Internationale groepsreis Walking in Puglia & Matera

Great trip

A wonderful trip in fantastic areas of southern Italy. Stunning landscape

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Waking up in Matera with kestrels flying outside the window

What did you think of your group leader?

Letizia was a really knowledgeable good guide with quiet organisational skills and a great compassion for the history of the area

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The landscape is stunning but not pretty so enjoy it for what it is. The cave rooms at the hotel in Matera are unique

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Highly recommended trip

Walking in Puglia and Matera

This was a brilliant walking and sight seeing holiday in the Puglia region in the South of Italy.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Matera was a unique and fascinating place to stay.

What did you think of your group leader?

I have been on walking holidays in the past and Marinella was the best group leader yet, very friendly, helpful and with lots of local knowledge and contacts which all made for a fantastic and authentic holiday experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking in Puglia & Matera

We had a great trip although it is not the most scenic of locations. The food was excellent and plentiful. The walks are mostly flat and very easy.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The initial walk through the canyon was very enjoyable. the friendliness of the locals was excellent and we especially enjoyed an evening BBQ in the living room of a local farm.

What did you think of your group leader?

Giuseppe was an excellent leader and was kind, helpful and caring. Being Italian he didn't always understand our British humour but roared with laughter when we explained the jokes!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for large meals.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Undiscovered Italy

What a lovely trip to a part of Italy is mostly as yet undiscovered. Daily you will see ancient sites and experience the countryside and the gastronomic delights of southern Italy. You will walk about 8 miles a day through mostly flat / rolling countryside. The only real day of climbing is the first day in Matera where you will explore the national park that is in the ravine behind the city. We went in September so as to avoid the high-heat of summer and that was a good decision.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The little things. Seeing a hummingbird as we paused on a country walk. The incredible vibrant color of the frescos on the walls of rupestrian (rural) cave churches in Matera and in the countryside. The first moments of a cool dip in the Adriatic sea. The clear love that our guide and local tour leaders have of this little known part of Italy.

What did you think of your group leader?

Guisseppe was marvelous. He grew up in Bari and is very knowledgeable about the area. But most impressive and infectious is his clear adoration for the Basilicata and Apuglia regions. He loves the outdoors and was full of information about the agriculture and history of the area. His English was wonderful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

On your free day in Alberobello, find out if it is market day and if it is stay in town. Ask Guisseppe where to eat - he'll direct you to an organic restaurant with a garden.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Puglia and Matera

A most relaxing varied and informative trip. Matera and the Sassi district was a highlite, the hotel and location so unusual. It was valuable having a knowledgeable local guide with family history of the area.The good weather helped of course, but the overarching factor was the excellence of our guide.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Personality of the manager of the wine bar where we had the wine tasting in Alberobello. The farm house stay was excellent and the walk from there through the olive groves to the coast was pleasant. It was sobering, rather than inspirational to see the refugees lodged in the Spanish Counts former residence on this walk.

What did you think of your group leader?

Marinella was an absolute delight. She worked tirelessly to make sure everything went smoothly for the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you get Marinella as a guide. If you get a bus from Naples, ensure it takes you to the Matera central bus station, not dump you the outskirts of town with no directions and suitcases.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A really enjoyable visit to Puglia & Basilicata.

A first class trip. Everything happened as planned. The trip notes were very accurate. Gentle walking, which is what we expected and wanted on this trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Matera was the highlight of the trip. Unknown to us before the trip, but an incredibly interesting place.

What did you think of your group leader?

Marinella was a fantastic group leader. She was a local, who loved her region and knew a lot about it. She was very enthusiastic and clearly enjoyed her job. Nothing was too much trouble for her and the extra touches, that she added, made the trip for us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip notes are accurate.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The restaurants recommended by the group leader were excellent.

Walking in Puglia and Basilicata

Beautiful scenery, fascinating history and cultural influences, great mix of touring and walking and fantastic food. This part of Southern Italy was a revelation which our guide, Nino, introduced us to with great knowledge and enthusiasm. Each day was wonderful with the big highlight being Matera at the end of the week. I would recommend this trip to anybody.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the caves and Rupestrian churches in Matera.

What did you think of your group leader?

Nino was a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and extremely flexible guide who couldn't do enough for us and made wonderful recommendations about where to eat and what to visit in our free time. His ability to put together a pic nic which we all shared on our walk to the caves was fantastic. I very much enjoyed meeting Nino and his enthusiasm for the history and current way of life in Puglia and Basilicata was infectious.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be intimidated by the walks if you are "not a walker" - they are easily doable for somebody with average fitness.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would love to return to these regions having just scratched the surface on this trip.

Puglia & Basillicata

Whilst this area is not as picturesque as other areas of Italy, it is more than made up for by the architectural delights, amazing variety of local food and drink. The holiday has the balance of walking, sightseeing and comfortable travelling between locations on roads that often very straight roads.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Matera - Staying in the cave hotel, the views from the terrace early in the morning and the extraordinary cookery course experience.

What did you think of your group leader?

Marinella - she was fantastic with a lively and cheerful personality and went out of her way to ensure everyone had a good holiday. She definitely went the extra mile for us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you travel via Linate then onto Bari, you have to exit airside and re enter though security. Any bottles purchased at Heathrow, water, gin etc will have to be forfeit. The walking was not callenging in October but could become so in the hotter months as there was a lack of shade on most routes.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

All the food was amazing. We where again so lucky that our group, whilst not kindred spirits, all got on exceedingly well. The breadth of life experiences just adds a further dimension to the holiday. Wine was good to!

Walking in Puglia & Matera

A very interesting and enjoyable walk with excellent food.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through an arch way in the new town of Madera to suddenly see the old town spread out beneath us and across the opposite side of the gorge. 1000 year old olive trees.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent, one of the best Exodus guides that we have had, always prepared to do that bit extra to help people get the most out of the trip. She arranged picnics on the days that we were walking, they were of gourmet quality.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure that you sample all of the food of the region. It is wonderful.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking in Puglia and Basilicata

A great holiday with lovely scenery and a lovely guide in Marinella who took us to a range of great restaurants and ensured we had delicious picnics during the day that she provided for us Marinella was very attuned to all our needs and her personal knowledge of the area added to the holiday experience

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through ancient olive groves and the first sight of Matera

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only disappointment was that we did not actually get to cook or see any cooking so rephrasing that aspect in the brochure would have saved disappointment at the farmhouse

Gentle walking holiday in Non touristy part of Italy.

This is a gentle walking holiday introducing you to a non touristy part of Italy even in July. It is very hot in July and that was our biggest hurdle.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the view of the Trullis in Alberobello for the first time and also Matera.

What did you think of your group leader?

Salvatore was excellent. He was informative and patient with a few members of our group who were difficult!! He made sure we always had advice on what to do and where to eat. He was also training Marinella so had that added responsibility. He dealt with a few people who were suffering with the heat in a very kind and compassionate way.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Its easy walking and without the mid summer heat would be no challenge to some people. The scenery is lovely but not especially beautiful. But if you want to see a part of Italy you haven't been to before i would definately recommend it. Alberobello and Matera are both stunning as was our day trip to Lecce.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Support this wonderful part of Italy and go and visit it!!

WALKING IN PUGLIA AND BASILICATA

An enjoyable and leisurely walking holiday in a most interesting area.  The difference in the landscape between Puglia and Basilicata was most striking, the latter being more interesting for walking, but both areas have their own unique places of interest.  This is definitely a holiday for a great gastronomic experience!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The first sight of Ostuni, the White City, shining on its hilltop; the walk from Montescaglioso to Matera. Matera old town - amazing! 

What did you think of your group leader?

Angelo was an excellent and good-humoured group leader. He related well to all  members of the group,  was kindly and considerate and very knowledgable.  He had a good understanding of the needs of the group and did his best to make the whole experience as pleasurable as possible.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Enjoy the food!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I really enjoyed the stay at the Masseria,  the welcome from the family and the lunch on the terrace. The whole area  around Matera and its history is absolutely fascinating.  Worth taking a look at the art gallery and museum. 

WALKING IN PUGLIA AND BASILICATA

Walks are quite long and it was 30c plus in June but varied and interesting. Every effort was made for us to experience local dishes and wine. Our guide provided quite elegant picnics and was very attentive in restaurants making sure we had everything we wanted.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The evening walk through the trulli to a restaurant was memorable as there were so many of them. Lecce was great contrast.

What did you think of your group leader?

Charming and attentive. Would have liked to hear more about plants an wildlife.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be careful of the professors on the neolithic archaeological site, I was told I had not been listening, twice,when I asked a question! Rude to visitors.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had a wonderful room at the farmhouse with a great view.

An inspiring enjoyable holiday

Staying in three good hotels in varied landscapes from the Trulli town of Alberello to a remote farmhouse in the midst of olive groves and finishing in the breathtaking Matera

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Waking up in the rock town of Matera, sun shining off the cave dwellings and kestrels swooping past our window

What did you think of your group leader?

Letizia was a good leader who managed the diverse group very well. She was very well organised and forfitted her day off to ensure the group trip to Lecce was a sucess.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The countryside and towns are breathtaking but not always beautiful in a traditional way. Also be prepared for the heat.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Highly recommended trip

wonderful holiday

Wonderful holiday, great company, great walking, food and wine!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing a view of Matera for the first time

What did you think of your group leader?

Angelo was brilliant. Clearly passionate about the area he was leading us around and very knowledgeable. He arranged some fantastic picnics and thought of everything. He took us to some lovely restaurants and tried to make sure we had opportunities to try local foods and drinks. He was also a really approachable and helpful leader and had a great sense of humour. I would certainly go on another trip if Angelo was leading.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a wonderful holiday, embrace the scenary, food and the wine! Make sure you have a hat - walking on some of the days, it was very hot and there was no shade.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just wish it was longer!

Puglian feast

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking in Puglia & Basilicata

This holiday is a fantastic introduction to the Puglia and Basilicata area of Italy. I enjoyed all of the towns that we visited and would have happily spent more time in Alberobello and Ostuni.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved the mix of leisurely walking and sightseeing and the food and drink was exceptional. The trip was well organised and with plenty time to pack and good transport arrangements moving between 4 hotels was surprisingly easy.

What did you think of your group leader?

Angelo was enthusiastic and passionate about the area. He was well organised but also flexible and went the extra mile to ensure that we could make the most of our holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Prepare to diet after your trip and don't forget to pack insect repellent as well as sunscreen!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I was pleasantly surprised at how well gluten free requirements were catered for.

Walking, history, food and wine.

Having never visited the heel of Italy, we had little idea of what to expect. What a delight! The combination of pleasant walking in interesting countryside, historic sites, good food and wine, and a superb guide made a perfect holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Al fresco picnics on walks, magically produced from a rucksack, and delightfully presented right down to the oil and vinegar for the salads!

What did you think of your group leader?

Marinella is a group leader par excellence. She believes in going the extra mile, and it shows. She loves to share knowledge of her local area, and to make sure all her group has the best possible experience. Nothing phases her. Her hard work, personality, sense of humour and professionalism make her the perfect guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Remember to pack insect repellent amd antihistamine cream for the walks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

WALKING IN PUGLIA AND BASILICATA

May is a good time of the year to go to this area as its not too hot. There is plenty of interest particularly in Matera. Walks were right length and Puglia and Basilicata were very different regions.  

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The first view of Matera old town from the Sassi Hotel - this town is a hidden jewel. The wildflowers of the area which has not been subject to herbicides. Finding out the making pasta by hand is really quite difficult!

What did you think of your group leader?

Angelo was knowledgeable and friendly but perhaps needed to anticipate the questions of the group. This he will learn as he deals with further groups. Good at getting consensus in the group and arranging meals together etc. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Not really - the trip fulfils the description in the brochure. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Having Susie as the observer from Exodus was an added bonus! It is comforting to know that this is company policy to send an observer on the first trip and she helped the group leader improve the quality of the experience.

WALKING IN PUGLIA AND BASILICATA

An enjoyable trip in an area with an abundance of interesting and unusual places. Walking was initially a little disappointing but all the accomodation and food was of a very high standard.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walk from Montescaglioso to Matera. Fantasic views, walking through varied and interesting terrain and very different to the walks at the beginning of the week. The hotels in Ostuni and Matera were fasinating with their querky layouts and interesting history. The food - antipasti, antipasti and more antipasti - absolutly delicious!  

What did you think of your group leader?

Angelo was an excellent leader who was very mindful of the needs of the group always consulting, advising and making suggestions. His knowledge of the area was excellent. He had great empathy with the local people and worked very hard to make this holiday the best experience possible.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't eat or drink too much!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were initially a little disappointed with the walking which was mostly on flat terrain through olive groves but this was more than made up for later in the week when the scenery was varied and at times dramatic.  Other aspects of the trip exceeded our expectations the food, the hotels, the leader.  Perhaps the holiday should be renamed "Food and walking in Puglia and Basilicata"