Name: Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (36 reviews)

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Italy
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: ADE
Carbon Footprint: 15kg CO2e

Trip Overview

From the cave town of Matera to baroque Lecce, enjoy the best of Italy in a week

Puglia is the best of Italy crammed into the heel of the boot: twisted olive trees, World Heritage towns, full-bodied primitivo wine, and sun-kissed beaches. Experience it for yourself, spending two nights in the spectacular cave town of Matera, before wandering among the fairytale trulli homes of Alberobello. There’s also time to sample olive oil in a traditional Apulian farm, explore the white city of Ostuni, visit the medieval coastal town of Otranto, and end in baroque Lecce, known as the Florence of the South.

At a Glance

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Travel by air-conditioned private minibus
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

Experience Puglia’s highlights with a group of like-minded cultural adventurers
Begin in the extraordinary cave town of Matera – a spectacular opening to the adventure
Wander among the trulli houses of Alberobello
Enjoy seafront restaurants and coastal views in Otranto
Sample classic Apulian produce with an olive oil tasting and pasta-making demo at a farmhouse
Finish in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its magnificent baroque buildings

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Itinerary: This is a busy week in which you enjoy real Italian hospitality and sightsee on foot in the best towns and areas of Puglia. All transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle. Overall, this trip is suitable for everyone who is fit, healthy and comfortable with busy days on their feet.

Walking profile: Some walking is necessary to reach hotels and restaurants when vehicles cannot pass closer. This trip also includes one optional coastal walk of approximately 4mi (6km). Although the distances covered during the sightseeing are not too long, the days can feel busy and you climb a lot of steps, sometimes uneven, in Matera and Ostuni while sightseeing.

Weather: Puglia can be very hot, reaching high 30Cs (around 100F) in summer.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

A local tour leader is with the group throughout the week. However, due to Italian legislation, tour leaders are not allowed to guide groups in some cities, museums and churches. A local licenced guide accompanies the group in Matera. On the other days, you can sightsee with your tour leader or at your own pace.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 5

Max group size: 18

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Matera
End City: Lecce

Land Only Itinerary

Our tour starts in Matera, one of the most unusual and memorable tourist destinations in Italy, home to extensive cave-dwelling districts, known as the Sassi District. Our hotel is in the heart of the district, a World Heritage site, and offers a terrace with panoramic views across town. After checking in, we enjoy a first glimpse of the enchanting alleys and unique architecture of Matera.

If you would like to spend a bit more time to explore this beautiful town or settle into the adventure, speak to your sales representative about adding nights before your trip begins.

Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (or similar)

We start our week with a full day in one of the most interesting, distinctive and memorable tourist destinations in Italy: Matera. On a hill, overlooking an impressive canyon in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, Matera has only recently gained the deserved spotlight. In 1993, the town was made a World Heritage site for being the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean, all carved in bare limestone. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we walk through the cave-dwelling districts and learn about the history of this fascinating place. In the afternoon, we can discover the city at our own pace and perhaps visit the rupestrian churches.

Accommodation: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we take a private transfer to Alberobello, stopping en route at the village of Polignano a Mare, which is on the edge of a craggy ravine. We stroll along the whitewashed streets and enjoy superb views of the Adriatic Sea and coastline from a panoramic terrace. Later, we transfer to Alberobello, home to dry-stone dwellings called trulli. Many of these, which run up a series of pretty (but fairly steep) streets, have been turned into artisan shops and restaurants. We enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery before dinner and stay either in traditional trulli or a typical Apulian resort.

Accommodation: Trulli or Apulian resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free to choose among several local activities. You may choose to take a day trip to the scenic port town of Monopoli or visit the Castellana Caves, the most important and biggest cave system in Italy. At the entrance of the Itria Valley, these caves began to form about 90m years ago. There is a tour that takes you more than 200ft (60m) deep and allows you to see stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, incredible shapes, fossils and canyons.

Accommodation: Trulli or Apulian resort

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we take a private transfer to the white city of Ostuni. On the way, we visit an ancient masseria (traditional Apulian farm) where we enjoy an olive oil tasting. For lunch, we visit another typical masseria surrounded by olive trees, some of which are more than 1,000 years old, reaching it by a 1.2mi (2km) walk along a scenic lane. Here, we take part in a cooking demonstration followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we transfer 4mi (6km) to Ostuni, where we have free time to visit the city. We stay overnight in Ostuni.

Accommodation: Hotel La Terra (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we transfer to pretty Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy. We spend the day exploring the pretty architecture, views, seafront restaurants and white sandy beaches of the medieval centre. We also visit the Romanesque cathedral, dating to 1088 and with extensive 12^th-century floor mosaics. After lunch, we can join our tour leader for an optional gentle coastal walk following the Salento coves and creeks (approximately two hours of walking, 4mi/6km). Those who prefer not to take part can explore the town at their own pace, or perhaps relax on one of the Otranto beaches (seasonal), renowned for their clear water. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Lecce.

Accommodation: Eos Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we have free time to enjoy shopping opportunities or visit well-known monuments such as the Roman amphitheatre. We then enjoy a guided visit to Lecce in the afternoon, arguably one of the most distinctive baroque cities in Europe. Most of the buildings here are constructed in the soft local stone, with pretty decorations and cherubs covering façades and doorways. During our walking tour, we have time to admire several architectural gems, including the best baroque monument in town: the Basilica di Santa Croce, ornamented with strange beasts and allegories.

Accommodation: Eos Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

The tour ends in Lecce after breakfast, when we begin our return journeys home. If you wish to spend longer in this endlessly fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Classic Apulian hospitality

We mostly stay in renovated traditional buildings, which give a real taste of Apulian architecture. Below are the hotels normally used:

Matera: Hotel Sassi or Le Dodici Lune (nights 1-2)

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

Opened in 1996, Hotel Sassi (above) took over a series of dwellings, some of which date to the 1500s. There’s an Italian spread for breakfast (most of the produce locally sourced) and wonderful views of Matera from the terrace. Alternatively, we stay in Le Dodici Lune, where 10 rooms are carved into the old city walls. Right in the Sassi district, it’s an excellent place to stay if you want to explore.

Alberobello: Trulli houses or Apulian resort (nights 3-4)

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

In Alberobello, we either stay in trulli houses (above) or a traditional resort, depending on the departure. Both provide us with a taste of authentic Apulian hospitality, while also putting us close to the historic centre of town.

Ostuni: Hotel La Terra (night 5)

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

In the White City, we stay in Hotel La Terra. La Terra (above) takes over a 13^th-century building in the historic centre. This unique property offers a bar and restaurant on site but is also close to all of the sights that Ostuni has to offer.

Lecce: Eos Hotel (nights 6-7)

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

Our final two nights are spent at this contemporary 30-room hotel. It has a bar for a pre-dinner drink or final night toast and the main Lecce highlights (plus some excellent bars and restaurants) are around a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away.

Single supplement from £ 385

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, one lunch/cookery class and one wine tasting

A selection of food on offer includes: bread from the Murge; durum wheat pasta; olives; the pasta delicacy orecchiette, which is served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese; cavatelli with pulses; aubergine (eggplant) and parmesan bake; grilled fish and seafood; burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese); plus excellent wines.

This region is a food lover’s paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians. On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste local specialties, in particular during the produce and wine tasting, cookery class and the traditional lunches included in the itinerary.

Transport

A private air-conditioned minibus will be used for all transfers during the week.

Weather & Seasonality

Puglia has a wonderful Mediterranean climate with year-round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure the green is never too far away. Although Puglia covers a large area, it is long and narrow – not more than 18mi (30km) across. This means you’re never far from the sea, which has a moderating effect on the weather. Despite this, Puglia can get very hot, particularly in summer when temperatures can reach the high 30Cs (around 100F).

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Sassi, Via S. Giovanni Vecchio, 89, 75100 Matera MT
Phone: +39 0835 331009
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bari Aiport (BRI)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. A cab from the airport costs approximately €80 and should take 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the bus, bookable on Aeroporti di Puglia, which will cost approximately €4 and take 1hr 15min. You will be dropped off in Piazza Matteotti in Matera and from there, you can take a taxi or walk about 10 minutes to reach your hotel. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Matera
Location end: Lecce

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Comfortable walking shoes
Small backpack
Guidebook
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Waterproofs
Water bottle: While mineral water is available at the hotels and shops, it’s safe to drink the local tap water, so remember to bring refillable water bottles and keep hydrated during the day

Optional Equipment

Swimwear
Beach towel

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

You can withdraw euros from a cash machine (ATM) in every town, but we do recommend you obtain some spending money before you leave your home country. Credit cards are also accepted in most places you visit but cash is easier.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For the meals not included, allow €10-20 for lunch and €20-€30 for dinners. A coffee costs around €1-1.50 and a beer is usually €4-5.

Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1 and €3 per person per night. For this trip, allow approximately €10-€15 for the week.

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Most of our groups wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip, we recommend a starting point of €20 per person for the leader and €15 per person for the driver.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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