Guided Pet Friendly Walking

Taste of South Italy - Guided group Matera and Puglia

Puglia & BasilicataDifficulty path:
Easy
Guided, Pet Friendly · WalkingDuration: 8 daysCode: wg024
from 1290 €Guaranteed Departure
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Highlights

A journey that fills the eyes and heart with wonder: an exciting and easy itinerary that will immerse us in the nature and warmth of southern Italy.
An expert local guide will lead us through the beauties of Puglia and Basilicata, staying overnight in the most evocative places in this part of Italy and accompanying us on delicious tastings. Matera, a UNESCO heritage site, offers unique views set in the rock: we will sleep among the stones and explore the rock churches. The sloping roofs of Locorotondo will surprise us, and in Alberobello we will be welcomed by its fairy-tale houses in the green heart of Puglia, dotted with white villages. We will walk among monumental olive trees to reach Ostuni. We will finally arrive in the surprising Lecce and then spend a day surrounded by the endless blue sea of Otranto.

  
Join the GROUP TRIP:
from Sun 04/04 to Sun 11/04/2026 - Fully Booked
from Sun 18/10 to Sun 25/10/2026 - Guaranteed

 

  • Matera and the rock churches

  • Alberobello and the trulli

  • The landscapes of the heel of Italy

  • Mouth-watering tastings

  • Lecce and the beautiful sea of Otranto

Program

Day1

Meeting in Matera

Individual arrival in spectacular Matera, where we will meet our guide. Immersed in an ancient and wild landscape, we will discover a unique city in the world.
Dinner included and overnight stay in Matera.

Day2

Exploring the surroundings of Matera

12km, +340m -350m

One of the most important features of the area around Matera is the presence of over a hundred rock churches scattered throughout the territory. Sometimes they are hidden by dense vegetation and dug along the steep banks of the canyons. We will discover the most important ones, following a route through rocks and Mediterranean scrub, stopping from time to time to admire Matera in all its charm.
Second overnight stay in Matera.

Day3

Locorotondo

13km, +180m -140m

A private transfer after breakfast will leave us on a route that follows the ancient Apulian Aqueduct.
We will enter the green heart of Puglia making a stop in the pretty Locorotondo, a small village on top of the hill, recognizable from afar by its characteristic sloping roofs. The historic center is small and enchanting, and from its terraces the view extends over the expanses of vineyards that surround it. Among the Cummerse we will taste the wines of this fertile valley.
Overnight stay in Locorotondo.

Day4

Martina Franca and Alberobello

19km, +220m -240m

After breakfast, we'll head to Martina Franca to taste and learn more about its extra virgin olive oil and admire its ornate churches, ancient palaces, and airy porticoes. Then we will go down the small Monte San Martino, in the heart of the Itria Valley.
The itinerary takes us through an ancient oak forest, allowing our imagination to see what this area was like centuries ago. We will walk along narrow streets bordered by characteristic dry stone walls, to reach Alberobello, whose shape is made up of hundreds of inverted cones.
Overnight stay in Alberobello.

Day5

Ostuni

12km, +250m -130m

After breakfast, a private transfer will take us to the beauties of the Park Dune Costiere.
We will walk among the fortified masseria farms and we will get to know the typical landscape of the Park, made up of majestic olive groves and cultivated fields from which come the renowned delicacies that we will find in the area's restaurants. We will have a taste of them during a tasting at a family-run farm before continuing slightly uphill towards the majestic White City.
Overnight stay in Ostuni.

Day6

Ostuni and the park

14km, +10m -220m

We will continue to explore the Park Dune Costiere with a beautiful nature walk.
We reach the coast near the mouth of the Morelli river, in a landscape painted by the blue of the sea and the soft colors of ponds, dunes and Mediterranean scrub. In the afternoon, with a private transfer, we will arrive in Lecce: a guided visit will introduce us to this elegant town and we can spend the rest of the time shopping, sitting in a bar or browsing around.
Overnight stay in Lecce.

Day7

Otranto

9km, +95m -110m

We reach Otranto after breakfast with a public transfer.
We will walk along the easternmost coast of Italy between pristine bays, ancient towers, red earth landscapes and suggestive cliffs. The view can reach as far as the impressive Palascìa lighthouse and, with a bit of luck, as far as the coast of Albania. We then visit Otranto, a port city with a memorable history... and a unique mosaic!
Return to Lecce by train for the last dinner together and overnight stay.

Day8

Lecce

We'll say goodbye after breakfast … arrivederci!

Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.

What's included

Our offer includes

  • 7 nights with breakfast in shared room
  • Local English speaking guide during the excursions and included dinners
  • 2 Dinners (first and last night)
  • Wine tasting on Day 3
  • Olive oil tasting on Day 4
  • Tasting of local products on Day 5
  • Lecce guided visit on Day 6
  • Scheduled private and public transports
  • Luggage transportation hotel to hotel

Not included

  • Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
  • Other meals and drinks
  • Entrance fees and tips
  • Hotel tourist taxes
  • Insurance and what's not listed as Included

Departures and prices

FULLY BOOKED04/04/2026 => 11/04/2026
Classic1290 € /p
Guaranteed Departure18/10/2026 => 25/10/2026
Classic1290 € /p

Supplements per person

Single room
Classic350 € /p
Transfer Bari Apt-Matera (min 2 pax)
Classic75 € /p
Transfer Brindisi Apt-Matera (min 2 pax)
Classic160 € /p
Transfer Lecce-Brindisi Apt (min 2 pax)
Classic48 € /p
Transfer Lecce-Bari Apt (min 2 pax)
Classic115 € /p

Other Information

Grade

Easy - The tour is suitable for anyone with a minimum of training. The length of a walking day ranges from a minimum of 9 to a maximum of 19km, with almost undemanding unevenness and travel times between 2.5 and 4.5 hours.
The tours wind mainly through dirt paths and country lanes; rarely, and only when strictly necessary, on busy roads.
We recommend to wear comfortable shoes for walking long distances, a hat, sun cream, swimsuit and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.

Accommodations & Meals

Accommodation in optimally located accommodation.
All rooms are ensuite.

  • 2 nights in Matera 
  • 1 night in Locorotondo
  • 1 night in Alberobello 
  • 1 night in Ostuni 
  • 2 nights in Lecce

7 breakfasts, 2 dinners and 3 tastings included. All other meals are not included.

Group Trip or Private Tour?

GROUP TRIP: for cheerful and proactive people! You'll share a travel experience with new people, all eager for an active vacation filled with wonderful memories. By participating in our group tours, you'll always be accompanied and guided by one of our dynamic local tour leaders. The group is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 participants.

PRIVATE TOUR: This tour also offers departures for small pre-arranged groups of friends, families, and colleagues. The presence of an expert local guide is guaranteed during the scheduled excursions.
→ Departures every day on request.
Choose your departure date, who you are going with and ask us for a personalised quote!

Support

You will be accompanied during the excursions and dinners by one of our expert tour leader, coordinator of the group and passionate about travel, nature and the territory visited. He/she will become your travel companion, always attentive to the needs of the group, facilitating and promoting an authentic, relaxing and fun holiday.

Travel documents

A few days before departure you will receive by email the documentation containing the latest information relating to your holiday.

Arrival and Departure

Getting there
Matera is easily reachable by train, car and by air.

BY TRAIN. The train stations close to Matera are Bari, Gioia del Colle, Ferrandina and Metaponto, info on Trenitalia website.
From Bari you can reach Matera on board the trains or buses of the FAL-Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, while from Metaponto and Ferrandina you can go to Matera only by bus (check the times on the SITA sites and FAL). To know deletions or additions of stops, cancellations, delays, detours and many other useful information for those traveling by train with Trenitalia, see viaggiatreno. NB: on Sundays and public holidays there are no trains but only a few buses.

BY AIR. The nearest airports to Matera are those of Bari, Brindisi and Naples.
The Bari Palese airport is located at about 60km and is connected by shuttle services of various companies or, having reached the central station of Bari with the Ferrovie del Nord Barese, you can take the FAL train to central Matera (about 80min). NB: on Sundays and public holidays there are no trains but only a few buses.
Brindisi Casale airport is about 150km away, from here you can reach Matera by bus passing Bari Palese airport. Visit the Aeroporti di Puglia website for more detailed information.
Naples Capodichino airport is about 250km away and is connected to Matera by various bus companies.

BY BUS. Matera is also accessible by bus. Here are the major companies operating the service: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Marozzi, Busmiccolis, Petruzzi autolinee.

BY CAR. The nearest motorway exits are Bari Nord and Gioia del Colle for those taking the A14 or Adriatica highway; exit at Sicignano-Potenza for those coming from the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria. map.google.com can help you with the directions.

Back to Matera
From Lecce you can reach Matera with Trenitalia getting to Bari, in combination with Ferrovie Appulo Lucane from Bari to Matera. The entire trip cost varies from € 16 to € 30 depending on the type of trains; the travel time is about 3.5 hours. NB: on Sundays and public holidays the train service is replaced by bus rides.

→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.

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FAQ

What is the difficulty level of the trekking tour from Matera to Lecce?

The trip is rated easy and is suitable for anyone with a basic level of walking fitness. Daily stages range from 9 to 19 km, with generally moderate elevation gain and walking times of approximately 2.5 to 4.5 hours. The routes mainly follow trails, country lanes and unpaved roads.


Do I need to be fit to take part in the trip?

You do not need to be an experienced hiker or particularly fit. However, you should be comfortable walking for several hours and covering up to 19 km in a day. The pace will be that of a group tour, accompanied by a local guide.


Is the trip from Matera to Lecce suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. This is a group trip designed also for solo travellers. You will share walks, visits, tastings and social moments with other travellers, accompanied by a local guide. The group is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 participants.


How many people will be in the group?

The trip is confirmed with a minimum of 2 participants. The actual group size may vary depending on the number of bookings for each departure.


Where will we stay during the trekking tour from Matera to Lecce?

The trip includes 7 nights in double rooms with private bathrooms, in accommodation selected for its convenient location. The itinerary includes 2 nights in Matera, 1 night in Locorotondo, 1 night in Alberobello, 1 night in Ostuni and 2 nights in Lecce.


Is luggage transfer included?

Yes. Luggage transfer is included, so during the walks you can travel with a light daypack, carrying only what you need for the day.


What is included in the price of the trip?

The price includes 7 nights with breakfast, an Italian/English-speaking local guide, 2 dinners, 3 tastings, a guided tour of Lecce, the public and private transportation included in the itinerary, luggage transfer, and medical and luggage insurance for residents in Italy.


Which meals and tastings are included?

The trip includes 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners and 3 tastings: wine in Locorotondo, extra virgin olive oil in Martina Franca, and local products during the day in the Dune Costiere Regional Park. All other meals and drinks are not included.


How do I get to Matera to start the trip?

You can reach Matera by train, bus or car. The nearest airports are Bari, Brindisi and Naples. If you are arriving by plane, a private transfer to Matera can also be arranged as an optional service.


How do I get back from Lecce at the end of the trip?

The trip ends in Lecce after breakfast on Day 8. From Lecce, you can continue to Bari or Matera by train, or reach Bari and Brindisi airports. A private transfer can also be booked as an additional service.


What should I bring for the trekking tour?

We recommend comfortable footwear suitable for walking for several hours, a daypack, a hat, sunscreen, a swimsuit and a waterproof jacket in case of rain. We recommend dressing in layers, so you can easily adapt to changing weather conditions.


Is the trip suitable for people who do not know Puglia?

Absolutely. This itinerary is specifically designed to discover Puglia and Basilicata through trekking, culture, historic towns and local food traditions. Over eight days, you will travel from Matera through the Itria Valley, Alberobello and Ostuni, all the way to Lecce and the Otranto coast.


Are there cultural visits in addition to the walks?

Yes. The trip combines outdoor activities with cultural and local experiences. The itinerary includes visits to Matera and its rock-hewn churches, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce and Otranto. A guided tour of Lecce is also included.


What happens if it rains or weather conditions are unfavorable?

The itinerary may be modified, either before or during the trip, due to weather conditions, organizational reasons or instructions from local authorities. The aim is to ensure that the trip takes place in the best possible conditions.


Can I take part if I am travelling with my dog?

Yes. The tour is Pet Friendly. If you are travelling with your dog, we recommend informing us when you request your booking so that we can check the conditions of the accommodation and services included in the itinerary.

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Contacts

Slow Active Tours

Via Petrarca, 26

73100 - Lecce, LE - Italia

VAT no. IT05328000756

Tel: +39 0832 1826868

info@slowactivetours.com