Daily except Saturday from 1 Mar to 30 Jun and 1 Sep to 29 Nov

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 1 to 30 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures. Further supplements may apply during special festivals, public holidays and Easter. Saturday departures and departures one day before a public holiday may be possible - supplement applies.
Note:
Train transportation is not included - allow €40.
Note:
Please note that if you choose to start this trip on a Sunday or where the end date is a public holiday, there is no train from Matera to Bari on Sundays. A limited bus service is available. Trulli accommodation is not guaranteed.
Note:
We do not recommend this trip for solo travellers. If you decide to book this trip as a single person it is essential that you are a confident, experienced traveller and a strong walker with a keen sense of direction and risk averse nature.

Priceper person from

£1260GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementGBP£320
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£530
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.