Basilicata and Puglia Walking Tour

Arrive in Matera, also known as the City of Rocks, welcomed by the charm of this unique and spectacular city. After settling in, perhaps set out on a mini-adventure to acquaint yourself with this magical town, exploring its historical center and enjoying a dinner at one of its many inviting restaurants.

Matera is known for having some of the best bread in Italy, so make sure your dinner plans include trying some!

Back at your accommodations, enjoy a good night's rest in preparation for your first day of walking tomorrow.

Following breakfast, your adventure begins with a short warm-up walk through a pleasant ravine, bringing you to Murgia Timone inside the Natural Park Chiese Rupestri of Matera.

Today's route will take you along a beautiful trail, boasting stunning views over the Sassi district's frescoes and magical cave churches. Walking through the Sassi district is an experience you won't soon forget, as it's known as one of Europe's most unique landscapes. The caves dating back to the Paleolithic period were once home to peasants and artisans of this area.

After exploring the Sassi at your leisure, a visit to the Casa Noha is an excellent way to finish off your first day of walking! The multimedia exhibit offers short videos that illustrate the Sassi's evolution over time, inviting you into a 16th-century family home, providing you with a fascinating taste of how the early inhabitants lived here.

After breakfast, a short transfer will take you to the beautiful Itria Valley.

Walking from Matera to Otranto, you'll be invited into the heart of Puglia, exploring the towns of Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Citernino. These towns comprise the last eastern edge of the Murgia Plateau, bordering the Messapian plain of Salenta.

Walking the longest aqueduct in Europe (Greenway of Puglia Aqueduct), you'll want to visit the historic center of Locorotondo, making sure to sample some of its DOC wines.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Alberobello

Proceeding southwards from Alberobello along country roads and short stretches of gentle slopes, you'll encounter the Bosco Selva (green heart). The vast oak forest once covered the entire surrounding area, and what remains provides a perfect backdrop for your walk today as you continue towards Martina Franca.

Taking in the high dry stone walls and vast pastures of ancient Trulli, you'll climb to Monta San Martino, an elegant old town where the magic of Puglia Baroque art is still very much alive.

Return to Alberobello by local train or bus to enjoy your evening at your leisure.

From this region's capital of Trulli, you will take a private transfer to the Natural Park Dune Costiere.
Hike through fields of rich soil and abundant crops depending on the season, perhaps sampling some fruit along the way.

After enjoying a short break at a charming family-run farm, you'll continue up the hills through a rich forest, climbing as the anticipation builds for your arrival in the old hilltop town of beautiful Ostuni.

An add-on option for today's hike is a detour to the Sanctuary of San Biagio, a rock settlement dating back to the middle ages and a yearly pilgrimage destination in honour of the patron saint of the city of Ostuni. You'll also have the opportunity to see the Archeological Park of Santa Maria di Agnano on this detour.

After breakfast a trail, mainly on gravel roads downhill towards the sea will take you to the edge of the Regional Natural Park Dune Costiere and walk further to the coast at Lido Morelli. To follow a private transfer to Lecce.

Following breakfast, you'll reach Otranto by train or public bus. Spend your day exploring the easternmost city of Italy.

Walking down the coast, you'll uncover unspoiled landscapes pathing the way to the charming Cape of Otranto, Italy's most easterly point.

Take in the beauty of the Adriatic and Ionian seas as their currents come together and separate before your eyes.

A visit to the abandoned bauxite quarry tops the day off perfectly with breathtaking views of the blue lake. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon in Otranto at your leisure, perhaps visiting its famous cathedral, home to the impressive mosaic of Pantaleone.

Return to Lecce by local bus or train to enjoy your final evening in this beautiful city.

Your walking tour of Basilicata and Puglia comes to an end this morning, but not before enjoying one last delicious local breakfast—and of course, a cappuccino!

Make your way to the airport where you'll depart and say Addio to beautiful Italy!