Walking in Puglia & Matera

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 2149

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TEV2

Carbon Footprint :

25.3kg CO2e per person per day

Walk through the South Italian countryside and stay in the fairytale trio of Alberobello, Ostuni and Matera

The heel of Italy’s boot, formed of the Puglia and Basilicata regions, offers trails through olive groves and towns seemingly plucked from a storybook – ideal for a culture-packed walking adventure. This walking holiday in Puglia and Matera begins among the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello and continues to the highlights of the region: the Itria Valley hills; the white city of Ostuni; and the cave town of Matera − 10,000 years old with a spectacular ravine-edge location.

Highlights

Hike the finest trails in Puglia and Matera, guided by our expert tour leader
Wander among the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello
Discover the extraordinary cave town of Matera, among the oldest towns in the world
Explore the viewpoints and ancient churches in the all-white hilltop town of Ostuni
Walk over the Itria Valley hills to Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
Five days of guided walking; one free day
Travel by private minivan, bus and train
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts, two dinners, 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. €10)

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Leisurely: 3mph (4kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; well marked trails; some uneven rocky terrain

Day 2

13 km / 8.1 miles

Day 3

6 km / 3.7 miles

Day 5

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 6

13 km / 8.1 miles

Day 7

7 km / 4.3 miles

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.

TRIP

TEV2 - Walking in Puglia & Matera

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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

Alberobello Matera

This walking trip starts in Alberobello, a town almost entirely formed of trulli, fairytale-like dwellings with conical grey-stone roofs. The origin of these UNESCO-protected limestone houses is obscure; however, local farmers claim they were originally built to evade taxes. When the tax inspectors were nearby, the dry-stone walls could easily be dismantled by removing the keystone above the door, and quickly rebuilt after the inspection.

Starting at the hotel, we have an aperitif upon arrival before a group dinner, where we can get to know each other a little better.

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria (or similar)
Upgrade to a room with a balcony today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Dinner

We start with a walk to Locorotondo. Sitting on a hilltop, our destination is among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Following narrow country lanes, we walk over the Itria Valley hills, which are dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. In Locorotondo, enjoy free time to explore before we visit a winery for an expertly guided tasting and lunch.

At the end of the day, we take a short train or bus ride back to Alberobello.

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria (or similar)
Upgrade to a room with a balcony today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance covered: 8mi (13km)

Ascent: 492ft (150m); Descent: 492ft (150m); Activity hours: 4hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we take a private transfer to the whitewashed hilltop city of Ostuni. After free time, in which you can visit viewpoints and centuries-old churches, we explore the surrounding countryside on foot, walking through ancient olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic.

Along the way, we stop at Agnano Archaeological Park, where we walk a winding path to see church ruins and the bones of a lady within a cave, before transferring to our hotel for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Hotel La Terra (or similar)

Distance covered: 4mi (6km)

Ascent: 328ft (100m); Descent: 328ft (100m); Activity hours: 2

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is free to discover the many jewels of this beautiful region and there are plenty of optional activities to enjoy.

You may wish to tour the beautiful baroque city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, and home to more than 40 churches and countless palaces, plus a Roman amphitheatre. Alternatively, travel to Bari for a street food tour or visit an olive mill in Ostuni for a guided exploration.

In the evening, we regroup for a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel La Terra (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we drive to the stylish seaside town of Polignano a Mare, which is raised above the Adriatic on a limestone cliff. We first walk along the coast for beautiful sea views before exploring the historic centre, where alleys wind among white houses and lead to terraces with more views over the Adriatic.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the cave town of Matera, which is thought to have been inhabited for around 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest towns in the world. James Bond fans may recognise it as the scenic background for a thrilling car chase in No Time to Die (2021), while scenes for Wonder Woman (2017) and The Passion of the Christ (2004) were also shot here.

Its crumbling beauty is undoubtedly a lure for film directors and location scouts, but it’s the ancient Sassi districts, formed of ancient cave dwellings dug into the limestone, that are the true star here. Our hotel is in the middle of the sassi; after check-in, we enjoy our first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of this troglodyte town.

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

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Descent: 328ft (100m); Activity hours: 3

Meals included: Breakfast

Transfer by bus to the outskirts of Matera, reaching the ridge of the deep limestone canyon on which the town was built to begin our hike. Our route takes in the dramatic landscapes of the area, discovering different caves, rock churches and rock villages.

Returning to the town, we join a knowledgeable local guide in the afternoon to explore the narrow alleys of the cave-dwelling district and learn about the history of this fascinating place.

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

Distance covered: 8mi (13km)

Ascent: 427ft (130m); Descent: 820ft (250m); Activity hours: 4hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a short hike to the Murgia plateau, a vast protected area home to more than 150 Rupestrian churches dating to the eighth century, adorned with Byzantine frescoes and once inhabited by hermits. We follow a pathway on the edge of the ravine with a spectacular view of the Sassi district. Then we descend Matera’s canyon until we reach a suspension bridge, which allows us to cross to the other side of the valley (weather dependent) and reach Matera centre on foot.

Back in Matera, the rest of the day is free to discover the city independently.

Please note, those with vertigo or who have difficulty with heights may not wish to cross the suspension bridge today. If this is the case, speak to your tour leader at the start of the trip and they will be happy to explain your options.

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

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Ascent: 623ft (190m); Descent: 492ft (150m); Activity hours: 3hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

The trip ends in Matera after breakfast. If you’d like to explore this wonderful destination a little longer, 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 please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Walking hours: Three to six, including lunch and photo stops. Walking durations stated in the itinerary are approximations and vary depending on the group’s pace.
Terrain and path type: Vary from paved tracks to gravel. The terrain on the trails near Matera can be uneven or rocky, so trekking shoes or boots with good grip are required. The walks are easy; however, there are some ascents and descents, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

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 Astoria, Viale Bari, 11, 70011 Alberobello BA
Phone: +39 080 432 3320
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 Airport (BRI)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 10min drive from the airport. 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.

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: Alberobello
Location end: Matera

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, three dinners, and one wine and local produce tasting are included.

The regional cuisine has strong links to the land and sea. This area is a paradise for food lovers and the abundance of delicious vegetables also makes it a great destination for vegetarians.

A selection of the food on offer includes: the pasta delicacy orecchiette, which is typically served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta; cavatelli pasta with pulses; aubergine (eggplant) and parmesan bake; grilled fish and seafood; burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese); plus excellent wines.

Weather

Puglia has a 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. Please note, Puglia can be very hot, particularly in summer when temperatures can near 40C (104F).

TRIP

TEV2 - Walking in Puglia & Matera

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

A selection of hotels

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.

Worth knowing

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Room upgrades: Upgrade your room on Day 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 of this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.