Tours of Italy

Over more than 30 years Explore has developed a diverse and exciting range of more than 100 walking and trekking holidays. Whether you’re new to walking holidays, a casual hiker or a seasoned trekker you will find plenty of expertly planned walks and treks to choose from. We specialise in small group walking and trekking holidays. On these you will be in a group of up to 16 along with an experienced tour leader. Depending on the trek you may also have guides, porters, muleteers, cooks and camping crew with you too. For many trekkers the camaraderie with the crew is one of the highlights of the holiday.

On Foot in Puglia and Basilicata

Tour Map of On Foot in Puglia and Basilicata

Discover Puglia and Basilicata's beautiful countryside and laid-back charm on this twin-centre walking holiday to the 'heel' of boot-shaped Italy. From the pretty seaside town of Vieste on the Gargano Peninsula, we enjoy walks in ancient pine forests and along the rugged coast. In Matera we explore its ancient Sassi, a UNESCO-listed troglodyte quarter and hike gorge-rim trails to medieval Montescaglioso. On rambles around Alberobello and Locorotondo, we discover the charming beehive-shaped trulli houses of the Itria valley. We also enjoy sampling locally produced wine, cheese and olive oil and a special dinner featuring regional specialities.

Puglia - On Foot in Forgotten Italy

The beautiful 'heel' of Italy is home to the country's longest coastline, a spectacular 800km of breath-taking landscapes, rugged national parks, limestone cliffs, endless olive groves, remote beaches, picturesque white-washed villages and dramatic castles. Described as the "bread basket of Italy," Puglia offers some of the country's most fantastic food and amazing wines, alongside stunning walking. We explore the region with relaxing walks, ensuring there is plenty of time to explore the beautiful towns and villages the area is famed for. After starting in the coastal town of Bari, with its old town and pretty harbour, we head to the spectacular Gargano Peninsula National Park, our base for three spectacular days of walking. Described as one of Italy's most beautiful national parks, we'll hike along shepherd trails and pilgrimage paths to explore one of Europe's most important sites, the isolated and striking hill-top town of Monte San Angelo. Next, the dramatic canyon of Ripe Rosse and the spectacular high cliffs of Monte Saraceno, before the striking hill-top village of Ostuni, with its enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets, beautiful white-washed architecture and far reaching sea views. A well planned free day at our mid-week base in Bari, leaves you free to discover either the fantastic UNESCO troglodyte town of Matera, a real highlight of the region or Lecce, the "Florence of Southern Italy" both easily accessible by excellent public train connections. However we leave the best to last and a definite highlight of the week is our final night in UNESCO Alberobello. Famed for its conical topped limestone Trulli houses, Alberobello resembles a town straight out of a fairy tale, complete with roofs decorated in astronomical and pagan symbols. If you are looking for a walking holiday in a forgotten area of Italy which offers superb coastal walking, plenty of sunshine, fantastic food, and beautiful architecture, then this is the only choice!