Your Journey

Day 1 The Sassi of Matera. Arrive Matera, Italy.

Afternoon guided tour on foot of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Sassi' and in the historic centre: the Baroque town; Romanesque Churches and cave civilisation (2 hrs). Dinner at a typical restaurant in the Sassi.

Day 2 Old Cave Villages ( Self-guided - 6 km, 4 hrs)

This morning visit a local bakery to see the making of Italian Matera bread. Continue to Murgia Timone, the plateau in front of the Sassi to walk the path dotted with caves and Rock Churches.

Day 3 Park of the Rock Churches (Guided 8km, 6 hrs)

Walk through the Brandano Valley to Lake San Giuliano. Come across the oldes of the Rock Curches - the Crypt of the Original Sin with frescoes dating back to the 9th century. Transfer provided back to Matera .

Day 4 Valle d’Itria (Guided - 6 km, 3 hrs)

Transfer to the centre of Puglia. Covered with vineyards and olive groves, the valley is dotted with hundreds of trulli, (curious stone farmhouses). Walk from the 6thC church of San Pietro in Barsento through green pastures, woodland and along country lanes to the village of Alberobello where the streets are packed with ‘trulli’. Overnight in Alberobello.

Day 5 Locorotondo, Cisternino, Martina Franca (Self-guided - 4 hrs)

This is a strolling day of the three enchanting villages in the Itria Valley: Locorotondo, classified as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and known for its DOC white wine; the white-washed village of Cisternino; and Martina Franca, a Baroque gem. Transfer to Ostuni for overnight.

Day 6 Ostuni - the ‘White City’ (Self-guided - 7km, 3 hrs)

Ostuni overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is known for its whitewashed walls and houses. It has a captivating medieval centre with a 15thC cathedral. Cross the town and enter the lush countryside to walk an old farmer’s path through olive groves bordered by stone walls. Return to Ostuni for overnight.

Day 7

Arrangements end after breakfast. OPTION: WALK / CYCLE COMBO TOUR Add a 6 day cycle tour from Ostuni to discover more of Apulia. Cycle via historic towns such as Gallipoli and Otranto, past gorgeous beaches along the coast where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, to reach the Baroque and Roman city of Lecce.

Terrain

Easy - walks are short to take into account the warm temperatures. Stony terrain especially in the Matera Gorge so ankle support boots are advisable. The cycle routes are mostly on paved and tarmac surfaces and graded easy.  E bikes are available.