Tour Details
Discover Puglia at a slower pace on this immersive seven-day walking tour, where each step reveals layers of history, culture and everyday life. From ancient Roman roads and traditional farmland to UNESCO-listed towns and coastal villages, this journey blends guided walks with rich local experiences, exceptional food and time to truly connect with the region.
Explore the landscapes, history and culture of Puglia on a guided walking journey through some of southern Italy’s most authentic and untouched regions.
Combining scenic countryside walks with historic towns, local food and cultural experiences, this tour offers a deeper connection to the land — all while staying in one coastal base for the week.
Tour Type: Walking Tour (Small Group, maximum 14 guests)
Duration: 7 Days
Cost:
- Price: €3,100 or $5,299 AUD*
- Prices listed are based on twin share
- Single supplement: €500 or $949 AUD*
2027 Departure:
- 2 – 8 May
*Pricing and Currency Disclaimer:
All prices are listed in Euros (EUR). For customers paying in Australian Dollars (AUD), the final amount due will be subject to the currency conversion rate applicable at the time of final payment. Please note that exchange rates may vary, and additional fees may apply depending on your payment provider or financial institution.
Prices are set on Euros and this is the current AUD based on the exchange rate at time of publication.
Tour includes:
- Fully guided walking tour with experienced tour leader
- All accommodation in a centrally located 4-star hotel (Polignano a Mare)
- All transport throughout the tour (minibus with professional driver)
- All guided walks and entry fees as per itinerary
- Meals as listed: breakfast daily, plus a main meal each day (3–4 courses including wine)
Accommodation:
All tours are based in Polignano a Mare, staying at the 4-star Giovi Relais, located in the historic centre.
Polignano a Mare is a stunning coastal town perched above the Adriatic, known for its whitewashed buildings, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant piazzas. From here, you’ll have time to explore, dine, swim, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of local life throughout the week.
Tour highlights:
- A guided walking tour through traditional Puglian landscapes, combining countryside trails, ancient routes and coastal scenery
- UNESCO World Heritage sites of Alberobello (trulli houses) and Matera (ancient cave dwellings)
- Key locations including Polignano A Mare, Ostuni, Lecce, Monopoli and Locorotondo
- Stay in one location for the week in Polignano A Mare, allowing a more relaxed pace without constant packing and moving
- A strong culinary focus, with daily long lunches, regional dishes, local wines, and an olive oil tasting at a historic estate
- Fully guided walks through areas rich in history, from Neolithic settlements to Roman roads and agricultural landscapes
- A balance of active walking and cultural exploration, with time to enjoy towns, food and local life
- Small group touring, maximum of 14 guests
Physical Requirements:
This is an active walking tour and requires a good level of fitness.
Participants should be comfortable walking up to 12 km (7.5 miles) per day, with walking durations of up to 3–4 hours.
Terrain includes uneven surfaces, unpaved paths, inclines, declines and steps. Conditions may also include heat and varying weather.
An active lifestyle, including regular walking, is recommended to fully enjoy the tour.
Tour Notes:
This tour is centred around guided walking, with most days including a structured walk followed by lunch and cultural visits.
Daily schedule:
Most days begin between 8:30 – 9:00am and finish between 5:00 – 6:30pm.
Arrival / Departure:
A single group transfer is provided from Bari on arrival (1:00 – 2:30pm window) and departure (9:00am, arriving by 11:00am).
All walks are fully guided — no navigation required.
Day 1 – Bari – Polignano A Mare
We meet in Bari, the main city of Puglia, before transferring to Polignano A Mare, where we stay for the next six nights.
Set dramatically above the Adriatic, Polignano A Mare is a coastal town perched on limestone cliffs, with a history dating back to the 4th century BC. The town centres around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and was once part of the ancient Roman Via Traiana, traces of which can still be seen today.
Its historic centre is filled with narrow lanes, whitewashed buildings and lively piazzas, with the traditional passeggiata bringing the town to life each evening. Over the coming days, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace.
Tonight we enjoy our first dinner together, introducing you to the cuisine of Puglia.
Meals: Dinner (3 courses including wine)
Day 2 – Countryside Walk – Alberobello
This morning we begin our first guided walk, exploring the countryside surrounding Polignano A Mare.
Starting in an area of oak forest, the walk opens out into agricultural land, with vineyards, small holdings and working farms. Along the way, you’ll see traditional features such as underground cisterns for water collection and ‘aia’ platforms once used for drying grain — providing insight into how people have lived and worked this land over centuries.
In the afternoon we visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Capital of Trulli”. These distinctive stone houses with conical roofs were built 300–400 years ago and line the narrow streets, creating a unique and almost fairytale-like setting.
We explore together, learning about their construction and the symbols painted on the roofs, before free time to wander and explore.
Walking details:
Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
Duration: 3 hours
Terrain: Well-formed tracks, slight inclines
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (2 courses including wine)
Day 3 – Ancient Plains – Ostuni
After a short drive, we begin today’s walk across open plains rich in history, with evidence of habitation dating back to Neolithic times.
Part of the route follows the ancient Roman Via Traiana, once connecting Rome to the port of Brindisi and the wider trade routes beyond.
After lunch in a local trattoria, we continue to Ostuni, known as “la città bianca” (the White Town). Perched on a hilltop overlooking olive groves and the coastline, its maze of whitewashed streets offers a timeless atmosphere and sweeping views.
Walking details:
Distance: 7.5 miles / 12 km
Duration: 4 hours
Terrain: Well-formed tracks and country roads, mostly flat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)
Day 4 – Lecce – Olive Oil Estate
Today we travel to Lecce, a city renowned for its distinctive baroque architecture, built during its 17th century period of prosperity.
This is a lighter day physically, with a guided walking tour through the historic centre led by a local expert. Lecce’s baroque style is unique, characterised by intricate detailing and the use of warm local stone.
After free time to explore, we enjoy lunch featuring the cuisine of the Salento region, including local specialties such as ‘ceci e tria’ and ‘caffè leccese’.
In the afternoon we visit a historic olive oil estate, run by the sixth generation of the same family. Here we learn about production methods dating back thousands of years, followed by a tasting of different olive oil varieties.
Walking details:
Distance: 3.7 miles / 6 km
Duration: 2 hours
Terrain: Paved, flat (city walking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)
Day 5 – Matera
We travel to Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.
The town is built into the rock face of a ravine, with cave dwellings dating back to the Bronze Age. With a local guide, we explore the ‘sassi’ districts, visit a cave house, and gain insight into the lives of those who once lived here — often in challenging conditions.
We also visit a cave church featuring Byzantine frescoes, before continuing into the surrounding Gravina valley.
Walking through this landscape reveals how people lived and worked in this environment, with over 150 cave churches and evidence of monastic and agricultural life spread throughout the valley.
Walking details:
Distance: 6 miles / 10 km total (split across morning and afternoon)
Duration: 5 hours total (approx. 2 hrs morning, 3 hrs afternoon)
Terrain: Mix of paved paths, steps, inclines and unsealed trails
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (2 courses including wine)
Day 6 – Valle d’Itria – Locorotondo – Monopoli
Today’s walk takes us through the Valle d’Itria, a high plateau known for its patchwork of olive groves, almond trees, vineyards and small farms.
Following a historic water route now used as a walking trail, we experience the rhythms of rural life, shaped by seasonal cycles that have remained unchanged for generations.
We arrive in Locorotondo, officially recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its circular historic centre, flower-lined streets and hilltop views.
In the evening we travel to Monopoli, a vibrant coastal town with a long history as a fishing port. After free time to explore, we come together for a final group dinner by the sea.
Walking details:
Distance: 7 miles / 11 km
Duration: 3 hours
Terrain: Well-formed walking track, mostly level
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (3 courses including wine)
Day 7 – Arrivederci Puglia
We arrange your transfer to Bari and bid you “buon viaggio”.
The tour concludes in Bari at 11:00am.
Meals: Breakfast
Make an enquiry
Complete the form to enquire about this tour. One of our friendly staff will get back to you as soon as possible!
