Discover Puglia: Italy's Ancient Heel

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

~~£ 1945~~ £ 1745

Culture

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

5 - 18

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

ADE2

Carbon Footprint :

30kg CO2e per person per day

From the cave town of Matera to baroque Lecce, enjoy the best of Italy in a week

Puglia is the best of Italy crammed into the heel of the boot: twisted olive trees, World Heritage towns, full-bodied primitivo wine, and sun-kissed beaches. Experience it for yourself, spending two nights in the spectacular cave town of Matera, before wandering among the fairytale trulli homes of Alberobello. There’s also time to sample olive oil in a traditional Apulian farm, explore the white city of Ostuni, visit the medieval coastal town of Otranto, and end in baroque Lecce, known as the Florence of the South.

Highlights

Experience Puglia’s highlights with a group of like-minded cultural adventurers
Begin in the extraordinary cave town of Matera – a spectacular opening to the adventure
Wander among the trulli houses of Alberobello
Enjoy seafront restaurants and coastal views in Otranto
Sample classic Apulian produce with an olive oil tasting and pasta-making demo at a farmhouse
Finish in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its magnificent baroque buildings

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 farmstay)
Travel by air-conditioned private minibus
Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts, one lunch/cookery class, one wine tasting
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Local city taxes (approx. €15)

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Join a family at their ancient masseria, where we’re taught the secrets of traditional pasta making in a cooking demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch

TRIP

ADE2 - Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Matera Lecce

Our tour starts in Matera, one of the most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy, home to extensive cave-dwelling districts, known as the Sassi District. Our hotel is in the heart of the district, a World Heritage site, and offers a terrace with panoramic views across town. After checking in, we enjoy a first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of Matera.

If you would like to spend a bit more time to explore this beautiful town or settle into the adventure, speak to your sales representative about adding nights before your trip begins.

Accommodation: Hotel Sassi (or similar)
Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

We start our week with a full day in one of the most interesting, distinctive and memorable tourist destinations in Italy: Matera. On a hill, overlooking an impressive canyon in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, Matera has only recently gained the deserved spotlight. In 1993, the town was made a World Heritage site for being the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean, all carved in bare limestone. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we walk through the cave-dwelling districts and learn about the history of this fascinating place. In the afternoon, we can discover the city at our own pace and perhaps visit the rupestrian churches.

Accommodation: Hotel Sassi (or similar)
Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we take a private transfer to Alberobello, stopping en route at the village of Polignano a Mare, which is on the edge of a craggy ravine. We stroll along the whitewashed streets and enjoy superb views of the Adriatic Sea and coastline from a panoramic terrace.

Later, we transfer to Alberobello, home to dry-stone dwellings called trulli. Many of these, which run up a series of pretty (but fairly steep) streets, have been turned into artisan shops and restaurants. We enjoy a wine tasting at a winery in Locorotondo before dinner and stay either in traditional trulli or a typical Apulian resort.

Accommodation: Trulli or Apulian resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free to choose among several local activities. You may choose to take a day trip to the scenic port town of Monopoli or visit the Castellana Caves, the most important and biggest cave system in Italy. At the entrance of the Itria Valley, these caves began to form about 90m years ago. There is a tour that takes you more than 200ft (60m) deep and allows you to see stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, incredible shapes, fossils and canyons.

Accommodation: Trulli or Apulian resort

Meals included: Breakfast

We’re off to the 18th-century Masseria Morrone this morning, a beautiful Apulian farm and our home for tonight. Here, we discover the rural charms of Puglia with an expertly guided olive oil tasting and a scenic walk through the estate. We’ll also take part in a cooking demonstration followed by a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, we transfer 4mi (6km) to Ostuni, where we have free time to explore the city.

Accommodation: Masseria Morrone (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we transfer to pretty Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy. We spend the day exploring the pretty architecture, views, seafront restaurants and white sandy beaches of the medieval centre. We also visit the Romanesque cathedral, dating to 1088 and with extensive 12^th-century floor mosaics. After lunch, we can join our tour leader for an optional gentle coastal walk following the Salento coves and creeks (approximately two hours of walking, 4mi/6km). Those who prefer not to take part can explore the town at their own pace, or perhaps relax on one of the Otranto beaches (seasonal), renowned for their clear water. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Lecce.

Accommodation: Eos Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior or deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we have free time to enjoy shopping opportunities or visit well-known monuments such as the Roman amphitheatre. We then enjoy a guided visit to Lecce in the afternoon, arguably one of the most distinctive baroque cities in Europe. Most of the buildings here are constructed in the soft local stone, with pretty decorations and cherubs covering façades and doorways. During our walking tour, we have time to admire several architectural gems, including the best baroque monument in town: the Basilica di Santa Croce, ornamented with strange beasts and allegories.

Accommodation: Eos Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior or deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

The tour ends in Lecce after breakfast, when we begin our return journeys home. If you wish to spend longer in this endlessly fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Itinerary: This is a busy week in which you enjoy real Italian hospitality and sightsee on foot in the best towns and areas of Puglia. All transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle. Overall, this trip is suitable for everyone who is fit, healthy and comfortable with busy days on their feet.

Walking profile: Some walking is necessary to reach hotels and restaurants when vehicles cannot pass closer. This trip also includes one optional coastal walk of approximately 4mi (6km). Although the distances covered during the sightseeing are not too long, the days can feel busy and you climb a lot of steps, sometimes uneven, in Matera and Ostuni while sightseeing.

Weather: Puglia can be very hot, reaching high 30Cs (around 100F) in summer.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Sassi, Via S. Giovanni Vecchio, 89, 75100 Matera MT
Phone: +39 0835 331009
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bari Aiport (BRI)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. A cab from the airport costs approximately €80 and should take 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the bus, bookable on Aeroporti di Puglia, which will cost approximately €4 and take 1hr 15min. You will be dropped off in Piazza Matteotti in Matera and from there, you can take a taxi or walk about 10 minutes to reach your hotel. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Matera
Location end: Lecce

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, one lunch/cookery class and one wine tasting

A selection of food on offer includes: bread from the Murge; durum wheat pasta; olives; the pasta delicacy orecchiette, which is served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese; cavatelli with pulses; aubergine (eggplant) 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 makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians. On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste local specialties, in particular during the produce and wine tasting, cookery class and the traditional lunches included in the itinerary.

Weather

Puglia has a wonderful Mediterranean climate with year-round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure the green is never too far away. Although Puglia covers a large area, it is long and narrow – not more than 18mi (30km) across. This means you’re never far from the sea, which has a moderating effect on the weather. Despite this, Puglia can get very hot, particularly in summer when temperatures can reach the high 30Cs (around 100F).

TRIP

ADE2 - Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Classic Apulian hospitality

We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings, which give a real taste of Apulian architecture. Below are the hotels normally used.

Upgrade your room on Day 1, 2, 6 and 7 of this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Matera: Hotel Sassi (nights 1-2)

Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

Opened in 1996, Hotel Sassi took over a series of dwellings, some of which date to the 1500s. There’s an Italian spread for breakfast (most of the produce locally sourced) and wonderful views of Matera from the terrace.

Alberobello: Trulli houses or Apulian resort (nights 3-4)

Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

In Alberobello, we either stay in trulli houses (above) or a traditional resort, depending on the departure. Both provide us with a taste of authentic Apulian hospitality, while also putting us close to the historic centre of town.

Outside Ostuni: Masseria Morrone (night 5)

Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

Immerse yourself in rural Puglia with a night at this beautiful 18th-century farmstay. It resides among centuries-old olive groves and Mediterranean scrub forest, while the old stables have been converted into cosy rooms. When you want a bit of downtime, there’s a pool with loungers.

Lecce: Eos Hotel (nights 6-7)

Discover Puglia: Italy’s Ancient Heel

Our final two nights are spent at this contemporary 30-room hotel. It has a bar for a pre-dinner drink or final night toast and the main Lecce highlights (plus some excellent bars and restaurants) are around a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away.