Walking in Puglia & Matera

The trip starts in 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 after the group's arrival 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.

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.

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**.

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.

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.



 

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.**

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.

The trip ends in Matera this morning.