24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 2 nights in a charming B&B
  • 2 nights in a typical Masseria
  • 3 nights in a 3 star hotel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$2590USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: PGW

Trip highlights


  • View the red earth of Salento and olive groves by the sea
  • Discover Lecce and its historic centre, and the seaside town of Otranto
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage trulli of Alberobello and the Sassi of Matera
  • Stay in atmospheric hand picked hotels and guesthouses and a Masseria (fortified farm typical of the Puglia region)

Puglia's position as Italy's gateway to the Orient meant that it was easily 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 archeological 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 take a taxi (allow EUR15-20) to the hotel, which is located in the historical centre of the city. Inside a 17th century building, this charming hotel will be your home for 2 days. 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 its old streets and relax in the piazza overlooking the amphitheatre, enjoying the ambience. Meet your guide and group at 6pm at the hotel before heading out for a welcome dinner brimming with atmosphere.

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).

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 charming B&Bs 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

  • 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 when not specified
  • 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

$2590USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$440
*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. 

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