Self guided 
Walking
Matera & Puglia Gourmet Multi Active Tour
Puglia & BasilicataDifficulty path:
Highlights
It is an 11-day holiday where every single day combines the joy of movement with authentic local flavors: from the ancient stones of Matera's Sassi to the coastal cliffs of Salento, passing through the trulli of the Itria Valley and the elegant Baroque churches of Lecce
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Matera and the ancient magic of the Sassi
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The Itria Valley, among trulli and enchanting villages
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In the land of taste, from bread to extra virgin olive oil
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Cycling and boating along the Salento coastline
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Otranto and the pristine trails of the Idro Valley
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Lecce, capital of Baroque and papier-mâché
Program
Welcome to Matera
Your journey begins in the heart of Basilicata. After your independent arrival and check-in at the accommodation, the first evening is dedicated to relaxing and getting a first taste of the City of Stones. For dinner, treat yourself to the authentic flavors of traditional Lucanian cuisine in the alleys of the historic center.
Hands-in-Flour and the Sassi of Matera
The morning begins with the aroma of wheat: you will join an artisan workshop to learn the secrets behind making the famous PGI Matera Bread. In the afternoon, a guided tour will take you into the heart of the Sassi, exploring cave churches, ancient stone architecture, and centuries-old stories. Want a sneak peek? We have put together a list of top things to see in Matera.
Discovering the Itria Valley
14km, +160m -150m
A short private transfer brings you into Apulia. Here, put on your hiking shoes for a walk along the rural trails of the Apulian Aqueduct to Locorotondo. After a well-deserved tasting of local wines, a short train ride will take you to Alberobello, where you will spend the night immersed in an enchanting atmosphere: welcome to the magic of the trulli.
From Alberobello to Ostuni by bike
40km circa
Leaving Alberobello, the itinerary continues toward Ostuni. The morning features a delicious stop at an authentic Murgia dairy farm: you will watch artisan cheesemaking in action before tasting fresh burrata, stracciatella, and caciocavallo. In the afternoon, arrive in the magnificent White City.
Ostuni loop by bike
30km
The day is dedicated to a loop tour around Ostuni. You will visit an ancient underground olive oil mill to discover how Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced and taste its distinct nuances. In the late afternoon, tie on an apron for a fun Apulian cooking class.
From Manduria to Gallipoli by bike
70 km
A short private transfer will take you to Manduria, the home of Primitivo wine. After a guided visit to historic wine cellars and a tasting session, hop on your bicycles. A scenic, gentle route will lead you toward the Ionian coast to the picturesque town of Gallipoli, the Beautiful City.
Da Gallipoli a Leuca in bici
50 km
After a hearty breakfast in the pearl of the Ionian Sea, you will get back in the saddle. The crystal-clear waters of the Ionian will accompany you to Santa Maria di Leuca, the famous southern destination of the Via Francigena. In the afternoon, change perspective: a boat tour will take you to explore the dramatic cliffs and sea caves surrounding Leuca. In the evening, do not miss the chance to explore the small town and the iconic Finibus Terrae Sanctuary—the historic departure point for pilgrims sailing to the Holy Land.
From Leuca to Otranto by bike
55 km
A spectacular route overlooking the sea will take you north from Leuca. Passing ancient watchtowers and breathtaking vistas, you will reach Otranto, Italy's easternmost town, famous for its seafront castle and the cathedral's mosaic depicting the Tree of Life.
Nature, Craftsmanship, and the Idro Valley
5km, +10m -80m
A transfer will take you to the Le Costantine Foundation, a unique space dedicated to biodynamic agriculture and traditional loom weaving. From here, walk back to Otranto through the landscapes of the Idro Valley.
From Otranto to Lecce by bike
55 km
The final stage brings you to Lecce. The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the capital of Apulian Baroque, enriched by a hands-on papier-mâché craft workshop. The trip ends with a final tasting of Salento wines in a cozy local bistro.
Bye bye Lecce!
After breakfast, end of services. Before heading home, take the opportunity to visit beautiful Lecce: explore artisan workshops tucked away in the historic center, follow the smell of fresh bread from local bakeries, and savor Salento street food delicacies. Looking for recommendations? Here is a list of top treats to try in Lecce.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 10 nights with breakfast
- Bread workshop, day 2
- Matera guided visit, day 2
- Welcome briefing and bike fitting, day 4
- Tailor made travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
- Private transfer, day 3 and day 6
- Wine tasting, day 3
- Mozzarella Tasting in a local dairy, day 4
- EVO tasting and ancient Masseria visit, day 5
- Cooking class with dinner, day 5
- Wine tasting and visit, day 6
- 2 hours Boat tour, day 7
- Visit to Le Costantine Foundation, day 10
- Private Lecce guided visit, day 10
- Papier-mâché workshop and wine tasting, day 10
- Phone assistance 08:00-20:00
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Bike rental
- Others meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and everything not listed as “Included”,
Departures and prices
Supplements per person
Other Information
The landscape of Basilicata and Puglia features a mix of gentle rolling hills, flat coastal stretches, and slight elevation changes inland, making the tour suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness for walking and cycling. Daily walking and cycling stages range from 15 to 45 km, with travel times of approximately 3 to 5 hours.
The routes follow dirt paths, quiet country roads, and scenic cycle paths overlooking the sea, with only rare, brief sections on standard public roads.
We recommend bringing comfortable trekking shoes, cycling gear (including padded shorts), a helmet, a cap, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a waterproof jacket to handle temperature fluctuations or rain.
The itinerary for the Matera & Puglia Gourmet Multi-Active Tour is designed to offer the perfect blend of outdoor activity, culture, and exceptional food and wine, ensuring a high level of comfort throughout the trip.
This tour offers accommodation in central B&B and selected 3* hotel.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 2 nights in Matera
- 1 night in Alberobello
- 2 nights in Ostuni
- 1 night in Gallipoli
- 1 night in Leuca
- 2 nights in Otranto
- 1 night in Lecce
10 breakfasts included.
→ Ci occuperemo del trasporto dei vostri bagagli.
Per tutta la durata del tour potete contattare i nostri numeri di assistenza.
Alcuni giorni prima della partenza riceverete:
- Lista Servizi (con le istruzioni per utilizzare la Travel App);
- Assicurazione medico-bagaglio.
Al vostro arrivo, richiedete in reception l'infopack con:
- Lista Servizi aggiornata;
- Etichette bagagli da applicare alle vostre valigie.
Come arrivare
Matera si sta adeguando per avere una rete di collegamenti sempre più efficienti con le maggiori città italiane.
IN TRENO. Le stazioni ferroviarie servite da Trenitalia più vicine a Matera sono quelle di Bari, Gioia del Colle, Ferrandina e Metaponto. Da Bari è possibile raggiungere la città dei Sassi a bordo dei treni o degli autobus delle FAL-Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, mentre da Metaponto e Ferrandina è possibile raggiungere Matera solo in autobus (verificare gli orari sui siti della SITA e delle FAL). Per conoscere soppressioni o aggiunte di fermate, cancellazioni, ritardi, deviazioni di percorso e molte altre informazioni utili per chi viaggia in treno con Trenitalia, consultare viaggiatreno. NB: nei giorni festivi non ci sono treni ma solo pochi autobus.
IN AEREO. Gli aeroporti più vicini a Matera sono quelli di Bari, Brindisi e Napoli.
L'aeroporto di Bari Palese si trova circa a 60km ed è collegato da servizi shuttle di varie compagnie oppure, giunti alla stazione centrale di Bari con le Ferrovie del Nord Barese, si può prendere il treno delle FAL per Matera centrale (circa 80min). NB: nei giorni festivi non ci sono treni ma solo pochi autobus.
L'aeroporto di Brindisi Casale dista circa 150km, da qui si raggiunge Matera in bus passando dall'aeroporto di Bari Palese.
Visita il sito di Aeroporti di Puglia per informazioni più dettagliate.
L’aeroporto di Napoli Capodichino dista circa 250km ed è collegato a Matera da vare compagnie di bus.
IN BUS. Matera è raggiungibile anche con l’autobus. Ecco di seguito le maggiori compagnie che operano il servizio: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Marozzi, Busmiccolis, Petruzzi autolinee.
IN AUTO. I caselli autostradali più vicini sono quelli di Bari e Gioia del Colle per chi percorre l’A14 Adriatica e Sicignano degli Alburni per chi proviene dall’ A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria. Google.maps.com può essere d’aiuto.
Rientro a Matera
Da Lecce è possibile raggiungere Matera in treno con Trenitalia, tratta Lecce – Bari, in combinazione con le Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, tratta Bari – Matera. Il costo dell’intero viaggio varia da €16 a €30 circa a seconda del tipo di treno prescelto; il tempo di percorrenza è di circa 3,5h. NB: nei giorni festivi il servizio in treno è sostituito da corse in autobus.
→ Se preferite viaggiare in totale comodità, potete prenotare un transfer privato nei giorni di arrivo e partenza.