8 Days Walking Holiday in the South of Italy - Sassi, Trulli and Baroque

Duration: 8 Days | 7 Nights
Countries to be visited: Italy (Puglia, Basilicata)
Departure & Return Locations: Matera (Nearest Airport Bari Palese Airport)
Season Dates: Low: Jan 6-Mar 28 | Oct 27-Dec 16, Mid: Mar 29-Jun 13 | Sept 1-Oct 26, High: Jun 14-Aug 31 | Dec 17-Jan 5

This trek crosses the ancient lands of Terra d’Otranto and Terra di Bari, beyond the imperceptible boundaries between Basilicata and Puglia. During this walking holiday in Puglia and Matera, you will visit and stay in the most popular towns of the heel of Italy: Matera, Alberobello, Ostuni and Lecce.

A walking tour in south Italy that shows some of the most beautiful paths of these regions, two Unesco towns, Matera and Alberobello, and the most representative cities of southern Baroque, such as Lecce and Martina Franca.

To brighten the last days will be the presence of the beautiful Adriatic Sea, that meets the Ionian Sea in the easternmost point of Italy, just south of Otranto: where the "first dawn" rises.

Note: This is a self-guided walking holiday with almost undemanding unevenness and walking travel times between 2 and 4.5 hours each day. The tour winds mainly through dirt paths and country lanes and only when strictly necessary on busy roads. You will be given a detailed guide book with maps, and local support is available by phone anytime.

Day 1: Matera
Arrive individually in Matera and check into your hotel. Welcome to the "City of Rocks"! Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera invites you to experience its charm through its unique historical center and breathtaking landscapes.

As you explore Matera, you'll discover the ancient communal ovens where, until the 1950s, local housewives brought their bread to be baked. But first, the bread was stamped! That’s right—the shepherds, during their seasonal migrations, carved wooden bread stamps to distinguish their loaves from others. These handmade stamps, unique to each family, added a personal touch to the bread. And yes, Matera bread is absolutely delicious!

Day 2: The Park of Rock Churches (12km, +340m -350m)
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on your walking holiday in Puglia and Matera. Your journey begins with a hike down and up the ravine, leading to Murgia Timone within the Natural Park of the Rock Churches (Chiese Rupestri) in Matera. Today's trail offers captivating panoramic views, featuring the Sassi, ancient frescoes, and cave churches.

After your hike, spend the remaining hours of the day delving into the rich history of the Sassi. For a deeper understanding of Matera, consider visiting Casa Noha, a site preserved by the Italian FAI, where immersive short films in its rooms beautifully depict the evolution of the Sassi over time.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Matera.

Day 3: From Matera to Alberobello via Locorotondo (13,5km, +180m -140m)
Enjoy a private transfer to the Itria Valley, a region that preserves its ancient harmony between people and nature, promoting local development through its distinctive architecture and craftsmanship.

Your journey from Matera to Otranto takes you through the heart of Puglia, where the towns of Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Cisternino mark the eastern edge of the Murgia plateau, meeting the Messapian plain of Salento. Today's route leads to Locorotondo, following the Greenway of the Puglia Aqueduct—the longest aqueduct in Europe.

In Locorotondo, named after its circular shape ("Luogo Rotondo") in historic maps, take time to explore the old town with its concentric streets and unique low-roofed houses, known as "cummerse."

Return by train to Alberobello, where you will stay for the next two nights.

Day 4: From Alberobello to Martina Franca (19km, +240m -220m)
Today's journey begins in Alberobello, heading south along peaceful country roads and gently sloping paths. Along the way, you'll encounter one of the region's most picturesque natural spots—Bosco Selva, known as the "green heart" of the area and a rare remnant of the expansive oak forests that once blanketed the region.

As you continue toward Martina Franca, you'll traverse landscapes marked by tall dry stone walls, vast pastures, and ancient Trulli. The path ascends Monte San Martino, leading to the charming old town, a stunning showcase of Puglia's Baroque architecture.

Return to Alberobello for an overnight stay via public transport (train or bus).

Day 5: From Alberobello to Ostuni (12km, +250m -130m)
From the Capital of Trulli, a private transfer will take you to a historic Masseria, a traditional farmhouse nestled within the Natural Park of Dune Costiere.

Your hike begins through fertile fields and lush crops, where the land offers an ever-changing variety of fruits and scenic landscapes with each season. After a brief pause at a small family-run farm surrounded by nature, you'll continue uphill through forests, gradually ascending to Ostuni, known as the "White City," with its picturesque hilltop old town.

Along the way, consider a detour to the Sanctuary of San Biagio, a hidden rock settlement from the Middle Ages. Despite its modest preservation, the sanctuary draws pilgrims every February 3 to honor Ostuni's patron saint. You'll also pass near the Archaeological Park of Santa Maria di Agnano, where artifacts reveal human presence in the area dating back to the Paleolithic era.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Ostuni.

Day 6: Ostuni and the Natural Park Dune Costiere (14km, +10m -220m)
Today's journey follows a short trail, primarily on downhill gravel paths, leading to the edge of the Regional Natural Park Dune Costiere. This protected area, stretching between Ostuni and Fasano, is home to diverse natural habitats, ancient olive groves, historic Masseria farms, and underground oil mills, playing a vital role in environmental conservation and sustainable economic development.

From the coast, a private transfer will take you to the stunning city of Lecce. After checking in, you'll have time to begin exploring the "Capital of Salento Baroque," where you'll spend the final two nights of this leisurely walking tour through Puglia and Matera.

Day 7: From Lecce to Otranto (9km, +95m -110m)
After breakfast, travel to Otranto via train or public bus. Spend the day exploring this historic city, Italy’s easternmost point, which has long served as a cultural bridge between East and West.

Journey along the coastline to uncover unexpected gems and pristine landscapes, culminating at the striking Cape of Otranto. Here, the currents of the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Before returning to Otranto, make a memorable detour to the renowned abandoned bauxite quarry, also known as the Blue Lake, where vivid colors and stunning scenery offer a perfect photo opportunity.

Before heading back to Lecce via local transport, take time to visit Otranto’s highlights, including its Cathedral, featuring Pantaleone’s remarkable mosaic, and its historic Castle.

Day 8: Lecce
After breakfast, our services conclude.

For those wishing to extend their walking holiday in Puglia to the southernmost tip of the region, we recommend adding a hike along the scenic southeastern coast from Otranto to Leuca.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation in a basic room, for the travel period chosen. Superior rooms are available for a higher price. 
• Where public transport is indicated in the itinerary, we can arrange private transport at an additional cost
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Flexible booking terms and conditions are available. Contact us for enquiries.

Inclusions:
• 7 nights with breakfast in double room
• Short tasting day 5
• Scheduled public and private transports
• Detailed route description with maps
• Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
• Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
• Phone assistance 08:00-20:00

Exclusions:
• Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
• Local Public transport
• Meals and drinks
• Entrance fees and tips
• Hotel tourist taxes
• Insurance and what's not listed as Included

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.