Italy Coastal Puglia Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Silvia Giacon

Silvia was born and raised in Venice, and now lives in the Tuscany region of central Italy. While she is an architect by training, with an MA in History of Architecture, Silvia has more than 20 years of experience as a professional trip leader. She lived in Toronto, Canada, for over a decade and, since then, she has led both walking and bicycle trips throughout Europe. Now she guides trips in Tuscany and southern Italy-sharing her passion for her country with MT Sobek travelers. Silvia speaks Italian, English, and French.

Alessandro Perrone

Born and raised in Puglia, Alessandro has expert knowledge of this Mediterranean region, known as the "heel of Italy's boot" and is a fully licensed tour guide, food lover, olive oil taster, wine sommelier, and naturalistic guide. Known for his empathic personality and enthusiasm for his profession, Alessandro is the perfect host to share with you the beauty, the flavors, and the soul of beautiful Puglia.

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                    [Headline] => Welcome to Puglia & Hike in Torre Guaceto
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Meet your guides at the Brindisi airport in the morning, or at the Hotel La Terra in the historic town center of Ostuni. Take time to check in and enjoy the grounds before a warm up hike inside the Natural Marine Reserve of Torre Guaceto, just north of Brindisi. Hike along fragrant trails among the Mediterranean shrubs until we will reach the Guaceto Tower, built in 1531 to protect the commercial traffic headed inland from the Brindisi harbor. After our hike, we\'ll return to the hotel in Ostuni, stopping along the way for our first taste of the region\'s fresh cuisine.
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                    [Headline] => Hike the Murge Ostunesi & Explore the Whitewashed City of Ostuni
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After breakfast at the hotel, start your adventure sipping coffee with the locals in the town of Cisternino. From Cisternino, hike onto the Ostunnesi Plateau towards Ostuni. In the woods, on hidden trails, walk past centennial olive trees, one of the most genetically diverse species in the olive family. In the afternoon, explore the three-hilled city of Ostuni, with its whitewashed houses and verdant surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, have some time to relax before a gourmet fish dinner.
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                    [Headline] => Hike to Magical Alberobello & Taste Olive Oils at a Local Farm
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After another memorable breakfast at our hotel, transfer west to the farming town of Noci, located in the middle of the wooded Itria Valley, past scattered fortified farmhouses. Stop to visit the historic Barsento Farm and its 6th century church, founded by Sant\' Equizio. Continue hiking through fields of almond trees, wildflowers and playful donkeys. After picnic on the trail, hike to Alberobello, known for its trulli, the region\'s charming stone huts, and taste olive oils at a local farm.
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                    [Headline] => Discover Lecce
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Say arrivederci to Brindisi as our group heads towards Lecce, the main town of Salento, known as one of the capitals of the Baroque style in Europe for its unique churches and elegant buildings. Enjoy a private, guided tour of historic Lecce. Then, take some free time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own. This afternoon, transfer to Otranto to experience its Greek and Byzantine influences from the seaside Masseria dei Monaci, your home for the next two nights. Dine on the Masseria\'s delicious local farm-to-table fare.
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                    [Headline] => Hike from Orte to Palascia
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Enjoy a relaxing day hiking the idyllic coastal trail from the Masseria Orte to the lighthouse in Palascia. The region\'s bauxite soils paint the landscape red, creating a spectacular scene of contrasts between the emerald green lake and the abandoned bauxite quarries. Learn to identify rare trailside plants such as the yellow salvione, thyme and the Adriatic vincetossico. End the hike on a high note at the Palascia Lighthouse with unforgettable views of the Adriatic Sea. Return to Otranto late afternoon to enjoy a glass of Negroamaro before dinner.
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                    [Headline] => Hike to Santa Maria di Leuca & Learn Pirate Lore in Gallipoli   
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Leaving Ottranto, drive along beautiful coastline towards Santa Maria di Leuca, Puglia\'s southern tip, the Finibus Terrae. Hike to the mystical Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca, the merging point of the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas. Descend 500 steps at the Christian via Petrina, and explore the Canale delle Menghe. Visit the Saracen tower of "Omo Morto" and Grotta Porcinara, and hear legends of its ancient pirates and fishermen. End your hike with a refreshing swim in Gallipoli\'s Green Bay. Enjoy a free night on your own in Gallipoli.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Gallipoli and Ravines of Grottaglie 
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Today we drive north of Gallipoli to Grottaglie. The name Grottaglie comes from the Greek kriptalus, which means grotto. The presence of an extensive ravine system (a Karstic phenomenon) and the quality of the terrain (tufa), made possible the construction of grottos where, for centuries, people used to live and find protection when invaded by enemies. The rupestrian settlement of the quarries of Fantiano was one of the most important communities of Grottalie during middle Ages. We visit the Ravine of Fantiano surrounded by a pine forest of Aleppo pines and thick Mediterranean scrub. Enjoy a picnic inside a natural amphitheater created by the quarries, before returning to Gallipoli where we will conclude our trip with a special event: a farewell dinner at Chez Zia Marcella, a local lady who will prepare an unforgettable fish dinner for us in her home - the perfect ending to this magical week!
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                    [Longitude] => 17.406 E
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After breakfast, board your van for a transfer back to the Brindisi airport, and bid arrivederci to Puglia.
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Accommodations

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A classic 19th-century hotel in Ostuni is followed by boutique retreats including the luxurious Palazzo del Corso in Gallipoli.

Masseria dei Monaci

Comfortable Hotel

Within eyeshot of the sparkling Adriatic Sea, the Masseria dei Monaci is the picture of Mediterranean tranquility — well deserved after having been an ancient defense against Turkish invaders. Taking its name from an ancient nearby abbey, the farm was occupied for centuries by the Basilian Monks. Today, it boasts 13 well-appointed loft rooms and a renowned restaurant showcasing local cuisine.

Hotel Palazzo del Corso

Comfortable Hotel

This luxury boutique hotel sits right on the harbor, offering beautiful views of the sea, just steps away from old town Gallipoli and the beach. The 19th century façade blends gracefully with modern décor, creating an oasis of peace and calm. The hotel boasts a rooftop restaurant, wine bar, hot tub, sea view terrace, a gym, and a salon.

Hotel La Terra

Comfortable Hotel

Set in a 13th-century building, this 4-star hotel is ideally situated in the historic center within walking distance of the Cathedral of Ostuni. Featuring period architecture, the individually styled rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. Other amenities include a lovely Mediterranean restaurant in the cellar with vaulted ceilings, lounges with decorative tiled floors and antique furnishings, as well as spa treatments and yoga lessons.

Relais Corte Palmieri

Comfortable Hotel

A restored 1700 Mediterranean building, this elegant hotel is just a stroll from the rococo Church of Santa Maria della Purità, and 6 miles from Samsara Beach. Bright rooms offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus minibars. Room service is available. Breakfast is served on a stone terrace with panoramic views and a bar.

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