Visit Brindisi : the complete guide
Visiting Brindisi is a tasty and fascinating journey between the different cultures that have...
19.04.2024
Self guided 
Walking
The Via Ellenica in the Land of Olives
PugliaDifficulty path:Moderate
Self guided · WalkingDuration: 9 daysCode: ws045
from 860 €per person
Highlights
The Via Ellenica in the Land of Olives is the variant of the Cammino Materano which starts from the splendid Martina Franca and ends in Brindisi, Gateway to the East. The second part of the Via Ellenica is a journey through the wonderful and colourful countryside of the Apulian hinterland, magically dotted with the incredible Trulli, among the ancient farms and well-kept gardens of the Itria Valley. Fairytale imagery will accompany the discovery of the ancient villages of Alberobello, Locortondo, Cisternino while the sound of the open countryside of Ostuni and Carovigno will make rest more pleasant.
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The secrets of the baroque in Martina Franca
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The fairytale landscapes of Alberobello and Locorotondo
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Cisternino, Ostuni and Carovigno: in the heart of the Itria Valley
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The enchanting plain of centuries-old olive trees
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Brindisi fascinating Gateway to the East
Program
Day1
Martina Franca
Welcome to Martina Franca in the capital of the "Martinese baroque" in the heart of the Itria Valley, the magical land of the trulli. A pretty town on the border between the provinces of Taranto and Brindisi, in the Apulian hinterland, which houses a historic centre and a heritage rich in cultural and food and wine traditions. From here this exciting journey begins which connects the most beautiful villages in the land of olive trees.
Day2
From Martina Franca to Alberobello
18 km
First stop full of unique places and cultural heritage in the world. The protagonists of this day are obviously the Trulli. Leaving the last homes of Martina Franca, you will immerse yourself in an enchanted world, a fairy-tale landscape that will accompany you to the gates of Alberobello after having skirted a naturalistic oasis.
Fascinating and magical arrival in the beautiful Trulli city, a UNESCO heritage site, surrounded by the lush and orderly countryside which today, as then, enchants and amazes the eyes of observers from all over the world.
Day3
From Alberobello to Locorotondo
23 km
The second stage of the journey winds through the enchanted "valley" that connects two fascinating villages shrouded in mystery: Alberobello and Locorotondo. The characteristic "cummerse" houses of Locorotondo in fact represent a unique example like the Trulli, an ancient example of public housing in which the local stone found its maximum expression, helping to give the village a charm that is difficult to replicate.
Day4
From Locorotondo to Cisternino
16 km
From the stupendous view from which you can enjoy all the beauty of the entire Itria Valley, you will continue your journey crossing an ancient path through the Apulian countryside, until you arrive on the dirt road of the Apulian Aqueduct which will lead you to the gates of Cisternino, in the province of Brindisi, with all its rural and ancient charm: a magnificent masterpiece in which historic districts, ancient streets, open spaces and fascinating caves are the result of formations generated over time which still fascinate the eyes of spectators today for their incredible perfection.
Day5
From Cisternino to Ostuni
20 km
Along the characteristic dry stone walls you will continue your journey through fascinating woods, cultivated fields and ancient olive groves of unique value. The typical landscape of the Itria Valley is embellished by the unique presence of ancient paths marked by the action of the transhumance of the flocks. Glimpses of great charm thin out until you gradually abandon yourself to the forest of centuries-old olive trees which opens the doors to the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano at the entrance to the white city.
Day6
From Ostuni to Carovigno
21 km
In this stage you will walk in the heart of the plain of centuries-old olive trees where some of the oldest olive trees in the region coexist.
We advise you not to leave Ostuni without having visited the remains of the woman of Ostuni, a woman who lived in the Paleolithic and was found with her right hand resting on her belly as protection for the child she was carrying in her womb, and having listened to the interesting stories of Tonino Zurlo, a craftsman who will captivate you with his rich wealth of ancient knowledge.
After passing the town you will walk along a lush eucalyptus path from which you will be able to glimpse the first houses of Carovigno and its rich historic centre from which the imposing Dentice di Frasso Castle stands out.
Day7
From Carovigno to Serranova
13 km
The sweet scent of the sea begins to keep you company and from here on it gets closer and closer. You will be welcomed by the lush Apulian countryside among the expanses of centuries-old olive trees with the characteristic trunks intertwined on themselves until you take a cycle path that will lead you to the small village of Serranova, overlooking the wonderful Marine Protected Area of Torre Guaceto.
Day8
From Serranova to Brindisi
27 km
After a rich breakfast in the peasant village of Serranova, a small hamlet of Carovigno, we continue the journey to reach the ancient town of Brindisi, whose legendary port with its characteristic deer shape has always represented the landing and departure point for those who have reached the Holy Land over the centuries.
Before reaching Brindisi and the remains of the ancient column, on the slopes of the Scalinata Virgilio which marked the end of the Via Appia, you pass through legendary places because they bear witness to historical events, such as the mediaeval church of Santa Maria al Casale where a trial of the knights took place Templars in 1310.
Day9
Goodbye Brindisi!
After breakfast, end of services.
If you can, carve out some time to visit ancient Brundisium, a city that has always been divided between sea and legend. A place which, thanks to its strategic position, has played a role of primary importance since the Romans who used the port as an access point to the East on commercial and military routes. A role that continued in the following years, when with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 the port became the European terminal of the India Suitcase. In the agitated events that followed the signing of the armistice by the Italian government during the Second World War, the city hosted King Vittorio Emanuele II, becoming the capital of Italy between September '43 and February '44.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 8 nights with breakfast in double room
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel (1 item per person)
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Telephone assistance 8:00-20:00
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Other meals and drinks
- Extra luggage
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and what's not listed as “Included”
Departures and prices
High Season22/06/2024 => 19/07/2024
Standard940 € /p
Mid Season02/09/2024 => 26/10/2024
Standard900 € /p
Low Season27/10/2024 => 20/11/2024
Standard860 € /p
Supplements per person
Single Room | Low Season
Standard240 € /p
Single Room | Mid Season
Standard260 € /p
Single Room | High Season
Standard270 € /p
Solo Traveller
Standard320 € /p
Transfer Brindisi-Brindisi Apt (min 2 pax)
Standard35 € /p
Transfer Brindisi-Bari Apt (min 2 pax)
Standard70 € /p
Other Information
Grade
The itinerary along the Via Ellenica is suitable for anyone who has excellent training in walking long distances. The length of the stages ranges from a minimum of 16 to a maximum of 27 km, with differences in altitude and routes of medium difficulty and travel times between 3 and 6 hours.
The excursions mostly wind along dirt paths, including in wooded areas and country roads, with some rare but essential passages on busy roads.
We recommend that you bring comfortable shoes suitable for trekking, trekking poles (strongly recommended), hat, water, sunscreen, swimsuit and raincoat in case of rain.
Accommodation & meals
This tour offers accommodation in central B&B and selected 3* hotel.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 night in Martina Franca
- 1 night in Alberobello
- 1 night in Locorotondo
- 1 night in Cisternino
- 1 night in Ostuni
- 1 night in Carovigno
- 1 night in Serranova
- 1 night in Brindisi
8 breakfasts included.
Support
→ We will take care of the transport of your luggage.
For the entire duration of the tour you can contact our assistance numbers.
Travel documents
A few days before departure you will receive the Service List with instructions for using the Travel App.
Upon your arrival, ask at reception for the infopack with:
- Updated Services List;
- Luggage Labels.
Arrival and Departure
Getting there
Martina Franca is easily reachable by train, car and plane.
ON THE TRAIN. The reference railway stations are those of Bari and Taranto. Once you reach the stations of Bari or Taranto you need to continue with the Ferrovie del Sud Est. To find out about the cancellation or addition of stops, cancellations, delays, route diversions and much other useful information for those travelling by train with Trenitalia, consult viatreno . NB : on public holidays there are no trains but only a few buses.
BY PLANE. The closest airports to Martina Franca are those of Bari and Brindisi.
Bari Palese airport is located approximately 90km away and is connected by shuttle services of various companies or, having reached Bari central station with the Ferrovie del Nord Barese , you can take the Ferrovie del Sud Est train or the bus.
Brindisi Casale airport is about 65km away, from here you can reach Martina Franca by bus. Visit the Airports of Puglia website for more detailed information.
BY BUS. Martina Franca can also be reached by bus. Below are the major companies that operate the service: Flixbus, Ferrovie del Sud Est and car services
BY CAR. For those travelling on the A14 Adriatica, take the exit for Taranto, continue on the SS 172 and then the junction for Martina Franca. From Bari or Brindisi-Lecce: SS 16 - exit at Fasano to join the SS172 towards Martina Franca (km.17). Google.maps.com can help.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.