Reviews

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.

Suggestions

Superb local specialities available, both food and wine, do not miss these! No formal clothes required for restaurants, I managed with just one carry-on case.

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.

Suggestions

Food and drink (especially local wines)were surprisingly good value, so we didn't mind eating out most nights. We went to Lecce on the free day - easy transfer, interesting city, not excessively crowded.

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.

Suggestions

A lovely holiday - highly recommended!

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.

Suggestions

I actually found it very pleasant that this was a small group of 4. We made a cohesive team. This holiday began with a pretty high basic cost, so the necessity to purchase so many meals out, although a good way to relate to the place, was a significant extra cost.

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.

Suggestions

It took two flights to reach Bari, via Rome from Heathrow, with a similar reverse schedule on return. It made for long days going out on coming back. I think I would have been tempted to seek out a direct flight from the UK had I known.

Most Inspirational Moment

On a walk meeting up with someone who was renovating some trulli houses, who invited us in to have a look at what he was doing. One member of the group was feeling unwell so he and his wife also kindly drove her to meet us at the next town.

Thoughts on Group Leader

His knowledge of flora and fauna was very good. There were various issues on the trip which he did his best to rectify.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If one of the reasons you want to come is to cross the suspension bridge, it was closed to groups on our trip

Suggestions

There were issues such as the walk on the last day when we were stopped by someone who said we were walking on private land. This needs to be checked before future trips

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights! The best day we walked down through olive groves of ancient characterful trees to the coast, where we swam in the Adriatic and had a delicious sea-food lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gabriele was the best leader you could wish for: kind, knowledgeable and unfailingly enthusiastic, he went above and beyond to deal with unexpected problems and ensure we all had a wonderful time. The good comradeship of the group was in large part down to his efforts. Brilliant!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was unexpectedly hot in late September at over 30 degrees. Bring water flasks/bladders - we were drinking 2 to 3 litres each on the longer walks (8 miles). In most places the tap water is safe, but not at the rural masseria hotel. Proper walking boots and poles were a huge help in the walking around the Matera gorge, and sturdy walking shoes or sandals with good grips are essential for the slippery limestone steps and paving of the city's steep streets.

Most Inspirational Moment

The ravine walk in Matera

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tancredi was excellent and took great care to see everyone could cope in the heat

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of cash, restaurants will not take multiple card payments.

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera and learning about the Sassi districts.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tancredi was a great leader and made the week what it was. He was attentive throughout and made sure everyone was ok given the high temperatures in July.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In July be prepared for the heat and early starts for the hikes.