Walking in Puglia Tour with 19 Reviews by Utracks

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Lecce, Italy

Ends

Matera, Italy

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

Itinerary

Unveil the rich tapestry of Southern Italy on the 'Walking in Puglia' self-guided tour, designed for seniors and experienced travelers seeking gentle adventure. Over 8 easy days, stroll from the baroque beauty of Lecce to the cave-dwelling history of Matera, passing through Ostuni and the Adriatic-facing village of Otranto. Immerse yourself in landscapes of red earth, olive groves, and vineyards, and discover architectural marvels like the Trulli of Alberobello and Sassi of Matera. With comfortable hotels, all transport, and meals included, this walking trip is as relaxing as it is rewarding. The USP is its unique blend of archaeological treasures and scenic hikes, offering a captivating journey through the heel of Italy.

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.

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:Breakfast

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:Breakfast and Dinner

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

Meals:Breakfast

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

Meals:Breakfast

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.

Meals:Breakfast

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

Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

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.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

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)

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private transfers as noted (public transportation is not included)

Others

Information pack including smartphone app with maps. GPS Tracks are available on requestLuggage transfer (max 20 kg pp) except on Day 3 from Lecce to Ostuni, when you take your luggage with you on the trainWine and product tasting at AlberobelloSassi Matera entry and guided visit, tasting of typical productsEmergency hotline

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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