Walks in Puglia and Matera

Day 1: Start Start Alberobello

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.

Day 2: Walk over the hills of the Itria Valley; visit Locorotondo, known for its superb wine

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

Day 3: 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 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

Day 4: Free day. Optional activities include visiting the baroque city of Lecce or the picture-perfect coastal village of Polignano a Mare

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.

Day 5: Morning walk to the coast; free time at the beach (in season) and transfer to the Unesco-listed town of Matera

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

Day 6: Short walk in Matera’s Rock Churches Park and guided sightseeing in the marvellous Sassi District; wine and produce tasting

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

Day 7: Walk in Matera and its surroundings, along sections of the Cammino Materano

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)

Day 8: 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.