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: 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 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:

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Start Matera

Make your way to Matera from 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 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 “” served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese, “” 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.

Location start: Matera Location end: Lecce

What to Take Essential Equipment

Small rucksack (for water bottle, camera etc)

Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopper

Trail shoes or walking boots with sturdy sole

Long walking trousers as some paths may be overgrown

A warm jumper or eece

Sun hat

Sun cream

Sunglasses

Optional Equipment Walking poles

A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers

Swim suit Practical Information Passport Italy

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs of officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa Italy

No visa required for US passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination Italy

There are no specific health risks. Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay t and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to- date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered? It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the , we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Italy's Timezone: Europe/ CET (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.

Money Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

ATM Availability In every town you can withdraw the local currency from a Cash Machine (ATM) but we do recommend you obtain some of your spending money in Euros before you leave the USA. Credit cards are also accepted in most places you visit but cash is easier.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money For lunches and dinners not included, please allow about €170 depending on the standard of restaurant chosen. LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between 1 and 4 euros per person per night. For this trip, please allow approx. €7-10 for the week.

Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be condent in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway ofce and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be exible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE – STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286;

International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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