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Taking you across the ancient lands of Terra d’Otranto and Terra di Bari, beyond the boundaries between Basilicata and Puglia, this self-guided walking tour will have you exploring the heel of Italy.

  • Stay in quaint towns & villages
  • Visit Matera, the famous ‘City of Rock’
  • Explore beautiful countryside & coastal trails
  • Taste regional specialities

Starting in Matera, you will visit and stay in small towns with friendly welcoming locals and a relaxed atmosphere. The scenery and landscapes in this region offer some of the most beautiful walks, following well trodden paths.

You will visit two UNESCO World Heritage towns and learn about the fascinating Sassi history, as well as having the chance to sample some of the delicious delicacies of the area and explore beautiful coastal trails where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.  

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Travel to Matera

    Fly to Bari airport and make your way to Matera. Your tour will start at your accommodation in Matera, the famous 'City of Rocks'. Take some time to explore or relax at your hotel.

  2. Day 2: Matera & the Park of Rock Churches

    Walking into the ravine and up to Murgia Timone, you will visit the Natural Park of the Rock Churches. Take in the stunning panoramic views and cave churches before taking some time to explore Matera.

    Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 210 m | Descent: 210 m

  3. Day 3: Walk towards Alberobello along the Puglia Aqueduct

    Following along the greenway of the Puglia Aqueduct, you will walk to Locorotondo. Make sure you have time to explore the town before taking public transport to your next accommodation in Alberobello.

    Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 140 m | Descent: 140 m

  4. Day 4: Circular walk to Martina Franca

    Today you will walk to Martina Franca. You will see incredible views of the ‘Bosco Selva’, the ‘green heart’ of the area and a rare example of the vast oak forest that once covered the surrounding area.

    Walking distance: 17 km | Ascent: 130 m | Descent: 130 m

  5. Day 5: Coastal Dunes Natural Park to Ostuni

    You will take a short transfer to Masseria in the Natural Park of Coastal Dunes for the start of your walk. Walking past small farms and forest, make your way to Ostuni.

    Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 160 m | Descent: 70 m

  6. Day 6: Coastal Dunes Natural Park to Lecce

    Today you will head along gravel roads towards the sea. Stopping at a local farm, sample some extra virgin olive oil and visit the underground oil mill.

    Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 10 m | Descent: 140 m

  7. Day 7: Circular walk around Otranto

    Taking public transport to Otranto, spend the day in and around Italy's most easterly city. Make some time to visit the famous, abandoned bauxite quarry or Blue Lake.

    Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 80 m | Descent: 80 m

  8. Day 8: Depart Lecce & return to the UK

    Your tour finishes at your accommodation after breakfast. Make your way to Bari airport for your return flight to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £899 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,199 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £240
  • Walking grade: Easy
  • Guiding: Self-Guided
  • Max alt: Low
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 7 nights
    • 7 breakfasts
    • Luggage transfers
    • Airport transfers & activities as per itinerary
    • Route notes & maps

Next Steps

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Dates & Prices

Choose your preferred departure date from the 5 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.

Self-Guided Dates and Prices
Year Daily Departures Price From (Exc. Flights) Options
All prices are per person. Daily departures subject to availability.
2024 From 24 Mar to 21 Jun £1,059 Book or Enquire
2024 From 22 Jun to 1 Sep £1,179 Book or Enquire
2024 From 2 Sep to 27 Oct £1,049 Book or Enquire
2024 From 28 Oct to 16 Dec £899 Book or Enquire
2024/2025 From 17 Dec to 5 Jan £1,179 Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.