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Puglia is a land forged in history by a mixture of civilisations and cultures. This enriching walking trip combines 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.
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21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(148kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrival in Lecce for sightseeing in Salento's Baroque style regional capital
Make your own way to Lecce. From the train station you can walk to your accommodation (approx. 800m/0.5mi) or take a taxi (allow EUR15). A charming B&B located in the historical centre of the city will be your home for 2 nights. This afternoon you are free to discover the main monuments of the capital of the Salento region, which are Baroque style.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Visit Otranto and hike along the Adriatic coastline, overnight in Lecce (4hrs)
The focus today is Otranto, a little seaside village facing the Adriatic sea. Take the bus or train this morning. Make sure you visit the Norman Cathedral to see the unique 'Tree of Life' mosaic floor. Hike along the coastline, discovering flowers and Mediterranean vegetation and the Saracen watchtowers. Bus or train back to Lecce to your B&B. Distance: 11km/6.8mi, ascent +100m/328ft, descent -100m/328ft Note: there are no public transport connections between Lecce and Otranto on Sundays and public holidays so private transfers are required. Additionally, if you prefer not to take the train/bus on other days, optional return transfers are available - please ask for our rates.
Meals: B
Day 3
Transfer to the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Ostuni, explore on foot (2hrs)
Private transfer to the station, then take a train to Ostuni. This striking hilltop village, a short distance from the seashore, is known as the "white city" due to its fortress of whitewashed buildings clustered together on the hillside. Private transfer from the station into town, with free time to discover the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets and fine Mediterranean architecture. Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight in hotel in Ostuni.
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Explore the countryside of Ostuni, transfer to Alberobello, renowned for its 'trulli' (3hrs)
Hike to discover the unique countryside of Ostuni. Enjoy a nice walk through millenary olive groves on red clay-like soil with wonderful views of the Adriatic. At 4pm, a private transfer takes you to UNESCO World Heritage listed Alberobello, with its intriguing dry-stone dwellings known as trulli, in the beautifully exotic Itria valley. Your accommodation is in the historical centre. Wine and typical product tasting, overnight in Alberobello in a trullo (subject to availability). Distance 9km/5.6mi, ascent +100m/328ft, descent -100m/328ft
Day 5
Discover the Itria Valley and Locorotondo (3.5hrs)
Morning transfer to Coreggia to discover the Itria Valley, walking along an old aqueduct to Locorotondo. Pass between olive trees, vineyards and trulli through this enchanting landscape. Return by train to Alberobello. Distance 13km/8mi, ascent +120m/393ft, descent -90m/295ft
Day 6
Transfer to Matera, guided visit of the 'Sassi' area (2hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to World Heritage listed Matera. Its fascinating 'Sassi', ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited since Paleolithic times, have been excavated in the rocks facing a deep canyon. Upon arrival, after you check into your accommodation, enjoy a guided visit of the 'Sassi' area (approx. 2 hours). Overnight in Matera.
Day 7
Hike to discover the Murgia plateau and its 8th century rock churches (3hrs)
Enjoy a wonderful hike to discover the Murgia plateau facing Matera, with its rock churches painted with Byzantine frescoes. The landscape here is of pastures and stone farmhouses, and there is the chance to watch the flight of different types of falcons. Dinner in a typical trattoria to experience the flavour of the region and overnight in Matera. Distance 7km/4.3mi, ascent +150m/492ft, descent -150m/492ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast with your transfer to the bus or train station. We can arrange a private transfer from Matera to Bari, please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
Your accommodation is in a historic 17th-century palace located in the heart of Lecce's old town, directly opposite the city's famous cathedral. Known for its ivy-clad courtyard and classic baroque architecture, it now operates as a charming bed and breakfast. (Subject to availability)
Subject to availability you will stay in a unique 'Trulli'. Alberobello is famous for its traditional whitewashed dry-stone cottages topped with distinctive conical roofs, found only in this corner of Puglia.
The walking is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily walks between 3 and 4 hours. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. We recommend that you have some previous experience of trekking. Waymarking - there are no official walking trails maintained by the government in Puglia nor waymarking. We have carefully constructed walking routes on mainly dirt paths and along rural trails but from time to time the farmers who also use these tracks may asphalt them. The maps are not of the same standard you would find in other walking destinations. However the countryside is wonderfully suited for walking and carefully reviewing the notes and visualising the route before you set out will optimise your walking and navigational experience.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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