Compare Puglia Guided Walk by UTracks

Day 1 Arrival in Lecce, welcome aperitivo

Make your own way to Lecce, capital of the Salento region. From the train station you can take a taxi (allow EUR15-20) to the hotel, which is located in the historical centre of the city. Inside a 17th century building, this charming hotel will be your home for 2 days. Lecce has the charm of Prague, the stonework of Florence and is about the size of Siena. Within its walls are numerous churches and convents, cultural sites, ancient monuments, museums, libraries and cafes. It is a city to to meander through, not knowing what will greet you at your next turn. We recommend arriving in the afternoon and taking time to wander its old streets and relax in the piazza overlooking the amphitheatre, enjoying the ambience. Meet your guide and group at 6pm at the hotel before heading out for a welcome dinner brimming with atmosphere.

meals : D

Day 2 Visit Otranto and Adriatic coastline walk, explore Lecce (4hrs)

The focus today is Otranto, a small seaside village facing the Adriatic Sea, which you'll reach by train or bus. Otranto's cathedral is famous for its 12th-century floor mosaic, which covers the floor of the nave, the sanctuary and the apse. We'll then set off on foot along the coastline, discovering flowers and Mediterranean vegetation, as well as the Saracen watchtowers. We take the train or bus back to Lecce where you can enjoy a free evening discovering its main monuments. Distance: 10km/6.2mi, ascent: +100m/328ft, descent: -100m/328ft

meals : B

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

In the morning we'll have a guided walk through Lecce's charming streets and past its Baroque style churches and palaces. In the afternoon we will have a private transfer to Ostuni (approx 1 hr), a striking hilltop village known as the "white city", due to its fortress of whitewashed buildings clustered on the hillside. Its charm lies within the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets and fine Mediterranean architecture. There's free time to discover this fairy tale-like town before we transfer to a typical Masseria for our overnight stay and dinner with local products.

meals : B,D

Day 4 Walk to the coast and the Dune National Park, return to Ostuni (3hrs)

Today we will walk from the Masseria to the coast and the Dune Natural Park where we will have time to relax on the white beaches or to swim in the sea. Back to the Masseria where we have a pasta making session followed by dinner (pasta of course!) and overnight stay. Distance: 9.5km/6mi, ascent: +175m/574ft, descent: -100m/330ft

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Discover the Itria Valley, Locorotondo and Alberobello, transfer to Matera (4hrs)

Today we will explore the Itria Valley. First up a private transfer takes us to Locorotondo where we walk along an old aqueduct which is still the largest water pipeline in Europe. We'll pass between olive trees, vineyards and trulli on our way through this enchanting landscape. There's free time to explore the iconic village of Alberobello with its streets lined by white trulli houses. Later we have a private transfer to Matera and our accommodation. Dinner at leisure. Distance: 13km/8mi, ascent: +150m/492ft, descent: -150m/492ft

meals : B,L

Day 6 Discover Matera and the Great Canyon (5hrs)

Our walk this morning begins directly from the historic centre of Matera. We will pass through the Civita district and the Caveoso. From here we head towards the ravine of Matera, with a breathtaking view of the city. The landscape will change as we arrive in wooded areas with fortified structures. We return to Matera using a public bus. Following a wine tasting, dinner will be at your leisure. Distance: 13km/8mi, ascent: +130m/429ft, descent: -250m/825ft

meals : B,L

Day 7 Discover the Murgia plateau on foot (3hrs)

A wonderful walk this morning to discover the Murgia plateau. Facing Matera, the plateau has rock churches dating from the 8th century, painted with Byzantine frescoes. The landscape here is of pastures and stone farmhouses, and with luck we'll see the flight of different types of falcons. In the early afternoon we'll have a guided visit of the ‘Sassi’ area and afterwards, dinner in a typical restaurant. Overnight in Matera. Distance: 6.5km/4mi, ascent: +350m/1148ft, descent: -350m/1148ft

meals : B,D

Day 8 Trip concludes

After breakfast, your luggage will be dropped off at Matera station where the trip concludes. We can assist with a private transfer to Bari if required (a supplement applies).

meals : B