Trekking tours in Apulia

Arrive at Bari Palese Airport and transfer to 5* HB property on the beautiful coast between Mattinata and Vieste. The hotel is located a few meters from the Gargano sea, in one of Italy's most exclusive bays, renowned for its striking Faraglioni rocks. The hotel's elevator, carved into the rock, gives free access to the enchanting bay, located among the high cliffs and reserved for hotel guests. Meeting with the guide and welcome dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast and departure for Vergone del Lupo, a locality located in the southern part of the Umbra Forest, in the Gargano National Park. A 13.2-kilometer-long trekking route to Montesacro will start from Vergone del Lupo, through the varied natural environment known for its distinctive landscapes. Part of the route retraces the old cattle road used by the Micaelici pilgrims from Vieste, who make an overnight pilgrimage to the cave of Archangel Michael every year. Monte Sacro is known for the ruins of the Benedictine abbey "SS. Trinity," dating back to the 11th century. The impressive ruins of the abbey cover an area of 6,500 square meters, hidden by dense vegetation. After 6 hours of walking in these wonderful places, it's time for lunch at an agritourism in Montesacro, enjoying typical local products. Following transfer to the hotel and free evening.

Breakfast and departure for Baia dei Campi, for a 13.2 km route along the coast's beautiful bays. The beautiful embroideries of the rocks that line the Gargano coast give life to unique bays; towering cliffs covered with lush vegetation surround the golden beaches, enriching them with the colors and flavors of the Mediterranean. The vast pine forests of Aleppo Pine and Macchia Mediterranea colonize the entire area, providing magnificent color effects both during spring, with buds of mastic tree and phillyrea, and during autumn, with the flowering of heather and the colors of mastic and phillyrea berries. The beach of Baia di Campi is truly picturesque: protected by the Rock of Campi, it is entirely surrounded by pine forests and cultivations of centuries-old olive trees. This bay is located between L'Architiello (a characteristic symbol of the Vieste coastline) and the high cliff topped by a watchtower. Also wonderful is the beach of Portogreco, all covered with limestone pebbles and enclosed by two splendid promontories. After the itinerary we will go to taste some excellent fresh fish in a restaurant in Vieste, one of the most characteristic towns of the Gargano, and after lunch we will go to the town center to visit the historic center of Vieste. Transfer to hotel and free evening.

Breakfast and transfer to the magical Sfilzi Reserve in the Umbra Forest for a 9 km long tour for a total of 4 hours. This route runs entirely through the Umbra Forest, starting in Caritate, a former hunter's lodge now abandoned. You'll walk on the trail that hugs the Sfilzi nature reserve, characterized by forests that give way to majestic beech forests at higher elevations. Halfway along the route, a narrow path will lead us to the Sfilzi spring, the only permanent spring in the Gargano, distinctive for its special construction and attributed to the powerful Benedictine abbey of the Tremiti, and the presence of the Tritone Italico (Triturus italicus). We will continue to the former Sfilzi Barracks, currently used as a hostel and small restaurant, where we will have a delicious lunch. Transfer to hotel and free evening.

Breakfast and transfer to the beautiful coast between Vieste and Peschici. This tour will last 4 hours and will be 9.5 km long. The proposal of this trekking itinerary aims to enhance some typical elements of the fascinating Gargano coast: the watchtowers, the rocky cliffs, the sea caves and bays, the rich Mediterranean vegetation. By decision of the viceroy of Naples, Don Pietro di Toledo, a series of small forts and watchtowers were built along the coast of southern Italy to defend the territory. The presence of such a system became particularly useful in preventing and fighting the Turks. The coast between Vieste and Peschici is characterized by the presence of trabucchi, powerful fishing machines that reached out to the sea. According to some local historians, the origin of this important fishing system dates back to Phoenician times and is still in use in our country. We will have lunch in a nice restaurant facing the sea, eat fresh fish and admire the beautiful landscape from a real trebuchet. Transfer to hotel and free evening.

Breakfast and transfer to Monte Sant'Angelo, to begin a 9.5-kilometer tour aimed at discovering the natural area surrounding the magical UNESCO World Heritage site, for a total of 6 hours. Along the slopes of Monte Sant'Angelo, down to the Adriatic Sea, runs one of the oldest existing bridle paths, traversed incessantly by the Micaelian pilgrims who used to visit the Grotto of the Archangel Michael since the late 5th century. Interpreting the Gothic language, the "Scannamugliéra Valley" means strong and great ascent. In the long stretches of the path there are steps, built by farmers, shepherds and devotees to facilitate the ascent. The frequentation of this path by Micaelian pilgrims determined its name: "Scala Santa." The entire route is short, very scenic, and crosses one of the most interesting rocky landscapes of the Gargano, shaped by centuries of human activity. Along the way there are terraces in good condition, old clay wells, small rooms dug into the rock, tombs and rock settlements. Of the latter, the most interesting is the rock church "All Saints," carved into the rock on the right ridge of the Scannamugliéra Valley. In the 9th century around the church the inhabitants of the plain below gave birth to a civilized agglomeration. In fact, all around can be seen dwellings carved into the rock. From this point it is possible to admire the deep valleys that descend from the mountains to the sea. Some areas have had coniferous reforestation and extensive Mediterranean scrubland. A wide and impressive view can be enjoyed, encompassing the Gulf of Manfredonia, the Tavoliere and much of the Dauno sub-Apennines. Throughout the surrounding areas one can appreciate the ingenious works for water control and terracing done by farmers engaged in subsistence farming. After lunch at a typical Apulian agriturismo, we will visit the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo del Gargano, a very famous Catholic shrine. Transfer to hotel and free evening.

Breakfast and transfer to Torre di Sagro, a suburb of Vieste. Today's tour will last 6 hours, for a total of 14.7 km. You will initially walk among oak trees and old farmhouses, observing the ancient artifacts of the man who once lived in these places. The route descending towards Vieste is always very scenic, with wide views of the sea and hilly landscapes, characterized by different species of the Mediterranean scrub. This route, which develops in a beautiful atmosphere, gives us an overview of the enchanting natural landscapes of the Gargano, including the coastal areas and the inland areas of the Contrade, located at various altitudes above sea level. We will walk in an evocative atmosphere, over limestone slabs, olive groves, mixed forests and visit an extensive necropolis dating back to the Dauna Age (6th-3rd centuries B.C.), which suggests the presence of a small village where Dauni shepherds lived. The remains of grave finds, discovered almost by accident in a tomb, testify to the poverty of the population of this settlement. During lunch in a typical agriturismo-masseria we will introduce you to the sublime world of Caciocavallo Podolico del Gargano. Transfer to hotel, free time, followed by farewell dinner and farewell.

Breakfast and transfer to the airport.