Paths of Puglia & Matera - Premium Adventure

8 days
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Small Group Tour
On the southeast coast of Italy – the heel of the boot – lies the agricultural paradise of Puglia. This low-lying region was once a gateway for Western Europe to the Near East, and there’s a surprising mix of culture and traditions to discover. Visit the Unesco-listed town of Alberobello, home to fairytale trulli houses with their whitewashed façades and coni...
26%
$5,670
From$4,200
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Take gentle countryside and coastal walks
    • Stay in a trulli house in Alberobello
    • Visit the baroque masterpiece of Lecce
    • Enjoy a sunset guided tour of Matera and enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo by candlelight

What's this trip about?

    On the southeast coast of Italy – the heel of the boot – lies the agricultural paradise of Puglia. This low-lying region was once a gateway for Western Europe to the Near East, and there’s a surprising mix of culture and traditions to discover. Visit the Unesco-listed town of Alberobello, home to fairytale trulli houses with their whitewashed façades and conical roofs, and walk in the shade of ancient olive trees and vineyards. Visit the baroque city of Lecce and discover why it has been nicknamed the Florence of the South. Hike above the topaz waters of the Adriatic coast and, finally, step back in time in the cave city of Matera.Explore the picturesque landscapes of Puglia and ancient history of Matera in style

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOstuni
End CityMatera

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Matera
  • Ostuni

Activities

  • Hiking

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, two wine and produce tastings
    • All accommodation
    • Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise
    • Guided visits in Alberobello, Lecce, Ostuni and Matera
    • Entrance tickets and guided visits of San Agnano Archaeological Park and San Michele Abbey
    • Train tickets to/from Lecce
    • Local city taxes
    • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Ostuni

Our Premium Adventure begins in the white city of Ostuni, where whitewashed houses create a dazzling effect.  A welcome dinner is included this evening so we can get to know each other. Premium accommodation: Hotel Ostuni Palace

Day 2 Morning visit to Agnano Archaeological Park; Beachside lunch & free time to explore Ostuni

We'll start todays walk directly from the hotel and walk through the olive groves that surround Ostuni and to the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano, where we'll stop for a visit. We'll then continue our walk to Dune Costiere natural park and have our lunch ...

Day 3 Visit to the baroque city of Lecce

In the morning, we take the train to Lecce, justifiably known as the Florence of the South. A local guide will accompany us through the pretty streets and share information about the cultural importance and history of the area, particularly the Basilica di Santa Croce...

Day 4 Walk among the olive trees and vineyards of the Itria Valley; visit the hilltop town of Locorotondo

A short private transfer will take us to the starting point for our first walk of the week, crossing the peaceful Itria Valley. Passing trulli, ancient olive trees and myriad vineyards, we walk along narrow countryside tracks on our way to the hilltop town of Locoroto...

Day 5 Morning walk at San Giuliano Lake and transfer to the Unesco town of Matera

This morning, we start our journey to Matera, first stopping at San Giuliano Lake. We walk around the lake towards the original Sin Crypt, a cave with frescos dating back to the 11th century. The crypt is now part of a masseria farm, where we have a light lunch before...

Day 6 Hike to the Murgia plateau and park of rock churches

Today is completely dedicated to Matera where we start our walk around the Sassi district and stop for a light lunch along the way. we enjoy a short hike to the Murgia plateau, a vast protected area home to more than 150 rupestrian churches dating from the eighth cent...

Day 7 Walk the outskirts of Matera to explore prehistoric caves and rock villages

On our final hike of the week, we take the bus to Montescaglioso village and will have a short stroll to the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo (known as the City of Monasteries) where we stop for a visit with a local guide. We continue our day with a walk through Murgia ...

Day 8 End Matera

The trip ends in Matera this morning after breakfast. If you’d like a bit more time to explore this magnificent Basilicatan city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,200
Price per day$525
Last Updated: 4/23/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
07 Sep 2024
14 Sep 2024
$4,650
6 spots left
21 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
$4,350
8 spots left
05 Oct 2024
12 Oct 2024
$4,200
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (limited availability, only on request)
    • Upgraded rooms in Matera (limited availability, only on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Tips for tour leader, driver and local city guides

Accommodation

,The accommodation on this trip has been handpicked to showcase the very best of the three towns in which we stay. Ostuni: Hotel Ostuni Palace (nights 1-2) In the heart of the White City, the four-star Ostuni Palace occupies an ideal position for our adventures. The 34 rooms are traditional and elegant, plus there's a spa and wellness centre should you wish to indulge a little. Elsewhere, the restaurant serves a contemporary take on traditional Puglian fare and breakfasts are a hearty buffet selection that includes fresh fruits, just-baked croissants and homemade cakes. Alberobello: Il Palmento or Abate Masseria (nights 3-4) In Alberobello, we stay in either Il Palmento (above) or Abate Masseria, depending on availability. Both have masterfully incorporated traditional trulli into their properties, while also offering modern comforts, including Puglian restaurants and swimming pools. Matera: Casa Diva or Antico Convicino (nights 5-7) In Matera, you stay in either Casa Diva (above) or Antico Convicino. Casa Diva occupies a historic manor house in the UNESCO-listed Sassi district, each of the eight rooms individually designed. Make sure to visit the terrace for stretching views over this unique, beautiful town. A short walk away is Antico Convicino, where solo travellers will stay due to rooming availability within the Sassi district. It's equally historic, occupying a 16th-century complex with rooms built into the caves. Worth knowing The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. While we will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, this could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners and two wine and local produce tastings are included. In Puglia, you will find genuine regional cooking with strong links to land and sea. To give you just a small list of the on offer in Puglia: bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta delicacy orecchiette 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 also makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians. On this trip, there will be many opportunities to taste the best local specialities, particularly during the produce and wine tasting and the traditional dinner included in the itinerary.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Two nights in quirky trulli houses; two nights in a small hotel; three nights in a beautiful cave hotel
  • Six days of gentle guided walking
  • Group normally 4 to 14, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Low altitude throughout
  • Travel by private minivan and train
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip ID
exodus-TIQP

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