Overview
The deep blue hues of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, heirloom olive orchards stretching to the horizon, whitewashed coastal towns gleaming in the sun—this is the “heel” of Italy, a world apart from the north and a magical place for a WT's style of adventure. We’ll make an arc across Puglia, savoring hikes across traditional tratturi (shepherds’ trails), through the ancient olive orchards, and along spectacular coastal paths where the sea and the sky seem to meet. This southernmost part of Italy has surprising layers of Greek, Roman, and Norman cultures, as we’ll see in the stunning hill town of Ostuni, once a Greco-Roman city, and Otranto, with its Aragonese city walls. We’ll also enjoy the Baroque exhuberance of Lecce and visit two unforgettable World Heritage Sites, Alberobello and Matera. As always, we'll eat locally and well—we’ll go olive-tasting in the Itria Valley, where the orchards are hundreds of years old, sample the deep red Primitivo wines at a cellar in Manduria, taste the bounty of the sea (fresh-caught octopus, swordfish, anchovies, sardines, and more), and sample Puglia’s signature handmade pasta, orecchiette ("little ears”). Join us to experience the mystique of the Italian south!
This trip far exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was superb and the guides were terrific. The balance among hiking, city tours, and wonderful meals was perfect. The two days in Matera were magical.
— Philip S., Arlington, VA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Bari / Alberobello / Ostuni / Lecce
We head across the orchards and vineyards of the Valle d’Itria, which holds some of Puglia’s most iconic landscapes. The orchards stretch as far as the eye can see here, dotted with trulli, the whitewashed, conical-roofed houses Puglia is known for. In Alberobello, we’ll visit the 17th century Trullo Sovrano, the largest of the trulli houses. After exploring stunning Ostuni, with its tumble of alabaster buildings, we’ll taste olive oils at a farmstead and enjoy the opulent Baroque buildings of Lecce, with architectural surprises at every turn.
Days 4-6
Otranto / Santa Maria di Leuca
Otranto was first a Greek port, then a Roman one, and was later ruled by the Byzantines. We explore the town, hike past the Punta Palascia lighthouse to lovely Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, and cruise the coast to visit cave grottos that were ancient sanctuaries.
Days 7-10
Manduria / Matera
Heading to the wine town of Manduria, we taste Primitivo di Manduria wines at a local cellar. Our grand finale brings us to fascinating Matera, one of the most spectacular ancient cities in all Europe, where Benedictine monks carved elaborate churches and monasteries deep into the sheer canyon walls. We set out for a canyon walk, exploring the picturesque alleys and warren of “sassi” dwellings. Depart on Day 10.
Hiking Puglia and Matera
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Moderate hikes of 2-4 hours over rolling countryside, rocky coastal trails, and steep canyons
