Puglia & Basilicata Hike

The sun-kissed beauty of Italy’s southern gems

Destination

Puglia

Activity

Hiking & Walking

Level

Easy

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

2026

2027

From $4,700 PP 8 days / 7 nights

From $4,950 PP 8 days / 7 nights

Schedule A Call

Southern Italy, the “heel of the Italian boot” is made up of Puglia and Basilicata and features beguiling white-washed villages, ornate Baroque architecture, fabulous cuisine, and superb indigenous wines. Diverse hikes take you along the coast to the ancient Greek port of Monopoli, then inland to hike from village to village through a patchwork of orchards and vineyards dotted by white Trulli houses whose conical roofs punctuate the sky. If fairies were real, they would live in a Trullo! In the region of Basilicata, you will experience the unforgettable city of Matera whose unique cliffside dwellings have starred in such recent films as Ben Hur and James Bond. Your last two days are spent hiking amongst the unexpected alpine-like landscapes of the “Dolomiti Lucane.” Besides the incredible and varied landscapes through which we hike, you will fall in love with the hospitality of the warm-hearted southern Italians who welcome us into their homes, trattorias, and lodgings.

Tour Essence

Wander through the labyrinth of streets and alleyways of Bari’s medieval center and soak up 1,000 years of seafaring life.
Homemade lunch at Ettore’s 18th century Masseria followed by a visit with Ettore.
Every meal is superb and starts with a boggling array of delicious antipasti which just keep coming.
Bari, Alberobello, and Matera, three amazing UNESCO world heritage sites.
Wine and cheese tasting with Emanuelle at his “latteria”, cheese shop. Crusty bread, fresh ricotta, and a delicious Aglianico.
Hiking centuries-old trails to arrive in historic Matera, passing 1,000-year-old rock churches along the way.
Farm lunch below Migionico with Cinzia and Fulvio where we enjoy farm to fork products
Pietrapertosa and Castlumuzio, two villages nestled amongst the rocky spires of the Dolomiti Lucane.

What to Expect

Start Location

Bari, Italy

End Location

Potenza, Italy

Scenic Italy bike tour in Cinque Terre with colorful hillside villages and rugged mountains.

Beautiful group hiking through the rolling hills of Italy showcasing scenic bike and hiking tours by Ciclismo Classico.

Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.

Service of local, bilingual professional guides throughout the program
Special Events: Guided visit of Alberobello and Matera, and a cooking class.
Transfers: All private transfers as per the itinerary starting with pick-up from Bari Hotel and ending with final transfer to Potenza train station.
Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel.
Active days: 6 days of guided hiking

All Accommodations: 1 night 4-star in Bari, and 2 nights 4-star hotel in Locorotondo (or similar in Monopoli), 2 nights 4-star hotel in Matera, and 2 nights in 3-star country hotel in Trivigno
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 picnic, and 5 dinners.

Special Events: Guided visit of Alberobello and Matera, and a cooking class.

Dates

2026

Sep 13-20

Available

Oct 11-18

Available

2027

Apr 10-17

Available

May 8-15

Available

Sep 25-Oct 2

Available

Oct 9-16

Available

2026

2027

From $4,700 PP 8 days / 7 nights

From $4,950 PP 8 days / 7 nights

$700 Optional Single Supplement

Schedule A Call

Any of our tours can be made private. Contact us to learn more.

Go Private

Itinerary

Start Location

Bari, Italy

Fly Into

Rome International Airport

End Location

Potenza, Italy

Fly Out Of

Rome International Airport

Download Itinerary

Day1

Welcome to Bari!

Independent arrival in Bari and check-in at the 4-star Dilman Boutique Hotel (or similar). Take time to explore the nearby medieval quarter centered around the ancient port. Formerly the domain of smugglers and brigands, Bari’s quaint, atmospheric historic center has been revitalized over the past decade. Cafés, wine bars, and trattorias line the labyrinthine streets, eventually leading to the remarkable Romanesque architecture of the 12th-century Basilica di San Nicola. Enjoy your first taste of Puglia's celebrated cuisine in one of the local restaurants that we recommend, all of which are within a short walk of your hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel Dilman

Located in the heart of Bari, a few steps away from the Murat district and the old city, Dilman is an exclusive boutique hotel ideal for a unique stay experience in Bari. It has refined, modern, spacious rooms, forefront design solutions, and a vertical garden with more than 300 aromatic plants.

Luxury Level4 star

Day2

Trulli and Trails: Hiking in the Istria Valley

Begin your adventure at 9:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby, where you'll meet your guide(s) and fellow hikers. A scenic 40-minute van ride will whisk you away to the enchanting Istria Valley, a landscape dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and the iconic conical roofs of stone trulli houses. Today's hike follows the historic “l’Acquedotto Pugliese,” a marvel of 20th-century engineering. Walk along sunken roads and cross elegant arched stone bridges, meandering through woods and farmland. This impressive aqueduct, built by 20,000 workers from 1906 to 1916, spans 2189 km and still brings water from the mountains east of Naples to the riverless Puglia region. After your pleasant hike, a short transfer brings you to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Alberobello. Here, you'll be captivated by over 1,500 trulli houses, unique round limestone dwellings with conical roofs built using a prehistoric dry-stone technique. A delicious lunch is followed by a fascinating guided tour of this charming town. Afterward, take some free time to explore on your own or perhaps enjoy a coffee or gelato in one of the sunny piazza. We arrive at the lovely Masseria Grofoleo so you can relax and maybe a refreshing dip in the pool. The Masseria Grofoleo is an 18th Century Pugliese Manor house of “Truli” and “Cummerse,” the distinctive buildings peculiar to this small part of Puglia. Our hosts, the Spagnuolo family, treat us to a home-cooked meal of regional specialties prepared in their wood-fired oven.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

5.7 miles

Elevation Gain

Negligible

Riding Terrain

Flat Terrain

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Masseria Grofoleo

Nestled in the rolling countryside of the Itria Valley just outside the whitewashed village of Locorotondo, the 4-star Masseria Grofoleo is a beautifully restored 18th-century estate featuring traditional trulli and historic farm buildings. Surrounded by vineyards and dry-stone walls, the property offers elegant accommodations, a panoramic outdoor pool, and warm Apulian hospitality, creating a peaceful retreat in the heart of Puglia.

Luxury Level4-star

Day3

Coastal Walks and Wine in Polignano a Mare

Morning Pilgrimage: This morning we embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary “Via Francigena,” the ancient pilgrimage route connecting Italy and northern Europe with the medieval ports of Bari, Monopoli, and Brindisi. Walk in the footsteps of countless pilgrims, tracing the stunning coastline, dipping into hidden inlets and bays, and passing by imposing medieval watchtowers. As you approach the outskirts of Polignano a Mare, be captivated by the sight of its white cliffs dramatically plunging into the azure Adriatic Sea. A newly constructed pedestrian pathway leads you along the clifftops, offering breathtaking views as you meander into this picturesque, whitewashed village. Stroll through narrow alleyways, from one charming piazza to another, and admire the 16th-century palazzi. Make your way to the famous “Lama Monachile,” a narrow cove renowned for its shimmering turquoise waters and pebble beach, flanked by rugged cliffs topped with whitewashed homes. After soaking in the beauty of Polignano a Mare, enjoy some free time before heading to the heart of old Monopoli. Here, indulge in a yummy seafood lunch at a trattoria near the old port, savoring the freshest catch and local flavors. This afternoon, wander through Monopoli’s authentic medieval and baroque architecture, taking in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of this charming town. We return to welcoming Masseria Grofoleo. As the day winds down, we stroll into into the picturesque village of Locorotondo for a tasting of local wines in a delightful little “enoteca” followed by dinner in the village.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

5.6 mile hike

Elevation Gain

Negligible

Riding Terrain

Flat Terrain

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Masseria Grofoleo

Luxury Level4-star

Day4

Ancient Ravines and Matera’s Stone Sassi

Transfer from Puglia to Basilicata and the “Alta Murgia” National Park this morning. The Murgia is a vast karst plateau that gives this region special features of unexpected ravines and gorges. We hike into a seemingly wild ravine, only to find it honeycombed with shelters and thousand-year-old rock-hewn churches. Indeed, this area has been inhabited since Paleolithic times, and more recently, the ravines were “colonized” in the 8th and 9th centuries by monastic orders. We return to the high plateau, where we are rewarded with mesmerizing views of distant Matera. A short transfer takes us to the ancient city, where we have lunch. In the afternoon, we enjoy a couple of hours of "urban trekking" in the company of a specialist guide. She takes us through the famous "Sassi," where Matera’s inhabitants lived for centuries in stone dwellings partially excavated from the rock along the steep ravines that slice the landscape. The city is riddled with caves, churches, and houses dug from the living rock. Our accommodation for the next two nights, the 4-star Hotel San Pietro (or similar), has been central to the revival and restoration of the old town. The owners have lovingly restored a complex of centuries-old buildings to give their guests a unique experience. We dine tonight at a local "enoteca" (wine shop), where you can taste some of the most exciting wines from the region.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Average Mileage

4.1 miles

Elevation Gain

800 feet

Riding Terrain

Rocky terrain

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Corte San Pietro

Set inside the Matera Sassi UNESCO site, Corte San Pietro is housed in a renovated historical building carved out of stone. It offers rooms with a private entrance and free Wi-Fi throughout. Featuring an elegant yet primitive style, each room is unique and furnished with hand-carved wood and stone items.

Luxury Level

Day5

Hidden Rock Villages and Matera’s Free Evening

We have permission to access private land and hike to an incredible site that is hidden far from view in the torturous landscape of the Murgia. Our destination is called the Villaggio Saraceno. It is a vast complex of around 70 cave dwellings dug into the rock on both sides of a small ravine. Amongst the caves are the rock church of San Nicola al Saraceno, the crypt of Vitisciulo, and the rock church of San Luca alla Selva. Ascending the trail to the north, the vegetation suddenly opens up, leaving room to admire numerous caves and the rock church of Cristo la Selva, which is on the opposite side of the ravine. We eventually emerge from the canyon to have lunch at a local farm, where we are treated to home-cooked local specialties. Afterward, we return to Matera so you can have time to explore more of this incredible place. Or, you can relax on the hotel terrace and watch the rays of the setting sun caress the honey-colored stonework of the Sassi. Tonight is a free night, so you can eat when and where you like. Your guide will have recommendations for you.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch

Average Mileage

6 miles

Elevation Gain

900 ft

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations

Corte San Pietro

Luxury Level

Day6

Hiking the Peaks of the Lucanian Dolomites

After breakfast, we have a scenic two-hour transfer to the surprising landscapes of the ”Dolomiti Lucane”. We hike along the crest of a high ridge, which offers epic views over the spectacular terrain of the Parco Gallipoli-Cognato. Spikey, rocky peaks pierce the horizon, verdant forests cover the flanks of the hills, and distant honey-colored villages are sprinkled across the hills and valleys. As we hike, we occasionally stop to make friends with the goats and sheep we encounter. We end up in Pietrapertosa, whose houses sit clustered beneath a jagged spine of rock. After lunch at a local trattoria, you can opt for another hour’s walk to reach the neighboring village of Castelmezzano or just rest the legs and make the trip by van. For the next two nights, we will be Peppino and Maria Giovanna guests at the Foresteria di San Leo (or similar). They greet us with open arms and make us feel welcome at their family-run “Agriturismo.” Dinner is in the dining room or on the terrace if weather permits.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

6 miles

Elevation Gain

500 feet

Riding Terrain

Mostly gently downhill

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Agriturismo La Foresteria di San Leo

La Foresteria is a rather quirky but entirely charming family run B&B with an excellent kitchen and a beautiful swimming pool located in the wooded hills of the Dolomiti Lucane. Maria Giovanna and Peppino provide a genuine and heartfelt welcome to their home.

Luxury Level3 star Agriturismo/Bed & Breakfast

Day7

Countryside Loop and Pugliese Cooking Finale

Our final walk is a loop that begins and ends at our hotel so we can forget about the van for a while. Hike through the woods and fields of the beautiful countryside to get to the shores of an artificial lake, where we enjoy a lovely picnic lunch prepared by Maria Giovanna. Back at our hotel, you have time to swim in the pool before joining a cooking class with Grazia who will help you prepare a sumptuous meal for our final dinner. The cooking “event” is a fun and instructive occasion to learn some secrets of Puglia’s superb cuisine.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner

Average Mileage

8-9.5 miles

Elevation Gain

negligible/900 feet

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner

Accommodations

Agriturismo La Foresteria di San Leo

Luxury Level3 star Agriturismo/Bed & Breakfast

Day8

Departure - Transfer to Potenza or Bari

We transfer this morning to Potenza for 10:00 train departures to Naples, Rome, and beyond. We can also arrange a transfer to the Bari airport (at your own expense). For 2027 departures, we will depart at 08:00 from the hotel for a 90 minute transfer to Salerno train station to connect with the 09:59 highspeed Frecciarossa train to Rome which arrives Rome at 11:25. This train continues to Florence and Milan, arriving respectively at 13:11 and 15:35. We can also arrange a transfer to the Bari airport (at your own expense). Travel time is one hour and fifty minutes.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Historic Italian hillside town with ancient buildings and dramatic landscapes, perfect for Italy bike tours and exploring scenic biking routes.

Puglia & Basilicata Hike

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Puglia & Basilicata Hike

The sun-kissed beauty of Italy’s southern gems

Destination

Activity

Level

Duration

Tour Essence

What to Expect

Start Location

End Location

What's Included

Dates

2026

2027

Itinerary

Start Location

Fly Into

End Location

Fly Out Of

Welcome to Bari!

Accommodations

Trulli and Trails: Hiking in the Istria Valley

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Coastal Walks and Wine in Polignano a Mare

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Ancient Ravines and Matera’s Stone Sassi

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Hidden Rock Villages and Matera’s Free Evening

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Hiking the Peaks of the Lucanian Dolomites

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Countryside Loop and Pugliese Cooking Finale

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Departure - Transfer to Potenza or Bari

Meals Provided

Meals Provided

Accommodations

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