Puglia and Matera Deluxe Foodie Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Otranto

Welcome to the beautiful historic village of Otranto!

After settling into your accommodations, you’ll be introduced to this charming village on a guided walk through its well-preserved old town. Crossing Porta Alfonsina (gate of the old town), you’ll be whisked into the timeless realm of the historic city center, contained by walls and ramparts overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Exploring the winding alleys of the town, you’ll reach the Cathedral of Otranto, where you’ll marvel at one of the largest floor mosaics in all of Italy.

Enjoy your first dinner in Otranto this evening, where you’ll become pleasantly acquainted with the rich flavours of Puglia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otranto
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Discover Puglia’s Artisanal Cheese and Walk the Coast

This morning, take advantage of your location on the easternmost point of Italy by enjoying a spectacular sunrise over the crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea before breakfast.

Your first stop today is a guided walk and tasting with “The Master Cheese Maker.” Here, you’ll learn about the stages of artisanal cheese production and enjoy the fruits of their labour with a sumptuous tasting of local cheeses.

With a satisfied palate, you’ll continue walking on the coast, South of Otranto, still accompanied by your local guide. Admire the spectacular coast, and its bays masterfully etched into the cliffs as you walk among pristine beaches, historical landmarks and the Bay of Orte before returning to Otranto.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Otranto
Distance: 14 km
Meals: Breakfast, cheese tasting

Day 3 Botanical Gardens and Papier-Mâché Workshop in Lecce

This morning upon setting out from Otranto, you’ll commence your first day of self-guided walking as you make your way through the Idro Valley to Le Constantine Foundation in the territory of Uggiano La Chiesa. An oasis awaits you, full of olive tree groves and Mediterranean scrub.
A visit to the Cutura Botanical Garden is next, where you’ll admire its 11 spectacular gardens boasting thousands of succulents and tropical plants as well as diverse wildlife.
Continuing the trail, you’ll reach Lecce, where you’ll meet a local guide to accompany you on your exploration of this Baroque town. Admire the intricate details of its ornate churches and ancient palaces, learning about the rich history of this town from your local expert guide.
You’ll have the opportunity to draw on the rich influence of Lecce’s Baroque architecture before enjoying a papier-mâché workshop where you’ll follow in the steps of the historic artisans of Lecce, recreating some of its landmarks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lecce
Distance: 13 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Walk Among the Millenary Olive Trees of Ostuni

Departing Lecce, you’ll walk to the beautiful hilltop town of Ostuni. Here you’ll be greeted by the sprawling plain of centuries-old olive trees and welcomed onto the Masseria Brancati, an organic farm practicing sustainable agriculture.

A walk among ancient olive trees would not be complete without a tasting of the superb olive oil produced here.

From the Masseria, you’ll walk along the uphill paths to the “White City” of Ostuni. Enjoy a delectable lunch at one of the restaurants in Ostuni’s old town and enjoy an afternoon perusing its beautiful streets and alleys while taking in spectacular views of the Sea.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ostuni
Distance: 6 km
Meals: Breakfast, olive oil tasting

Day 5 Walk the Natural Park Dune Costiere and Unwind with Wine Therapy

This morning your route will take you to the Natural Park Dune Costiere. Along the way, you’ll visit the rocky shrine of San Biagio (the patron saint of Ostuni), from where you’ll find spectacular views of the plain of olive trees that stretch to the sea.

Up next, a tasting of local products in a charming Masseria awaits you before one final stretch to another Masseria where you’ll experience a tranquil afternoon of Wine Therapy. This includes wine-based beauty treatments to rejuvenate and detoxify the mind and body.

Tonight, you’ll stay in the beautiful town of Montalbano.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montalbano
Distance: 14 km
Meals: Breakfast, wine tasting

Day 6 Explore the Itria Valley and Cook in Locorotondo

This morning after breakfast a transfer will take you to Cisternino. A walking tour of Puglia would be incomplete without experiencing the beauty of the Itria Valley.

Walking from Cisternino to Locorotondo, you’ll follow the traces of the ancient Apulian Aqueduct, constructed over the course of thirty years beginning in 1906.

Reaching Locorotondo, you’ll embark on an authentic culinary experience, cooking and then enjoying a traditional Puglian meal. Buon appetito!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Locorotondo
Distance: 15 km
Meals: Breakfast, cooking class and dinner

Day 7 Walk Martina Franca and Trullo Experience in Alberobello

Walking from Martina Franca, you’ll make your way towards the land of the Trulli, Alberobello. Rows of one-of-a-kind drystone huts with conical roofs line the charming streets of Alberobello, and they are yours to discover.

Designated as a UNESCO site since 1996, Alberobello is a place of architectural wonder and historical importance in Puglia. Enjoy a traditional aperitif inside one of the trulli shops before returning to Locortondo by private transfer.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Locorotondo
Distance: 18 km
Meals: Breakfast, aperitivo

Day 8 Walk in the Park of Rock Churches of Matera

Today’s path takes you through the Natural Park Chiese Rupestri (Rock Churches) of Matera. Beginning your walk near the valley of the Gravina Stream, you’ll arrive at the confluence with the Jesce River, which divides the Murgia Timone from the Murgecchia. Explore the fascinating churches and caves that are carved into the rock as you make your way to the world-famous Sassi District of Matera.

Crossing the suspension bridge that connects Murgia to the city, you’ll reach the ancient village of Sassi. Home to frescoes and mystical cave churches, this district earns that title of one of Europe’s most unique landscapes. The caves date back to the Paleolithic period and were once home to local peasants and artisans.

Enjoy an evening in one of the oldest cities in the world, Matera, where the first human settlements in Italy were. Stroll its alleys, immersing yourself in the unparalleled cultural heritage of the old town before dining at one of its many restaurants.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Matera
Distance: 8 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Depart

Before departing, if time permits, enjoy some additional time exploring beautiful Matera.
A transfer will then take you to the airport to depart as you say addio to the land you’ve come to love!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast