Self-Guided Walking in Puglia and Matera Trip Notes
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Current as of: November 13, 2019 - 14:23 Valid for departures: From October 1, 2019 to October 31, 2022 Self-Guided Walking in Puglia and Matera Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays 8 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Italy Min age: 12 W07PU Leisurely / Programmes: Walking & Trekking Moderate Trip Overview Puglia is a land forged in history by an incredible mixture of civilisations and cultures. From the unique 'trulli' style houses of Alberobello, the cave houses (Sassi) in Matera, to the beautiful White City of Ostuni. This independent walking trip allows you to discover the beauty of the region at your own relaxed pace. There is plenty of time to appreciate the magnicent coastline and spend lingering afternoons savouring the traditional cuisine. At a Glance 3 days point-to-point walking; 3 free days, 2 with optional walks. Low altitude throughout Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs 2 nights in 3-star hotels, 3 nights in charming B & Bs and 2 nights in a typical trullo Trip Highlights Visit the UNESCO sites of Matera and Alberobello Discover mouth-watering local food and wine Charming hotels in great locations Walks are optional with plenty of time to discover each destination Is This Trip for You? Average daily walk: 10km (6 miles) No. of days walking: 5 (2 days optional) Terrain & route: The terrain and type of path will vary between manmade paved tracks, tarmac and gravel. All walks take between 3 and 6 hours including lunch stops and require a moderate level of tness. This is a self-guided tour; you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views!). However, on some of the walks the terrain encountered is similar to the one you would nd on a moderate walking trip, hence the Leisurely/Moderate grade. Please be aware that Puglia can be very warm, possibly exceeding 30 degrees in the summer. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Group As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. This tour is managed by the local operator who will be on hand to assist you and highlight particular places of interest. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Adult min age: 12 Itinerary Map LTY Land Only Start City: Matera End City: Lecce Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Start Matera Make your way to Matera from Bari or Brindisi airport. Spend the night in a charming hotel in the old city centre of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Day 2 Beautiful morning hike to rock churches on the Murgia plateau This morning take a private transfer and then a scenic walk to discover the Murgia plateau facing Matera, and take some time to admire the impressive rock churches of the 8th Century. This area is perfect for a spot of birdwatching as you walk amongst the pastures and stone farmhouses, keeping your eyes out for birds of prey as you go. In the afternoon enjoy a guided visit of the 'Sassi' area of the town then take a private transfer back to Matera. Overnight in Matera. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 7 km / 4 miles Altitude gain (m): 150 Altitude loss (m): 150 Activity (hours): 2 Day 3 Morning transfer to Alberobello Take a morning private transfer to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, an intriguing city populated by dry stone dwellings known as 'trulli', nestled in amongst the beautifully exotic Itria Valley. Spend the night in a typical 'Trullo' in the historical centre of Alberobello. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Follow an old aqueduct through the Itria Valley, amongst ancient olive trees, vineyards and trulli Today you take a short private transfer to the trailhead, then walk along an old aqueduct towards Locorotondo, through the gently rolling countryside of the Itria Valley. Walk through ancient olive groves, vineyards and trulli. Take a short (15 minute) train ride back to Alberobello (train ticket not included). Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles Altitude gain (m): 100 Altitude loss (m): 100 Activity (hours): 4 Day 5 Transfer to Ostuni; the ‘White City’; optional loop walk Private transfer to Ostuni. This striking hilltop village, a short distance from the sparkling Adriatic sea, is known as the 'White City' due to its fortress of whitewashed buildings clustered together on the hillside. Ostuni's charm lies within the enchanting maze of Greek-style narrow streets, displaying some beautiful Mediterranean architecture. Enjoy a free afternoon with time to discover this enchanting town. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Transfer to Ostuni train station and train to Lecce; optional walk in the city Take a private transfer to Ostuni train station and a train (60 mins) to Lecce. Enjoy some free time to discover the main monuments of the Salento region's capital, characterized by the baroque style. Optional city walk in the afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Train to Otranto and hike along the coastline Take a morning train or bus to Otrano (train or bus ticket not included), a little seaside village facing the Adriatic sea and known as the gateway to the Orient. The Cathedral houses an impressive 'Tree of Life' mosaic which covers its entire oor, and is well worth a visit. Hike along the coastline, discovering the imposing coastal watchtowers, and appreciating the beautiful plantlife. Take a train or bus back to Lecce (train or bus ticket not included) and spend the night there. Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 11 km / 6 miles Altitude gain (m): 100 Altitude loss (m): 100 Activity (hours): 4 Day 8 End Lecce End in Lecce after breakfast. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation Hotels All the hotels on this trip have been specially selected for their location and character. Located in the heart of the historical centre, the B&B in Lecce is found in a 17th Century palace, and in Alberobello we use a family-run hotel in beautifully restored 'trulli' houses. Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy. Single supplement from $362.70 USD Food & Transport Eating & Drinking All breakfasts included. There is also a wine and local product tasting on day 3. In Puglia you will nd genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the land and the sea. To give you an example of the types of food on offer in Puglia: simple, tasty dishes such as the pasta delicacy “orecchiette” served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese, “cavatelli” with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, courgettes “alla poverella” - marinated in oil, garlic, mint and vinegar, etc., to accompany grilled sh, seafood, horse-meat chops, lamb, “burrata” (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), mozzarella and “caciocavallo” sheep’s cheese... plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise! Weather & Seasonality Weather Information The Puglia region of Southern Italy enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with all year round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure that the green is never too far off. Although Puglia covers a large area it is long and narrow - not more than 30km across. This means that you're never far from the sea which has a moderating effect on the weather. Weather Charts Joining Instructions 8 days starting in Matera and ending in Lecce Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Matera on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final Joining Instructions. Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your Travel agent. Please note maps will be provided upon arrival at your start hotel. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent. Transfers Details Airport transfers are not included on this trip. There is a bus service running from Bari airport to Matera, called the Pugliairbus (€6 - transfer about 75 min.) It may be possible for us to arrange a private arrival and departure transfer. This will need to be requested so prices can vary - please ask your sales consultant at the time of booking.