Duration
14 days
Activities
  • guided walking
Accommodation
  • 2 nights in a typical trullo
  • 11 nights in 3 star hotels and B & B's
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts
 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SOG5698

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
  • Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi coast
  • Enjoy delicious culinary specialties of the region

A delightful mix of light hiking and exploring, Pamela Such’s tour is ideally suited for those who want to learn, linger and explore! Our first week is spent exploring villages and farms on foot, enjoying picnic lunches and stunning views enroute. We’ll learn a little about pasta making, share some wine & olive oil tasting and learn about the history of this unique region of Italy. The second week we delve into the spectacular Amalfi Coast including the ruins of Pompeii and the beautiful island of Capri.

Puglia (pronounced Poo-lia) sits in the ‘heel of Italy’s boot’ and is home to charming, authentic villages where you’ll still find elderly nonnas chatting in the late afternoon sun. Home to the trulli (dry stone huts with conical rooves) of Alberobello and the sassi (houses dug into the calcarentic rock) of Matera, this region of Italy is described as being ‘just so Italian’. Organic plant based foods abound, as do fresh fish and locally sourced meats. And the wines? The local vineyards are focusing on their indigenous grape varieties and have moved into producing fine wines, along with their reasonably priced local varietals. Perfect!

We move on to the captivating region of the Amalfi Coast and its sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Ours days include light hikes on ancient footpaths, ascending Mt. Vesuvius as well as the ruins of Pompeii. A hydrofoil brings us to the island of Capri where we will discover romantic alleys, flower filled pathways and enjoy a dip in the inviting water.

Make your own way to Lecce, capital of the Salento region. From the train station you can take a taxi (allow EUR15-20) to your accommodation located in the historical centre of the city. Inside a 17th century building, this charming B&B will be your home for 2 days. Lecce is a city with the charm of Prague, the stonework of Florence and about the size of Siena. Within the old town walls there are numerous churches and convents, cultural sites, ancient monuments, museums, libraries and cafes. It is a city to get lost in, to meander through not knowing what will greet you at the next turn. We recommend you take some time to wander through the old streets, relax in the piazza overlooking the amphitheatre and enjoy the ambiance of the city before you meet your guide and group at 6pm at the hotel. This evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner brimming with atmosphere. Overnight: Lecce, Palazzo Rollo

Meals:  D

The focus today is Otranto, a little seaside village facing the Adriatic Sea, which you'll reach by a private transfer. Visit the Norman Cathedral to see the unique 'Tree of Life' mosaic floor before hiking along the coastline, discovering flowers and Mediterranean vegetation and the Saracen watchtowers. Return by private transfer to Lecce where we will learn the secrets of the ancient art of paper-machè, which is popular of this city. Distance: 10km/6.2mi, ascent: +100m/328ft, descent: -100m/328ft Overnight: Lecce, Palazzo Rollo

Meals:  B

In the morning we have a city tour through Lecce's charming streets and its Baroque style churches and palaces. In the afternoon there will be a transfer to Ostuni (approx 1 hr). This striking hilltop village is known as the "white city", due to its fortress of whitewashed building clustered together on the hillside. Its charm lies within the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets and fine Mediterranean architecture. Free time to discover this fairy tale-like town. Try your hand at making fresh pasta at a local restaurant tonight for dinner. Overnight: Ostuni, Hotel La Terra

Meals:  B,D

A morning 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. Lunch with typical country products at a 'masseria'/farm before walking back into town. At 4pm, a private transfer will take you to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alberobello, with its intriguing dry-stone dwellings known as trulli, in the beautiful Itria valley. Your accommodation is in a typical trullo in the historical centre. Wine and typical product tasting. Distance: 7.5km/4.6mi, ascent: +100m/328ft, descent: -150m/492ft Overnight: Alberobello, Trulli HR

Meals:  B,L

Today you discover the Itria Valley, walking along an old aqueduct which is still the largest water pipeline in Europe, to Locorotondo. Pass between olive trees, vineyards and trulli through this enchanting landscape. We'll choose a lovely spot for our picnic lunch as we walk. There will be free time to explore pretty Locorotondo before returning by train to Alberobello. Dinner is not included to provide you the opportunity to enjoy anything you like. Distance: 13km/8mi, ascent: +150m/492ft, descent: -150m/492ft Overnight: Alberobello, Trulli HR

Meals:  B,L

In the morning we take a private transfer to Grotte di Castellana, the most important cave system in Italy. We enjoy a guided visit of the site before reaching the "White cave", known as the "Wonder One". In the afternoon take a private transfer to Matera and check in to the hotel, in the heart of the historical centre. You're then free to discover this amazing city, one of the oldest in Italy and Unesco Heritage since 1993 and dinner is at leisure. Distance: 3km/1.8mi Overnight: Alberobello, Trulli HR

Meals:  B,L

A wonderful hike to discover the Murgia plateau facing Matera, admiring rock churches dating from the 8th century 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. In the early afternoon, enjoy a guided visit of the ‘Sassi’ area. Followed by dinner in a typical restaurant. Distance: 6.5km/4mi, ascent: +350m/1148ft, descent: -350m/1148ft Overnight Matera, Hotel Sassi

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast we'll collect a box lunch for the trip and depart by train for Sorrento at approximately 9am. This journey can take up to 5-6hours so we will arrive in the afternoon to check into our hotel. We then have the remainder of the day and evening free to explore and enjoy Sorrento. Stroll through the cafe lined Piazza Tasso and the historic centre, a warren of narrow alleys where you’ll find hand-crafted marquetry and wares and local gastronomic products, including limoncello, the local aperitivo. The 14th church of San Francesco and its tranquil cloister are worth visiting. Women with Wings group dinner this evening. Overnight: Sorrento, Hotel Savoia

Meals:  B,L

This morning you take the hydrofoil to the island of Capri (approx 30 min). Here you can visit the Matromania caves and the Terrazza di Tragara along a colourful path with villas and gardens full of flowers. There are great views of the Faraglioni (spurs of rock rising from the sea) and Monte Solaro. There is time to enjoy swimming in the sea and to discover the romantic lanes of Capri village. Take an afternoon hydrofoil back to Sorrento. Overnight: Sorrento, Hotel Savoia

Meals:  B,D

Early private transfer to Amalfi village this morning, to commence your walk. Beginning in Amalfi, hike along the beautiful Ferriere Valley, the ancient 'Amalfi industrial area' where paper mills and iron-works were situated. Reach Ravello, a resort town set 365m above sea level. Here there is free time to linger, or visit 'Villa Rufolo', about which Boccaccio wrote The Decameron, and the beautiful gardens of 'Villa Cimbrone'. Return to Amalfi via the village of Atrani, then by private transfer to Agerola for dinner. Overnight Agerola, Hotel Risorgimento

Meals:  B,D

Today you will take the trail known as the “Path of the Gods”, the ancient terraced mule path linking Agerola to the village of Positano, a small and charming fishing village. From Positano to Amalfi, you will take a boat to admire the Amalfi coast from the deck, then private transfer back to Agerola (1h). Tonight's dinner at the hotel is make your own pizza - the Italian way! Overnight Agerola, Hotel Risorgimento

Meals:  B,D

In the morning, a short transfer will take you to the summit of Mt Vesuvius. It's an easy walk to ascend to the crater at 1280m, where you can enjoy a wonderful view across to the Bay of Naples. Afterwards, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation in Naples. Italy's third largest city, Naples is one of its oldest, most artistic and most delicious - it's the home of pizza after all! Overnight: Naples, Hotel Napoli t'amo Medina

Meals:  B

The day is free to discover the amazing cultural and historical masterpieces of Naples as well as its tasty local cuisine. Whether you choose to tour independently or as a group, Pamela will have lots of suggestions. We’ll celebrate our final evening together with a surprise destination for dinner. *hint - you’ll need to buy a new pair of jeans after this meal! Overnight: Naples, Hotel Napoli t'amo Medina

Meals:  B

The trip concludes in Naples after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • daily breakfasts - usually buffet style with breads, spreads, coffee, tea and juice, sometimes with cold meats and cheeses, eggs and yoghurt, lunches (where indicated) - lunch with local products in Masseria on day 4 and a picnic lunch on day 6, dinners as indicated - generally 3 courses with local products
  • Engish speaking local guide while in Puglia, hiking guide in Amalfi region and local site guides
  • Puglia: 5 nights in 3 star hotels and charming B&Bs and 2 nights in a 'trullo' on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Amalfi: 6 nights in 3 star hotels
  • All private and public transfers as noted and luggage transfers
  • Wine tastings, workshops and culinary classes as noted in the itinerary
  • Entrance fee at Grotte di Castellana
  • Sassi District guided visit (day 7) and entrance fees at Park of the Rupestrian Churches and Sassi District in Matera
  • Transfers and transportation (public and private) during tour from day 1 to day 14
  • Women with Wings Group dinner on day 8 in Sorrento and farewell dinner on day 13 in Naples

  • Travel to Lecce and from Naples
  • Beverages
  • Meals not indicated
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • tips
  • Hotel taxes (allow EUR2 per day)
  • Entrances to museums, villas and churches if not indicated

Grading

introductory to moderate  


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