Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera caves were awesome. Lecce free day was beautiful. Vegetarian Restaurant in Matera.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Macella was well organised and kept the group to time well. Recommended good restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in late September & it was still very warm, especially on the 2 walks where we had picnics. I was glad I took an umbrella for a bit of shade. A long sleeved shirt was good as well. Evenings were cool, & windy so take a warm fleece. Take a torch for the rooms, some were dark. If you don't fancy a full set menu it is ok to dip out & just have pasta. I took a kettle & was glad of a cup of tea after a day of walking. There were hairdryers in every room. We took soya milk, but we did see almond & soya milk in the supermarkets.

Most Inspirational Moment

The initial walk through the canyon was very enjoyable. the friendliness of the locals was excellent and we especially enjoyed an evening BBQ in the living room of a local farm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giuseppe was an excellent leader and was kind, helpful and caring. Being Italian he didn't always understand our British humour but roared with laughter when we explained the jokes!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for large meals.

Most Inspirational Moment

The little things. Seeing a hummingbird as we paused on a country walk. The incredible vibrant color of the frescos on the walls of rupestrian (rural) cave churches in Matera and in the countryside. The first moments of a cool dip in the Adriatic sea. The clear love that our guide and local tour leaders have of this little known part of Italy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guisseppe was marvelous. He grew up in Bari and is very knowledgeable about the area. But most impressive and infectious is his clear adoration for the Basilicata and Apuglia regions. He loves the outdoors and was full of information about the agriculture and history of the area. His English was wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

On your free day in Alberobello, find out if it is market day and if it is stay in town. Ask Guisseppe where to eat - he'll direct you to an organic restaurant with a garden.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the cave dwellings in Matera.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella is an exceptional guide - knowledgeable, professional and lots of fun. She makes sure everyone on her tour is having the best time possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat if you go in June/July

Most Inspirational Moment

No single thing... Just loved every minute... Even in the rain!!! Loved Matera- such an unusual place and yet so sophisticated. Loved the farmhouse in Ostuni- such a quaint place Loved the wild flowers everywhere... Loved the trulli in Alberobello and the dinner on the last night to Marinella's friends' farmhouse - what a feast!! Lecce is definitely worth a visit and quite nice to have a day off from walking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

How many superlatives do I have space for? Incredible, friendly, funny, caring, organised, informative...I will miss her- Marinella absolutely made our holiday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles Take a proper waterproof jacket

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera - what a stunning gem of an old town, Reeks of history around every corner. It will be City of culture in 2019 - I would recommend going before the rest of Europe discover it !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella is a first class guide - nothing is too much trouble for her and her knowledge of area & sites is very detailed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Food is so good that you will probably not lose any weight on this holiday !

Most Inspirational Moment

A delicious home cooked meal and pasta making demonstration at a traditional farmhouse near Alberobello was a fantastic experience. Wine tasting on a rooftop with views over the trulli houses was also great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella was a fantastic guide. Well organised, patient and very diplomatic. Together with Giuseppe they were enthusiastic and great fun throughout the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in April and although the days were warm, evenings could be deceptively cool! Be prepared for lots of (wonderful) food.....

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along the raised aqueduct through the countryside on a beautiful sunny day with wild flowers on either side

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was excellent. Friendly, amusing, full of genuine enthusiasm and knowledge about the towns and countryside and food.

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera was a unique and fascinating place to stay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on walking holidays in the past and Marinella was the best group leader yet, very friendly, helpful and with lots of local knowledge and contacts which all made for a fantastic and authentic holiday experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

After we arrived on Saturday, we went from Alberobello to Noci for the New Wine Festival, held on the streets of the town. I really liked being part of the crowded streets, trying the wine, craft beer, roasted chestnuts (a feature of the festival) and great food from all the stalls laid out. Bands were playing and there was street entertainment, like performers doing fire eating! The local people are really friendly and I enjoyed being part of a genuine, event.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella is very good. She helped us with the language and explained the local food dishes to us. She kept the itinerary rolling and got us out of scrapes, where we did not quite know what we were doing! She was very diligent in organising our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a really good Autumn trip. Really relaxing and warm, when the UK gets cold and wet. The walking is easy but inspiring through crossing olive groves, vineyards, and amongst the trulli (cone roofed houses) of the region. It is on this basis, it should be booked.