Hiking Puglia and Matera

You need to be able to hike on uneven surfaces, occasionally downhill over loose rocks, so good balance is important. The hikes explore a mix of terrain, from dirt roads to paths across rolling hills to ancient stone staircases, which can be quite steep. The trip is designed for those who have at least some hiking experience. Please note that the hiking can feel more demanding at times because the weather can occasionally be hot, even in fall when we make our journey. Sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots are best for some of the rural trails, though walking shoes may be suitable for some days.

For maximum enjoyment of the trip (and the wonderful scenery, food, and wine that are a part of it), we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.

Our hotels are chosen for their local history and central location. Although rooms in European hotels are not always of uniform or international size, our leaders try their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole.

Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.

Luggage is transported for us by van, so it is always possible to ride in the van if you wish to opt out of a day's hiking. We will carry just a daypack with water bottle, sunscreen, camera, and anything else you want with you while on the trail.