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Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
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Excellent holiday and guide . Despite the rain we had a wonderful time . Good itinerary especially Matera
Matera , and learning about the “ shame of Italy “
Excellent . I was not able to do a couple of the walks due to knee pain , but Joanna was so helpful arranging alternatives and taxis A very caring leader
Not really that’s easy walking . Take walking boots and sticks . Some difficult paths on the ridge of Matera
Brilliant holiday . Loved the food and accommodation at the farmhouse near Ostuna
Everyone had told me how wonderful Puglia was, so my expectations were high, but I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the scenery. This trip is more about visiting the trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient city of Matera, which were both fascinating and it was interesting to learn about the history of both. But the walks were not the most interesting, apart from the beautiful spring flowers and the second from last one, across the ravine from Matera. It was a shame the suspension bridge was out of action. Matera was wonderful. We had a 2 hour guided tour, but it was a shame it was done after we had been on a walk in the morning, followed by a lengthy lunch at the pasta laboratory – not to be recommended due to the surly manager! The trip was slightly marred by a few days of rain. The accommodation was all very good and we were lucky that the group all gelled well, with positive good humour. The food was very good
Matera. Fascinating to wander the streets. You enter down steps from the larger, new city but once in the old city, the views are incredible.
Joana was an excellent guide. Very helpful and worked hard to ensure everyone was ok
On our free day we went to Polignano and Monopoli and were very pleased that we had. Both are by the sea and wonderful scenery and small, quiet streets to wander around. If you are expecting this trip to be one of excellent walks, this may not be the right one. It is an expensive trip, with the single supplement and I didn’t feel it was good value. The food is expensive, but generally very good. We only had short time on the beach after the walk from the farmhouse. Not really enough time for a swim and the sea was quite rough. Hardly worth taking a costume, although the farmhouse had a pool, so in summer, you could swim there.
Very poor guide. Overall very underwhelming walks – guide very unenthusiastic. Food poor. Accommodation, especially first couple of nights, room smelled damp. Guide left us, in the dark, quite a way out of town. Last few nights, in Matera, room was a cave (what we expected) but it was dirty and bathroom was the size of a small cupboard (used a peg to keep shower head from sliding down). Last day guide left us (night before after a truly crap meal) to find our way to our airport transport bus. Small bus arrived at appointed time. Didn’t know anything about us or Exodus. All above raised with Exodus on our return. They denied everything but offered £50 pp as compensation. As if we’d ever travel with them again. At any cost. This is not a cheap holiday. Be warned.
Don't do it again.
Unprofessional
Don't do it.
No
We would like to thank you for the review of your September 2022 trip, Marcelle, although we sincerely regret that your trip experience was not up to standard and that you were so disappointed with the performance of your tour leader. At Exodus, we take great pride in our leaders and recognise the value they add to our trips, which is why they undergo comprehensive training before leading our groups. Whilst we were confident in your leader’s ability to successfully deliver your trip, based on his qualifications, broad knowledge of this part of Italy and previous positive feedback from Exodus clients, we are genuinely sorry to learn that your experience was not so positive and we have, therefore, taken appropriate steps to improve the situation for future groups. The tour leader that led your group will not be participating in Exodus tours in 2023 and we have full confidence that issues such as this will not be encountered again. We are further sorry that one of the hotels you lodged at fell below your expectations, specifically that it was unclean, as this is not the type of feedback we often receive. The Hotel Sassi has hosted our groups for many years, during which time it has garnered generally positive reviews from our clients, which we trust shows why we were confident it would be suitable for you. Nevertheless, we do not wish to downplay your comments and we have, therefore, shared your views with the Sassi’s management team, as we find that they are always receptive to feedback when there is room for improvement. Overall, this is one of our best performing trips, with an average review rating of 4.7*, which we certainly find reassuring. That said, we remain apologetic that you did not receive the holiday you were expecting and that this has discouraged you from travelling with us again.
A trip filled with country side walks, fresh produce and wine. The highlights have to be seeing the Trulli’s in Alberobello and watching the stars in Matera
1. Matera - the first time you see the view it really is breath taking. The Hotel Sassi where we stay is incredible, I would definitely recommend post tour accom here 2. Trulli's in Alberobello - learning about the history of how they used to live in them. Something very unique 3. Optional day trip to Lecce - I would 100% recommend this, architectural surprises around every corner
Very friendly and informative
The walks are generally leisurely, but I would recommend taking trekking shoes or boots with good grip for the Matera Canyon walk.
Personally the Matera Canyon walk with the Suspension Bridge was my favourite walk of the trip. You can actually see the bridge from the start of the walking point, so if you decide its not for you on the day you can explore Matera instead where there is plenty to do and see - don't let it put you off!
This was a great holiday . Andrea was an excellent guide , we visited some really interesting places on and off the beaten track.
Arriving in Matera
Excellent - nothing was too much trouble and he knew so much about the local area.
Book it
Thanks for a great holiday
I went in July and our itinerary was as the Trip Notes. We were a group of 8 and everyone got on so well. I enjoyed staying at all the hotels: Ramapendula, Masseria and Sassi. Breakfast at the 1st and 3rd hotels was excellent but somewhat basic at the Masseria. My room at each hotel met my needs, so very happy with what I was given. The walks were interesting except the 2nd half down from Montescaglioso where we seemed to be walking aimlessly with nothing of interest around!
All the towns we visited were so interested however two tours I especially loved (1) discovering Matera's UNESCO 'Sassi' district which involved a hike to the Murgia plateau, crossing the suspension bridge, hike to the top of the ravine ending with a spectacular viewpoint of Matera's Sassi district; (2) the guided tour of Matera by the local guide where he shared his knowledge of the cave-dwelling district and his own family's personal journey from cave dwelling to the new apartment in the 'new' town, and we also learned the history of this fascinating place. I also really enjoyed and welcomed the swim in the sea after our 2.5 hours walk from Masseria.
Antonino (Nino) was excellent from start to finish and he spoke very good English. Nino would always brief us the evening before of what to expect the following day. Nino was attentive, responsive, generous, patient, kind and efficient in dealing with any niggles we may have had. Could not fault him. He thoroughly knows his history of the Puglia and Matera region, including recommending restaurants and food to try.
I went in July and the heat was searing every day, ranging from 30 degrees upwards so make sure you have plenty of water, sun block, a hat and comfortable walking boots. Sandals you could wear in some terrain but not all so walking boots is a better choice. Take a small towel to dry yourself when you visit the beach. Credit card is accepted widely but useful to carry some local currency. Make sure you're fit enough for a lot of walking.
Just enjoy the experience and go with the flow.
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 Adriatic
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.
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!)
Don't forget sun cream, some walks were quite exposed. Day trip to Lecce was a good choice for the free day.
It was a fantastic trip and I was sorry to leave. A beautiful part of the world.
Just a wonderful trip. Our tour leader Fabrizio was a bundle of joy, information, nothing was too much trouble…..a gem.
Being in Matera , going down the canyon across the suspension bridge to the other side of the valley.
Just brilliant , he had such a pride in his work. Loved the tea and coffee breaks.
Just enjoy this is a wonderful trip. Nice mix of walking , information, delicious food.
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!
Loved coming into Matera
Fabrizio was just the best!!
In March weather varied from woolly hats at start of week to t shirts on last day. Pack layers for this time of year
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.
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.
Selenia was great, vibrant and I only wish I could speak italian as well as she speaks english.
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.
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.
