Internationale groepsreis Walking in Puglia & Matera Reverse

Our trip starts this afternoon in Matera, which is thought to have been inhabited for around 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest towns in the world. James Bond fans may recognise it as the scenic background for a thrilling car chase in No Time to Die (2021), while scenes for Wonder Woman (2017) and The Passion of the Christ (2004) were also shot here. Its crumbling beauty is undoubtedly a lure for film directors and location scouts, but it’s the ancient Sassi districts, formed of ancient cave dwellings dug into the limestone, that are the true star here. Our hotel is in the heart of the Sassi district, a UNESCO World-Heritage site since 1993. Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (or similar)

Today we enjoy a short hike to the Murgia plateau, a vast protected area home to more than 150 Rupestrian churches dating to the eighth century, adorned with Byzantine frescoes and once inhabited by hermits. We hike to the top of the ravine, following a pathway that ends with a spectacular view of the Sassi district. In the afternoon, we walk back to Matera for a guided tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we wander the narrow alleys of the cave-dwelling district and learn about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a delicious produce and wine tasting in the historic centre and the rest of the day is free to discover the city independently. Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (or similar)

Transfer by bus to the outskirts of Matera, where our walk starts. We head to the ridge of the gravine, the limestone canyon on which Matera sits. Our hike takes us through a dramatic landscape, visiting caves, rock churches and rock villages. Reaching the end of the hike, we take a bus back to Matera. Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (or similar)

Take a private transfer to the whitewashed hilltop city of Ostuni in the morning. After free time, in which you can visit viewpoints and centuries-old churches, we explore the surrounding countryside on foot, walking through ancient olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic. Stop at Agnano Archaeological Park along the way, where we walk a winding path to see church ruins and the bones of a lady within a cave. This evening, we have a delicious dinner and stay either in a beautiful masseria – a renovated farmhouse typical of the Apulian region – or in a four-star hotel in the historic centre of Ostuni. Accommodation: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (or similar)

Today is free to discover the many jewels of this beautiful region. We recommend a day trip to the beautiful baroque city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, and home to more than 40 churches and countless palaces, plus a Roman amphitheatre. Alternatively, travel to the picturesque coastal town of Polignano a Mare, which is perched atop a limestone cliff rising from the Adriatic. Both destinations are reachable by train from Ostuni. In the evening, regroup for a delicious dinner. Accommodation: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (or similar)

To the coast this morning, where we have time to relax on a beach or swim in the mild waters of the Adriatic Sea (depending on the season). Transfer to Alberobello in the afternoon, a town almost entirely formed of trulli, fairytale-like dwellings with conical grey-stone roofs. The origin of these UNESCO-protected limestone houses is obscure; however, local farmers claim they were originally built to evade taxes. When the tax inspectors were nearby, the dry-stone walls could easily be dismantled by removing the keystone above the door, and quickly rebuilt after the inspection. In the afternoon, there is usually time to wander through the narrow alleys of the town centre and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this enchanting town at night. Our hotel is in proximity of the historic centre. Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula or Hotel Silva (or similar)

Start with a walk to Locorotondo. Sitting on a hilltop, our destination is among the most beautiful villages in Italy and renowned for the white wine produced at Cantina Sociale, the local winery. Following narrow country lanes, walk over the Itria Valley hills, which are dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. At the end of the day, we take a short train ride back to Alberobello. Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula or Hotel Silva (or similar)

The tour ends in Alberobello after breakfast. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.