- Take gentle countryside and coastal walks
- Stay in a trulli house in Alberobello
- Visit the baroque masterpiece of Lecce
- Enjoy a sunset guided tour of Matera and enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo by candlelight
Paths of Puglia & Matera - Premium Adventure
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Itinerary
Ostuni Matera
Fly to Bari; transfer to Ostuni
For those arriving on the group flight, our tour leader will greet us at Bari airport and accompany us on a 1-hour transfer to the white city of Ostuni, where whitewashed houses create a dazzling effect. A welcome dinner is included this evening so we can get to know each other.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Ostuni Palace
Start Ostuni
Our Premium Adventure begins in the white city of Ostuni, where whitewashed houses create a dazzling effect. A welcome dinner is included this evening so we can get to know each other.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Ostuni Palace
Morning visit to Agnano Archaeological Park; Beachside lunch & free time to explore Ostuni
We’ll start todays walk directly from the hotel and walk through the olive groves that surround Ostuni and to the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano, where we’ll stop for a visit. We’ll then continue our walk to Dune Costiere natural park and have our lunch in a beachside restaurant and enjoy some time to relax. Finally, we take a private transfer back to our accommodation in Ostuni. You’ll have some free time to explore the city before heading to dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Ostuni Palace
Visit to the baroque city of Lecce
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 take the train to Monopoli and then take a private transfer to our next stop, Alberobello.
Premium accommodation: Abate Masseria or Il Palmento
Walk among the olive trees and vineyards of the Itria Valley; visit the hilltop town of Locorotondo
A short 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. We’ll stop for a picnic along the way and take a short train back to Alberobello. Later in the afternoon, we visit a local winery for a wine and produce tasting.
Premium accommodation: Abate Masseria or Il Palmento
Morning walk at San Giuliano Lake and transfer to the Unesco town of Matera
This morning, we start our journey to Matera, first stopping at San Giuliano Lake. We walk around the lake towards the original Sin Crypt, a cave with frescos dating back to the 11th century. The crypt is now part of a masseria farm, where we have a light lunch before heading on our way to Matera. We take a private transfer to Matera, one of the most 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: Casa Diva or Antico Convicino
Hike to the Murgia plateau and park of rock churches
Today is completely dedicated to Matera where we start our walk around the Sassi district and stop for a light lunch along the way. 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 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 cooking class and then enjoy dinner together.
Premium accommodation: Casa Diva or Antico Convicino
Walk the outskirts of Matera to explore prehistoric caves and rock villages
On our final hike of the week, we take the bus to Montescaglioso village and will have a short stroll to the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo (known as the City of Monasteries) where we stop for a visit with a local guide. We continue our day with a walk through Murgia park and here we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before catching the bus back to Matera. On our return to Matera, we have free time before heading to a local winery for a wine tasting before a farewell dinner.
Premium accommodation: Casa Diva or Antico Convicino
End Matera
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.
Transfer to Bari; fly to London
For those on the group flights, there is a private transfer back to Bari airport (approximately one hour).
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: Before 6pm at the start hotel to catch the welcome dinner
Airport: Bari Airport (BRI)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 60 to 70 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, we can arrange a private transfer for approximately €116-€140 for the vehicle. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
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 office or your travel agent.
Location start: Ostuni
Location end: Matera
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Boutique hotel, cave hotel, and trulli houses
The accommodation on this trip has been handpicked to showcase the very best of the three towns in which we stay.
Ostuni: Hotel Ostuni Palace or 5° Elemento (nights 1-2)
In the heart of the White City, the four-star Ostuni Palace occupies an ideal position for our adventures. The 34 rooms are traditional and elegant, plus there’s a spa and wellness centre should you wish to indulge a little. Elsewhere, the restaurant serves a contemporary take on traditional Puglian fare and breakfasts are a hearty buffet selection that includes fresh fruits, just-baked croissants and homemade cakes.
Alberobello: Il Palmento or Abate Masseria (nights 3-4)
In Alberobello, we stay in either Il Palmento (above) or Abate Masseria, depending on availability. Both have masterfully incorporated traditional trulli into their properties, while also offering modern comforts, including Puglian restaurants and swimming pools.
Matera: Casa Diva or Albergo Del Sedile (nights 5-7)
In Matera, you stay in either Casa Diva (above) or Albergo Del Sedile. Casa Diva occupies a historic manor house in the UNESCO-listed Sassi district, each of the eight rooms individually designed. Make sure to visit the terrace for stretching views over this unique, beautiful town.
Worth knowing
- The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. While we will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, this could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
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- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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