Puglia is a destination that should be on the radar for all Italy lovers and this holiday combines a discovery of its superb cuisine and wines with easy rambles among gently rolling landscapes. Explore the ancient Sassi quarter and gorge of Matera, visit the conical trulli houses of the Itria Valley and see how local cheeses, bread, olive oil and wines are produced.
Optional activities
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.
Altamura - Local train to Gravina to visit underground city -
Matera - Guided 2 hour city tour including entrance fee to a traditional troglodyte home - €15 per person
Alberbello - Cantina Albea wine museum visit and wine tasting - €12 per person
Clothing
You will need light layers of clothing for walking during the day and a fleece and waterproof jacket for early mornings and evenings, and early/late season. A sunhat is essential.
Footwear
We recommend you bring lightweight walking boots, make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.
Luggage
20kg
Luggage: On tour
Take one main piece of luggage and a daypack.
Equipment
You should bring a 2 litre water bottle, sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Trekking poles may also be useful.
Tipping
Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
Transport Information
Bus
Walking grade
Easy
Trek details
We walk on 4 days with walks between 1 and 3 hours. The Puglian countryside is gently undulating. Trails are generally good - the gorge walk at Matera is rocky underfoot and trekking poles can be helpful. We have graded the walking on this trip as Easy.
Max walking altitude (m)
540
Per person in double room
Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers
Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.
Per person in double room
Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers
Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.
Per person in double room
Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers
Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.
Per person in double room
Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers
Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.
Per person in double room
Mandatory single supplement for Solo travelers
Solo travelers must pay extra to have their private room. You can't match them to share a room with one or more travelers booking separately.
The trip starts today in Altamura, a pretty town with a walled old quarter of flastone streets and white-washed buildings, located on Puglia's sparsely populated limestone Murge Plateau.
Your trip Leader plans to meet everyone in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards our journey of culinary discovery commences with an included dinner of regional dishes at the popular Tre Archi restaurant. Our husband and wife hosts, Nina and Peppino, serve us up a feast of their home-grown vegetables and other locally sourced produce in an amazing array of traditional Puglian antipasti appetisers.
There are no other activities planned today. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Bari International Airport - Karol Wojtyla (BRI), which is around 50 minutes' drive from Altamura. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Hotel Fuori Le Mura (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel