When to go
March – November
Price
From £1,565 pp (including flights)
Flight time
02hrs 39mins
Introduction
Located in southern Italy, Puglia and Basilicata are two unique regions that are surprisingly underappreciated, ideal for a quiet yet invigorating getaway. Explore the hilltop town of Ostuni, which shines like a white tiara thanks to three hills of pristine architecture. Walk over the hills of the Itria Valley, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and traditional limestone dwellings called trulli.
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: £1,565pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Bari – Alberobello – Itria Valley – Locorotondo – Ostuni – Agnano Archaeological Park – Matera – Sassi District – Matera – Cammino Materano – Bari
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour – Walking/Trekking
Activity Level
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
Age Range
18+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
5 nights in 3-star hotels and 2 nights in a converted farmhouse
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Minimum 4 people with a maximum of 16
Start/Finish
Bari – Bari
Extensions
Highlights
Walk Past Trulli Houses and Olive Groves
Puglia is famous for its traditional trulli houses; limestone dwellings made of drywall, using prehistoric building techniques. It is also notable for its olive trees, which produce around 40 percent of Italy’s olive oil.
Visit the UNESCO Listed Towns of Matera and Alberobello
Matera and Alberobello are both designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, due to their historical significance and well-preserved architecture. Both villages are accessible by car or public transport. And the trulli’s in Alberobello attract visitors from all over the world.
Enjoy Fresh Local Cuisine
Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine during your stay in Puglia and Materia. Tuck into a slice of Pane di Altamura, bread from the inland town of Bari. Or treat your tastebuds to an Apulian focaccia, which is unique for its round dough and contrasting texture; crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Recommended Hotels
5 nights in 3-star hotels and 2 nights in a converted farmhouse
Sample Itinerary
Puglia & Matera Walking Tour
Explore 2 of the most underappreciated crown jewels of Italy, with a visit to Puglia and Matera. Famous for their Roman architecture, traditional limestone dwellings, and fresh Italian cuisine, your journey to these regions will be an engaging and eye-opening experience. During your sample itinerary, you’ll spend 5 nights in 3-star hotels and 2 nights in a converted farmouse.
Day 1: Fly to Bari – Alberobello
Fly to Bari airport and transfer to Alberobello. Marvel at the approximately 1,500 trulli, conically roofed houses made of limestone.
Rumor says the trulli’s were originally built to avoid paying land taxes. This is because they were easy to dismantle and reassemble before and after the tax inspectors would visit. Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon.
(N)
Day 2: Itria Valley – Locorotondo
Walk to Locorotondo, the municipality of Bari, and enjoy a beautiful view from the hilltop. The town is renowned for its white wine production. Then proceed through Itria Valley, passing the rolling hills, olive trees, vineyards, and trulli. In the late afternoon, return to Alberobello by train.
Ascent: 492ft
Descent: 492ft
Time: 4hr 30min
(B)
Day 3: Ostuni – Agnano Archaeological Park
Take a private transfer to Ostuni in the morning. Enjoy free time in Ostuni and explore the countryside on foot. Stop by Santa Maria di Agnano en route, a famous park. In the evening, have a home-cooked dinner and stay overnight in a renovated farmhouse.
On some departures, you may stay in a 3- or 4-star hotel in Ostuni, as opposed to the masseria.
Ascent: 328ft
Descent: 328ft
Time: two hours
(B, D)
Day 4: Free Day
Enjoy a full day of free leisure. Optional activities include a day trip to Lecce, a baroque city, and Polignano a Mare, located on the Valle d’ltria coast. Regroup in the evening for dinner in Ostuni or at the masseria.
(B, D)
Day 5: Coastal Walk – Free time at Beach – Matera
In the morning, walk to the coast. Relax on the beach and, if the weather permits, swim in the Adriatic Sea. Head to Matera in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, including the famous cave-dwelling districts.
Descent: 328ft
Time: three hours
(B)
Day 6: Matera’s Rock Churches Park – Sassi District
Hike to the Murgia plateau. The area has more than 150 rock-hewn (Rupestrian) churches, which date back to the 8th century and underwent major renovations in the late 1990s.
From there, descend the Matera canyon and cross a suspension bridge. Hike to the top of a ravine and be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Sassi District.
In the afternoon, walk back to Matera and participate in a guided tour. Wander through the cave-dwelling district, where poor families once lived until the late 1950s. Return to Matera and enjoy a refreshing produce and wine tasting session. Stay overnight in Matera.
If you suffer from vertigo or struggle with heights, you may not be able to cross the suspension bridge. Talk to your group leader before the trip and they will advise you on alternate routes to Matera.
Ascent: 1,148ft
Descent: 1,148ft
Time: 3hr 30min
(B)
Day 7: Matera – Cammino Materano
Spend another day exploring Matera. Walk through parts of the famous Cammino Materano hiking trail, which takes you from Matera to Brindisi. After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Civita and Caveoso. Then head towards the Matera ravine and pass through various scrub and cave complexes. Walk through olive groves until you reach the Serra Pizzuta forest. Return to your hotel by bus.
Ascent: 427ft
Descent: 820ft
(B)
Day 8: Bari – London
Transfer to Bari. Then take a return flight to London.
(B)