Authentic Puglia: From Valley to Coast
For a true flavour of southern Italy, a visit to Puglia appeals with its whitewashed villages, enchanting architecture, coastal dunes, and cultural attractions. Expect walks through glorious landscapes and ancient olive groves, plus evenings spent sipping full-bodied red wines that pair perfectly with the region’s traditional cuisine. Please refer to the itinerary for 2024 and 2025 specifics.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the stunning Puglia region on foot
- Walking through the rolling landscapes of national parks
- Visiting ancient towns steeped in history
- Admiring whitewashed ‘Trulli’ houses in UNESCO-listed Alberobello
- Discovering diverse habitats and wild flora and fauna
- Viewing stunning examples of aqueduct engineering
What’s included
- Return flights from London Gatwick, included baggage and transfers
- A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 7 nights' accommodation in Alberobello
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
- All in-destination transport
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Arrive in Alberobello and transfer to your hotel.
From wheat fields to dry stone walls, this walk through the lush Noci countryside takes in the Barsento church, an important example of Romanesque rock architecture typical of the 11th-12th centuries. The church stands on a promontory for good views of the surrounding area characterised by ancient oak forests and trulli, emerging from the stretches of green.
Option 1 - Noci countryside and town
Distance: 3.6 miles (5.8km)
Ascent: 367 feet (112m)
Descent: 367 feet (112m)
Both walks begin at the Barsento Church and explore the Noci countryside. A short bus transfer will then take us into Noci to explore the town.
Option 2 - Extended Noci countryside and town
Distance: 7 miles (11.4km)
Ascent: 547 feet (167m)
Descent: 547 feet (167m)
We follow the route of the Option 1 walk with a further extension into this beautiful rural setting.
Today we’ll visit the Pirro Canal and see the Apulian Aqueduct, a great work of hydraulic engineering dating back to the early 20th century. We will transfer by bus to Selva di Fasano, where both walk options will commence. On arrival we stop at the Villa Minareto. This historic landmark resembles the tower of an Islamic minaret however, it was not built for religious purposes but as an exotic home for a wealthy landowner. It is not open to the public, but we will stop to admire the building and take photographs before continuing by bus to the walking start point. Both options will start together, and after a short, shared section, the groups will split and follow their respective itineraries.
Option 1 - Pirro Canal and Apulian Aqueduct
Distance: 5.3 miles (8.6km)
Ascent: 364 feet (111m)
Descent: 695 feet (221m)
Starting from the lush woods of the Selva di Fasano, the walk leads gently downhill into the rural heart of the Canale di Pirro. This peaceful and fertile valley, surrounded by forested slopes and traditional dry-stone walls, offers a tranquil atmosphere and authentic Apulian countryside charm. The walk continues through olive groves and orchards until reaching the imposing Ponte dell’Acquedotto Pugliese — a majestic stone bridge that is part of one of Europe’s longest aqueducts. At the end of the walk, the group will board the bus and have a short stop at the village of Cocolicchio, one of the oldest settlements of Trulli houses. We continue a short way out of the village to a restaurant where you can select lunch and refreshments.
Option 2 - Selva di Fasano to Via dell’Acquedotto Pugliese
Distance: 7 miles (11.4km)
Ascent: 413 feet (126m)
Descent: 770 feet (235m)
This route follows a longer trail, staying higher up on the rolling hills of the Selva di Fasano before descending gradually into the Canale di Pirro. Along the way, walkers will enjoy sweeping views across the valley and the patchwork of farmland below. The trail leads to the Aqueduct Bridge, offering a close-up view of this impressive feat of early 20th-century engineering. After the walk, the group will be picked up by the bus and meet up with the other group for the return to the hotel.
Today we’ll visit the hills of Ostuni and its fascinating sites of cultural importance like the ancient underground oil mills. If time allows, it’s also possible to visit the Archaeological Site of Santa Maria di Agnano. The skeletal remains of an ancient female, known as the "Woman of Ostuni," were discovered in a cave at this site. The fossilised skeleton is estimated to be over 26,000 years old.
Option 1 - Olive trees and Santa Maria di Agnano
Distance: 3.9 miles (6.3km)
Ascent: 387 feet (118m)
Descent: 767 feet (234m)
Our route today is downhill and linear with a level terrain. It starts from the top of the hills and descends into the “Lowland of the Olive Trees” surrounded by nature. The Option 1 walk will finish at the archaeological site of Santa Maria di Agnano
Option 2 - The hills of Ostuni and Santa Maria di Agnano
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 977 feet (298m)
Descent: 977 feet (298m)
Our route is a loop, beginning and ending in front of the archaeological site of Santa Maria di Agnano. The route takes us up into the green, olive-carpeted hills of Ostuni - an area of outstanding Mediterranean beauty. We’ll see olive trees of exceptional size and shape that provide cooling shade with their thick foliage.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Options include:
Alberobello: The unique Trulli buildings here have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The Trulli area of Rione Aia Piccola is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Locorotondo: A lovely, less touristy town to explore. With its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and distinctive circular layout, it’s known locally as “Round Place”. It is around a 25-minute bus ride from Alberobello.
Martina Franca: Founded in the 10th century, this town is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture. It takes around 40 minutes by bus from Alberobello.
Today we’ll visit the Regional Natural Park of Coastal Dunes, which stretches from the inland areas to the coastline in Ostuni and Fasano. From ancient olive groves to coastal dunes adorned with distinct plant life including magnificent juniper specimens, this natural expanse boasts many diverse habitats. Our walks will encounter stretches of pristine sands lapped by sparkling waters.
Option 1 - Ancient farmsteads to Lido Morelli beach
Distance: 4.8 miles (7.8km)
Ascent: 33 feet (10m)
Descent: 285 feet (87m)
From our inland rural setting, we’ll head through olive groves and centuries-old farmsteads towards the dunes. Following a broad path offering breathtaking vistas of the sea, our walk culminates at a place called "Lido Morelli", a beach that still shows evidence of the ancient infrastructure used for sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices
Option 2 - Lama Cornola and Lido Morelli beach
Distance: 7 miles (11.4km)
Ascent: 65 feet (20m)
Descent: 311 feet (95m)
The longer hike crosses similar landscapes but lengthens the route to explore Lama Cornola – a small canyon housing an authentic Rupestrian village – a remarkable example of an Apulian cave settlement. The rock-bound vegetation here shelters birds of prey, while crevices and caves preserve traces of human habitation that persist to this day. Once out of the canyon we will be close to the coast, where this route will end at Lido Morelli beach.
Today we’ll visit the southern slopes stretching from Martina Franca to Taranto and the Pianelle Wood. Spanning approximately 600 hectares, the Bosco delle Pianelle teems with diverse wildlife including toads, geckos, turtles and a variety of snakes. In recent years, the return of wolves to the most remote corners of the forest has added to the wood’s reputation as a wildlife refuge and nature reserve, created to help protect natural biodiversity.
Option 1 - Bosco delle Pianelle 1
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 387 feet (118m)
Descent: 387 feet (118m)
Our walk starts from Pianelle Visitor Centre and takes us through the Bosco delle Pianelle’s oak trees, with the Mediterranean scrubland below. At the end of the walk, we can eat our lunch at the Nature Park Visitor Centre.
Option 2 - Bosco delle Pianelle 2
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 748 feet (228m)
Descent: 748 feet (228m)
Our longer walk option also begins at Pianelle Visitor Centre and takes us on a longer route through the Bosco delle Pianelle oak trees, with the Mediterranean scrubland below. At the end of the walk, we can eat our lunch at the Nature Park Visitor Centre.
Depart Alberobello. We hope to see you again soon.
Hotel Colle del Sole (2025)
Hotel Colle del Sole, opened in 1982 by the De Carlo family, is located just 500m from the two Trulli areas known as “Aia Piccola” and “Rione Monti” which, since 1996, have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Rooms are furnished in a modern style, and guests can enjoy the bar and in-house restaurant “Sciarabà”, plus the large garden and outdoor pool. The hotel is in a semi-central area and is well connected to the city centre.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
28 Apr - 05 May 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,649 pp |
from £1,649 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
12 May - 19 May 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £2,013 Double from £1,649 pp |
from £1,649 pp |
from £2,013 |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
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|
16 Jun - 23 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £2,113 £2,001 Double from £1,749 £1,637 pp |
from £1,749 £1,637 pp |
from £2,113 £2,001 |
Save £112pp Birthday Offer |
Trip Notes
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|
23 Jun - 30 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £2,113 £2,001 Double from £1,749 £1,637 pp |
from £1,749 £1,637 pp |
from £2,113 £2,001 |
Save £112pp Birthday Offer |
Trip Notes
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|
01 Sep - 08 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £2,213 £2,101 Double from £1,849 £1,737 pp |
from £1,849 £1,737 pp |
from £2,213 £2,101 |
Save £112pp Birthday Offer |
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|
15 Sep - 22 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £2,133 Double from £1,769 pp |
from £1,769 pp |
from £2,133 |
Last few spaces |
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Book Now | ||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
28 Apr - 05 May 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,469 pp |
from £1,469 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
12 May - 19 May 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,833 Double from £1,469 pp |
from £1,469 pp |
from £1,833 |
Last few spaces |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
16 Jun - 23 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,833 £1,721 Double from £1,469 £1,357 pp |
from £1,469 £1,357 pp |
from £1,833 £1,721 |
Save £112pp Birthday Offer |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
23 Jun - 30 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,833 £1,721 Double from £1,469 £1,357 pp |
from £1,469 £1,357 pp |
from £1,833 £1,721 |
Save £112pp Birthday Offer |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
01 Sep - 08 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,913 £1,801 Double from £1,549 £1,437 pp |
from £1,549 £1,437 pp |
from £1,913 £1,801 |
Save £112pp Birthday Offer |
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|
15 Sep - 22 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,863 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,863 |
Last few spaces |
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Important information
- With flight holidays: Price includes return flights to Bari, hold baggage and airport transfers
- Independent travellers can join our airport transfers from Bari Airport - please contact us for prices
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
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