Puglia Guided Walk

Make your own way to Lecce, the capital of the Salento region. From the train station it’s an easy walk or a short taxi ride (approx. EUR 15–20) to the hotel, which is located in the historic centre. At 6:00pm, meet your guide and fellow travellers in the hotel reception, followed by a welcome dinner. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a compact and lively city brimming with character. Within its historic walls you’ll find ornate churches and convents, fascinating museums, impressive monuments, and plenty of cafés to enjoy. It’s a place made for wandering – every corner reveals something new. We recommend arriving in the afternoon to give yourself time to stroll the streets, take in the atmosphere of the main piazza overlooking the Roman amphitheatre, and simply soak up the southern Italian vibe. Additional pre-tour nights can be booked on request.

Today’s focus is the seaside town of Otranto, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. We’ll travel there by train or bus to explore its charming streets and impressive cathedral, renowned for its extraordinary 12th-century mosaic that stretches across the nave, sanctuary and apse. From Otranto we set out on foot along the coastline, where wildflowers, Mediterranean scrub and historic Saracen watchtowers dot the landscape. Later, we return by train or bus to Lecce, with the evening free to continue exploring the city’s monuments at your own pace. Distance: 10km/6.2mi, ascent: +100m/328ft, descent: -100m/328ft

This morning we’ll enjoy a guided walk through Lecce, exploring its atmospheric streets and admiring the Baroque churches and palaces for which the city is famous. In the afternoon a private transfer (approx. 1 hr) takes us to Ostuni, the striking hilltop town known as the “white city” for its cluster of whitewashed buildings that shine across the landscape. With its maze of narrow lanes and Mediterranean-style architecture, Ostuni is a delight to explore. You’ll have free time to wander this fairy-tale town before continuing to a traditional Masseria, where we’ll stay overnight and enjoy a dinner of local produce. These fortified farmhouses are unique to Puglia and offer an authentic taste of the region’s rural heritage.

Today’s walk takes us from the Masseria towards the coast and into the Dune Natural Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty stretching between Ostuni and Fasano. Here, you’ll have time to unwind on the soft white beaches or take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic Sea. Later we return to the Masseria for a hands-on pasta-making session, learning the secrets of traditional Puglian recipes before sitting down together to enjoy the fruits of our labour over dinner. Overnight at the Masseria. Distance: 9.5km/6mi, ascent: +175m/574ft, descent: -100m/330ft

Today we explore the enchanting Itria Valley. A private transfer takes us to Locorotondo, where we begin walking along the historic aqueduct — still the largest water pipeline in Europe. The trail winds through a quintessential Puglian landscape of olive groves, vineyards and scattered trulli, the distinctive limestone dwellings with conical stone roofs that seem straight out of a fairytale. Our walk continues to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll have free time to explore its maze of cobbled streets lined with clusters of trulli — one of the most iconic sights in all of Italy. Later, a private transfer brings us to Matera, another UNESCO World Heritage-listed city and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Famous for its cave dwellings (the Sassi), rock-hewn churches and dramatic setting, Matera is nothing short of unforgettable. Arriving here feels like stepping back in time, and tonight you’ll have the chance to soak up its unique atmosphere with dinner at leisure. Distance: 13km/8mi, ascent: +150m/492ft, descent: -150m/492ft

This morning our walk begins in the heart of Matera’s historic centre, winding through the Civita district and the Caveoso, where ancient cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches showcase the city’s extraordinary heritage. From here we continue towards the dramatic ravine, pausing to take in breathtaking views back across Matera’s stone skyline. As the trail unfolds, the scenery shifts into wooded areas dotted with ancient fortified structures, offering a contrast to the stark rock landscapes. We return to Matera by public bus in the afternoon. Later, enjoy a wine tasting featuring local varieties, before an evening at leisure for dinner. Distance: 13km/8mi, ascent: +130m/429ft, descent: -250m/825ft

This morning we enjoy a rewarding walk across the Murgia plateau, which lies directly opposite Matera. Scattered across the plateau are ancient rock-hewn churches dating back to the 8th century, many still adorned with remarkable Byzantine frescoes. The landscape is characterised by open pastures and traditional stone farmhouses, and with a little luck we may spot falcons gliding overhead. In the early afternoon, a guided tour of Matera’s famous Sassi district brings the city’s extraordinary cave dwellings and history to life. This evening we gather for dinner in a typical local restaurant, before spending the night in Matera. Distance: 6.5km/4mi, ascent: +350m/1148ft, descent: -350m/1148ft