Walking in Puglia & Matera

Those on the group flights will be met in Bari airport by the tour leader. A
transfer of approximately 1 hour takes us to  Alberobello, home to 1500
Trulli (conical roofed houses) that have made its historical centre a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. The origin of these funny-looking stone dwellings is
obscure, however, local farmers claim they were originally built in an effort
to evade taxes. When the tax inspectors were in the area, the dry stone walls
could easily be dismantled by simply removing the key stone above the door
and quickly rebuilt after the inspection.  Our hotel is located in
proximity of the historic centre. In the afternoon there is usually time to
wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s centre and enjoy the unique
atmosphere of this enchanting town at night.

Day 2

We start the week with a walk to the town of Locorotondo. Sitting on the top
of a hill, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
and is renowned for its white wine and Cantina Sociale, the local winery.
Following narrow country lanes, we walk over the rolling hills of the Itria
Valley, dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. At the end of the day,
we take a short train ride back to Alberobello where we stay overnight.

Day 3

In the morning we take a private transfer to the white city of Ostuni, famous
for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses. After some free time spent
discovering this elegant hilltop town at our own pace, we explore the
beautiful surrounding countryside on foot, walking through ancient olive
groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic coast. Along the route we stop
for a visit at the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano. This evening
we have a delicious dinner and overnight in a beautiful Masseria – a
renovated farmhouse typical of the Apulian region

**Please note that on selected departures the group will stay overnight in a
4-star hotel in the historic centre of Ostuni instead of the masseria. See
the Accommodation section in the Trip Notes for more information**.

Day 4

Today is free to discover the many jewels of this beautiful region. We
recommend a day trip to the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, known as the
'Florence of the South', and home to over 40 churches and countless palaces,
as well as a Roman amphitheatre and theatre. Alternatively, you could travel
to the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare on the coast of the Valle
d’Itria, perched atop a 20m high limestone cliff rising from the Adriatic.
Both of these destinations are reachable by train from Ostuni. In the evening
we regroup to enjoy a delicious dinner in Ostuni or at the masseria.

Day 5

This morning we walk from the masseria to the coast, where we have time to
relax on a beach or swim in the mild waters of the Adriatic sea (depending on
the season). In the afternoon we make our way to Matera, one of the
most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy famous for its
extensive cave-dwelling districts, the /sassi/. Our hotel is located in the
heart of Matera Sassi UNESCO site, just a few steps from the town's most
famous attractions, and offers a terrace with panoramic views across the
town. After checking in we enjoy a first glimpse of Matera's enchanting
alleys and unique architecture.

 

Day 6

Today we enjoy a short hike to the Murgia plateau, a vast protected area home
to over 150 rupestrian churches dating back to the 8th century, once
inhabited by hermits and adorned with Byzantine frescoes. We descend down the
Matera's canyon until we reach a suspension bridge which allows us to cross
to the other side of the valley. We then hike to the top of the ravine
following a pathway which ends with a spectacular viewpoint of Matera's Sassi
district. In the afternoon we walk back to Matera for a guided tour:
accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we wander through the narrow
alleys of the town’s famous UNESCO cave-dwelling district and learn of the
history of this fascinating place. Back in Matera we enjoy a delicious
produce and wine tasting in the historic centre and the rest of the day is
free to discover the city at our own pace. Overnight in Matera.

** Please note that at the time of writing the suspension bridge connecting
Matera to the canyon trail is not accessible due to a landslide. In the event
it does not reopen in time for your departure, complimentary transfers will
be arranged to the trailhead and back. This would result in the walk being of
slightly shorter duration.**

Day 7

Today we will transfer by train and bus to the outskirts of Matera, where our
walk starts. The trail will take us through dramatic rugged landscape of
limestone once home to prehistoric settlements of cave dwellings. Today we
navigate the gravel paths, fields, and groves of almonds and of olives as we
pass through. Here, spring is particularly impressive with many species of
butterfly, orchid and cyclamen.

Day 8

Transfer to Bari; fly to London.