2025 Early Bird SaleFinal WeekSave Now
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights in a 3 star hotel
  • 3 nights in a 3 star hotel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$2650 USD

Adult$2518USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: PGW

Trip highlights


  • Explore Lecce and its historic centre, seaside Otranto and the 'white city' of Ostuni
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage trulli of Alberobello and the Sassi of Matera
  • Discover archaeological and architectural treasures with hiking through landscapes of red earth, olive groves and vineyards
  • Stay in hand picked hotels and a Masseria (fortified farm typical of the Puglia region)

Puglia's position as Italy's gateway to the Orient meant that it was occupied by many marauding invaders during its history, including the Normans, the Turks, Greeks, Romans and Goths. This rich mixture of civilisations and cultures has left an intriguing legacy to explore, which makes travelling here feel genuine and unlike anywhere else in Italy. This guided walking trip combines time discovering 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.

Make your own way to Lecce, capital of the Salento region. From the train station you can walk or take a taxi (allow EUR15-20) to the hotel, which is located in the outside the historic centre. Meet your guide and group at 6pm at the hotel followed by a welcome dinner. Lecce has the charm of Prague, the stonework of Florence and is about the size of Siena. Within its walls are numerous churches and convents, cultural sites, ancient monuments, museums, libraries and cafes. It is a city to to meander through, not knowing what will greet you at your next turn. We recommend arriving in the afternoon and taking time to wander, explore and relax in the piazza overlooking the amphitheatre, enjoying the ambience. We can assist with booking pre-tour nights on request.

Meals:  D

The focus today is Otranto, a small seaside village facing the Adriatic Sea, which you'll reach by train or bus. Otranto's cathedral is famous for its 12th-century floor mosaic, which covers the floor of the nave, the sanctuary and the apse. We'll then set off on foot along the coastline, discovering flowers and Mediterranean vegetation, as well as the Saracen watchtowers. We take the train or bus back to Lecce where you can enjoy a free evening discovering its main monuments. Distance: 10km/6.2mi, ascent: +100m/328ft, descent: -100m/328ft

Meals:  B

In the morning we'll have a guided walk through Lecce's charming streets and past its Baroque style churches and palaces. In the afternoon we will have a private transfer to Ostuni (approx 1 hr), a striking hilltop village known as the "white city" due to its fortress of whitewashed buildings clustered on the hillside. Its charm lies within the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets and fine Mediterranean architecture. There's free time to discover this fairy tale-like town before we transfer to a typical Masseria for our overnight stay and dinner with local products.

Meals:  B,D

Today we will walk from the Masseria to the coast and the Dune Natural Park where we will have time to relax on the white beaches or to swim in the sea. Back to the Masseria where we have a pasta making session followed by dinner (pasta of course!) and overnight stay. Distance: 9.5km/6mi, ascent: +175m/574ft, descent: -100m/330ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will explore the Itria Valley. First up a private transfer takes us to Locorotondo where we walk along an old aqueduct which is still the largest water pipeline in Europe. We'll pass between olive trees, vineyards and trulli on our way through this enchanting landscape. There's free time to explore the iconic village of Alberobello with its streets lined by white trulli houses. Later we have a private transfer to Matera and our accommodation. Dinner at leisure. Distance: 13km/8mi, ascent: +150m/492ft, descent: -150m/492ft

Meals:  B,L

Our walk this morning begins directly from the historic centre of Matera. We will pass through the Civita district and the Caveoso. From here we head towards the ravine of Matera, with a breathtaking view of the city. The landscape will change as we arrive in wooded areas with fortified structures. We return to Matera using a public bus. Following a wine tasting, dinner will be at your leisure. Distance: 13km/8mi, ascent: +130m/429ft, descent: -250m/825ft

Meals:  B,L

A wonderful walk this morning to discover the Murgia plateau. Facing Matera, the plateau has rock churches dating from the 8th century, painted with Byzantine frescoes. The landscape here is of pastures and stone farmhouses, and with luck we'll see the flight of different types of falcons. In the early afternoon we'll have a guided visit of the ‘Sassi’ area and afterwards, dinner in a typical restaurant. Overnight in Matera. Distance: 6.5km/4mi, ascent: +350m/1148ft, descent: -350m/1148ft

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, your luggage will be dropped off at Matera station where the trip concludes. We can assist with a private transfer to Bari if required (a supplement applies), or with booking extra nights if you'd like to stay longer.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts - usually buffet style with breads, spreads, coffee, tea and juice, sometimes with cold meats and cheeses, eggs and yoghurt, 3 picnic lunches with local products, 4 dinners - generally 3 courses with local products
  • 5 nights in 3 star hotels and 2 nights in a typical Masseria on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • All private and public transfers as noted and luggage transfers
  • Guided visit of Lecce day 2
  • Wine and typical product tasting in Matera
  • Engish speaking guide
  • Sassi District guided visit (day 7) and entrance fees at Park of the Rupestrian Churches and Sassi District in Matera
  • Luggage transfer from/to accommodation in Matera and to Matera train station on day 8
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Lecce and from Matera
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • A supplement will apply if you require a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Tips
  • Tourist taxes
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Grading

introductory to moderate  


Departure dates


Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2518USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementUSD$430
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Similar trips

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips