Walking Tours in Italy

This was an excellent way to explore Puglia, the towns of Matera, Alberobello, Ostuni and Lecce all were fascinating and atmospheric yet different. The hotel accommodation was in the town centers in the first three locations and was very good. The cave house and the trullo being a real experience. Accommodation in Lecce was a real disappointment. It was located on a ring road about a 25-minute walk from the center and was a basic business class hotel very few facilities. Our room was bright orange (think Easy Jet) and small, breakfast was limited compared to the previous hotels. Altogether a poor finish to a good experience.

graeme davies Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

A well planned itinerary circumnavigating the island to visit the major sites with the odd dart inland for even more. The minibus was comfortable, as were the hotels, which came in a variety of sizes and styles that added to the experience. Most were right in the heart of their communities, so there was never far to walk for sightseeing or amenities, such as restaurants. Apart from a brief period of Saharan wind and sand, we had perfect weather for sightseeing, sunny but not too hot. We enjoyed everywhere we went.

Ron Powell Sicily Grand Tour

I have given this tour a 4* rating because the basic structure of the tour was so good.
Matera, Alberobello and Ostuni were all outstanding. The towns have been restored and are fascinating and atmospheric as well as beautiful (especially at night). The hotel accommodation, which was in the centre of town in all three locations, was quirky, interesting, and well-appointed. We were disappointed with the Eos hotel in Lecce, however. It was a let-down and a rather sad end after what until then had been a fabulous trip with amazing accommodation elsewhere. It’s situated on a ring road, a 20 minute walk from the gate into the old town with little in the way of bars, restaurants or atmosphere nearby. It was a budget hotel with pared-down facilities and a disappointing and very basic breakfast. For example, by 8.00 am on the first morning there was limited choice because once foods had been consumed they were not always replaced. The staff were less helpful than in the other hotels. Lecce itself was very impressive with some amazing architecture. However, we were there over a bank holiday and it was consequently very busy. It would be nice to go back when it was quieter. The local guide in Lecce was not as good as the one in Matera, not least because her English was limited.

Susan Howard Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy