Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights in charming B&Bs or 3 star hotels, 2 nights in a typical Trullo
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts
 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SOG6165

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

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.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

On arrival at the train station you will be transferred to your accommodation a charming B&B in an ancient 17th century building, located in the historical centre of the city. This afternoon you are free to discover the main monuments of the capital of the Salento region, which are Baroque style. Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight in Lecce.

Meals:  Nil

The focus today is Otranto, the gateway to the Orient. Otranto is a little seaside village facing the Adriatic sea. Visit the "Tree of Life" mosaic in the cathedral of Otranto, one of the most amazing mosaic floors in Italy. Hike along the coastline, discovering flowers and Mediterranean vegetation and the "Saracens" watchtowers. Train back to Lecce to your B&B. 4 hours walking, 11km, ascent +100m, descent -100m

Meals:  B

This morning you take a train to Ostuni. This striking hilltop village, within touching distance of the seashore, is known as the "white city" due to its fortress of whitewashed building clustered together on the hillside. Ostuni's charm lies within the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets, showing off some fine Mediterranean architecture. In the afternoon, there will be a private transfer to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site and intriguing city populated by dry stone dwellings known as Trulli. Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight in a hotel in Alberobello. 2 hours walking, 7km

Meals:  B

Wine and typical product tasting at Alberobello

Meals:  B

Meals:  B

Today you will experience a Sassi Matera guided visit and typical products tasting The trip concludes after your arrival in Bari

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
  • 5 nights in charming B&Bs or 3 star hotels and 2 nights in a typical Trullo(subject to availability) on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €10-15)
  • Private transfers as noted (Public transportation not included)
  • Wine and product tasting at Alberobello
  • Sassi Matera guided visit & typical products tasting
  • Emergency hotline
  • Mobile App with GPX tracks for navigating
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
  • Luggage transfer (max 20 kg pp)

  • Travel to Lecce and from Matera
  • Beverages, lunches and 5 dinners
  • Public transportation, allow €30
  • Travel insurance
  • Hotel taxes (allow EUR10-15)
  • Note: Prices indicated above are subject to change

Grading

introductory to moderate  

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.


Departure dates

Daily except Saturday from 1 Mar to 23 Jul and 1 Sep to 23 Nov

Notes

BP
Base Price

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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