Paths of Puglia & Matera - Premium Adventure

Our Premium Adventure begins in the white city of Ostuni, where whitewashed houses create a dazzling effect. A welcome dinner is included this evening so we can get to know each other. Stay: Hotel Ostuni Palace (D).

We'll start todays walk directly from the hotel and walk through the olive groves that surround Ostuni and to the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano, where we'll stop for a visit. We'll then continue our walk to Dune Costiere natural park and have our lunch in a beachside restaurant and enjoy some time to relax. Finally, we take a private transfer back to our accommodation in Ostuni. You'll have some free time to explore the city before heading to dinner at a traditional restaurant. Stay: Hotel Ostuni Palace (B/L/D).

In the morning, we take the train to Lecce, justifiably known as the Florence of the South. A local guide will accompany us through the pretty streets and share information about the cultural importance and history of the area, particularly the Basilica di Santa Croce, duomo (cathedral) and Piazza del Duomo. There will be free time for shopping or visiting other renowned sites such as the Roman amphitheatre, the statue of Santo Oronzo or a papier mâché workshop.

Later, we take the train to Monopoli and then take a private transfer to our next stop, Alberobello. Stay: Abate Masseria or Il Palmento (B/D).

A short private transfer will take us to the starting point for our first walk of the week, crossing the peaceful Itria Valley. Passing trulli, ancient olive trees and myriad vineyards, we walk along narrow countryside tracks on our way to the hilltop town of Locorotondo, known for having a relaxed atmosphere, pretty alleys and excellent white wine.

We'll stop for a picnic along the way and take a short train back to Alberobello.

Later in the afternoon, we visit a local winery for a wine and produce tasting. Stay: Abate Masseria or Il Palmento (B/L).

This morning, we start our journey to Matera, first stopping at San Giuliano Lake. We walk around the lake towards the original Sin Crypt, a cave with frescos dating back to the 11th century. The crypt is now part of a masseria farm, where we have a light lunch before heading on our way to Matera. We take a private transfer to Matera, one of the most memorable destinations in Italy, made famous by the James Bond film, No Time to Die (2021).

Our cave hotel is in the heart of the Sassi District, just a few steps from the most famous attractions in town. After check in, there is free time before we enjoy a first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture on a guided sunset tour of the city. We'll end with a classic Italian aperitivo in a beautiful setting and admire the twinkling lights of Matera from a lofty position. Stay: Casa Diva or Antico Convicino (B/L).

Today is completely dedicated to Matera where we start our walk around the Sassi district and stop for a light lunch along the way. we enjoy a short hike to the Murgia plateau, a vast protected area home to more than 150 rupestrian churches dating from the eighth century. Once inhabited by hermits, the plateau is adorned with wonderful Byzantine frescoes. We then hike to the top of the ravine, following a pathway that ends with a spectacular viewpoint of the Sassi District.

In the afternoon, we take part in a cooking class and then enjoy dinner together. Stay: Casa Diva or Antico Convicino (B/L/D).

On our final hike of the week, we take the bus to Montescaglioso village and will have a short stroll to the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo (known as the City of Monasteries) where we stop for a visit with a local guide. We continue our day with a walk through Murgia park and here we'll enjoy a picnic lunch before catching the bus back to Matera. On our return to Matera, we have free time before heading to a local winery for a wine tasting before a farewell dinner. Stay: Casa Diva or Antico Convicino (B/L/D).

The trip ends in Matera this morning after breakfast. If you'd like a bit more time to explore this magnificent Basilicatan city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).