Walking in Puglia & Matera

Walking in Puglia & Matera

8 Days Starting in Alberobello and ending in Matera

Visiting: Italy

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TEV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2320

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The heel of Italy’s boot, formed of the Puglia and Basilicata regions, offers trails through olive groves and towns seemingly plucked from a storybook – ideal for a culture-packed walking adventure. This trip begins among the fairytale trullihouses of Alberobello and continues to the highlights of the region: the Itria Valley hills; the white city of Ostuni; and the cave town of Matera - 10,000 years old with a spectacular ravine-edge location.

Highlights

  • Walk among the trulli houses of Alberobello

  • Discover Matera, a UNESCO-listed town dug into caves

  • Explore the all-white hilltop town of Ostuni

  • Walk over the Itria Valley hills to Locorotondo

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Alberobello

This walking trip starts in Alberobello, a town almost entirely formed of trulli, fairytale-like dwellings with conical grey-stone roofs. The origin of these UNESCO-protected limestone houses is obscure; however, local farmers claim they were originally built to evade taxes. When the tax inspectors were nearby, the dry-stone walls could easily be dismantled by removing the keystone above the door, and quickly rebuilt after the inspection.



Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula or Hotel Silva (or similar)

Day 2 : Walk Over The Itria Valley Hills; Visit Locorotondo, Known For Its Superb Wine

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start with a walk to Locorotondo. Sitting on a hilltop, our destination is among the most beautiful villages in Italy and renowned for the white wine produced at Cantina Sociale, the local winery.



Following narrow country lanes, we walk over the Itria Valley hills, which are dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. At the end of the day, we take a short train or bus ride back to Alberobello.



Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula or Hotel Silva (or similar)

Day 3 : Morning Visit To The White City Of Ostuni; Afternoon Walk Through Olive Groves And Vineyards; Visit Agnano Archaeological Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, we take a private transfer to the whitewashed hilltop city of Ostuni. After free time, in which you can visit viewpoints and centuries-old churches, we explore the surrounding countryside on foot, walking through ancient olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic.



Along the way, we stop at Agnano Archaeological Park, where we walk a winding path to see church ruins and the bones of a lady within a cave. This evening, we have a delicious dinner and stay either in a beautiful masseria – a renovated farmhouse typical of the Apulian region – or in a four-star hotel in the historic centre of Ostuni.



Accommodation: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (or similar)

Day 4 : Free Day. Optional Activities Include Visiting The Baroque City Of Lecce Or The Picture-Perfect Coastal Village Of Polignano A Mare

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 more than 40 churches and countless palaces, plus a Roman amphitheatre. Alternatively, travel to the picturesque coastal town of Polignano a Mare, which is perched atop a limestone cliff rising from the Adriatic. Both destinations are reachable by train from Ostuni. In the evening, we regroup for a delicious dinner.



Accommodation: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (or similar)

Day 5 : Morning Walk To The Coast; Transfer To Matera

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, 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 head to the cave town of Matera, which is thought to have been inhabited for around 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest towns in the world. James Bond fans may recognise it as the scenic background for a thrilling car chase in No Time to Die (2021), while scenes for Wonder Woman (2017) and The Passion of the Christ (2004) were also shot here.



Its crumbling beauty is undoubtedly a lure for film directors and location scouts, but it’s the ancient Sassi districts, formed of ancient cave dwellings dug into the limestone, that are the true star here. Our hotel is in the middle of the sassi; after check-in, we enjoy our first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of this troglodyte town.



Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (or similar)

Day 6 : Short Walk In Matera’S Rock Churches Park And Guided Sightseeing In Sassi District; Wine And Produce Tasting

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we enjoy a short hike to the Murgia plateau, a vast protected area home to more than 150 Rupestrian churches dating to the eighth century, adorned with Byzantine frescoes and once inhabited by hermits. We hike to the top of the ravine, following a pathway that ends with a spectacular view of the Sassi district. In the afternoon, we walk back to Matera for a guided tour.



Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we wander the narrow alleys of the cave-dwelling district and learn about 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 independently.



Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (or similar)

Day 7 : Walk In Matera And Its Surroundings, Along Sections Of The Cammino Materano

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we explore Matera and further afield, walking sections of the Cammino Materano – a hiking trail linking Matera and Brindisi. After a hearty breakfast, we set off from our hotel and cross two of the Sassi’s historic quarters: the Civita, dominated by the duomo (cathedral), and the Caveoso with its caves. We head towards the ridge of Matera’s ravine and continue along a route characterised by Mediterranean scrub and cave complexes dating to the 11th century. We continue the walk surrounded by olive groves and arable land until we reach Serra Pizzuta forest. We return by public bus to our hotel.



Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (or similar)

Day 8 : End Matera

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends in Matera after breakfast. If you’d like to explore this wonderful destination a little longer, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, two dinners, one wine and produce tasting

  • All accommodation

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Local city taxes (approximately €10)

Food

All breakfasts, two dinners and one wine and local produce tasting are included.



The regional cuisine has strong links to the land and sea. This area is a paradise for food lovers and the abundance of delicious vegetables also makes it a great destination for vegetarians.



A selection of the food on offer includes: the pasta delicacy orecchiette, which is typically served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta; cavatelli pasta with pulses; aubergine (eggplant) and parmesan bake; grilled fish and seafood; burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese); plus excellent wines.

Accommodation

Stay in three unique destinations: the trulli town of Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni and the cave town of Matera. Below are the hotels typically used on this trip.

Alberobello: Hotel Ramapendula or Hotel Silva (nights 1-2)



We start either in Hotel Ramapendula (above) or Hotel Silva. The former has an outdoor swimming pool, Apulian restaurant and a location close to the UNESCO-listed centre of Alberobello. The latter is also a short walk from the centre, with individually themed rooms and a bar.

Ostuni: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (nights 3-4)



Our second accommodation is either Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (above). The first is a 18th-century farmhouse outside Ostuni. Now run by the Laera family, it has a pool in the garden and rustic rooms. The second is set within a 13th-century building in the historic quarter of Ostuni. Along with an ideal location, it has a bar serving Apulian aperitifs and wine.

Matera: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (nights 5-7)





Our final nights are spent in either Hotel Sassi (above) or Fra I Sassi Residence. Opened in 1996, Hotel Sassi took over a series of dwellings, some of which date to the 1500s. There’s an Italian spread for breakfast (most of the produce locally sourced) and wonderful views of Matera from the terrace. The 15-room Fra I Sassi offers similarly spectacular views plus rooms built from the caves themselves.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Puglia and Matera

A most relaxing varied and informative trip. Matera and the Sassi district was a highlite, the hotel and location so unusual. It was valuable having a knowledgeable local guide with family history of the area.The good weather helped of course, but the overarching factor was the excellence of our guide.

sunshine, culture, scenery, food, wine - what more could you want?

I had been wanting to visit Puglia for some time and this trip did not disappoint. Very well balanced between culture, history, nature, exploration and of course, food and wine - it offered everything that I look for in both a trip to Italy and an Exodus trip. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and early May was an ideal time to visit.

November 2015

Excellent trip

Walking boots in the heel of Italy

A well led and easy paced walking holiday in surprisingly varied scenery. The wild flowers were stunning. Don't expect to lose any weight as the picnics and various local food treats and tastings are irresistible.

Wonderful Holiday

Our 7th walking trip in the past 3 years with Headwater/Exodus and it was one of the best! We felt like we had the chance to experience the "Real Italy". While Aberobello had some foreign tourists, the rest of the places we visited/stayed we were among locals. A real treat. The walks were relatively easy. The scenery was beautiful. Picnic lunches and dinners were wonderful. Hotel Stassi in Matera was close to everything, provided unique and comfortable lodging, and a wonderful breakfast. Hotel Ramapendula was about a 5-10 min walk to the main Trulli area, was comfortable but breakfast was mediocre at best.

Walking in Puglia and Basilicata

Beautiful scenery, fascinating history and cultural influences, great mix of touring and walking and fantastic food. This part of Southern Italy was a revelation which our guide, Nino, introduced us to with great knowledge and enthusiasm. Each day was wonderful with the big highlight being Matera at the end of the week. I would recommend this trip to anybody.

Walking in Puglia/Basilicata

First class planning and organisation

Great mix of walking, wine & sightseeing

Three memorable centres - Alberobello (trulli town), Masseria Morrone amongst the olive trees with Pongo the excitable dog, and finally Matera, the town of cave dwellings and churches. Lovely walks, plenty of free time and even a swim in the Adriatic

Walking on Matera and Puglia

.A very interesting and varied trip, taking in some superb towns and villages, with fascinating histories and dramatic or unique architecture The countryside is pleasant but not that interesting as it lacks great scenery. Accommodation was excellent and food often very unusual and tasty.

Walking in Puglia & Matera

A very interesting and enjoyable walk with excellent food.

Read all 85 reviews

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    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

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    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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