Italy Coastal Puglia Hiking Tour
Sun-Kissed Landscapes & Rich Culture from Brindisi to Gallipoli
- Available: April, September, October
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
5-16 Guests
Min Age: 18
Highlights
- Discover Puglia's Salentina Peninsula through the backdrop of Brindisi, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, and Gallipoli
- Explore ancient port cities and hike hidden trails through olive groves, canyons, and grottos
- Savor the flavors of Puglia with an olive oil tasting and local farm-to-table fare
Itinerary
Welcome to Puglia & Hike in Torre Guaceto
Day 1
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.
Accommodation: Hotel La Terra
Activity: 2 hours/2 miles hiking at sea level
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Hike the Murge Ostunesi & Explore the Whitewashed City of Ostuni
Day 2
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.
Accommodation: Hotel La Terra
Activity: 3-4 hours/6 miles hiking with marginal elevation gain
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike to Magical Alberobello & Taste Olive Oils at a Local Farm
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: Hotel La Terra
Activity: 4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with marginal elevation gain
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Lecce
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: Masseria dei Monaci
Activity: 3-hour guided walking tour
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hike from Orte to Palascia
Day 5
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.
Accommodation: Masseria dei Monaci
Activity: 3 hours/4 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Santa Maria di Leuca & Learn Pirate Lore in Gallipoli
Day 6
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo del Corso
Accommodation: Relais Corte PalmieriActivity: 4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with marginal elevation gain
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Gallipoli and Ravines of Grottaglie
Day 7
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!
Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo del Corso
Accommodation: Relais Corte PalmieriActivity: 2 hours/2 miles hiking with marginal elevation gain
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Brindisi
Day 8
After breakfast, board your van for a transfer back to the Brindisi airport, and bid arrivederci to Puglia.
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$700 single supplementAvailable
- $5,795 price per person dbl occ+$700 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
6 to 7 guests from $6,395 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
April, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. You should feel comfortable hiking distances of 4-7 miles per day over the course of 3-5 hours. The terrain is mostly flat with very little elevation change.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
2 hours/2 miles hiking at sea level
Day 2
3-4 hours/6 miles hiking with marginal elevation gain
Day 3
4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with marginal elevation gain
Day 4
3-hour guided walking tour
Day 5
3 hours/4 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss
Day 6
4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with marginal elevation gain
Day 7
2 hours/2 miles hiking with marginal elevation gain
Accommodations
A classic 19th-century hotel in Ostuni is followed by boutique retreats including the luxurious Palazzo del Corso in Gallipoli.
Weather
Puglia boasts a warm, coastal Mediterranean climate, with dry summers. There is often a sea-breeze that helps to keep the summer months bearable.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Arrive at the Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS) on Day 1. Your trip leader will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer the group to our hotel in Brindisi.
Do I need hiking boots for this trip?
No. The best footwear for this trip would be cross-training shoes or lightweight hiking or walking shoes.
Are there swimming pools at all of the hotels on this trip?
No. There is a swimming pool at our hotel on Days 6 and 7. But, for the first 3 days we are staying at a beautiful hotel that is on the beach. Bring your swimsuit!
I am gluten intolerant. Will I be able to find enough meal choices and variety of foods on this trip?
Yes. Italy and Puglia have plenty of options for gluten free, delicious food.
What type of clothing should I wear in Puglia?
You will want to wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring a layer for the afternoon. In the evenings, you might prefer to dress smart casual for dinners.
Is Wi-Fi available at all of the hotels?
Yes.
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