- 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
Walking in Puglia & Matera
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
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
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 farmhouse)
- 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
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
21 Mar 2026 21 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
28 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Apr 2026 04 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit Book with 660 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+726 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit Book with 660 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+726 €
Available upon Request
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 May 2026 09 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
16 May 2026 16 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
16 May 2026 16 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
23 May 2026 23 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 May 2026 23 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
30 May 2026 30 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Jun 2026 06 Jun 2026
Saturday Saturday
13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026
Saturday Saturday
20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026
Saturday Saturday
27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
24 Oct 2026 24 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +726 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Mar 2027 20 Mar 2027
Saturday Saturday
27 Mar 2027 27 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
03 Apr 2027 03 Apr 2027
Saturday Saturday
10 Apr 2027 10 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027
Saturday Saturday
01 May 2027 01 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
08 May 2027 08 May 2027
Saturday Saturday
15 May 2027 15 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
15 May 2027 15 May 2027
Saturday Saturday
22 May 2027 22 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
22 May 2027 22 May 2027
Saturday Saturday
29 May 2027 29 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Jun 2027 05 Jun 2027
Saturday Saturday
12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 2027
Saturday Saturday
19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 2027
Saturday Saturday
26 Jun 2027 26 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 2027
Saturday Saturday
11 Sep 2027 11 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 Sep 2027 11 Sep 2027
Saturday Saturday
18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027
Saturday Saturday
25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 2027
Saturday Saturday
09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 2027
Saturday Saturday
16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027
Saturday Saturday
23 Oct 2027 23 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 Oct 2027 30 Oct 2027
Saturday Saturday
06 Nov 2027 06 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 700 € 2 700 € Book with 675 € deposit Book with 675 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +762 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Alberobello Matera
Fly to Bari; transfer to the UNESCO town of Alberobello
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 Ramapendula (or similar)
Start Alberobello; welcome dinner
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 Ramapendula (or similar)
Walk over the Itria Valley hills; visit Locorotondo; wine-tasting session
We start with a walk to Locorotondo. Sitting on a hilltop, our destination is among the most beautiful villages in Italy and renowned for the white wine produced at Cantina Sociale, the local winery.
Following narrow country lanes, we walk over the Itria Valley hills, which are dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. Once in Locorotondo, we enjoy free time to explore and a wine-tasting session to learn more about the renowned local white wine.
At the end of the day, we take a short train or bus ride back to Alberobello.
Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula (or similar)
Morning visit to the white city of Ostuni; afternoon walk through olive groves and vineyards; visit Agnano Archaeological Park
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. This evening, we have a delicious dinner and stay either in a beautiful masseria – a renovated farmhouse typical of the Apulian region – or in a three-star hotel in the historic centre of Ostuni.
Accommodation: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (or similar)
Free day. Optional activities include visiting the baroque city of Lecce or the port city of Bari
Today is free to discover the many jewels of this beautiful region. We recommend a day trip to 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 to explore the historic centre. Aside from the many beautiful old buildings, it is home to the Strada delle Orecchiette, where you can see local women create and sell the ear-shaped pasta, orecchiette.
Both destinations are reachable by train from Ostuni. In the evening, we regroup for a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (or similar)
Coastal walk in Polignano a Mare; transfer to Matera
This morning, we take the train 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)
Outskirts of Matera and guided visit around the town
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)
Hike in Matera’s Rock Churches Park
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)
End Matera
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.
Transfer to Bari; fly to London.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
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. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, we can arrange a private transfer prior to departure for approximately €90-€105 for the vehicle. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The trip ends in Matera, approximately 45 minutes from Bari Airport. There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
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
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.
Three-star hotels
Stay in three unique destinations: the trulli town of Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni and the cave town of Matera. Below are the hotels typically used on this trip.
Alberobello: Hotel Ramapendula (nights 1-2)
We start at Hotel Ramapendula, which has an outdoor swimming pool, Apulian restaurant and a location close to the UNESCO-listed centre of Alberobello.
Ostuni: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (nights 3-4)
Our second accommodation is either Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (above). The first is a 18th-century farmhouse outside Ostuni. Now run by the Laera family, it has a pool in the garden and rustic rooms. The second is set within a 13th-century building in the historic quarter of Ostuni. Along with an ideal location, it has a bar serving Apulian aperitifs and wine.
Matera: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (nights 5-7)
Our final nights are spent in either Hotel Sassi (above) or Fra I Sassi Residence. 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. The 15-room Fra I Sassi offers similarly spectacular views plus rooms built from the caves themselves.
Trip Experts
Tancredi Merlo
Expert Leader: Italy
Fabrizio Cirrillo
Expert Leader: Italy
Reviews
Add your own reviewAmazing walking holiday!
From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, allowing us to fully enjoy every step of the journey. The tour strikes a perfect balance between enjoyable walks and breathtaking views of stunning destinations like Alberobello, Ostuni, Locorotondo, and Matera.
Most Inspirational Moment
Exploring the fairy-tale trulli in Alberobello was absolutely magical, with their unique charm and picturesque setting. Another highlight was visiting Masseria Morrone, where the delicious dinner stole the show. The authentic flavors and locally sourced ingredients made it a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Finally, wandering through the ancient sassi of Matera brought the region’s rich history to life. Each of these moments felt like a window into Italy’s incredible heritage and culture.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Iona was fantastic! She was incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and always ensured everyone felt comfortable and included. Her passion for the region and its history added a unique depth to every stop along the way, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
ATMs are easily accessible in Alberobello and Matera, but it's a good idea to carry some cash. The walking routes are generally easy, but I highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the best experience. Hiking poles are optional, though some people find them helpful on certain paths. A reusable water bottle is essential, as tap water is safe to drink in most places. And don't forget sunscreen!
Fascinating area of Italy
A week of varied walking. The Trulli houses are very interesting. And the cave dwellings in Matera are amazing. Some walks are more interesting than others. All at a moderate pace.
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlight of the tour has to be Matera. Unlike anywhere else I have ever been. And the guided tour by Nadia was excellent. She explained the history of the cave dwellers superbly.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ioana has excellent knowledge of the history and culture of the region. She had great awareness of the different requirements of the individuals in the group. Plus she gave us special treats and coffee at our mid morning breaks. Truly a special guide. Probably the best guide we have had with Exodus. And we have had some excellent guides over the years.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The hotels are fairly basic. Bring shampoo! And the wifi and mobile signal in the hotels can be very patchy.
Walking in Puglia and Matera Private Departure
We had very good service from the Exodus sales team in planning the trip for our Nordic walking group. The itinerary was very well planned and gave us the chance to experience walking and cultural visits in this fascinating area of Italy. Overall the holiday exceeded my expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our first view of the Sassi in Matera
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marion was an excellent leader who ensured all members of our group had the best time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Unless you have an early departure you will not have time to do the activities described on Day 1. Check what type of adapter is needed for Italy.
Only 3 walks throughout the week
The trip was well organised and each of the three places we stayed were fascinating
Most Inspirational Moment
Wandering the little alleys of Matera and enjoying the wonderful food of the region
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ioana was wonderful in all aspects
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks are leisurely but interesting.
Fabulous first walking holiday!
This trip exceeded my expectations in both the excellent organisation and expert talks by Ioana and the wide range of activities around walking, sightseeing, free time and gastronomy! 💚
Most Inspirational Moment
First view of Matera town across the ravine
Thoughts on Group Leader
Perfect! Ioana has the ideal mix of careful attention to detail, awareness of different individual needs and preferences, ability to bring the history and culture of the region to life, lovely sense of humour and complete unflappability. 10/10.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring layers you can peel off as you walk if it is a hot day; bring a serious sunhat with brim and UV protection; something to cover shoulders; strong boots or trail shoes for support on any uneven ground; large water bottle.
A glorious week
A hugely enjoyable immersion in the countryside and towns of Puglia and Basilicata.The itinerary is well-designed, as the highlight for us was undoubtedly Matera, and I was pleasantly surprised at how little down time we had. The walking is undemanding, but the scenery is beautiful, and I can imagine in high summer the heat could become a problem. A great introduction to an area I knew very little about, other than enjoying the excellent wines it produces.
Most Inspirational Moment
Matera. Seeing it from across the ravine and then up close was breathtaking .
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ioana was outstanding. She was professional, deeply knowledgeable, and great company. She anticipated the needs of a disparate (but very agreeable) group of walkers and made an excellent trip into an unforgettable experience. Exodus seem to have a knack of engaging outstanding tour leaders for their Italian holidays - she is the third we have met, and all have been outstanding.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the walks are not excessive, and the ascent/descent is moderate, it's well worth packing your walking boots. I found the combination of hard services and occasional rocky sections were surprisingly tough on the feet, and I was glad of the thicker soles on the days I wore my boots. Poles are definitely an optional extra, unless you are an habitual user.
Walking in Puglia and Matera (April 2024)
A very interesting range of regions, from the picturesque trulli houses of Puglia to the peace and quiet of the Masseria Morrone and finally the amazing cave dwellings of the Sassi district of Matera. The walks ranged from paths through fields dotted with ancient olive trees to shady forests and finally to wide open vistas in the Basilicata region
Most Inspirational Moment
The walk along the Murgia plateau with horned cows complete with cowbells, Spring flowers everywhere and beautiful views across to the Sassi district of Matera.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tancredi was a very knowledgeable and helpful guide who always kept us informed of the programme for each day. The hike across the suspension bridge was not possible due to weather conditions, but Tancredi handled the change in programme very smoothly and also went out of his way to assist with suggestions for our free time, including an unscheduled visit to a beautiful rock church and a Benedictine Abbey on our last morning which was really special.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I used cash rather than credit card more than I had anticipated but this was not a major problem as ATMs were easily accessible.
It works
A well balanced choice of 3 exceptional places.
Day 2 was probably the best walk along the Itria Valley.
Not using the Matera suspension bridge limited the walk route. For interest we did cross it on our own.
Most Inspirational Moment
Waking up to look out over Matera from The Sassi Hotel. The view across to the sea from the beautifully adapted Masseria Morrone. Ancient Olive trees as living history.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Knowledgeable in his own field. More information would have been helpfully shared with clearer language.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack all the usual requirements for day walks at home.
Wonderful week
We had a marvellous time walking in Puglia and Basilicata, an area completely unknown to us before now. Such beautiful towns and villages to explore in Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce and the fascinating Matera and gentle day walks in surrounding countryside.
Most Inspirational Moment
Matera has to be a highlight. We stayed in a charming cave hotel in the heart of the old Sassi area, ideal for investigating the many enchanting alleyways and nearby ravines. It would have been easy to spend a whole week there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tancredi proved to be an exceptional leader with a thorough knowledge of the area, having been acquainted with it for much of his life. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for him. He was engaging, helpful and knowledgeable and got on with every member of our 12-strong group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walking is pleasant rather than spectacular for much of the time but thoroughly enjoyable. The weather for our trip in March was ideal. I can imagine it might become extremely hot in midsummer, when of course crowds will also descend on beautiful places such as Matera and Ostuni.
Really enjoyed it but the walks the least good bit!
We visited lovely towns and stayed in nice hotels and ate good food! Having been to this area before it was as expected and lovely to see again. I’d never been on a walking holidays and last time in Puglia I toured by bike. Whilst some of the walks were lovely, past aged olive trees etc, others were pretty ordinary. The guide was great and passionate about his local area. The group was ok and as usual you just avoid the naysayers. Being a cycle tourist an evening walk is usually a nice change. It only struck me on the holiday that on a walking holiday you walk during the day and then in the evening………….go for a walk!! Certainly recommend Puglia but not sure about the walking?
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Walking in Puglia & Matera
8 Days
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