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Sunny street in Alberobello with whitewashed trulli houses featuring conical stone roofs, potted flowers, and a small tree casting shadows.

Puglia Discovery Tour

Olives, orange trees and ancient fishing villages

8 Days / 7 Nights
Walking
Sunny street in Alberobello with whitewashed trulli houses featuring conical stone roofs, potted flowers, and a small tree casting shadows.

The essentials at a glance

Walk the historic Via Francigena from the Adriatic coast to the Valle d'Itria. This self-guided tour leads through Puglia's diverse landscapes, from coastal towns like Monopoli and Polignano a Mare to the UNESCO-listed trulli of Alberobello. Explore the archaeological park of Egnazia, visit the spectacular Castellana Caves, and hike through olive groves and rolling hills. Daily walks of 3-5 hours cover 10-19 km with moderate terrain requiring good fitness.

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This walking tour invites you to explore Apulia step by step – along the Adriatic coast, through fertile landscapes, and into picturesque towns. You’ll follow sections of the Via Francigena, traverse ancient Roman roads and pilgrim paths, visit archaeological sites, and experience vibrant towns shaped by the sea, tradition, and art. From charming coastal towns like Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, the route winds inland to quieter areas where you’ll discover karst caves, medieval town centers, and the iconic trulli of Alberobello. With Mediterranean landscapes and cultural highlights at every turn, this journey offers a rich and varied experience, with plenty of time to pause, reflect, and take it all in. Perfect for anyone seeking an authentic taste of southern Italy off the beaten path – immersive, cultural, and delightfully unhurried.

Your journey begins in the charming town of Fasano, where narrow, winding streets invite you to explore at an easy pace. From here, you follow the ancient Via Francigena along the coast, leading you to Monopoli and its striking fortress. Scenic coastal paths guide you onward to Polignano a Mare, often called the Pearl of the Adriatic. On day four, the route weaves through small, history-rich villages before turning inland toward the medieval town of Conversano.

The next day, you explore the fascinating Grotte di Castellana (Caves of Castellana), one of Puglia’s most captivating natural highlights, known for its spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. The journey continues through gently rolling countryside to Putignano, a place shaped by lively local traditions. Your adventure concludes in Alberobello, set in the Valle d’Itria and celebrated for its iconic trulli houses. Along the way, experience the many faces of Puglia, from silvery olive groves and coastal vistas to timeless towns rich in character.

  • Polignano a Mare: There is a reason this town is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Crystal-clear, turquoise waters crash against a narrow cove framed by towering limestone cliffs, upon which the town and its iconic whitewashed houses are perched. Numerous sea caves honeycomb the coastline, lending the area a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere.
  • Grotte di Castellana: As some of Europe’s most fascinating stalactite caves, the Grotte di Castellana enchant countless visitors each year who venture into this breathtaking underground karst network. A nearly two-mile (3 km) path winds its way down to a depth of 230 feet (70 m), offering a one-of-a-kind natural spectacle.
  • Trulli: Alberobello captivates visitors with a one-of-a-kind cityscape of brilliant white round houses topped with striking conical roofs known as the famous Trulli. The term "Trullo" is derived from the Ancient Greek word for "dome." This unique architectural style is characteristic of the Itria Valley across the provinces of Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto.

Your daily hikes lead you along scenic coastal paths and through gently rolling hills, offering ever-changing views along the way. You follow well-marked trails, peaceful country paths, and occasional paved sections that take you through the heart of the landscape. A good basic level of fitness is recommended, as you will typically be on the move for around 3 to 5 hours each day—plenty of time to soak in the beauty of Puglia at a relaxed, rewarding pace.

Itinerary at a glance

Walk along historic pilgrim paths through the diverse landscapes of Apulia. Following in the footsteps of the Via Francigena, you’ll journey from the Adriatic coast into the heart of the Valle d’Itria. Coastal towns, ancient sites, caves, and iconic trulli shape this varied tour, offering a rich mix of history and Mediterranean charm.

Let Fasano Captivate You! Nestled between Salerno and the province of Bari, the whitewashed old town, with its winding streets, exudes the charm of southern Italian life. Surrounding Fasano, olive groves, orchards, and picturesque masserie (traditional farm estates) complete the idyllic landscape.

After a short transfer, your walk begins in Savelletri along one of Europe’s oldest routes, the Via Francigena. The trail passes the archaeological park of Egnazia, once an important trade center in antiquity. The deep blue of the Adriatic accompanies you all the way to Monopoli, where the impressive 16th-century coastal fortress dominates the town’s skyline – a fitting end to the day with a captivating glimpse into the past.

Today you continue along the Via Francigena, which hugs the coastline here. Passing golden sandy coves and crossing the impressive Sella Bridge, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the deep blue sea before reaching the Adriatic gem of Polignano a Mare. Perched high above the water, the town enchants visitors with its scenic balconies. A visit to the statue of Domenico Modugno is a must and provides a memorable end to the day.

From Polignano a Mare, you first walk to the charming fishing village of San Vito, where the harbor and abbey reflect the area’s long history. Following an ancient Roman coastal road marked by historic milestones and an old watchtower, you continue inland. Your day ends in Conversano, a medieval town now renowned for its vibrant arts scene.

In Conversano, the residence of the Counts of Acquaviva d’Aragona, history is around every corner. From the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the route winds through a lush, green cultural landscape. Your destination is Castellana, where the famous stalactite caves – with their extraordinary formations – rank among Apulia’s most remarkable attractions.

The shorter stage allows time for a visit to the impressive Castellana Caves (about 1.5 hours / 3 km / 2 miles extra). Inside this vast underground complex, you’ll encounter breathtaking spaces and spectacular rock formations. Afterwards, the route continues through Apulia’s peaceful rolling hills to Putignano, a lively town renowned far beyond the region for its colorful and traditional carnival celebrations.

On the final day of hiking, you enter one of Apulia’s most iconic landscapes – the gentle hills of the Valle d’Itria. Dry stone walls, olive groves, and the first trulli line the trail, signaling your destination for the day. In Alberobello, the UNESCO-listed heart of this unique architectural tradition, hundreds of conical houses await, along with the distinctive charm and special atmosphere of this extraordinary town.

Day
08

Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Walking

The daily hikes take you along the coast and over gentle hills. The terrain consists of a mix of well-marked coastal paths, flat country trails and paved sections. A good level of fitness is required. You can expect to walk for around 3 to 5 hours a day.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in comfortable B&Bs, 3*** hotels or Alberghi Diffusi
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • 1 transfer Fasano – Savelletri (day 2)
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Airport transfer from Bari to Fasano, costs EUR 155 per ride (max. 3 persons) or EUR 195 per ride (max. 7 persons)
  • Airport transfer from Brindisi to Fasano, costs EUR 205 per ride (max. 3 persons) or EUR 245 per ride (max. 7 persons)
  •  Airport transfer from Alberobello to Bari, costs EUR 165 per ride (max. 3 persons) or EUR 195 per ride (max. 7 persons)
  • Airport transfer from Alberobello to Brindisi, costs EUR 205 per ride (max. 3 persons) or EUR 295 per ride (max. 7 persons)
  • Reservations are required for all transfers, payable in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Bari airport and by train to Bari Centrale railway station (travel time approx. 15 minutes). From there, continue by train to Fasano (travel time approx. 35 to 50 minutes)
  • Brindisi airport and by shuttle bus or taxi to Brindisi railway station (travel time approx. 10 to 15 minutes). From there, continue by train to Fasano (travel time approx. 45 minutes)
  • Departure from Alberobello by bus and train to Bari airport, duration approx. 3 hours (2 changes) or by bus and train to Brindisi airport, duration approx. 3 hours (3 changes)

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
  • You can find more important information according to the Package Travel Act here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Sophia Altenberger

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Sophia Altenberger
Travel Specialist
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