Puglia Food & Hike

Arrive in Italy and transfer to your hotel.

In the morning, we take a tour of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. A guide will accompany you in the discovery of one of the oldest cities on the planet, through the two historic districts characterized by scenic alleys and cave houses, some of which were inhabited until the 1950s. Matera is a fascinating place that that leaves all visitors in awe!

The tour ends with a visit to a historic bakery where the famous and delicious Altamura bread with Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) is produced. DOP means that the bread is produced and packaged in a designated geographical area and using traditional techniques. We will have a light lunch including sampling this delicious bread. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Matera.

Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5km) 

Total ascent: 311 feet (95m) 

Total descent: 219 feet (67m) 

Today we’ll walk around the Pulo di Altamura, one of the largest sinkholes in Southern Italy. There’ll be a guided visit explaining the archaeological finds in the area and the geology, cultural and historical significance of the sinkhole. After time to freshen up at the hotel, We’ll transfer to take part in a cooking lesson followed by dinner.

This morning we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castel del Monte for a guided tour. The famous octagonal castle, which is a symbol of Puglia, was built at the request of Emperor Frederick II. 

Later, there’ll be a panzerotti making lesson, where you’ll learn how to make this typical Apulian snack of fried dough stuffed with tomato and mozzarella. 

We’ll round off the day with a guided tour of Gravina di Puglia. Stroll among narrow alleys, ancient palaces, and marvellous Romanesque churches, finishing at the aqueduct bridge that spans the ravine overlooking the city for breathtaking views. 

Distance: 4.6 miles (7.4km)   

Total Ascent: 285 feet (87m)   

Total Descent: 226 feet (69m)  

We'll walk a panoramic trail on the Murgia Plateau that runs along the edge of the karst step overlooking the Bradano Valley, which divides Puglia from the mountains of Basilicata. After the walk, we'll have lunch in a typical masseria, attending a mozzarella-making lesson with an expert cheese maker.

Each week there’s 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:

Altamura: You may like to explore the historic town of Altamura, with its spectacular cathedral, archaeological museum (which includes an exhibition about Altamura Man – a Neanderthal whose remains were found embedded in stalagmites in a nearby cave), market, shops and ancient walls.

Bari: Easily reached by public transport, this old town and port contains many buildings of historical interest. Puglia’s capital contains many churches, but the most well-known is the 11th century Romanesque Basilica de San Nicola, dedicated to St Nicholas, who is also known as Santa! 

Distance: 4.4 miles (7.2km) 

Total Ascent: 157 feet (48m) 

Total Descent: 492 feet (150m) 

The Scoparella woods is one of the largest wooded areas in the Alta Murgia, north of Bari. The forest, characterised by the presence of oak trees, owes its name to the broom, which covers the undergrowth, with which brooms were actually created. Among the colours and scents of rosehip, hawthorn, asphodels, asparagus, and numerous medicinal plants, our hiking trail will lead us to the ancient Jazzo del Demonio, a farm that inspired a story of sheep, shepherds and demons that became a legend. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local winery for a wine tasting experience.

Depart Matera after breakfast. With flight guests will transfer to the airport for their return flight home. 

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 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.