Authentic Puglia: From Valley to Coast

Guided Walking Holidays in Italy

7 nights

1 walk

Grades 2 & 3

731kg CO2

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Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

For a true flavour of southern Italy, a visit to Puglia appeals with its whitewashed villages, enchanting architecture, coastal dunes, and cultural attractions. Expect walks through glorious landscapes and ancient olive groves, plus evenings spent sipping full-bodied red wines that pair perfectly with the region’s traditional cuisine.

What You’ll Love

  • Exploring the stunning Puglia region on foot
  • Walking through the rolling landscapes of national parks
  • Visiting ancient towns steeped in history
  • Admiring whitewashed ‘Trulli’ houses in UNESCO-listed Alberobello
  • Discovering diverse habitats and wild flora and fauna
  • Viewing stunning examples of aqueduct engineering

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Gatwick, included baggage and transfers
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights' accommodation in Alberobello
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • All in-destination transport

Trip Suitability

This is a level 2 and level 3 graded Activity, Easier walks: 5 to 8 miles (8-13km) on a mixture of good paths and tracks. Up to 1,200 feet (360m) of ascent in a day. Harder walks: 5 to 11 miles (8-17.5km) on a mixture of paths and tracks with some rocky sections. Up to 1,400 feet (420m) of ascent in a day.

 

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Arrive in Alberobello and transfer to your hotel.

From wheat fields to dry stone walls, this walk through the lush Noci countryside takes in the Barsento church, an important example of Romanesque rock architecture typical of the 11th-12th centuries. The church stands on a promontory for good views of the surrounding area characterised by ancient oak forests and trulli, emerging from the stretches of green.

 

Today we’ll visit the Pirro Canal and see the Apulian Aqueduct, a great work of hydraulic engineering dating back to the early 20th century. We will transfer by bus to Selva di Fasano, where both walk options will commence. Both options will start together, and after a short, shared section, the groups will split and follow their respective itineraries.

Today we’ll visit the Regional Natural Park of Coastal Dunes, which stretches from the inland areas to the coast. From ancient olive groves to coastal dunes adorned with distinct plant life including magnificent juniper specimens, this natural expanse boasts many diverse habitats. Both walks end on a golden sandy beach washed by crystal-clear waters.

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Options include: 

Alberobello: The unique Trulli buildings here have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The Trulli area of Rione Aia Piccola is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. 

Locorotondo: A lovely, less touristy town to explore. With its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and distinctive circular layout, it’s known locally as “Round Place”. It is around a 25-minute bus ride from Alberobello. 

Martina Franca: Founded in the 10th century, this town is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture. It takes around 40 minutes by bus from Alberobello. 

Today we’ll visit the hills of Ostuni and its fascinating sites of cultural importance like the ancient underground oil mills. Both walks will start from the archaeological site of Santa Maria di Agnano. If it is open, we can visit the site before we begin our walks. (ticket at own expense). The skeletal remains of an ancient female, known as the "Woman of Ostuni," were discovered in a cave at this site. The fossilised skeleton is estimated to be over 26,000 years old.

 

Today we’ll visit the Pianelle Wood. Spanning approximately 600 hectares, the Bosco delle Pianelle teems with diverse wildlife including toads, geckos, turtles and a variety of snakes. In recent years, the return of wolves to the most remote corners of the forest has added to the wood’s reputation as a wildlife refuge and nature reserve, created to help protect natural biodiversity. Both walk options start from Pianelle Visitors’ centre.

Depart Alberobello. We hope to see you again soon. 

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Hotel Colle del Sole

Hotel Colle del Sole, opened in 1982 by the De Carlo family, is located just 500m from the two Trulli areas known as “Aia Piccola” and “Rione Monti” which, since 1996, have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Rooms are furnished in a modern style, and guests can enjoy the bar and in-house restaurant “Sciarabà”, plus the large garden and outdoor pool. The hotel is in a semi-central area and is well connected to the city centre.

More Information

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

The local currency is the Euro (€)

220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK.

There are several ATM machines in Altamura and several ATM machines in Sorrento where you can obtain money.

Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint - 731kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: PUG07-LCL09

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Dates & Prices

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Back to dates
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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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