Puglia Food & Hike

Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5km) 

Total ascent: 311 feet (95m) 

Total descent: 219 feet (67m) 

Today we’ll walk around the Pulo di Altamura, one of the largest sinkholes in Southern Italy. There’ll be a guided visit explaining the archaeological finds in the area and the geology, cultural and historical significance of the sinkhole. After time to freshen up at the hotel, we’ll transfer to a typical Italian Dimora in Altamura for a cooking lesson and dinner. 

This morning we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castel del Monte for a guided tour. The famous octagonal castle, which is a symbol of Puglia, was built at the request of Emperor Frederick II. 

Later, there’ll be a panzerotti making lesson, where you’ll learn how to make this typical Apulian snack of fried dough stuffed with tomato and mozzarella. 

We’ll round off the day with a guided tour of Gravina di Puglia. Stroll among narrow alleys, ancient palaces, and marvellous Romanesque churches, finishing at the aqueduct bridge that spans the ravine overlooking the city for breathtaking views. 

Distance: 4.4 miles (7.2km) 

Total Ascent: 157 feet (48m) 

Total Descent: 492 feet (150m) 

The Scoparella woods is one of the largest wooded areas in the Alta Murgia, north of Bari. The forest, characterised by the presence of oak trees, owes its name to the broom, which covers the undergrowth, with which brooms were actually created. Among the colours and scents of rosehip, hawthorn, asphodels, asparagus, and numerous medicinal plants, our hiking trail will lead us to the ancient Jazzo del Demonio, a farm that inspired a story of sheep, shepherds and demons that became a legend. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local winery for a wine tasting experience.

Each week there’s 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:

Altamura: You may like to explore the historic town of Altamura, with its spectacular cathedral, archaeological museum (which includes an exhibition about Altamura Man – a Neanderthal whose remains were found embedded in stalagmites in a nearby cave), market, shops and ancient walls.

Bari: Easily reached by public transport, this old town and port contains many buildings of historical interest. Puglia’s capital contains many churches, but the most well-known is the 11th century Romanesque Basilica de San Nicola, dedicated to St Nicholas, who is also known as Santa! 

Starting the day with a visit to an historic bakery in Matera, we’ll find out how the famous and delicious Altamura bread with Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) is produced. 

There’ll also be a guided tour of Matera itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. A local expert will guide us through the two historic districts characterised by scenic alleys and cave houses, inhabited until the 1950s.  The afternoon is free for you to explore independently. 

Distance: 8 miles (12.8km)   

Total Ascent: 646 feet (197m)   

Total Descent: 459 feet (140m)  

Setting off along a forest canyon, we’ll arrive at a panoramic trail on the Murgia Plateau that runs along the edge of the karst step overlooking the Bradano Valley which divides Puglia from the mountains of Basilicata. After lunch in a typical Masseria we’ll attend a mozzarella lesson with an expert cheese maker. 

Depart Matera after breakfast. With flight guests will transfer to the airport for their return flight home.