Walking in Puglia

Walking in Puglia

72 Views
8 Days From

$1690

Walking in Puglia

8 Days Starting in Lecce, Italy and ending in Matera, Italy

Visiting: Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni, Itria Valley, Matera

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

WIP

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Wine Tasting

From: $1690 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 30-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque region of Puglia, Italy, with our "Walking in Puglia" tour. Discover the stunning red earth of Salento, the historic charm of Lecce, and the seaside beauty of Otranto. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage trulli of Alberobello and the ancient Sassi of Matera. Wander through the whitewashed hilltop village of Ostuni and hike along the breathtaking Adriatic coastline. Enjoy wine tasting in Alberobello and a guided visit to the rock churches of the Murgia plateau. Stay in charming B&Bs, 3-star hotels, and experience two nights in a traditional Trullo. This self-guided walking holiday offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, scenic hikes, and delightful local cuisine.

Highlights

  • View the red earth of Salento and olive groves by the sea

  • Discover Lecce and its historic centre, and the seaside town of Otranto

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage trulli of Alberobello and the Sassi of Matera

  • Explore the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Ostuni

  • Hike along the Adriatic coastline near Otranto

  • Discover the Itria Valley and Locorotondo

  • Hike to discover the Murgia plateau and its 8th century rock churches

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival in Lecce for sightseeing in Salento's Baroque style regional capital

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: B&B in the historical centre

Make your own way to Lecce. From the train station you can walk to your accommodation (approx. 800m/0.5mi) or take a taxi (allow EUR15). A charming B&B located in the historical centre of the city will be your home for 2 nights. This afternoon you are free to discover the main monuments of the capital of the Salento region, which are Baroque style.

Day 2 : Visit Otranto and hike along the Adriatic coastline, overnight in Lecce (4hrs)

Location: Otranto

Accommodation Name: B&B in the historical centre

Meals Included: Breakfast

The focus today is Otranto, a little seaside village facing the Adriatic sea. Take the bus or train this morning. Make sure you visit the Norman Cathedral to see the unique 'Tree of Life' mosaic floor. Hike along the coastline, discovering flowers and Mediterranean vegetation and the Saracen watchtowers. Bus or train back to Lecce to your B&B. Distance: 11km/6.8mi, ascent +100m/328ft, descent -100m/328ftNote: there are no public transport connections between Lecce and Otranto on Sundays and public holidays so private transfers are required. Additionally, if you prefer not to take the train/bus on other days, optional return transfers are available - please ask for our rates.

Day 3 : Transfer to the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Ostuni, explore on foot (2hrs)

Location: Ostuni

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Ostuni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Private transfer to the station, then take a train to Ostuni. This striking hilltop village, a short distance from the seashore, is known as the "white city" due to its fortress of whitewashed buildings clustered together on the hillside. Private transfer from the station into town, with free time to discover the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets and fine Mediterranean architecture. Dinner in a typical restaurant and overnight in hotel in Ostuni.

Day 4 : Explore the countryside of Ostuni, transfer to Alberobello, renowned for its 'trulli' (3hrs)

Location: Ostuni

Accommodation Name: Trullo in Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hike to discover the unique countryside of Ostuni. Enjoy a nice walk through millenary olive groves on red clay-like soil with wonderful views of the Adriatic. At 4pm, a private transfer takes you to UNESCO World Heritage listed Alberobello, with its intriguing dry-stone dwellings known as trulli, in the beautifully exotic Itria valley. Your accommodation is in the historical centre. Wine and typical product tasting, overnight in Alberobello in a trullo (subject to availability).
Distance 9km/5.6mi, ascent +100m/328ft, descent -100m/328ft

Day 5 : Discover the Itria Valley and Locorotondo (3.5hrs)

Location: Itria Valley

Accommodation Name: Trullo in Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you discover the Itria Valley, walking along an old aqueduct to Locorotondo. Pass between olive trees, vineyards and trulli through this enchanting landscape. Return by train to Alberobello.
Distance 13km/8mi, ascent +475m/1560ft, descent -410m/1345ft

Day 6 : Transfer to Matera, guided visit of the 'Sassi' area (2hrs)

Location: Matera

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to World Heritage listed Matera. Its fascinating 'Sassi', ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited since Paleolithic times, have been excavated in the rocks facing a deep canyon. Upon arrival, after you check into your accommodation, enjoy a guided visit of the 'Sassi' area (approx. 2 hours). Overnight in Matera.

Day 7 : Hike to discover the Murgia plateau and its 8th century rock churches (3hrs)

Location: Matera

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a wonderful hike to discover the Murgia plateau facing Matera, with its rock churches painted with Byzantine frescoes. The landscape here is of pastures and stone farmhouses, and there is the chance to watch the flight of different types of falcons. Dinner in a typical trattoria to experience the flavour of the region and overnight in Matera.
Distance 7km/4.3mi, ascent +150m/492ft, descent -150m/492ft

Day 8 : Trip concludes

Location: Matera

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes after breakfast with your transfer to the bus or train station.
We can arrange a private transfer from Matera to Bari, please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    5 nights in charming B&Bs or 3 star hotels, 2 nights in a typical Trullo

  • 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners included in your tour package.

  • 5 nights in charming B&Bs or 3-star hotels and 2 nights in a typical Trullo

    Stay in charming B&Bs or 3-star hotels for 5 nights and experience 2 nights in a typical Trullo, subject to availability, on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Note that hotel taxes are extra and payable locally, allowing €10-15.

  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked

    Receive an information pack including route notes and maps per room booked, sent by email. GPS tracks are also available.

  • Luggage transfer (max 20 kg pp)

    Luggage transfer is provided for a maximum of 20 kg per person, except on Day 3 from Lecce to Ostuni, when you take your luggage with you on the train.

  • Private transfers as noted

    Private transfers are included as noted in the itinerary. Public transportation is not included.

  • Wine and product tasting at Alberobello

    Enjoy wine and product tasting at Alberobello.

  • Sassi Matera entry and guided visit

    Entry to Sassi Matera and a guided visit, including tasting of typical products, are included.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline is provided throughout the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Lecce and from Matera

    Travel to the starting point in Lecce and from the endpoint in Matera is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Meals that are not listed as included in the itinerary are excluded.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday, so a guide is not included.

  • A supplement for solo travelers or single rooms

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees not listed as included

    Entrance fees that are not listed as included in the itinerary are excluded.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers that are not listed as included in the itinerary, including public transportation (train and bus), are excluded. Allow approximately €40 for public transportation.

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes are not included and are payable locally, allowing approximately €10-15.

  • Optional arrival and return transfers

    Optional arrival transfer from Brindisi airport to Lecce and optional return transfers between Lecce and Otranto are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    Excess luggage beyond the allowed 20 kg per person is not included.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • Printed documents

    Printed documents are not included and a supplement applies if required.

  • Beverages, lunches and 5 dinners

    Beverages, lunches, and 5 dinners are not included.

  • Public transportation

    Public transportation is not included. Allow approximately €30 for public transportation.

  • Prices subject to change

    Note that prices indicated above are subject to change.

What You Carry

As the trip is fully supported with your luggage transferred between hotels, you only need to carry your daily requirements in your day pack. This will generally include water, snacks, wet weather gear and your camera. Please note you will need to carry your luggage for a short distance at Ostuni train station.

Grading

The walking is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily walks between 3 and 4 hours. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. We recommend that you have some previous experience of trekking.
Waymarking - there are no official walking trails maintained by the government in Puglia nor waymarking. We have carefully constructed walking routes on mainly dirt paths and along rural trails but from time to time the farmers who also use these tracks may asphalt them. The maps are not of the same standard you would find in other walking destinations. However the countryside is wonderfully suited for walking and carefully reviewing the notes and visualising the route before you set out will optimise your walking and navigational experience.

Mode of Transport

Private transfers are provided as noted, with public transportation not included. Luggage transfer is available except on Day 3 from Lecce to Ostuni, where you take your luggage on the train.

Accommodation

Stay in charming B&Bs or 3-star hotels for 5 nights and experience 2 nights in a typical Trullo, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    You will stay in charming B&Bs or 3-star hotels for 5 nights and experience 2 nights in a typical Trullo, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Luggage transfer is provided for a maximum of 20 kg per person, except on Day 3 from Lecce to Ostuni, when you take your luggage with you on the train.

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    Private transfers are included as noted in the itinerary. Public transportation is not included.

  • Is there any guided visit included in the tour?

    Yes, a guided visit of the 'Sassi' area in Matera is included, along with entry to Sassi Matera and a tasting of typical products.

  • What should I carry during the daily walks?

    You only need to carry your daily requirements in your day pack, which generally includes water, snacks, wet weather gear, and your camera. Note that you will need to carry your luggage for a short distance at Ostuni train station.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walks during the tour?

    The walking is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily walks between 3 and 4 hours. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

  • Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?

    Yes, access to an emergency hotline is provided throughout the tour.

  • Are there any optional transfers available?

    Yes, optional arrival transfer from Brindisi airport to Lecce and optional return transfers between Lecce and Otranto are available. Please ask for rates.

  • What is the policy for solo travelers or single rooms?

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

T. Virgona(Mt. Eliza, Australia)  

Walking in Puglia

13 Jun 2024

Loved our trek through Puglia. Easy walking and comprehensive directions. Accommodation was superb - thank you!

Michael Skillington(Brighton, VIC, Australia)  

Walking in Puglia

18 Jun 2024

Excellent accommodation and transport arrangements

J. Bate(Clitheroe, United Kingdom)  

Walking in Puglia

17 Sep 2024

We had a lovely week in Puglia; we enjoyed the walking and the combination of using public transport and taxis for the long distance transfers. The places we visited were beautiful and so interesting. The accommodation was mixed and perhaps options could be given for different gradings of accommodation. The gpx files provided and the walk details were fantastic and the staff were so helpful at all stages.

H. Renzi(Hawthorn East, Australia)  

Walking in Puglia

8 Jun 2023

Well constructed trip. Maps (PDF and GPX files) worked well with the instructions provided in the guide. Didn't really need the vouchers provided as all of the service providers knew who we were.

Peter T.(Durham, UK)  

Walking in Puglia

13 Oct 2018

Great trip with excellent slightly quirky hotels in great locations. Excellent local planning and transfers. Lovely food and wine. Wine tasting a highlight!

L. Knight(Australia)  

Walking in Puglia

11 Oct 2018

Effective model. Excellent organisation. Varied topography for walks - coastal, olive groves, farming and truillo and rocks and caves. Comfy, clean and central accommodation. Efficient and punctual transfers. The wine tasting in Alberobello was a real treat. The 3 wines (2 white, 1 red) were generous in serving and absolutely delicious AND.... don't bother about dinner. There was a very generous supply of cheese, bread, olives and meat. The whole ambiance of the occasion was memorable indeed. Staying in a trulli was the icing on the cake!! And, in the middle of a religious festival to boot!!! How lucky were we? We have already checked out some options for another self-guided trip.

A. Sewell(East Hawthorn, VIC)  

Walking in Puglia

15 Oct 2019

The cities visited were amazing and staying in Ostuni, the White city a Trulli in Alberobello and a cave room in Matera were all wonderful experiences. The walking was very gentle and scenic.

R. Kasparek(Texas, USA)  

Walking in Puglia

19 Dec 2018

We liked that optional hikes were provided. We arrived a few days early and went on all of the options. The hiking in Puglia was not as challenging as we'd imagined (flat and distance limited) but the places we stayed made up for that.

R. Vial(Hampton, VIC)  

Walking in Puglia

05 Oct 2018

Puglia is a very interesting area and shows a completely different view from other areas of Italy. The towns included in the walk were all delightful and the accommodation great, ranging from a former palace to stone houses and a part cave. It was a great experience.

J. White(Auckland, New Zealand)  

Walking in Puglia

17 Sep 2016

Wonderful trip, great accommodation and food. Interesting walks. Lovely extras like a wine tasting in Albarellio. Highly recommend the company and the trip.

Read all 30 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$1690 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.