Itinerary Include flights Leave this field blank Expand allAlberobello to Matera Fly to Bari; transfer to the UNESCO town of Alberobello.Those on the group flights will be met in Bari airport by the tour leader. A transfer of approximately 1 hour takes us to 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 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. Day 1 Start AlberobelloThe 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. Day 2 Walk over the hills of the Itria Valley, dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli; visit Locorotondo, known for its superb wine.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. Day 3 Morning visit to the white city of Ostuni; afternoon walk through olive groves and vineyards; visit Agnano Archaeological Park.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**. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Free day. Optional activities include visiting the Baroque city of Lecce or the picture-perfect coastal village of Polignano a Mare.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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 Morning walk to the coast; free time at the beach (in season) and transfer to the UNESCO town of Matera.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. * TEV 4th December only - This morning we walk from the masseria to the coast, where we have time to relax on the white beaches. At the end of the walk, private transfer to Matera, one of the most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy famous for its extensive cave-dwelling districts, the Sassi, and stop for lunch along the way. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Short walk in Matera’s Rock Churches Park and guided sightseeing in the town's marvellous UNESCO 'Sassi' district; wine and produce tasting.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.*Customers with vertigo or have difficulty with heights may wish to not participate in this part of the itinerary; if this is the case please speak to your tour leader at the start of the trip and they will be happy to explain the suspension bridge in more detail, and what options may be open to you if you choose not to take part. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Walk in the outskirts of Matera exploring prehistoric caves and rock villages.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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8End Matera. Meals included: Breakfast Transfer to Bari; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast
ItalyNo visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
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. On 27th August 2022 departure, we will stay at the 4* Hotel Colle del Sole, which also offers an outdoor pool and has a central location.In Ostuni we usually spend two nights at Masseria Morrone, a traditional farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the sea. On 22nd Oct 2022 departure, we will stay at the 4-star Hotel La Terra in Ostuni.In Matera we usually stay at the 3-star Hotel Sassi which offers tastefully renovated cave-style rooms in the heart of the historic UNESCO district.
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Reviewed May 2022 Heather WallGreat mix of walking, wine & sightseeing Three memorable centres - Alberobello (trulli town), Masseria Morrone amongst the olive trees with Pongo the excitable dog, and finally Matera, the town of cave dwellings and churches. Lovely walks, plenty of free time and even a swim in the AdriaticWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? For me, the guided tour of Matera was a haunting experience that changed my feelings about the town. The local guide gave a very moving account of how the dire poverty had driven people to live in the darkness, dampness and unhealthy conditions of the cave dwellings. An exhibition in the art gallery showed old photos and an impressive mural reflecting this history. It seemed so incongruous that the place is now such a sought-after tourist destination. It is lovely, dramatic and full of swooping kestrels and swifts.What did you think of your group leader? Giuseppe was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and fun. He was accompanied by Nico, who was learning the trip and we had the benefit of his expert knowledge of birds & plants. Giuseppe was great for making suggestions for our free time, engaged with group and managed our time expertly to ensure we never missed a bus or train (both of which were always running on time!)Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't forget sun cream, some walks were quite exposed. Day trip to Lecce was a good choice for the free day.Is there anything else you would like to add? It was a fantastic trip and I was sorry to leave. A beautiful part of the world.
Reviewed April 2022 joanne kennyFabrizio is amazing Just a wonderful trip. Our tour leader Fabrizio was a bundle of joy, information, nothing was too much trouble.....a gem.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being in Matera , going down the canyon across the suspension bridge to the other side of the valley.What did you think of your group leader? Just brilliant , he had such a pride in his work. Loved the tea and coffee breaks.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just enjoy this is a wonderful trip. Nice mix of walking , information, delicious food.
Reviewed March 2022 Lorna TeeAmazing Matera! Brilliant trip with pleasant walking, great food and wine, good company, fascinating towns (especially Matera....a real highlight for me), an excellent guide in Fabrizio (knowledgeable, efficient, very patient, making everything great fun.... the best guide I can remember having on any trip!). I enjoyed the hotels in Ostuni and Matera (though in Matera it was a bit 'luck of draw' as to what your room was like - and I felt I was lucky!) First hotel in Alberobello was a bit bland. But overall everything went very smoothly (even the dreaded covid paperwork) - and it was SO good to be out of country, somewhere new. What's not to like!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Loved coming into MateraWhat did you think of your group leader? Fabrizio was just the best!!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? In March weather varied from woolly hats at start of week to t shirts on last day. Pack layers for this time of year
Reviewed October 2019 Gail MadeleyWalking in Puglia and Matera This is a very non-strenuous grade 2 trip, compared with other grade 2 walking trips I have undertaken. The majority of walks are flat (walked in sandals) as stated in the trip notes and ankle support was only required for 2 of the walks. This was a part of Italy I had always wanted to visit due to its history rather than the scenery on the walks.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking the streets of Matera - so many ups and downs with sites looking so far away, but then you round a corner and you are on top of it.What did you think of your group leader? Selenia was great, vibrant and I only wish I could speak italian as well as she speaks english.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you visit Lecce on your day off a 2 hour tour costs 15 euro, but this does not allow for entrance into any of the churches. It is easy to tour on your own. Take and use insect repellent if you are prone to insect bites.Is there anything else you would like to add? I would have prefered less time in Ostuni and more time in Polignano a Mare. We visited Polignano following the trip to the beach, but only had 30 minutes to explore once we had eaten lunch, whereas we had 3 hours in Ostuni and as it is visited on a Monday most of the select shops were closed. As the group knew there was a scheduled visit to Polignano we all opted to visit Lecce on our free day.
Reviewed May 2019 Julia BairstowWalking in Puglia and Matera This holiday was an excellent trip of gentle to moderate walking through some beautiful countryside, passing through olive groves, by vineyards, along a few gentle slopes and through the area, where one can see the famous conic 'trulli' houses of the Itria valley. As well as walking there was some fascinating culture to see, notably the towns of Locorotundo, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce (optional) and the beautiful UNESCO city of Matera with its rock churches and many converted cave dwellings. There was a very good choice of delicious fresh, local foods throughout the trip, as well as the wines of the area!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The beautiful UNESCO city of Matera with its ancient rock churches and numerous cave dwellings, many of which have been converted into hotels, restaurants and shops. It was fascinating to learn that within the space of almost 70 years, this city has been transformed into one of extreme poverty to what it is today and currently the European City of Culture for 2019.What did you think of your group leader? Our guide for this trip was absolutely excellent. An enthusiastic and sociable young man, with a very good knowledge of English and the local area, who went out of his way to make the holiday a memorable experience for us all.
Reviewed November 2018 Pauline Upstone? This was an excellent holiday with a good combination berween culture , walking and relaxingWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Probably MateraWhat did you think of your group leader? Guiseppe was an excellent tour leader. He was very solicitous to some members of the group who had dietary needs. He went to a lot of effort to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves and that things went smoothly
Reviewed October 2018 BRIAN MCGHEERAMBLING IN PUGLIA Booking efficient; follow up was not - I had to chase; maybe the late switch from Headwater to Exodus was to blame. An interesting and varied trip, with the leader Luigina Geusa contributing a lot to that plus a good group of fellow walkers. Matera hotel (Hotel Sassi) was not good, but the hotels in Ostuni (La Terra) and Alberobello (Ramapendula) were much better.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Inspirational is too strong a word, but there were memories to retain from all of Matera, Ostuni, Lecce and Alberobello.What did you think of your group leader? She, Luigina Geusa, was pivotal to the success of the trip. Her network of contacts was excellent, and she made a really successful job of understanding the different participants on the trip and building rapport with each of them. Her commitment and passion for the environment showed through clearlyDo you have any advice for potential travellers? For this trip in mid October, the weather can fluctuate so think carefully about what you bring. In the event, the weather worked out well.Is there anything else you would like to add? I think all 16 of the participants on the trip will think back on it as enjoyable
Reviewed September 2018 PHILLIP BUCCHIWalking in Puglia & Matera Vanessa was a wonderful guide and very aware of the needs of of all the participants. everyone got along well. The places we stayed were excellent. The overall experience was lot of funWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting the city of MateraWhat did you think of your group leader? The group leader, Vanessa, is a dynamo. She is upbeat and considerate and made the entire experience a joy.
Reviewed September 2018 Christine BrownHeat among the olive trees An exploring holiday, not a 'wow' one but full of delights. Matera was a long-desired destination, because of Carlo Levi, and spectacular. Sleeping in our massive cave in Hotel Sassi! Walking endlessly through olive groves brought home to me the privations of former Puglian peasants, but also amazement at the great age and variety of shapes of the trees. I loved the small towns, their architecture, narrow streets, the ingenuity of the construction of the Trulli. Hotel Sassi was wonderful, the masseria was beautiful, food good and choice of restaurants gave variety. I liked the multiple starters.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Matera, comparing the town at present with the description by Carlo Levi. And exploring Polignano completely alone on our free dayWhat did you think of your group leader? Vanessa was a great leader, knew a lot about the area, encouraging when we were faltering in the heat. She seemed interested in all of us as individuals, talked to each of us separately. Great company, set a good pace, bought excellent picnics.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Possibly August may not be the right time for walking in Puglia - but if you go then, carry plenty of water, a good sun hat, and be prepared to be hot!!Is there anything else you would like to add? The walk from Montescoglioso would be better reversed, with the difficult walking to the rock villages before lunch, finishing in the town with ice creams and a cool drink.
Reviewed July 2018 Terri MarkleExtraordinary Region of Italy I chose the walking tour of Puglia & Matera because I had never seen Southern Italy. I was intrigued by the UNESCO World Heritage cities as well as the unusual architcecture such as Trulli houses. It is hard to believe the range of homes and times traveled - from Neolithic to present in just 7 days. My two favorite cities were Matera and Aberobello. The food was incredible. I ate great vegetarian dishes and seafood dishes all week!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I was most overcome by Matera and how this city transformed itself from a slum in the 1950s to the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2019. Seeing frescoes of the Madonna & Child painted on the walls of caves where monks lived in the Middle Ages is transforming. Walking the rocky cliffs from cave to cave took me out of this world.What did you think of your group leader? I loved Marcella! She clearly loves Puglia & Matera and it shows in her knowledge and exuberance. It was a treat when I could walk with her on a hike and learn about her travel adventures. She also picked the most amazing items at the grocery store for our picnic one day.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a hard trip in July as Italy was experiencing record heat. Two of our walks were quite hard due to the heat. You really need to be able to deal with the hot Italian sun and temperatures.Is there anything else you would like to add? It is amazing how you travel through time on this Exodus tour of Southern Italy - from Matera (Neolithic & Middle Ages) to Lecce ( Ancient Rome) to Aberobello. Every town was charming. I also loved staying in a masseria and eating Mama’s delicious homemade primi and secondi plats.
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