Paths of Puglia & Matera
8 Days | Alberobello to Matera | Guided Tour
Explore the picturesque landscapes of Puglia and ancient history of Matera in style.
Prices from $5,345 CAD per person based on double occupancy
Multiple 2024 Departures April – October
Limited September & October 2023 departures available!
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Travel with a friend in 2023 and they’ll save 25%. Travel solo and save 50% on single supplements.
Alberobello
Matera
On the southeast coast of Italy – the heel of the boot – lies the agricultural paradise of Puglia. This low-lying region was once a gateway for Western Europe to the Near East, and there’s a surprising mix of culture and traditions to discover. Stay in the Unesco-listed town of Alberobello, home to fairytale trulli houses with their whitewashed façades and conical roofs, and walk in the shade of ancient olive trees and vineyards. Visit the baroque city of Lecce and discover why it has been nicknamed the Florence of the South. Hike above the topaz waters of the Adriatic coast and, finally, step back in time in the cave city of Matera.
Our Premium Adventure begins in the Unesco-listed town of Alberobello, home to 1,500 trulli (conical roofed houses). During our time here, we will stay in trulli houses for an authentic and memorable start to the trip. A welcome dinner is included this evening so we can get to know each other.
Premium accommodation: Charming Trulli or Trulli e Puglia
Meals Included: Dinner
A 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. After a delicious lunch in a local trattoria, we take a private transfer back to Alberobello. Later in the afternoon, we visit a local winery for a wine and produce tasting, before we head for dinner in Alberobello.
Premium accommodation: Charming Trulli or Trulli e Puglia
Total ascent: 492ft (150m); total descent: 492ft (150m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, a local guide will take us on a fascinating walking tour of Alberobello, explaining the history of this captivating town. We then take a private transfer to the white city of Ostuni, where whitewashed houses create a dazzling effect. After checking in at our premium accommodation, we enjoy lunch in a trattoria. There is time for a short walk in the historical centre before we head out of the city to visit the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano. Our next stop is a typical Apulian farm surrounded by olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, where we will indulge in a delicious dinner. Finally, we take a private transfer back to our accommodation in Ostuni.
Premium accommodation: Masseria Valente
Total ascent: 328ft (100m); total descent: 328ft (100m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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’ll take the train back to Ostuni.
Premium accommodation: Masseria Valente
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we have a guided tour of Ostuni followed by a short transfer to the start of our hike. We walk towards the coast and the fabulous Dune Costiere Natural Park, where we have time to relax on the golden sands or swim in the calm waters of the Adriatic Sea (depending on the season). After a tasty lunch in a seafront restaurant, we’ll take a private transfer to Matera, one of the most unusual and 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.
Premium accommodation: Le Dodici Lune or Fra i Sassi Residence
Total descent: 328ft (100m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today 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 descend a canyon until we reach a suspension bridge* that allows us to cross to the other side of the valley. 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 fun pasta-making class and then enjoy dinner together.
*Customers with vertigo or who have difficulty with heights may wish to opt out of this part of the itinerary; if this is the case, speak to your tour leader at the start of the trip and they will be happy to explain the suspension bridge in more detail, and what options may be open to you if you choose not to take part.
Premium accommodation:Le Dodici Lune or Fra i Sassi Residence
Total ascent: 1,148ft (350m); total descent: 1,148ft (350m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On our final hike of the week, we start with a private transfer to the outskirts of Matera. The trail will take us through rugged, limestone landscapes, once home to prehistoric cave dwellings and rock churches. We pass through almond and olive groves on the way. Spring is particularly impressive in this area, with many species of butterfly, orchid and cyclamen. After the hike, we visit the Benedictine Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo in Montescaglioso (known as the City of Monasteries). On our return to Matera, we head to a local winery for a wine tasting before a farewell dinner.
Premium accommodation: Le Dodoci Lune or Fra i Sassi Residence
Total ascent: 591ft (180m); total descent: 1,214ft (370m)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast