9 Days Gourmet Walking Experience in the South of Italy - Puglia and Matera

Duration: 9 Days | 8 Nights
Countries to be visited: Italy (Puglia, Matera)
Departure & Return Locations: Otranto (Brindisi Airport) - Matera (Bari/Brindisi Airport)
Season: Low: Jan 5-Mar 28 | Oct 27-Dec 16, Mid: Mar 29-Jun 13 | Sept 1-Oct 26, High: Jun 14-Aug 31 | Dec 17-Jan 5

A Puglia & Matera Walking Experience follows the pace of this wonderful land. Walking is the best way to appreciate the beauty of the places, marvel at the hidden details, savor the experience of an authentic Puglia. You will combine the discovery of the beautiful paths between Puglia and Basilicata with the pleasure of taking part in local craftsmanship courses, tastings of typical products and a cooking class. Because an unforgettable experience in Puglia is only such if knowledge and taste come together.
Wine Therapy: relax with wine in an alternative way
The coastal landscapes south of Otranto, the East of Italy
Apulian Cheeses, an Italian excellence
The magic of Papier-mâché: the secrets of an old Lecce art
Walk with breathtaking views of the Sassi di Matera
Charming accommodation and Gourmet experiences

Note: This is a self-guided walking holiday. The walking routes proposed in this holiday are easy and practicable even for the youngest, as long as they have a minimal aptitude for walking. These are itineraries that develop mostly on paths and roads with low traffic, with some indispensable passages on busy roads and some passages that are a bit more technical. You will be given a detailed guide book with maps, and local support is available by phone anytime.

Day 1: Welcome to Otranto
Your Charming Puglia Walking tour starts from the history of these places, and Otranto is the village that preserves its roots. After meeting your guide, a first cognitive walk inside the ancient village awaits you: crossing Porta Alfonsina, the gate of the old town, will be like immersing yourself in a timeless place. The historic center is protected by walls and ramparts overlooking a splendid crystalline sea, hides alleys of rare beauty, but to celebrate your experience in Puglia it will undoubtedly be a visit to the Cathedral of Otranto. It houses the Tree of Life, one of the largest floor mosaics in Europe. The fascination of history, religion, myths and legends will accompany you for the rest of the journey. First dinner in company and overnight in Otranto.

Day 2: Walking on the coast south of Otranto - DAIRY EXPERIENCE (11km, +90m-140m)
There is a small detail of the journey in Puglia that makes it different from any experience in Italy: Otranto is the easternmost point of Italy, if you are an early riser you can admire the sunrise before any other part of the Bel Paese. After breakfast, a special meeting awaits you. You will visit a dairy and walk with the master cheese maker to discover every stage of cheese production. The Gourmet Walking Experience in Puglia is not just for the mind and we will return to the trails only after a rich tasting of local products. After satisfying the palate, accompanied by your guide continue walking on the coast south of Otranto, crossing coastal places shaped by the wind, bays carved into the rock and scenery that has stopped in time. The walk along the coast will cross Porto Badisco, the Sant'Emiliano Tower, the Masseria Cippano, part of the Via Francigena, Lake Bauxite and the Bay of Orte, and then return to Otranto. We do not add anything else to these places, amazement is an essential part of a Charming Puglia Walking tour. Overnight in Otranto.

Day 3: Baroque Lecce - PAPIER-MÂCHÉ WORKSHOP (13km, +/- 130m - 60m)
This morning you will be masters of your time. You can walk alone along the Idro Valley and follow step by step the path that will take you to Le Constantine Foundation, in the territory of Uggiano La Chiesa. It is a place, which by the will of its founder can be defined as: "A place where everyone can feel at home as a big family... where you can live close to nature, away from the city, from the progress and robotization of minds". Your Charming Puglia & Matera Walking Experience will continue with the visit to La Cutura Botanical Garden, where you can admire eleven wonderful gardens, over three thousand succulents and tropical plants, over a hundred animals. From here you will reach Lecce. A walk in the old town of Lecce in the company of your local guide will make you live the experience of art and light. Churches and historic palaces look embroidered in stone and, with your eyes to the sky, you will try to admire every detail. The Gourmet Walking Experience in Puglia does not exclude any of the five senses and in the afternoon, it will be the turn of the touch, a papier- mâché workshop will give you the opportunity to model the paper like the historic artisans of Lecce. Overnight in Lecce.

Day 4: Ostuni and millenary olive trees - Olive oil tasting + cooking class (7km, +/- 160m - 50m)
Today, journey north of Lecce to Masseria il Frantoio, set amidst a stunning plain of centuries-old olive trees. During your visit, explore the Masseria, an underground olive mill, and the ancient olive grove. Experience a unique olive oil tasting guided by an olive oil sommelière, showcasing organic extra virgin olive oils as part of this gourmet adventure in Puglia.

From there, walk along scenic trails leading to Ostuni, renowned as the "White City." After enjoying the tranquil countryside views, spend the afternoon discovering Ostuni's charming alleys and breathtaking vistas. As evening approaches, take part in a cooking lesson at a traditional restaurant within the historic center before indulging in a delightful dinner.

End the day with an overnight stay in Ostuni.

Day 5: In the park of the coastal dunes - Wine Therapy relaxation (12km, +/- 100m - 250m)
After breakfast, you'll transfer from Ostuni to the Sanctuary of Sant'Oronzo, nestled in nature and built in the late 17th century by the people of Ostuni as a token of gratitude for the saint’s intervention during the plague. On your journey, make a stop at the San Biagio Rock Sanctuary, dedicated to Ostuni's patron saint, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding olive groves stretching to the sea.

For a true Gourmet Walking Experience in Puglia, take a break at a local, family-run farm for a coffee and a sampling of traditional products before continuing your walk to your Masseria. In the afternoon, indulge in Wine Therapy, a luxurious treatment using wine and grape must, known for its skin rejuvenating and detoxifying benefits.

End the day with an overnight stay in Montalbano.

Day 6: Walking to Locorotondo - Wine Tasting (15km, +/- 200m)
Today's itinerary focuses on exploring the Itria Valley, often referred to as the green heart of Puglia. You'll begin with a transfer to Cisternino, a historic village known for its all-white buildings. The town's oriental influence is evident in its low houses, hidden courtyards, narrow alleys, and arches.

From Cisternino, you'll walk towards Locorotondo, following part of the cycle/pedestrian path along the Main Canal of the Apulian Aqueduct. This aqueduct, built in 1906, solved the region's long-standing water shortages by transporting water from the Sele River in Campania to Puglia.

Once in Locorotondo, renowned for its charming town center with pointed roofs, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine shop, sampling some of the finest local wines in the narrow streets of the village.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Locorotondo.

Day 7: Walking between Martina Franca and Alberobello - Trullo Experience (19km, +/- 200m)
A week has flown by since you arrived, but your walking holiday in the enchanting region of Puglia continues to offer delightful surprises. Today, you’ll journey from the picturesque Martina Franca along the scenic path leading to the land of the Trulli. For many, Alberobello will feel like a magical place, with its iconic conical dry stone dwellings, known as Trulli.

The oldest Trulli in Alberobello date back to the 14th century. Their unique architecture and historical significance earned this small town UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996. To make this Apulian experience even more special, you’ll enjoy a traditional aperitif inside one of these distinctive Trulli. Afterward, you’ll return to Locorotondo via private transfer.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Locorotondo.

Day 8: Walking in the Park of Rock Churches of Matera (9km, +320m - 260m)
The Puglia & Matera Gourmet Walking Experience also offers an element of adventure, and today you’ll understand why. The trail for the day takes you through the Natural Park Chiese Rupestri (Rock Churches) of Matera. You’ll start your walk near the Gravina Valley, following the path to where the Gravina Stream meets the Jesce River, which separates the Murgia Timone from the Murgecchia. The landscape here is dotted with rock-carved churches and caves, providing your first stunning views of Sassi di Matera.

To reach the historic village of Sassi, you’ll cross a suspension bridge that links the Murgia plateau to the city. This bridge, which spans the Gravina Stream, will not only give you an adrenaline rush but also offer a breathtaking perspective of Matera from below.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Matera.

Day 9: Matera
Your Gourmet Walking Experience concludes in Matera before you head to the airport. Known as one of the oldest cities in the world, Matera is home to Italy's earliest human settlements. Once regarded as a symbol of shame due to its poverty, it was later recognized for its historical significance, and in 1993, the Sassi of Matera was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period chosen.
• Where public transport is indicated in the itinerary, we can arrange private transport at an additional cost
• Pricing shown is for mid season during the recommended period above. A small adjustment will be made for low or high seasons (~A$200 less or more).
• 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
• 8 nights with breakfast in double room
• Transfer IN & OUT Bari/Brindisi Apt
• Dinner day 1
• Guided walking excursion day 2
• Dairy visit and local cheese tasting day 2
• Entrance at the Botanical Garden day 3
• Lecce walking guided tour day 3
• Papier-mâché workshop day 3
• Olive oil tasting and visit day 4
• Cooking Class with Dinner day 4
• Coffee break day 5
• Wine therapy day 5
• Wine tasting with Aperitivo day 6 and 7
• Scheduled private transfers
• Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
• Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
• Hotel tourist taxes
• Phone assistance 08:00-20:00

Exclusions
• Other meals and drinks
• Insurance and everything not listed as “Included”

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