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Coastal Hiking in Puglia 8 day Self-Guided Walking (Level 2)

8days
Italy

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Single bed room:

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Walking Tours Europe

Coastal Hiking Puglia over 8 days

The land of the trulli awaits you with magnificent beaches and a landscape lined with olive groves and citrus trees. Follow the enchanting coastal path where vast views of the glittering blue sea are your constant companions. Following winding shepherds' paths, you will reach dreamy fishing villages just waiting to be discovered, make sure you taste the catch of the day there. The landscape changes just as spectacularly as your hiking route, rugged cliffs give way to the open meadows of the Apulian savannah, ancient stone walls and lush forests characterise the landscape. The rustling of ancient olive trees, the chirping of crickets and the smell of wild fennel and liquorice accompany you all the way to your destination in Lecce – and again and again the round domed roofs of the "Pagliari" greet you as if from times long past.

Highlights:

Diverse culture in Otranto: Right at the start of your tour you have the opportunity to get to know the ‘pearl of the orient’. The picturesque coastal town offers wonderful beaches and cultural musts such as the cathedral Santa Annunziata with its impressive mosaic floor covering around 1,600m2.
Refreshing breaks from hiking: On your coastal hiking tour there is lots of time to enjoy a magnificent moment of relaxation in the unspoiled beaches and refreshing crystal-clear water.
Picture perfect landscapes up close: By foot, you will march through the picturesque landscape, which is characterised by olive groves, pine forests, vineyards and quiet villages. While hiking, you have the opportunity to take a break at any time to enjoy this wonderful panorama.
Hiking on historical "tratturi": In Puglia there are numerous "tratturi", which in past times connected the villages with the sea. These natural paths of gravel or grass were important trade routes for the transport of agricultural products such as wine, grain or olive oil. Furthermore, shepherds used these paths to lead their herds of cattle to water sources

Tour Character: Level 2 Self-Guided

The daily tours between 2 and max. 5 hours are easy to manage with a good basic level of fitness. For the most part, you will hike on rocky coastal paths and narrow hiking trails, where sure-footedness and a bit of a head for heights are required. A few sections lead partly on asphalted side roads through the small villages and towns

Included in the Tour:

Accommodation in beautiful, typical for the country 3***and mostly 4****-hotels, and comfortable B&Bs (partly with pool) and 1x traditional masseria (ital. country house)
Breakfast
2 dinner (Porto Badisco and Marina Serra)
Luggage transfer
Carefully elaborated route description
Detailed tour documents 1x per room (German, English)
GPS-data available
Service hotline

Not included:

Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
Train ride from Gagliano to Lecce, approx. EUR 7 per person.
Transfers
Drinks
Lunches
Anything not mentioned in 'included'

Parking/ Arrival/ Departure:

Rail journey to Lecce and by bus (www.provincia.le.it) in approx. 1.5 hours to Otranto.
Brindisi or Bari airport. From there by bus or train to the respective railway station and by train to Lecce (from Brindisi approx. 1 hour and from Bari approx. 2 hours), continuing by bus to Otranto.
Return from Lecce by train to Brindisi or Bari (from Brindisi approx. 1 hour and from Bari approx. 2 hours) and continue by bus or train to the respective airport.

Notes:

Daily departure from March to October
Extra nights upon request and can be booked in each stage town
Transfers (Reservations are required for all transfers, payable in advance).:
- Airport transfer from Brindisi to Otranto, costs EUR 165 per ride (max. 8 people).
- Airport transfer from Bari to Otranto, costs EUR 369 per ride (max. 3 people), costs EUR 350 per ride (max. 8 people).
- Return transfer from Lecce to the airport Brindisi, costs EUR 129 per ride (max. 3 people), costs EUR 130 per ride (max. 8 people).
- Return transfer from Lecce to the airport Bari, costs EUR 265 per ride (max. 3 people), costs EUR 275 per ride (max. 8 people).
- Optional transfer (instead train ride) from Gagliano to Lecce on day 7, costs EUR 100 per ride (max. 3 people, EUR 235 per ride (max. 8 people).

Slow Tours offers a range of Walking Tours in Italy

Day 1

Arrival in Otranto
Day 2

Circular tour Otranto

Your hiking adventure begins in the idyllic Idro Valley. The source of the river of the same name is in the small village of Monte S. Angelo. The landscape is very fertile, orchids, orange trees and numerous vegetables grow along the way. Across the olive groves and past the pretty stone church across the river back to Otranto, the "Pearl of the Orient".

Approx. 2 hours 8 km 100 m /100 m
Day 3

Otranto – Porto Badisco

Through the labyrinth of narrow streets of the old town you reach the new harbour. Along the coast there are numerous opportunities to stop for a swim in the crystal clear water. Soon you will catch your first glimpse of the Punta Palascia lighthouse, which from now on will be your constant companion on the way to Porto Badisco.

Approx. 5 hours 13 km 270 m / 240 m
Day 4

Porto Badisco – Santa Cesarea Terme

Today's hike takes you to the picturesque bay of Porto Badisco. Along narrow footpaths along the coast, the traditional "pagliari" - round buildings with flat roofs and dry-stone walls in which shepherds used to sleep - line the path. Across the plateau inland, over fields and through pine forests to your destination today, the spa town of Santa Cesarea Terme.

Approx. 4 hours 13 km 200 m /170 m
Day 5

Santa Cesarea Terme – Marittima

Follow the old shepherds' paths further inland to the ancient town of Castro, which impresses with its imposing town wall. The small harbour invites you to linger, take enough time to visit the old town. Then along a stony path by the sea to the mysterious Acquaviva Bay. Continue through the densely wooded Acquaviva valley to Marittima.

Approx. 4,5 hours 12 km 310 m /250 m
Day 6

Marittima – Marina Serra

The trail winds through olive groves with impressive olive trees before you reach the first of several "tratturi", an ancient system of roads and paths used by the locals to connect the sea or villages and fields. Soon you will see the sea in front of you, rest in Tricase Porto for an iced coffee before arriving at the coastal village of Marina Serra.

Approx. 4,5 hours 14 km 310 m /370 m
Day 7

Marina Serra – Lecce

At the end of your journey you follow the coast once again and walk on ancient tratturi to Novaglie, where you can take a rewarding break on the beach. Here begins the breath-taking "Cipolliane Way", named after the impressive caves you can visit along the way. From the delightful Ciolo Bay through the Ciolo Valley to Gagliano del Capo, from where a short train ride takes you to the baroque city of Lecce.

Approx. 5 hours 13 km 530 m /380 m
Day 8

Departure or extension

Please enquire for dates

Car rental in Italy

If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.

Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote

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