Authentic Puglia: From Valley to Coast

7 nights accommodation

Availability Sep 2026

One itinerary available

Half Board

Grades 2 & 3 details

731kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,849

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Inc flights

Members From

£1,799

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Inc flights

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
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.
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Walking grades and options

This is a level 2 and level 3 graded Activity, Easier walks: 5 to 8 miles (8-13km) on a mixture of good paths and tracks. Up to 1,200 feet (360m) of ascent in a day. Harder walks: 5 to 11 miles (8-17.5km) on a mixture of paths and tracks with some rocky sections. Up to 1,400 feet (420m) of ascent in a day.

 


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

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Itinerary

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.

Itinerary

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: 3,67 miles (5.9 km)
Ascent: 187 feet (57 m)
Descent: 256 feet (78 m)

Beginning at Barsento Church this walk explores the Noci countryside with its beautiful landscapes, historic buildings and walnut cultivation. The name Noci itself means walnut in Italian. This countryside offers glimpses into the rich history of the Apulia region. At the end of the walk option we take a short bus transfer into Noci town known for its unique ‘gnostre’ architecture – a network of small, enclosed courtyards.

Option 2 - From Noci countryside to Alberobello town

Distance: 6, 96 miles (11.2km)
Ascent: 345 feet (105m)
Descent: 367 feet (112m)

We follow the route of the Option 1 walk with a further extension into this beautiful rural setting, eventually reaching the centre of Alberobello on foot.

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. 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 transfer to the 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 Regional Natural Park of Coastal Dunes, which stretches from the inland areas to the coast. From ancient olive groves to coastal dunes adorned with distinct plant life including magnificent juniper specimens, this natural expanse boasts many diverse habitats. Both walks end on a golden sandy beach washed by crystal-clear waters.

Option 1 - From the Dolmen of Montalbano to Lido Morelli beach

Distance: 4.35 miles (7 km)
Ascent: 36 feet (11 m)
Descent: 256 feet (78 m)

The walk begins at a small and evocative archaeological site: The Dolmen of Montalbano, prehistoric megalithic tomb dating back to the Bronze Age. From here, we’ll head towards the dunes along a broad gravel path. Our walk culminates at a place called Lido Morelli, a beach that still shows evidence of ancient infrastructure once used for sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices. This route will give us the chance to spend more time on the beach, relaxing in the water or simply chatting and enjoying our packed lunch with our eyes fixed on the blue horizon.

Option 2 - Through Lama Cornola and Lama Morelli to Lido Morelli Beach
Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3km)
Ascent: 174 feet (53 m)
Descent: 200 feet (61 m)

This longer hike crosses similar rural landscapes but extends the route to explore both Lama Cornola and Lama Morelli—two shallow canyons typical of the area. Lama Cornola is home to 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 ancient human habitation. Continuing through Lama Morelli, we move closer to the coast, where the path opens onto Lido Morelli beach, the end point of this scenic and immersive walk.

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 hills of Ostuni and its fascinating sites of cultural importance like the ancient underground oil mills. Both walks will start from the archaeological site of Santa Maria di Agnano. If it is open, we can visit the site before we begin our walks. (ticket at own expense). 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 - Santa Maria di Agnano and the hidden hermitages

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 trail leads us into the green hills of Ostuni, once a place of hermitage and spiritual retreat. These slopes are now covered with oak trees, whose broad canopies provide refreshing shade along the way.

Option 2 - Olive trees and Santa Maria di Agnano

Distance: 3.9 miles (7.2km)  
Ascent: 138 feet (42m) 

Descent: 341 feet (104m) 

Today's route is almost entirely flat, running along the foot of the hills through centuries-old olive groves and typical Mediterranean flora featuring mastic trees, rosemary and cistus. Along the way, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the vast Olive Tree Plain, with the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the background. At the end of the walk, the group will be transferred by bus to Ostuni, where they will wait for the return of those who have chosen the longer route.

Today we’ll visit 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. Both walk options start from Pianelle Visitors’ centre.
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. 

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Hotel Colle del Sole

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.

More Information

Vaccinations & health information EU NEW 2026

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

Passport & Visa information - SHARED FOR ALL EU NEW 2026

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Packing list - Overseas Guided Walking

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)

With flights EU & WW

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

Without flights EU

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

Local currency (Europe)

The local currency is the Euro (€)

Electricity information for Puglia and Sorrento

220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK.

ATM availability for Puglia and Sorrento

There are several ATM machines in Altamura and several ATM machines in Sorrento where you can obtain money.

Carbon Footprint - 731kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Reviews

Code: PUG07-LCL09

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Dates & availability

Authentic Puglia: From Valley to Coast

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

1 Sep - 8 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Call to Enquire

15 Sep - 22 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Call to Enquire

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Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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