- Hike the finest trails in Puglia and Matera, guided by our expert tour leader
- Wander among the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello
- Discover the extraordinary cave town of Matera, among the oldest towns in the world
- Explore the viewpoints and ancient churches in the all-white hilltop town of Ostuni
- Walk over the Itria Valley hills to Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Walking in Puglia & Matera
8 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Alberobello Matera
Fly to Bari; transfer to the UNESCO town of Alberobello
This walking trip starts in Alberobello, 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.
Starting at the hotel, we have an aperitif upon arrival before a group dinner, where we can get to know each other a little better.
Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula (or similar)
Start Alberobello; welcome dinner
This walking trip starts in Alberobello, 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.
Starting at the hotel, we have an aperitif upon arrival before a group dinner, where we can get to know each other a little better.
Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula (or similar)
Walk over the Itria Valley hills; visit Locorotondo, known for its superb wine
We 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, we walk over the Itria Valley hills, which are dotted with olive trees, vineyards and trulli. Once in Locorotondo, enjoy free time to explore – the Church of San Giorgio Martire, in the heart of the historic centre, is a masterpiece of Apulian baroque.
At the end of the day, we take a short train or bus ride back to Alberobello.
Accommodation: Hotel Ramapendula (or similar)
Morning visit to the white city of Ostuni; afternoon walk through olive groves and vineyards; visit Agnano Archaeological Park
In the morning, we take a private transfer to the whitewashed hilltop city of Ostuni. 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.
Along the way, we stop at Agnano Archaeological Park, 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)
Free day. Optional activities include visiting the baroque city of Lecce or the port city of Bari
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 Bari to explore the historic centre. Aside from the many beautiful old buildings, it is home to the Strada delle Orecchiette, where you can see local women create and sell the ear-shaped pasta, orecchiette.
Both destinations are reachable by train from Ostuni. In the evening, we regroup for a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (or similar)
Coastal walk in Polignano a Mare; transfer to Matera
This morning, we take the train to the stylish seaside town of Polignano a Mare, which is raised above the Adriatic on a limestone cliff. We first walk along the coast for beautiful sea views before exploring the historic centre, where alleys wind among white houses and lead to terraces with more views over the Adriatic.
In the afternoon, we transfer to the cave town of 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 middle of the sassi; after check-in, we enjoy our first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of this troglodyte town.
Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (or similar)
Walk in Matera and its surroundings, along sections of the Cammino Materano
Today we explore Matera and further afield, walking sections of the Cammino Materano – a hiking trail linking Matera and Brindisi. After a hearty breakfast, we set off from our hotel and cross two of the Sassi’s historic quarters: the Civita, dominated by the duomo (cathedral), and the Caveoso with its caves. We head towards the ridge of Matera’s ravine and continue along a route characterised by Mediterranean scrub and cave complexes dating to the 11th century. We continue the walk surrounded by olive groves and arable land until we reach Serra Pizzuta forest. We return by public bus to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (or similar)
Short walk in Matera’s Rock Churches Park and guided sightseeing in Sassi district; wine and produce tasting
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. Back in Matera, we 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)
End Matera
The trip ends in Matera after breakfast. If you’d like to explore this wonderful destination a little longer, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Transfer to Bari; fly to London.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bari Airport (BRI)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 10min 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 or to arrange a private transfer.
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 prior to departure for approximately €90-€105 for the vehicle. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The trip ends in Matera, approximately 45 minutes from Bari Airport. 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: Alberobello
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.
Three- and four-star hotels
Stay in three unique destinations: the trulli town of Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni and the cave town of Matera. Below are the hotels typically used on this trip.
Alberobello: Hotel Ramapendula (nights 1-2)
We start at Hotel Ramapendula, which has an outdoor swimming pool, Apulian restaurant and a location close to the UNESCO-listed centre of Alberobello.
Ostuni: Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (nights 3-4)
Our second accommodation is either Masseria Morrone or Hotel La Terra (above). The first is a 18th-century farmhouse outside Ostuni. Now run by the Laera family, it has a pool in the garden and rustic rooms. The second is set within a 13th-century building in the historic quarter of Ostuni. Along with an ideal location, it has a bar serving Apulian aperitifs and wine.
Matera: Hotel Sassi or Fra I Sassi Residence (nights 5-7)
Our final nights are spent in either Hotel Sassi (above) or Fra I Sassi Residence. Opened in 1996, Hotel Sassi took over a series of dwellings, some of which date to the 1500s. There’s an Italian spread for breakfast (most of the produce locally sourced) and wonderful views of Matera from the terrace. The 15-room Fra I Sassi offers similarly spectacular views plus rooms built from the caves themselves.
Trip Experts
Tancredi Merlo
Expert Leader: Italy
Giuseppe Lastella
Expert Leader: Italy
Reviews
Add your own reviewFascinating area of Italy
A week of varied walking. The Trulli houses are very interesting. And the cave dwellings in Matera are amazing. Some walks are more interesting than others. All at a moderate pace.
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlight of the tour has to be Matera. Unlike anywhere else I have ever been. And the guided tour by Nadia was excellent. She explained the history of the cave dwellers superbly.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ioana has excellent knowledge of the history and culture of the region. She had great awareness of the different requirements of the individuals in the group. Plus she gave us special treats and coffee at our mid morning breaks. Truly a special guide. Probably the best guide we have had with Exodus. And we have had some excellent guides over the years.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The hotels are fairly basic. Bring shampoo! And the wifi and mobile signal in the hotels can be very patchy.
Walking in Puglia and Matera Private Departure
We had very good service from the Exodus sales team in planning the trip for our Nordic walking group. The itinerary was very well planned and gave us the chance to experience walking and cultural visits in this fascinating area of Italy. Overall the holiday exceeded my expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our first view of the Sassi in Matera
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marion was an excellent leader who ensured all members of our group had the best time.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Unless you have an early departure you will not have time to do the activities described on Day 1. Check what type of adapter is needed for Italy.
Only 3 walks throughout the week
The trip was well organised and each of the three places we stayed were fascinating
Most Inspirational Moment
Wandering the little alleys of Matera and enjoying the wonderful food of the region
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ioana was wonderful in all aspects
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks are leisurely but interesting.
Fabulous first walking holiday!
This trip exceeded my expectations in both the excellent organisation and expert talks by Ioana and the wide range of activities around walking, sightseeing, free time and gastronomy! 💚
Most Inspirational Moment
First view of Matera town across the ravine
Thoughts on Group Leader
Perfect! Ioana has the ideal mix of careful attention to detail, awareness of different individual needs and preferences, ability to bring the history and culture of the region to life, lovely sense of humour and complete unflappability. 10/10.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring layers you can peel off as you walk if it is a hot day; bring a serious sunhat with brim and UV protection; something to cover shoulders; strong boots or trail shoes for support on any uneven ground; large water bottle.
A glorious week
A hugely enjoyable immersion in the countryside and towns of Puglia and Basilicata.The itinerary is well-designed, as the highlight for us was undoubtedly Matera, and I was pleasantly surprised at how little down time we had. The walking is undemanding, but the scenery is beautiful, and I can imagine in high summer the heat could become a problem. A great introduction to an area I knew very little about, other than enjoying the excellent wines it produces.
Most Inspirational Moment
Matera. Seeing it from across the ravine and then up close was breathtaking .
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ioana was outstanding. She was professional, deeply knowledgeable, and great company. She anticipated the needs of a disparate (but very agreeable) group of walkers and made an excellent trip into an unforgettable experience. Exodus seem to have a knack of engaging outstanding tour leaders for their Italian holidays - she is the third we have met, and all have been outstanding.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the walks are not excessive, and the ascent/descent is moderate, it's well worth packing your walking boots. I found the combination of hard services and occasional rocky sections were surprisingly tough on the feet, and I was glad of the thicker soles on the days I wore my boots. Poles are definitely an optional extra, unless you are an habitual user.
Walking in Puglia and Matera (April 2024)
A very interesting range of regions, from the picturesque trulli houses of Puglia to the peace and quiet of the Masseria Morrone and finally the amazing cave dwellings of the Sassi district of Matera. The walks ranged from paths through fields dotted with ancient olive trees to shady forests and finally to wide open vistas in the Basilicata region
Most Inspirational Moment
The walk along the Murgia plateau with horned cows complete with cowbells, Spring flowers everywhere and beautiful views across to the Sassi district of Matera.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tancredi was a very knowledgeable and helpful guide who always kept us informed of the programme for each day. The hike across the suspension bridge was not possible due to weather conditions, but Tancredi handled the change in programme very smoothly and also went out of his way to assist with suggestions for our free time, including an unscheduled visit to a beautiful rock church and a Benedictine Abbey on our last morning which was really special.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I used cash rather than credit card more than I had anticipated but this was not a major problem as ATMs were easily accessible.
It works
A well balanced choice of 3 exceptional places.
Day 2 was probably the best walk along the Itria Valley.
Not using the Matera suspension bridge limited the walk route. For interest we did cross it on our own.
Most Inspirational Moment
Waking up to look out over Matera from The Sassi Hotel. The view across to the sea from the beautifully adapted Masseria Morrone. Ancient Olive trees as living history.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Knowledgeable in his own field. More information would have been helpfully shared with clearer language.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack all the usual requirements for day walks at home.
Wonderful week
We had a marvellous time walking in Puglia and Basilicata, an area completely unknown to us before now. Such beautiful towns and villages to explore in Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce and the fascinating Matera and gentle day walks in surrounding countryside.
Most Inspirational Moment
Matera has to be a highlight. We stayed in a charming cave hotel in the heart of the old Sassi area, ideal for investigating the many enchanting alleyways and nearby ravines. It would have been easy to spend a whole week there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tancredi proved to be an exceptional leader with a thorough knowledge of the area, having been acquainted with it for much of his life. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for him. He was engaging, helpful and knowledgeable and got on with every member of our 12-strong group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walking is pleasant rather than spectacular for much of the time but thoroughly enjoyable. The weather for our trip in March was ideal. I can imagine it might become extremely hot in midsummer, when of course crowds will also descend on beautiful places such as Matera and Ostuni.
Really enjoyed it but the walks the least good bit!
We visited lovely towns and stayed in nice hotels and ate good food! Having been to this area before it was as expected and lovely to see again. I’d never been on a walking holidays and last time in Puglia I toured by bike. Whilst some of the walks were lovely, past aged olive trees etc, others were pretty ordinary. The guide was great and passionate about his local area. The group was ok and as usual you just avoid the naysayers. Being a cycle tourist an evening walk is usually a nice change. It only struck me on the holiday that on a walking holiday you walk during the day and then in the evening………….go for a walk!! Certainly recommend Puglia but not sure about the walking?
Trulli houses and cave dwellings
This trip is a good mix of walking and sightseeing; it was great to be able to visit both the trulli houses and also the cave dwellings of Matera.
Most Inspirational Moment
On a walk meeting up with someone who was renovating some trulli houses, who invited us in to have a look at what he was doing. One member of the group was feeling unwell so he and his wife also kindly drove her to meet us at the next town.
Thoughts on Group Leader
His knowledge of flora and fauna was very good. There were various issues on the trip which he did his best to rectify.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If one of the reasons you want to come is to cross the suspension bridge, it was closed to groups on our trip
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
22 Mar 2025 22 Mar 2025
Saturday Saturday
29 Mar 2025 29 Mar 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Apr 2025 05 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
12 Apr 2025 12 Apr 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
26 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
03 May 2025 03 May 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
10 May 2025 10 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
17 May 2025 17 May 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 4 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
17 May 2025 17 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
24 May 2025 24 May 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
24 May 2025 24 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
31 May 2025 31 May 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
21 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
20 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
18 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 503
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
18 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
25 Oct 2025 25 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
01 Nov 2025 01 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
08 Nov 2025 08 Nov 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2320 USD 2320 Book with USD 580 deposit Book with USD 580 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 503
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- 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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Walking in Puglia & Matera
8 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from