Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving in Matera
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent - nothing was too much trouble and he knew so much about the local area.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it
Reviews
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Reviews
Great trip
This was a great holiday . Andrea was an excellent guide , we visited some really interesting places on and off the beaten track.
Excellent!
I went in July and our itinerary was as the Trip Notes. We were a group of 8 and everyone got on so well. I enjoyed staying at all the hotels: Ramapendula, Masseria and Sassi. Breakfast at the 1st and 3rd hotels was excellent but somewhat basic at the Masseria. My room at each hotel met my needs, so very happy with what I was given. The walks were interesting except the 2nd half down from Montescaglioso where we seemed to be walking aimlessly with nothing of interest around!
Most Inspirational Moment
All the towns we visited were so interested however two tours I especially loved (1) discovering Matera's UNESCO 'Sassi' district which involved a hike to the Murgia plateau, crossing the suspension bridge, hike to the top of the ravine ending with a spectacular viewpoint of Matera's Sassi district; (2) the guided tour of Matera by the local guide where he shared his knowledge of the cave-dwelling district and his own family's personal journey from cave dwelling to the new apartment in the 'new' town, and we also learned the history of this fascinating place. I also really enjoyed and welcomed the swim in the sea after our 2.5 hours walk from Masseria.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Antonino (Nino) was excellent from start to finish and he spoke very good English. Nino would always brief us the evening before of what to expect the following day. Nino was attentive, responsive, generous, patient, kind and efficient in dealing with any niggles we may have had. Could not fault him. He thoroughly knows his history of the Puglia and Matera region, including recommending restaurants and food to try.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I went in July and the heat was searing every day, ranging from 30 degrees upwards so make sure you have plenty of water, sun block, a hat and comfortable walking boots. Sandals you could wear in some terrain but not all so walking boots is a better choice. Take a small towel to dry yourself when you visit the beach. Credit card is accepted widely but useful to carry some local currency. Make sure you're fit enough for a lot of walking.
Great mix of walking, wine & sightseeing
Three memorable centres – Alberobello (trulli town), Masseria Morrone amongst the olive trees with Pongo the excitable dog, and finally Matera, the town of cave dwellings and churches. Lovely walks, plenty of free time and even a swim in the Adriatic
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, the guided tour of Matera was a haunting experience that changed my feelings about the town. The local guide gave a very moving account of how the dire poverty had driven people to live in the darkness, dampness and unhealthy conditions of the cave dwellings. An exhibition in the art gallery showed old photos and an impressive mural reflecting this history. It seemed so incongruous that the place is now such a sought-after tourist destination. It is lovely, dramatic and full of swooping kestrels and swifts.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Giuseppe was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and fun. He was accompanied by Nico, who was learning the trip and we had the benefit of his expert knowledge of birds & plants. Giuseppe was great for making suggestions for our free time, engaged with group and managed our time expertly to ensure we never missed a bus or train (both of which were always running on time!)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't forget sun cream, some walks were quite exposed. Day trip to Lecce was a good choice for the free day.
Fabrizio is amazing
Just a wonderful trip. Our tour leader Fabrizio was a bundle of joy, information, nothing was too much trouble…..a gem.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being in Matera , going down the canyon across the suspension bridge to the other side of the valley.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Just brilliant , he had such a pride in his work. Loved the tea and coffee breaks.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just enjoy this is a wonderful trip. Nice mix of walking , information, delicious food.
Amazing Matera!
Brilliant trip with pleasant walking, great food and wine, good company, fascinating towns (especially Matera….a real highlight for me), an excellent guide in Fabrizio (knowledgeable, efficient, very patient, making everything great fun…. the best guide I can remember having on any trip!). I enjoyed the hotels in Ostuni and Matera (though in Matera it was a bit ‘luck of draw’ as to what your room was like – and I felt I was lucky!) First hotel in Alberobello was a bit bland. But overall everything went very smoothly (even the dreaded covid paperwork) – and it was SO good to be out of country, somewhere new. What’s not to like!
Most Inspirational Moment
Loved coming into Matera
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fabrizio was just the best!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
In March weather varied from woolly hats at start of week to t shirts on last day. Pack layers for this time of year
Walking in Puglia and Matera
This is a very non-strenuous grade 2 trip, compared with other grade 2 walking trips I have undertaken. The majority of walks are flat (walked in sandals) as stated in the trip notes and ankle support was only required for 2 of the walks. This was a part of Italy I had always wanted to visit due to its history rather than the scenery on the walks.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking the streets of Matera - so many ups and downs with sites looking so far away, but then you round a corner and you are on top of it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Selenia was great, vibrant and I only wish I could speak italian as well as she speaks english.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you visit Lecce on your day off a 2 hour tour costs 15 euro, but this does not allow for entrance into any of the churches. It is easy to tour on your own. Take and use insect repellent if you are prone to insect bites.
Walking in Puglia and Matera
This holiday was an excellent trip of gentle to moderate walking through some beautiful countryside, passing through olive groves, by vineyards, along a few gentle slopes and through the area, where one can see the famous conic ‘trulli’ houses of the Itria valley. As well as walking there was some fascinating culture to see, notably the towns of Locorotundo, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce (optional) and the beautiful UNESCO city of Matera with its rock churches and many converted cave dwellings. There was a very good choice of delicious fresh, local foods throughout the trip, as well as the wines of the area!
Most Inspirational Moment
The beautiful UNESCO city of Matera with its ancient rock churches and numerous cave dwellings, many of which have been converted into hotels, restaurants and shops. It was fascinating to learn that within the space of almost 70 years, this city has been transformed into one of extreme poverty to what it is today and currently the European City of Culture for 2019.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide for this trip was absolutely excellent. An enthusiastic and sociable young man, with a very good knowledge of English and the local area, who went out of his way to make the holiday a memorable experience for us all.
?
This was an excellent holiday with a good combination berween culture , walking and relaxing
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably Matera
Thoughts on Group Leader
Guiseppe was an excellent tour leader. He was very solicitous to some members of the group who had dietary needs. He went to a lot of effort to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves and that things went smoothly
RAMBLING IN PUGLIA
Booking efficient; follow up was not – I had to chase; maybe the late switch from Headwater to Exodus was to blame. An interesting and varied trip, with the leader Luigina Geusa contributing a lot to that plus a good group of fellow walkers. Matera hotel (Hotel Sassi) was not good, but the hotels in Ostuni (La Terra) and Alberobello (Ramapendula) were much better.
Most Inspirational Moment
Inspirational is too strong a word, but there were memories to retain from all of Matera, Ostuni, Lecce and Alberobello.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She, Luigina Geusa, was pivotal to the success of the trip. Her network of contacts was excellent, and she made a really successful job of understanding the different participants on the trip and building rapport with each of them. Her commitment and passion for the environment showed through clearly
Advice for Potential Travellers
For this trip in mid October, the weather can fluctuate so think carefully about what you bring. In the event, the weather worked out well.
Walking in Puglia & Matera
Vanessa was a wonderful guide and very aware of the needs of of all the participants. everyone got along well. The places we stayed were excellent. The overall experience was lot of fun
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting the city of Matera
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader, Vanessa, is a dynamo. She is upbeat and considerate and made the entire experience a joy.