Walking in Puglia & Matera

Name: Walking in Puglia & Matera
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (73 reviews)

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8 Days from

USD 1,749

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Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TEV

Discover fairytale trulli houses, picturesque farmland and quaint villages

In the heart of the Mediterranean lie Puglia and Basilicata, two unique and still largely undiscovered regions of Italy between the emerald waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. This trip gives us the chance to explore the highlights of both, from trulli houses of the lush Itria Valley and the white hilltop town of Ostuni to the rock churches and Unesco-recognised Sassi district of the beautiful city of Matera. Aside from the perfect mix of cultural discovery and gentle walking, we will have the chance to sample the legendary local cuisine and delicious wines that make this region a true paradise for food lovers.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

Highlights

Visit Matera and Alberobello, both recognised by Unesco of
Walk in tranquil countryside past trulli, vineyards and olive groves
Indulge in fresh local cuisine

Key Information

Five nights in three-star hotels and two nights in a converted farmhouse or four-star hotel depending on departure dates
Five days guided gentle walking; one free day
Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
Low altitude throughout
Travel by private minivan, bus and train
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts, two dinners, one wine and produce tasting
All accommodation
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 (approximately €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

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 6

7 km / 4.3 miles

Day 7

13 km / 8.1 miles

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. We use family run hotels : Hotel Sassi in Matera, Masseria Morrone in Ostuni, and Hotel Ramapendula in Alberobello.
We visit a winery in Alberobello which supports the local economy.
At Masseria Morrone we have lunch with a family at their farmhouse which provides for cross cultural interaction.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re-usable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites.
We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
We use public transport where possible during this trip to reduce carbon emissions.
Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re-usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Exodus People - Marinella

Cycling and walking leader Marinella shows us why she is so passionate for her job and her country.

Recommended Trips

Cycling Puglia & Matera

Walking in Puglia & Matera

Itinerary

The trip starts in Alberobello, home to 1,500 trulli (conical-roofed houses), which have made its historical centre a Unesco World Heritage site. The origin of these stone dwellings 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 key stone above the door, and quickly rebuilt after the inspection. Our hotel is near the historic centre. In the afternoon, there is usually time to wander through the narrow alleys of the town centre and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this enchanting town at night.

We start the week with a walk to the town of Locorotondo. Sitting on the hilltop, it is one of 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 rolling hills of the Itria Valley, dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. At the end of the day, we take a short train ride back to Alberobello where we stay overnight.

Ascent: 492ft (150m); descent: 492ft (150m); time: 4hr 30min

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, we take a private transfer to Ostuni, home to dazzling whitewashed houses. After free time in this elegant hilltop town, we explore the beautiful surrounding countryside on foot, walking through ancient olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic. Along the way, we stop at the park of Santa Maria di Agnano. This evening, we have a delicious dinner and overnight in a beautiful masseria – a renovated farmhouse typical of the Apulian region.

Please note, on selected departures the group will stay overnight in a four-star hotel in the historic centre of Ostuni instead of the masseria. See the Accommodation section in the Trip Notes for more information

Ascent: 328ft (100m); descent: 328ft (100m); time: two hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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, as well as a Roman amphitheatre. Alternatively, you could travel to the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 66ft (20m) high limestone cliff rising from the Adriatic. Both destinations are reachable by train from Ostuni. In the evening, we regroup for a delicious dinner in Ostuni or at the masseria.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we walk from the masseria to the coast, where we have time to relax on a beach or swim in the mild waters of the Adriatic Sea (depending on the season). In the afternoon, we head to Matera, one of the most memorable tourist destinations in Italy, known for its extensive cave-dwelling districts, the sassi. Our hotel is in the heart of the Unesco-listed sassi, just a few steps from the most famous attractions in town. After check-in, we enjoy a first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of Matera.

Descent: 328ft (100m); time: three hours

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we 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 descend Matera’s canyon until we reach a suspension bridge, which allows us to cross to the other side of the valley. We then hike to the top of the ravine following a pathway that ends with a spectacular view of the Sassi District. In the afternoon, we walk back to Matera for a guided tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we wander the narrow alleys of the cave-dwelling district and learn about the history of this fascinating place. Back in Matera, we enjoy a delicious produce and wine tasting in the historic centre and the rest of the day is free to discover the city independently. Overnight in Matera.

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

Ascent: 1,148ft (350m); descent: 1,148ft (350m); time: 3hr 30min

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we explore Matera and further afield, walking sections of the Cammino Materano - a hiking trail that connects Matera to Brindisi. After a hearty breakfast, we set off from our hotel and cross two of the Sassi's historic quarters: the Civita dominated by the duomo, and the Caveoso with its caves. We head towards the ridge of Matera's ravine and continue along a route characterised by Mediterranean scrub and cave complexes dating back to the 11th century. We continue the walk surrounded by olive groves and arable land until we reach Serra Pizzuta forest. Finally, we return by public bus to our hotel.

Ascent: 427ft (130m); descent: 820ft (250m)

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

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.

Vaccination

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.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, two dinners and one wine and local produce tasting are included.

In Puglia, you will find regional cooking with strong links to the land and sea. A selection of food on offer includes: bread from the Murge; durum wheat pasta; olives; the pasta delicacy orecchiette, which is served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese; cavatelli with pulses; aubergine (eggplant) and parmesan bake; grilled fish and seafood; burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese); plus excellent wines.

This region is a paradise for food lovers and the abundance of delicious vegetables also makes it a great destination for vegetarians. There will be many opportunities to taste the best local specialities, in particular during the produce and wine tasting and the traditional dinner included in the itinerary.

Weather

Puglia enjoys a wonderful 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).

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).

Walks: We walk for three to six hours (including lunch and photo stops) on the walking days. Hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Terrain and path type: Vary from human-made 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 for these walks. The walks are easy; however, there are some ascents and descents, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Climate: Puglia can be very warm, possibly reaching 30C (86F) between July and September.

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.

Wendy Garman

Reviewed May 2023

Excellent Puglia and Matera holiday

Excellent holiday and guide . Despite the rain we had a wonderful time . Good itinerary especially Matera

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera , and learning about the “ shame of Italy “

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent . I was not able to do a couple of the walks due to knee pain , but Joanna was so helpful arranging alternatives and taxis A very caring leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really that’s easy walking . Take walking boots and sticks . Some difficult paths on the ridge of Matera

Suggestions

Brilliant holiday . Loved the food and accommodation at the farmhouse near Ostuna

Jackey Phillips

Reviewed May 2023

More sightseeing that walking

Everyone had told me how wonderful Puglia was, so my expectations were high, but I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the scenery. This trip is more about visiting the trulli houses in Alberobello and the ancient city of Matera, which were both fascinating and it was interesting to learn about the history of both. But the walks were not the most interesting, apart from the beautiful spring flowers and the second from last one, across the ravine from Matera. It was a shame the suspension bridge was out of action. Matera was wonderful. We had a 2 hour guided tour, but it was a shame it was done after we had been on a walk in the morning, followed by a lengthy lunch at the pasta laboratory – not to be recommended due to the surly manager! The trip was slightly marred by a few days of rain. The accommodation was all very good and we were lucky that the group all gelled well, with positive good humour. The food was very good

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera. Fascinating to wander the streets. You enter down steps from the larger, new city but once in the old city, the views are incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joana was an excellent guide. Very helpful and worked hard to ensure everyone was ok

Advice for Potential Travellers

On our free day we went to Polignano and Monopoli and were very pleased that we had. Both are by the sea and wonderful scenery and small, quiet streets to wander around. If you are expecting this trip to be one of excellent walks, this may not be the right one. It is an expensive trip, with the single supplement and I didn’t feel it was good value. The food is expensive, but generally very good. We only had short time on the beach after the walk from the farmhouse. Not really enough time for a swim and the sea was quite rough. Hardly worth taking a costume, although the farmhouse had a pool, so in summer, you could swim there.

Marcelle Truscott

Reviewed December 2022

Very poor guide

Very poor guide. Overall very underwhelming walks – guide very unenthusiastic. Food poor. Accommodation, especially first couple of nights, room smelled damp. Guide left us, in the dark, quite a way out of town. Last few nights, in Matera, room was a cave (what we expected) but it was dirty and bathroom was the size of a small cupboard (used a peg to keep shower head from sliding down). Last day guide left us (night before after a truly crap meal) to find our way to our airport transport bus. Small bus arrived at appointed time. Didn’t know anything about us or Exodus. All above raised with Exodus on our return. They denied everything but offered £50 pp as compensation. As if we’d ever travel with them again. At any cost. This is not a cheap holiday. Be warned.

Most Inspirational Moment

Don't do it again.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unprofessional

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't do it.

Suggestions

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank you for the review of your September 2022 trip, Marcelle, although we sincerely regret that your trip experience was not up to standard and that you were so disappointed with the performance of your tour leader. At Exodus, we take great pride in our leaders and recognise the value they add to our trips, which is why they undergo comprehensive training before leading our groups. Whilst we were confident in your leader’s ability to successfully deliver your trip, based on his qualifications, broad knowledge of this part of Italy and previous positive feedback from Exodus clients, we are genuinely sorry to learn that your experience was not so positive and we have, therefore, taken appropriate steps to improve the situation for future groups. The tour leader that led your group will not be participating in Exodus tours in 2023 and we have full confidence that issues such as this will not be encountered again. We are further sorry that one of the hotels you lodged at fell below your expectations, specifically that it was unclean, as this is not the type of feedback we often receive. The Hotel Sassi has hosted our groups for many years, during which time it has garnered generally positive reviews from our clients, which we trust shows why we were confident it would be suitable for you. Nevertheless, we do not wish to downplay your comments and we have, therefore, shared your views with the Sassi’s management team, as we find that they are always receptive to feedback when there is room for improvement. Overall, this is one of our best performing trips, with an average review rating of 4.7*, which we certainly find reassuring. That said, we remain apologetic that you did not receive the holiday you were expecting and that this has discouraged you from travelling with us again.

Katie Watt

Reviewed October 2022

Magic in Matera

A trip filled with country side walks, fresh produce and wine. The highlights have to be seeing the Trulli’s in Alberobello and watching the stars in Matera

Most Inspirational Moment

1. Matera - the first time you see the view it really is breath taking. The Hotel Sassi where we stay is incredible, I would definitely recommend post tour accom here 2. Trulli's in Alberobello - learning about the history of how they used to live in them. Something very unique 3. Optional day trip to Lecce - I would 100% recommend this, architectural surprises around every corner

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very friendly and informative

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are generally leisurely, but I would recommend taking trekking shoes or boots with good grip for the Matera Canyon walk.

Suggestions

Personally the Matera Canyon walk with the Suspension Bridge was my favourite walk of the trip. You can actually see the bridge from the start of the walking point, so if you decide its not for you on the day you can explore Matera instead where there is plenty to do and see - don't let it put you off!

Rose Somerset

Reviewed September 2022

Great trip

This was a great holiday . Andrea was an excellent guide , we visited some really interesting places on and off the beaten track.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Matera

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - nothing was too much trouble and he knew so much about the local area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it

Suggestions

Thanks for a great holiday

Silpa Shah

Reviewed July 2022

Excellent!

I went in July and our itinerary was as the Trip Notes. We were a group of 8 and everyone got on so well. I enjoyed staying at all the hotels: Ramapendula, Masseria and Sassi. Breakfast at the 1st and 3rd hotels was excellent but somewhat basic at the Masseria. My room at each hotel met my needs, so very happy with what I was given. The walks were interesting except the 2nd half down from Montescaglioso where we seemed to be walking aimlessly with nothing of interest around!

Most Inspirational Moment

All the towns we visited were so interested however two tours I especially loved (1) discovering Matera's UNESCO 'Sassi' district which involved a hike to the Murgia plateau, crossing the suspension bridge, hike to the top of the ravine ending with a spectacular viewpoint of Matera's Sassi district; (2) the guided tour of Matera by the local guide where he shared his knowledge of the cave-dwelling district and his own family's personal journey from cave dwelling to the new apartment in the 'new' town, and we also learned the history of this fascinating place. I also really enjoyed and welcomed the swim in the sea after our 2.5 hours walk from Masseria.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonino (Nino) was excellent from start to finish and he spoke very good English. Nino would always brief us the evening before of what to expect the following day. Nino was attentive, responsive, generous, patient, kind and efficient in dealing with any niggles we may have had. Could not fault him. He thoroughly knows his history of the Puglia and Matera region, including recommending restaurants and food to try.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I went in July and the heat was searing every day, ranging from 30 degrees upwards so make sure you have plenty of water, sun block, a hat and comfortable walking boots. Sandals you could wear in some terrain but not all so walking boots is a better choice. Take a small towel to dry yourself when you visit the beach. Credit card is accepted widely but useful to carry some local currency. Make sure you're fit enough for a lot of walking.

Suggestions

Just enjoy the experience and go with the flow.

Heather Wall

Reviewed May 2022

Great mix of walking, wine & sightseeing

Three memorable centres – Alberobello (trulli town), Masseria Morrone amongst the olive trees with Pongo the excitable dog, and finally Matera, the town of cave dwellings and churches. Lovely walks, plenty of free time and even a swim in the Adriatic

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the guided tour of Matera was a haunting experience that changed my feelings about the town. The local guide gave a very moving account of how the dire poverty had driven people to live in the darkness, dampness and unhealthy conditions of the cave dwellings. An exhibition in the art gallery showed old photos and an impressive mural reflecting this history. It seemed so incongruous that the place is now such a sought-after tourist destination. It is lovely, dramatic and full of swooping kestrels and swifts.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giuseppe was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and fun. He was accompanied by Nico, who was learning the trip and we had the benefit of his expert knowledge of birds & plants. Giuseppe was great for making suggestions for our free time, engaged with group and managed our time expertly to ensure we never missed a bus or train (both of which were always running on time!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget sun cream, some walks were quite exposed. Day trip to Lecce was a good choice for the free day.

Suggestions

It was a fantastic trip and I was sorry to leave. A beautiful part of the world.

joanne kenny

Reviewed April 2022

Fabrizio is amazing

Just a wonderful trip. Our tour leader Fabrizio was a bundle of joy, information, nothing was too much trouble…..a gem.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in Matera , going down the canyon across the suspension bridge to the other side of the valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Just brilliant , he had such a pride in his work. Loved the tea and coffee breaks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy this is a wonderful trip. Nice mix of walking , information, delicious food.

Lorna Tee

Reviewed March 2022

Amazing Matera!

Brilliant trip with pleasant walking, great food and wine, good company, fascinating towns (especially Matera….a real highlight for me), an excellent guide in Fabrizio (knowledgeable, efficient, very patient, making everything great fun…. the best guide I can remember having on any trip!). I enjoyed the hotels in Ostuni and Matera (though in Matera it was a bit ‘luck of draw’ as to what your room was like – and I felt I was lucky!) First hotel in Alberobello was a bit bland. But overall everything went very smoothly (even the dreaded covid paperwork) – and it was SO good to be out of country, somewhere new. What’s not to like!

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved coming into Matera

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizio was just the best!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

In March weather varied from woolly hats at start of week to t shirts on last day. Pack layers for this time of year

Gail Madeley

Reviewed October 2019

Walking in Puglia and Matera

This is a very non-strenuous grade 2 trip, compared with other grade 2 walking trips I have undertaken. The majority of walks are flat (walked in sandals) as stated in the trip notes and ankle support was only required for 2 of the walks. This was a part of Italy I had always wanted to visit due to its history rather than the scenery on the walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the streets of Matera - so many ups and downs with sites looking so far away, but then you round a corner and you are on top of it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Selenia was great, vibrant and I only wish I could speak italian as well as she speaks english.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you visit Lecce on your day off a 2 hour tour costs 15 euro, but this does not allow for entrance into any of the churches. It is easy to tour on your own. Take and use insect repellent if you are prone to insect bites.

Suggestions

I would have prefered less time in Ostuni and more time in Polignano a Mare. We visited Polignano following the trip to the beach, but only had 30 minutes to explore once we had eaten lunch, whereas we had 3 hours in Ostuni and as it is visited on a Monday most of the select shops were closed. As the group knew there was a scheduled visit to Polignano we all opted to visit Lecce on our free day.

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Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

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