Sassi di Matera and Salento Trek

October 29th to November 4th, 2023
A cultural and landscape-focused choice to experience the evocative places and beauties of these Mediterranean lands. For the first two days, we will dive into the history of Matera and the scenic wonders of the Salento hiking trails.
We will start by focusing on key spots in Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture. We will explore the city through the Sassi, visit the cistern, and the park of the rupestrian churches.
On the third day, we will transfer to Salento, dedicating the time to the Valle d’Itria with visits to the Grotte di Castellana and the trulli of Alberobello. In the afternoon, we will take a short hike among the ancient olive trees of a 4-star Masseria near Ostuni. Our journey continues with a full immersion in Salento, a land of sea and pizzica, where we will walk along coastal paths of dazzling beauty. Our hikes will take us from the Bauxite lake, known for the red color of the earth surrounding it (Otranto), to Porto Badisco. We will continue along the Ciolo and the Cipolliane trail; the entire route is stunning, and in the final part, we will head into the valley known in the local dialect as “Gravina” (Gagliano del Capo), finishing with a trek in Porto Selvaggio, one of the most beautiful reserves in Salento. On the last day, we will visit the historic center of Lecce with an urban walk to appreciate the “Lecce baroque”.

Price includes: € 820,00 - Guide service, organization and insurance, overnight stays in hotels, Masserie, and B&Bs with double or triple room accommodation, dinners and breakfasts from the evening of the first day until the morning of the last. Tourist guide in Matera and Lecce, and entrance ticket to the Grotte di Castellana.
Costs do not include: travel expenses to and from the meeting point, packed lunches for all days, and extra expenses not specified under “Price includes”. Single room supplement € 30,00 per night.
Deposit: € 220,00 at the time of booking.
Upon confirmation of your participation, we kindly ask you to send your insurance details via email to [email protected]: full name, place and date of birth, place of residence, and tax code (codice fiscale); we also recommend a copy of your ID card.
Balance: € 600,00 to be paid two weeks before departure.
Local transfers: own car or rental car/minibus. For the latter option, the cost will be split among all participants.
Meeting point: Sunday, October 29th at 16:00 in Matera, in the center of Piazza Vittorio Veneto, at the entrance of the Palombaro cistern.
End of trip: Saturday, November 4th at 15:00 in Lecce, at the train or bus station.
Trip style: stationary with a light daypack.
Difficulty: easy.
Daily walking hours: 4 to 6.
Meals: dinners and breakfasts at restaurants.
Highlights: Sassi di Matera, Rupestrian churches, Salento landscape, Otranto, the Ciolo, Porto Selvaggio, and local gastronomy.Maximum number of participants: 14
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights.
Booking deadline: October 10th, 2023. Naturally, subject to availability.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, hiking shoes, sun hat, trekking poles, shower sandals, rain poncho (k-way), sweater, waterproof jacket, water bottle, swimsuit, and personal toiletries.
Notes: the itinerary may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural events; in such cases, an alternative route will be taken if possible. One week before the trip, we will send you an email with final information.
Guide and organization: Salvatore Marletta, contact 3334987946
Email: [email protected] – www.ciaotrekking.com
Technical Organization: Agenzia Viaggi Corallo - Via Roma 168 Ragusa.