The Trulli Coast on foot: Via Francigena, Trulli & Sea

Program

Day 1

Fasano
Arrival in the afternoon. Fasano, on the border between the Salento and Bari regions, is surrounded by olive groves, orchards, vineyards and large farms. Its historic center is characterized by a maze of narrow streets and white houses.

Day 2

Fasano – Monopoli (19km; +100m)
A member of our team will accompany you from your accommodation in Fasano to Savelletri. Once you’ve reached Savelletri, you’ll set off along one of Europe’s oldest routes: the Via Francigena. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit the Egnazia archaeological park, which bears witness to the history of Egnazia, a thriving ancient trading center and the largest example of a Roman town in Puglia. You’ll then continue on to one of the pearls of the Mediterranean: Monopoli, famous for its 16th-century castle overlooking the sea.

Day 3

Monopoli – Polignano a mare (14km; +100m)
This route also follows the Via Francigena, but is entirely coastal, unlike the Via Appia. After leaving Monopoli, you’ll reach Polignano a Mare, crossing beautiful coves with golden sands and the Sella Bridge, a natural bridge over the Adriatic Sea. You’ll finally arrive in Polignano a Mare, the pearl of the Adriatic. Stop off at the balconies overlooking the sea, and take a photo with the statue of Domenico Modugno, the famous author of the song “Volare oh oh”! Overnight in Polignano a Mare.

Day 4

Polignano a Mare – Conversano (12km; +220m)
The hike will first take you to the small fishing village of San Vito, with its pretty port. Don’t miss the chance to visit the sea caves of Polignano with a boat trip (not included in this tour)! This little port was once under the control of Benedictine monks who lived in the abbey housing both the relics of Saint Vito and an underground oil mill dating back to Roman times. You’ll notice that you’re on an ancient Roman road, thanks to the column on the rocks. You’ll also see a 16th-century coastal tower, typical of the Apulian coast, built to defend the region against Saracen invasions. The road then takes you to Conversano, a medieval village now recognized as a town of art.

Day 5

Conversano – Castellana Grotte (16.5 km; +320m)
Conversano, town of the Counts Acquaviva d’Aragona, whose most famous representative is Giangirolamo II, known as Guercio di Puglia. The Counts lived in the castle, which houses 17th-century paintings from the cycle “La Gerusalemme Liberata” by the artist Paolo Finoglio. Leaving the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Conversano, the path winds through lush rural countryside to one of Puglia’s most fascinating spots: Castellana and its magnificent caves. Discovered in 1938 by speleologist Franco Anelli, they are among the world’s best-known “Apulian Wonders”.

Day 6

Castellana Grotte – Putigano (10km; +374m)
Today’s itinerary is shorter, allowing you to visit the Castellana caves. This complex of underground cavities of karstic origin is of great interest to tourists and is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular in Italy. It extends over 3348 metres and reaches a maximum depth of 122 metres. The site is open all year round, and we recommend that you book a guided tour of the entire route.
CASTELLANA CAVES
Route length: 3 km, depth: 122 m; terrain: rocky and wet; duration: 1.5 h.
This stage then takes you to the town of Putignano, renowned throughout Italy for hosting one of the country’s most important and famous carnivals.

Day 7

Putignano – Alberobello (18 km; +249m)
The hike starts from the historic center of Putignano and leads into the Itria Valley, famous for its trulli, dry-stone constructions recognized the world over. The final destination is the emblematic town of these architectural structures, Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can admire the largest concentration of trulli, which characterize two districts, as well as the church of Sant’Antonio da Padova.

Day 8

End of stay after breakfast. It’s already time to say goodbye to Puglia.