Walking in Puglia & Matera

Walking in Puglia & Matera

8 Days Starting in Alberobello and ending in Matera

Visiting: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Lecce, Matera

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 $1856 Operator discount: -$464 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 22-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 trulli houses 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

  • Hike the finest trails in Puglia and Matera, guided by our expert tour leader

  • Wander among the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello

  • Discover the extraordinary cave town of Matera, among the oldest towns in the world

  • Explore the viewpoints and ancient churches in the all-white hilltop town of Ostuni

  • Walk over the Itria Valley hills to Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Alberobello; Welcome Dinner

valezones

Location: Alberobello

Meals Included: Dinner

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.



Starting at the hotel, we have an aperitif upon arrival before a group dinner, where we can get to know each other a little better.



Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula (or similar)

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

Location: Locorotondo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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. Once in Locorotondo, enjoy free time to explore – the Church of San Giorgio Martire, in the heart of the historic centre, is a masterpiece of Apulian baroque.



At the end of the day, we take a short train or bus ride back to Alberobello.



Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula (or similar)

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

Location: Ostuni

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 three-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 Port City Of Bari

Location: Lecce

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 Bari to explore the historic centre. Aside from the many beautiful old buildings, it is home to the Strada delle Orecchiette, where you can see local women create and sell the ear-shaped pasta, orecchiette.



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 : Coastal Walk In Polignano A Mare; Transfer To Matera

Astrit Myrtaj
simone agosta
Max Roma

Location: Matera

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we take the train to the stylish seaside town of Polignano a Mare, which is raised above the Adriatic on a limestone cliff. We first walk along the coast for beautiful sea views before exploring the historic centre, where alleys wind among white houses and lead to terraces with more views over the Adriatic.



In the afternoon, we transfer 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 : Walk In Matera And Its Surroundings, Along Sections Of The Cammino Materano

Astrit Myrtaj
simone agosta
Max Roma

Location: Matera

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

Astrit Myrtaj
simone agosta
Max Roma

Location: Matera

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 8 : End Matera

Astrit Myrtaj
simone agosta
Max Roma

Location: 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, one lunch, three 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 (nights 1-2)





We start at Hotel Ramapendula, which has an outdoor swimming pool, Apulian restaurant and a location close to the UNESCO-listed centre of Alberobello.

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.

Videos

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

Great trip

A wonderful trip in fantastic areas of southern Italy. Stunning landscape

A really enjoyable visit to Puglia & Basilicata.

A first class trip. Everything happened as planned. The trip notes were very accurate. Gentle walking, which is what we expected and wanted on this trip.

Great Trip

I really enjoyed this trip. The hikes were a great way to explore the landscape. Tancredi our group leader was very knowledgeable about the culture and history of the places we visited and also helped us make the most of our free time. I found all the places we visited unique and interesting. The week was packed with a lot to see and do but was planned well.

A wonderful introduction to Puglia

The trip was fascinating. Every day of the walking tour was interesting and enjoyable. A good amount of free time, balanced with excellent walks and cultural exploration.

Amazing Matera!

Brilliant trip with pleasant walking, great food and wine, good company, fascinating towns (especially Matera....a real highlight for me), an excellent guide in Fabrizio (knowledgeable, efficient, very patient, making everything great fun.... the best guide I can remember having on any trip!). I enjoyed the hotels in Ostuni and Matera (though in Matera it was a bit 'luck of draw' as to what your room was like - and I felt I was lucky!) First hotel in Alberobello was a bit bland. But overall everything went very smoothly (even the dreaded covid paperwork) - and it was SO good to be out of country, somewhere new. What's not to like!

Great way to discover southern italy

I recommend this tour of two regions of southern Italy - Basilicata and Puglia and our wonderful guide Guissepe. Relaxing walking off the beaten track together with great local food and wine. Guissepe took care of all the details including organising gluten free food. I was particularly impressed by his plant knowledge as well as history, particularly of ancient Matera. Good amicable and interesting group. Highlights included staying in the Masseria, home cooked feast of food from their garden, swimming at a beautiful sandy beach after a long hot walk followed by a memorable seafood lunch. And dinner at a farmhouse where they kept cows and made all their own cheeses.

Material/puglia

Fantastic trip and bothe the tour guide and minibus driver were very obliging

Wonderful week

We had a marvellous time walking in Puglia and Basilicata, an area completely unknown to us before now. Such beautiful towns and villages to explore in Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce and the fascinating Matera and gentle day walks in surrounding countryside.

Pretty Puglia and magnificent Matera

A lovely gentle hiking trip in southern Italy. Walking through olive groves and along an aqueduct. Visiting the Unesco heritage town of Matera with its interesting history and hopefully positive future as a European city of culture. Also the stunningly pretty old town of Alberolbello with its trulli houses. Not to mention the delicious local food and friendly people. Marinella our leader was so enthusiastic and knowledgable about her home region. She also booked some great evening meals and a wine tasting that was also a cheese tasting, so much so that we didn't need any dinner! The visit to the local farm and cheese factory was fun and the dinner that followed there was so big we had to cancel the pasta course! Just one piece of advice would be to avoid the rooms in Matera near to reception as they can be quite noisy with fellow guests in reception and moving between reception and the lift.

Only 3 walks throughout the week

The trip was well organised and each of the three places we stayed were fascinating

Read all 87 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$2320 $1856

Operator discount: -$464

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$2320

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$2320

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$2320

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    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.

  • Cancellation Policy

    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.

Similar Tours