Between the Forests and the Blue is an 8-day tour combining trekking, nature and culture through some of Puglia’s most striking landscapes. From the Gargano to the Foresta Umbra, by way of Castel del Monte, Porto Selvaggio, Otranto, Gallipoli and the Terra d’Arneo, the journey strikes a perfect balance between ancient woodlands, spectacular coastlines and villages steeped in history. An ideal experience for those who love walking surrounded by nature while discovering the traditions, authentic flavours and most unspoilt beauty of Puglia.
Arrival at the airport, transfer to the Gargano, check-in at the hotel, meeting with the hiking guide and presentation of the itinerary. Dinner and overnight stay.
Gargano – Half board at the hotel. The route takes us from the Vieste woods to the edge of the Foresta Umbra, and then up to Monte Sacro, known for the ruins of the Abbey of the Santissima Trinità. We set off from the Sagro area, whose woodland is characterised by large Turkey oaks. After about 3 km on foot, we reach the Masseria Fusillo, and from here we continue towards the trapezoid-shaped Monte Sacro.
Average duration: approx. 10 hours – Route length: 21 km – Difficulty level: Moderate/Challenging.
Foresta Umbra – Gargano National
Park – Half board at the hotel. Today’s route runs through the Foresta Umbra: the Caritate forest station (300 m a.s.l.), the Baracconi area and Lacotenente (800 m a.s.l.), before descending again to the Ginestra (lower and upper) and Caritate areas. Starting from the Caritate forest station, follow the paved road for about 1 km to a picnic area; at its far end, a forestry service sign shows the route to Baracconi (first sign). The path climbs up the hill in 25 or more hairpin bends, and on one of them you will find the second sign. Further on, signs lead to the Pozzo Lombardo sinkhole and, later, to the Malanotte sinkhole. After about three hours’ walk, we reach Baracconi, at the Villaggio Umbra. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 11 hours – Route length: 26 km – Difficulty level: Challenging.
Alta Murgia – Castel del Monte – Breakfast, collection of packed lunches and departure by bus for the meeting point at the start of the hike (approx. 1.5 hours). Walk with a specialist guide through the area surrounding Castel del Monte, admiring the native flora and fauna of the Murgia and some of the park’s traces of human settlement, such as masserie (fortified farmhouses), jazzi (sheepfolds) and dry-stone walls. A tasting stop at a masseria is planned, and in the afternoon a guided visit of the Octagonal castle, symbol of the power of Emperor Frederick II. Transfer by coach to Salento (approx. 2.5 hours). Arrival and check-in at the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 4 hours – Route
length: 15 km – Difficulty level: Moderate.
Portoselvaggio – Palude del Capitano – Gallipoli – Half board at the hotel. Departure by bus. The route begins in the “Portoselvaggio e Palude del Capitano” regional nature park, between Santa Caterina and Sant’Isidoro, with an alternation of high cliffs, coves, bays and inlets. The pine forest shades the park, and beneath it the trails crisscross among prehistoric caves, specchie (ancient stone mounds), walls of ancient villages, coastal towers and fossilised fish. The first park in Puglia, and a park for all seasons. Transfer by bus to Gallipoli for a short visit of the old town of the “Beautiful City”. Transfer to the hotel by bus.
Average duration: approx. 10 hours – Route
length: 15 km – Difficulty level: Moderate.
Italy’s South-East – Otranto – Half board at the hotel. We walk along the Adriatic coast of Salento north of Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy, over gold-tinged cliffs and sands where white blends with black. This route is full of contrasts. At the end of the itinerary, stop and visit the old town of Otranto. Transfer by bus to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Average duration: approx. 10 hours – Route
length: 18 km – Difficulty level: Moderate.
Terra d’Arneo – Lecce – Half board at the hotel. A beautiful hike, this time in the Terra d’Arneo, through expanses of scrubland near the prototype test track. The intense and delightful aromas of farmhouse cheeses and ricotta, which you can buy during the stops. Masseria Donna Aurelia, on a route through olive groves, long straight dirt and paved roads, elegant country residences, tall irrigation towers, giant oaks and caves. Then transfer by bus to Lecce for a short visit of the historic centre.
Average duration: approx. 10 hours – Route
length: 18 km – Difficulty level: Moderate.
Departure – Breakfast, free time if schedules allow, and transfer to the airport for departure.
