This fantastic tour combines the very best of what Italy has to offer. Relaxed walking trails along the ‘heel of Italy’ take us through a rich and varied landscapes from the country’s longest coastline, to olive groves, the white washed trulli houses of Alberobello, and to Lecce, which has the well earned nickname of being the ‘Florence of South’ with its wealth of Baroque monuments. We’ll even venture into the neighbouring Basilicata region to visit Matera and explore its ancient cave dwellings. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to taste the abundant range of locally produced fine foods and the wines of the Puglia region.
Extras
Welcome to Puglia! Upon arrival at Bari Airport we will transfer to D’Aragona Conversano.
After check-in, we will meet for our welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel where we can get to know our fellow travellers.
Today we explore coastal towns – Bari and Polignano a Mare. Bari is a port city facing the Adriatic Sea, as well as the capital of the Puglia region in Southern Italy. Its labyrinthine historic centre – Barivecchia – occupies a promontory between two ports. Surrounded by typical narrow streets, the basilica of San Nicola, dating back to the 11th Century, is a favourite destination for pilgrims who come here to pay homage to the remains of the Saint.
Next stop is Polignano a Mare, the city of Domenico Modugno, to whom a statue on the sea front has been dedicated. With its various terraces overlooking the ‘blue painted blue’, it is a highly coveted destination for Italians and visitors. The old town contains evidence of the people who lived and fought on the land, leaving traces of the knowledge of the time both in the buildings and in the culture itself. The first thing to do in Polignano a Mare is walk the stone path towards Lama Monachile, to discover an incredible white pebble beach protected by rocky walls. It is the most famous beach in the city and one of the most photographed of Puglia.
A completely different landscape awaits us today. Along the Apulian Aqueduct Trail, we walk through fields, vineyards and olive groves. We will see many of the iconic trulli houses, a true symbol of Puglia, and learn about how and when they were built. At the end of the hiking tour, we will enjoy lunch in a masseria – a typical Apulian farmhouse, and taste the local traditional food.
In the afternoon, we visit Alberobello (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996), a town built almost entirely of trulli houses.
Hiking: about 2,5 hours, 7 km
Today we have a free day to explore the historic town of Conversano.
The historic centre of Conversano is in three distinct parts, which were all previously walled with guarded gateways, some of which still exist. The oldest district contains the three main historic buildings – the Castello with the famous cylindrical Renaissance Tower, the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the San Benedetto convent. The town centre is located 850m (15 min walk) from the hotel.
Today’s optional excursion: Castel del Monte (walking tour + visit inside) and Trani in the afternoon.
One of the most spectacular towns in Southern Italy waits for us today: Matera (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993), built on one side of a deep canyon. In the morning we take our hiking tour along the canyon and through the nature reserve of Murgia Timone. Spectacular views on the old town of Matera across the canyon will enrich this experience.
In the afternoon we explore the old town itself, with its cave churches and historical cave dwellings.
Hiking: about 3 hours, 6 km, ↑↓ 100 m
We start by visiting Lecce, commonly nicknamed the ‘Florence of South Italy’ due to its rich architecture and monuments. Lecce is the main city on Puglia’s Salento Peninsula and because of the soft limestone that’s easy to work, it became the centre for the ornate architecture called the ‘Barocco Leccese’. The city is filled with Baroque monuments. The historic centre is compact making it a great place for walking and its restaurants offer an abundance of fine food typical of Puglia.
Enjoy a day at leisure, where we have the option to book additional tours or relax and enjoy the pool and hotel facilities.
Today’s optional excursion: Grotte di Castellana – Ostuni – Locorotondo
We say goodbye to Puglia and transfer to the airport for our flight home.
This newly renovated, modern hotel boasts a strategic position for its proximity to the sea (only 8 km), the Airport of Bari-Palese (just 45 km away) in peaceful town Conversano. Hotel is located 850m (15 min walk) from the town historical centre.
The Hotel offers a wide range of services and has a seasonal, semi-olympic-size pool, stylish American bar, the elegant restaurant serving Apulian and national specialties, the Wellness Centre and large gardens for those in search of a pleasant moment of relax. There is also Free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Refined and equipped with every comfort the rooms have flat-screen/satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar, telephone, air conditioning, heating, work desk, bathroom with shower or bath tub/Jacuzzi, complimentary toiletries and hair dryer. Most of the rooms have balconies of which some overlook the pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Bari Airport to our hotel is approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic
Four guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Easy and you can expect to walk between 4 to 7km per day, with minimal ascents/descents and some rough underfoot terrain.
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
Euro
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport.
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company.
There may be optional activities available to you during the course of your holiday, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by the local guide. All tours should be paid for in Euros. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader may not necessarily accompany you.
Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| March | 16 °C | 13 °C |
| April | 17 °C | 15 °C |
| June | 26 °C | 21 °C |
| July | 28 °C | 24 °C |
| October | 22 °C | 18 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
