Our first holiday with Exodus went really well. We were met at the airport by our tour guide... Bernie, 2017 See more reviews
Matera was beyond expectations and the whole trip was one amazing sight and experience after... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Marinella was a great guide, knowledgable, patient and very fit! The walks and the restaurants... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
I recommend this tour of two regions of southern Italy - Basilicata and Puglia and our wonderful... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Puglia and Matera are areas that are not well known in Canada. We booked the trip based on the... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
We were a group of 7 ladies from Iceland and went on the hiking trip to Puglia and Matera from... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
I had been wanting to visit Puglia for some time and this trip did not disappoint. Very well... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This took us first to Matera- the most amazing town to visit!!! and then on to Alberobello.... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
This was an especially interesting and enjoyable trip, thanks to a well-balanced itinerary,... Anonymous, 2017 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Matera to Alberobello Day 1 Fly to Bari; transfer to Matera. Those on the group flights will be met in Bari airport by the tour leader. A transfer of approximately 1 hour takes us to Matera. Our hotel is located in the heart of the UNESCO listed historic centre. There is usually time to wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s famous cave-dwelling district and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city at night. Day 2 Short walk in Matera’s Rock Churches Park and guided sightseeing in the town's marvellous UNESCO 'Sassi' district; wine and produce tasting. We start the week with 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. The rest of the day is free to discover the city at our own pace. Late afternoon we enjoy a typical produce and wine tasting. ** 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.** Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 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 made of limestone, gravel paths, fields and almond and olive groves, in an area which was once home to prehistoric men and cave dwellings. The area is particularity picturesque in spring when many species of butterfly, orchid and cyclamen are found. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 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 S. M. 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 the 19th May, 22nd Sep and 13th Oct departures the group will stay overnight in a 4-star hotel in the historic centre of Ostuni**. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 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 to take a day trip to the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South', and home to over 40 churches, countless palaces, as well as a Roman amphitheatre and theatre. Alternatively, you could travel to the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare, a shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20m high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. Both of these destinations are reachable by train from Ostuni. In the evening we will regroup to enjoy a delicious dinner in Ostuni or at the masseria. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Morning walk to the coast; free time at the beach (in season) and transfer to the UNESCO town of Alberobello. 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 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. Overnight in Alberobello. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Walk over the hills of the Itria Valley, dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli; visit Locorotondo, known for its superb wine. Our destination today is 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 idyllic Itria Valley, dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. At the end of the day, we take a short train ride back to Alberobello. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Transfer to Bari; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast
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Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.
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 Matera we usually stay at the 3-star Hotel Sassi which offers tastefully renovated cavelike rooms in the heart of the historic UNESCO district. On selected 2018 departures (28th April, 12th May, 26th May, 22nd Sep, 29th Sep and 13th Oct) the group will stay in superior rooms (Junior Suites) at Hotel Sassi. In Ostuni we usually spend two nights at Masseria Morrone, a traditional farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the sea. On the 19th May, 22nd Sep and 13th Oct departures the group will stay overnight in a 4-star hotel in the historic centre of Ostuni. In Alberobello we normally stay at Hotel Ramapendula offering outdoor swimming pool and located within reach of the town centre.
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Reviewed October 2017 Bernadette Sellars Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Walking in Puglia and Matera Our first holiday with Exodus went really well. We were met at the airport by our tour guide Luigina and driven to our first port of call, the Sassi District of Matera. Matera is built on a rocky outcrop, so there were lots and lots of steps. Not a good place for less able bodied people, and we thought some of the cobbled streets were a little slippy, so take a pair of sensible shoes. Our hotel room was a cave built into the rock. Very unusual, but the bathroom was a bit tired and needed a refurbish. Great local restaurants and cafes and very reasonably priced. Our guide Luigina did a great job and had excellent local knowledge. She organised 2 picnic lunches during the week and organised an extra trip on our free day to Lecce. During walks, she pointed out many places of historical interest, but also talked about the local flora. We got to try wild almonds straight off the tree, also wild rocket and strawberry fruit. We were fortunate to be in Italy during the olive harvesting and she asked a local farmer to demonstrate the harvesting method. The final evening’s meal, was at a Massiera (farmhouse). We did have to pay extra for this trip, but it was worth every penny (euro). The food was all locally sourced and Home cooked. It just kept on coming and coming, and I lost count of the number of courses. Wine was free flowing all evening too. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The meal on the final evening at the Massiera What did you think of your group leader? English not always perfect, but she made herself understood which is all that matters. Good local knowledge and knew many good restaurants and cafes. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take suncream, as even in October the sun was hot.
Reviewed September 2017 Sue Reeves-Jones Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Walking in Puglia and Matera Matera was beyond expectations and the whole trip was one amazing sight and experience after another. Guiseppe, our guide, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and amusing. This was an excellent first group walking trip and I will definitely book to go on others, based on this experience. The day off was excellent and I would highly recommend visiting Polignano al Mare and Monopoli. Guiseppe provided great supporting information for both sites after the initial possible options information. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Matera and it's recent history have left a lasting impression. What did you think of your group leader? As previously mentioned, he could not have been bettered. Having been brought in at short notice, to cover for our scheduled guide on what should have been his week off, his dedication to the group and our enjoyment of the trip could not be faulted. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you feel like too much of a mole (talpa) in your allotted room in Matera, do not hesitate to see if there is something more suitable available. It worked for us!
Reviewed September 2017 Mary Robinson Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Walking in Puglia and Matera Marinella was a great guide, knowledgable, patient and very fit! The walks and the restaurants she found us were outstanding for food, wine and price. Thank you What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? A few of the meals! The company What did you think of your group leader? Outstanding Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you can walk 15 km in high temperatures in the full sun if you go in summer! Is there anything else you would like to add? I would choose Exodus again
Reviewed September 2017 Susan Hely Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Great way to discover southern italy I recommend this tour of two regions of southern Italy - Basilicata and Puglia and our wonderful guide Guissepe. Relaxing walking off the beaten track together with great local food and wine. Guissepe took care of all the details including organising gluten free food. I was particularly impressed by his plant knowledge as well as history, particularly of ancient Matera. Good amicable and interesting group. Highlights included staying in the Masseria, home cooked feast of food from their garden, swimming at a beautiful sandy beach after a long hot walk followed by a memorable seafood lunch. And dinner at a farmhouse where they kept cows and made all their own cheeses. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunset at Matera - really beautiful What did you think of your group leader? Loved Guissepe. Never had my Coeliac's disease looked after so well. Very helpful. Good knowledge. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Maybe ask for different rooms. Webput up with a very damp and airless room at the sassi hotel - room 610 - and the third night I was really sick with a cough and had to sleep with my daughter who had a lovely room - 502. Should have asked to change!
Reviewed July 2017 Dan Johns Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Great walking in an area where there are few foreign visitors. Puglia and Matera are areas that are not well known in Canada. We booked the trip based on the interesting walks amongst olive orchards and vineyards that were advertised. What we didn't realize is all the history in the area. From the cave dwellings of the Sassi to the Trulli houses of Alberobello it is a different world. The hiking routes were quite quiet with few other walkers encountered. It was a nice break from some of the busier areas of Italy. The food and drink in the area is fantastic. Marinella took us to some amazing restaurants (and created fantastic picnics) that only a local would know. All in all it was a fantastic trip. My only regret was that it was only a week. We could have stayed longer. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? For me, the most inspirational moment was the first time you see the Sassi. You are walking through the new town of Matera and all of a sudden you look into this ravine which is filled with buildings stacked on top of each other in a seemingly haphazard way. You then find out that caves are behind these buildings and that people live in them. The flocks of swallows and kestrels flying at all times of the day made the scene all the more impressive. What did you think of your group leader? Marinella was amazing. She knows the region and the people well. She (and Exodus) was very concerned about all of the walkers welfare since the temperatures were very high during the trip.She knew all the best places in town to eat and put together some fantastic picnic lunches. Her knowledge of the history of the region was also excellent. She went above and beyond by touring us on the free day around Lecce. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Watch the temperature. Our trip was mid-June and the temperatures were in the mid 30's. Any hotter and the hiking may not have been enjoyable. Otherwise, come with a good appetite and enjoy the region.
Reviewed June 2017 Hulda Gunnarsdottir Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Great walk in Puglia and Matera We were a group of 7 ladies from Iceland and went on the hiking trip to Puglia and Matera from june 3 to june 10. It was an excellent trip with beautiful landscape and the fantastic towns of Matera, Alberobello and Locorotondo. Excellent guide Giuseppe told us all there is about the region and was really nice. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Coming to Matera and visiting the Sassi was something we will never forget. Alberobello and Trulli was fantastic and seeing the caves and hearing the history of the region was great. What did you think of your group leader? Giuseppe was really great and we give him our best recommendation! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There is no need for trekking boots better to have light shoes like good sport shoes.
Reviewed June 2017 Susan Cameron Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera sunshine, culture, scenery, food, wine - what more could you want? I had been wanting to visit Puglia for some time and this trip did not disappoint. Very well balanced between culture, history, nature, exploration and of course, food and wine - it offered everything that I look for in both a trip to Italy and an Exodus trip. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and early May was an ideal time to visit. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing Matera for the first time from my hotel terrace Drinking Primitivo wine and eating tarallini with Italian friends overlooking Matera at sunset Picnics in the countryside with fresh local produce - and learning how to make friselli from Giuseppe! Wildflowers, nature and sunlight as we wandered through the countryside Final meal at Terra Madre in Alberobello - extraordinary food and wine What did you think of your group leader? Giuseppe was an exceptionally dedicated and passionate group leader and thinking back, his attention to detail in regards to both group and individual needs and what we did throughout the week made a good trip into an amazing one. I would go on another trip with Giuseppe without hesitation - in fact, would prioritise a trip with him as a group leader just on the basis I know it would be well organised and would offer activities and surprises that I would not get with another group leader. Giuseppe's local knowledge of the area and its history, and his ability to navigate its intricacies and occasional difficulties) also made a huge difference. and his restaurant recommendations were always spot on! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? be prepared for the walks to feel longer than they really are due to the heat - the temperatures and lack of shade make a difference. Definitely bring appropriate footwear and a sunhat. Also be prepared for long walks in the country without infrastructure or towns regularly interspersed. Also be aware that meals are not included on this trip, on the whole, aside from breakfast. this wasn't an issue for me but a few people in my group were surprised as meals are often included on other Exodus holidays. Is there anything else you would like to add? Go on this trip - it's wonderful. I'm still smiling thinking about it.
Reviewed May 2017 Susan Rice Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Walking in Pulia and Matera This took us first to Matera- the most amazing town to visit!!! and then on to Alberobello. Beautiful scenery, wonderful flora and fauna, interesting historic towns and villages, wonderful local food and wine...... We were lucky in being with a friendly group AND we had an outstanding guide- Giuseppe!!! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many! The views over Matera. The passion and enthusiasm of our guide. The wild flowers. The lovely local produce What did you think of your group leader? Outstanding! Friendly, helpful, informative, thoughtful, passionate for his homeland Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Although the walks are designated 'leisurely' one or two demand a reasonable fitness level. A stick/ s might be handyZXOMG
Reviewed May 2017 Paul Davies Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Walking in Puglia/Basilicata First class planning and organisation What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Meal at farm house What did you think of your group leader? A1 Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be reasonably fit to walk 8 miles in heat.
Reviewed May 2017 Christopher Ing Trip: Walking in Puglia & Matera Walking in Puglia & Matera, May 13 to 20 2017 This was an especially interesting and enjoyable trip, thanks to a well-balanced itinerary, accommodation and transport that was well above average, and superb management on the part of our Tour Leader, Giuseppe. It proved also to be an excellent time of year to visit, with the countryside at its most attractive (green & productive) and the climate relatively fresh. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The most spectacular part of the trip involved learning about the history of the city of Matera, and appreciating its geological setting. What did you think of your group leader? We have completed many trips with Exodus and other companies operating on similar lines. We have learned that the qualities of the Group Leader influence the success or failure of a trip to an enormous extent. Giuseppe proved to be one of the very best Leaders we have known. His concern to explain & illustrate the culture of his native province was quite exceptional, as were the lengths to which he was prepared to go to ensure that we experienced the full breadth of the local cuisine and wines - notably in the middle of the day when he regularly prepared a wonderful lunch for our party of 16 - complete with coffee, mint tea, or - most memorably - a polystyrene cup of Primitivo. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for climbing a lot of steps in Matera (as it's a very hilly city), and don't imagine that a 10km walk is too short for a good walker (the heat of the sun makes even a short walk quite taxing - even in mid-May). Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a joint review from Christopher and Joan Ing
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