Apulia - Cammino Materano 7 Days

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Bari, where the old town, Bari Vecchia, welcomes you with its lively ambiance and rich aromas. Stroll along the bustling promenade, observing local fishermen at work, and immerse yourself in the authentic daily life of this southern Italian gem. Explore the revered Cathedral of San Nicola, a spiritual and architectural highlight, before settling into your comfortable accommodation in Bari (or similar). Enjoy the freedom to discover the city’s treasures at your own pace or with a knowledgeable guide. Breakfast is included.

After a hearty breakfast, depart Bari and journey to Cassano delle Murge, where your hiking adventure begins. Traverse the enchanting Mesola forest, characterized by Mediterranean maquis, and continue along gravel paths to the tranquil Pineta Galletti, named after a historic 18th-century country house. The day’s trek concludes in Santeramo in Colle, offering an option to shorten the route for a more relaxed experience. Rest and recharge in comfortable local accommodations (or similar). Breakfast is provided.

Begin your day with a scenic hike through the rolling hills of Murgia National Park, where you may encounter grazing sheep and panoramic vistas. Pause at the family-run Masseria Scalera to savor homemade cheese and experience rural hospitality. Enter Altamura via the historic Porta Bari, then stroll along Corso Federico II di Svevia, lined with stories of the illustrious king who shaped the region. Marvel at the grandeur of Altamura Cathedral before unwinding at your hotel in Altamura (or similar). Breakfast is included.

Set out across open countryside toward Gravina in Puglia, a town dramatically perched above a deep gorge. Discover the fascinating world beneath the surface with a guided tour of Gravina Sotterranea, an intricate network of underground chambers, ancient churches, and hidden dwellings carved into the soft tuff rock. Enjoy a restful evening in Gravina in Puglia (or similar), reflecting on the day’s discoveries. Breakfast is provided.

Cross the iconic stone bridge and step onto the ancient Via Appia, once the vital link between Rome and Brindisi. Pause to explore the Botromagno Archaeological Site, a testament to the region’s storied past. After a satisfying lunch, meet your host Giuseppe in Borgo Picciano and spend a delightful afternoon at Masseria la Fiorita, where you’ll enjoy warm hospitality and a traditional dinner amidst the peaceful countryside. Accommodation is provided at the farm (or similar). Breakfast and dinner are included.

After breakfast, transfer to the tranquil shores of Lake San Giuliano, where your final hike begins. Traverse hilly landscapes and ascend toward the ancient city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique cave dwellings, the Sassi di Matera. Revel in the breathtaking views and the sense of discovery as you enter this extraordinary city, which was celebrated as the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Settle into your Matera accommodation (or similar) for a restful night. Breakfast is included.

Enjoy a final breakfast in the captivating city of Matera as your unforgettable journey through southern Italy comes to a close. Take time to reflect on the memories and experiences gathered over the past week before departing for your onward travels. Breakfast is included.