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The trip starts in Alberobello, home to 1500 Trulli (conical roofed houses) that have made its historical centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The origin of these funny-looking stone dwellings is obscure, however, local farmers claim they were originally built in an effort to evade taxes. When the tax inspectors were in the area, the dry stone walls could easily be dismantled by simply removing the key stone above the door and quickly rebuilt after the inspection. Our hotel is located in proximity of the historic centre. In the afternoon after the group's arrival there is usually time to wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s centre and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this enchanting town at night.
We start the week with a walk to the town of Locorotondo. Sitting on the top of a hill, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is renowned for its white wine and Cantina Sociale, the local winery. Following narrow country lanes, we walk over the rolling hills of the Itria Valley, dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. At the end of the day, we take a short train ride back to Alberobello where we stay overnight.
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 4.5
Altitude Gain: 150
Altitude Loss: 150
In the morning we take a private transfer to the white city of Ostuni, famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses. After some free time spent discovering this elegant hilltop town at our own pace, we explore the beautiful surrounding countryside on foot, walking through ancient olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic coast. Along the route we stop for a visit at the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano. This evening we have a delicious dinner and overnight in a beautiful Masseria – a renovated farmhouse typical of the Apulian region **Please note that on selected departures the group will stay overnight in a 4-star hotel in the historic centre of Ostuni instead of the masseria. See the Accommodation section in the Trip Notes for more information**.
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 3
Activity Hours: 2
Altitude Gain: 100
Altitude Loss: 100
Today is free to discover the many jewels of this beautiful region. We recommend a day trip to the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South', and home to over 40 churches and countless palaces, as well as a Roman amphitheatre and theatre. Alternatively, you could travel to the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20m high limestone cliff rising from the Adriatic. Both of these destinations are reachable by train from Ostuni. In the evening we regroup to enjoy a delicious dinner in Ostuni or at the masseria.
This morning we walk from the masseria to the coast, where we have time to relax on a beach or swim in the mild waters of the Adriatic sea (depending on the season). In the afternoon we make our way to Matera, one of the most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts, the /sassi/. Our hotel is located in the heart of Matera Sassi UNESCO site, just a few steps from the town's most famous attractions, and offers a terrace with panoramic views across the town. After checking in we enjoy a first glimpse of Matera's enchanting alleys and unique architecture.
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 3
Altitude Loss: 100
Today we enjoy a short hike to the Murgia plateau, a vast protected area home to over 150 rupestrian churches dating back to the 8th century, once inhabited by hermits and adorned with Byzantine frescoes. We descend down the Matera's canyon until we reach a suspension bridge which allows us to cross to the other side of the valley. We then hike to the top of the ravine following a pathway which ends with a spectacular viewpoint of Matera's Sassi district. In the afternoon we walk back to Matera for a guided tour: accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s famous UNESCO cave-dwelling district and learn of the history of this fascinating place. Back in Matera we enjoy a delicious produce and wine tasting in the historic centre and the rest of the day is free to discover the city at our own pace. Overnight in Matera. ** Please note that at the time of writing the suspension bridge connecting Matera to the canyon trail is not accessible due to a landslide. In the event it does not reopen in time for your departure, complimentary transfers will be arranged to the trailhead and back. This would result in the walk being of slightly shorter duration.**
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 3.5
Altitude Gain: 350
Altitude Loss: 350
Today we will transfer by train and bus to the outskirts of Matera, where our walk starts. The trail will take us through dramatic rugged landscape of limestone once home to prehistoric settlements of cave dwellings. Today we navigate the gravel paths, fields, and groves of almonds and of olives as we pass through. Here, spring is particularly impressive with many species of butterfly, orchid and cyclamen.
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7
Altitude Gain: 180
Altitude Loss: 370
* 5 nights 3-star hotels and 2 nights converted farmhouse or 4-star hotel
depending on departure dates (see accommodation section for more info)
* 5 days guided gentle walking; 1 free day
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Low altitude throughout
* Travel by private minivan, bus, and train
All breakfasts, 2 dinners and 1 wine and local produce tasting are included.
In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the
land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on offer
in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta
delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and
sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake,
grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus
excellent wines. This region is a food lover's paradise and the abundance of
delicious vegetables also makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians. On
this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste the best local
specialities, in particular during the produce and wine tasting and the
traditional dinner included in the itinerary.
* 5 nights 3-star hotels and 2 nights converted farmhouse or 4-star hotel
depending on departure dates (see accommodation section for more info)
* 5 days guided gentle walking; 1 free day
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Low altitude throughout
* Travel by private minivan, bus, and train
Activity Level 2, Leisurely/Moderate
During the days we walk for 3 to 6 hours (including lunch and photo stops).
The terrain and type of path will vary from man-made paved tracks and tarmac
to gravel. Please note that the terrain on the trails near Matera can be
uneven or rocky so trekking shoes or boots with good grip are required for
these walks. The walks are easy, although some ascents and descents should be
expected, so a reasonable amount of fitness is required. Please be aware that
Puglia can also be very warm, possibly reaching 30 degrees in the summer
months between July and September. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are
given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and
will vary depending on the pace of your group.
3 and 4-star hotels and converted farmhouse
All hotels on this trip have been specially selected for their location,
character and comfort. We stay in renovated traditional buildings which give
a real taste of the typical Apullian architecture.
In Alberobello we normally stay at Hotel Ramapendula offering outdoor
swimming pool and located within reach of the town centre.
In Ostuni we usually spend two nights at Masseria Morrone, a traditional
farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the sea. On selected
departures (10th Apr 2021, 22nd May 2021, 4th Sep 2021 and 16th Oct 2021) the
group will stay at the 4-star Hotel La Terra in Ostuni and not at Masseria
Morrone.
In Matera we usually stay at the 3-star Hotel Sassi which offers tastefully
renovated cavelike rooms in the heart of the historic UNESCO district.
Hotel Sassi,
All breakfasts, 2 dinners and 1 wine and local produce tasting are included.
In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the
land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on offer
in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta
delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and
sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake,
grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus
excellent wines. This region is a food lover's paradise and the abundance of
delicious vegetables also makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians. On
this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste the best local
specialities, in particular during the produce and wine tasting and the
traditional dinner included in the itinerary.
A private minibus will be used for the airport transfers. We use a mix of
private and public transport (train and bus) during the week.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or Alitalia
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly
we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Alberobello and ending in Matera*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Alberobello in
the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start
point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately
two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
It is possible to make your own way to Alberobello from Bari airport although
the journey by public transport requires a few changes. First you will need
to travel from Bari airport to Bari central station by train. (transfer 20
min. - ticket:€6 http://www.ferrovienordbarese.it/ [1]).
From Bari central station there are regular trains to Alberobello although
most require a change in Putignano or Fasano, and often the second leg of the
journey is operated by a bus rather than train. Info and timetables
at https://www.fseonline.it/ [2] (approx. journey time 2hrs, €10-15).
Alternatively, if you prefer to travel in more comfort, Exodus can arrange a
private arrival transfer prior departure for a price of approx. £100-120 for
the vehicle. Please contact us if you wish to book this service.
[1] http://www.ferrovienordbarese.it/
[2] https://www.fseonline.it/
Puglia enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with all year round sunshine
and just enough rainfall to ensure that the green is never too far off.
Although Puglia covers a large area it is long and narrow - not more than
30km across. This means that you're never far from the sea which has a
moderating effect on the weather. Please note that Puglia can be very hot,
reaching high 30s in the summer.
Small rucksack (for water bottle, camera etc)
Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopper
Trail shoes or walking boots with sturdy soles
Long walking trousers as some paths may be overgrown
A warm jumper or fleece (for the evenings and for winter departures)
A sun hat and other sun protection equipment.
Waterbottle: while mineral water is available at the hotel and shops, it’s
safe to drink the local tap water, so remember to bring refillable water
bottles and keep hydrated during the day
Walking poles
A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers
Swimming costume
For lunches and dinners not included, please allow about €200 for the week
depending on the standard of restaurant chosen.
*Optional activities:*
Return train to Polignano a Mare: €7-10
Return train to Lecce: €12-15
LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for
non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will
be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee
varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of
stay. It is usually between 1 and 4 euros per person per night. For this
trip, please allow approx. €7-10 for the week.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Most of
our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help
and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the
service received. For this trip we recommend to allow approx. 20€ per
person for the guide.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Local city taxes (approx. €10)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.