They will take care of you
Walking trip in the Gargano peninsula, Puglia
Guide tour – 7 days
The Gargano peninsula is one of the most unknown and yet unspoiled areas of our tiny Italian heel. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, its position, combined with a karstic soil and different microclimates, creates the perfect habitat for a wide range of botanical and animal species.
Can you name another place where is possible to walk among wild orchids, Mediterranean scrub and pinewoods perched on white cliffs? And do not forget the Umbra Forest beechwood (declared UNESCO site in 2017), as well as kestrels, deer and ‘Podolica’ cattle at pasture.
While wandering around the Gargano National Park, it is very easy to be amazed one-step after another. And Gargano is fascinating not just for its natural heritage, but also for its ancient history.
The Daunians, a tribe of conquerors from the other side of the Adriatic, got here in the VII century BC, leaving a culture of funerary steles and geometrical pottery. During medieval times, Gargano became an extraordinary pilgrimage centre, where people from all over the Christian world used to gather at Saint Michael sanctuary. For this reason, Gargano was known as the ‘Holy Mountain’.
This beautiful area will amaze you with stunning landscapes, relaxing paths into the woods and captivating history. Not to mention the delicious and genuine cuisine and mild local manners.
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Programma di viaggio
GIORNO 1: MONTE SANT'ANGELO
Arrival in Monte Sant’Angelo and check-in. Welcome briefing with the guide of Puglia Hiking Tours staff.
Free time to visit the historical city centre: discover the medieval castle, the Sanctuary – today a UNESCO site and one of the most beautiful natural caves of the world! –, the Santa Maria Maggiore church with its frescoes, the ‘Junno’ old district with its whitewashed low houses. If you get hungry during the walk, do not miss one of the many delicious bakery around!
Saint Michael Sanctuary – Old district – local bakery products
GIORNO 2: MONTE SANT'ANGELO - MATTINATA
–/+12 km
The first of our hiking trails in Gargano starts in Monte Sant’Angelo, approximately 800 m a.s.l. From here, you will smoothly descend towards Mattinata and the coastline, walking on hidden ‘tratturi’ – ancient shepherds paths –, between terracings and dry-stone walls. Passing through a shady pinewood, you will reach the bottom of Carbonara Valley.
After a few kilometres, between country lanes and olive groves by the sea, you will finally get to the small town of Mattinata.
Elevation: +50 mt, -750 mt +/- 4 hours
Woods – Adriatic Coast- Olive trees
GIORNO 3: MATTINATA LOOP
+/- 10 km
Today’s walk will give us the opportunity to go up to the nearby Monte Saraceno and to discover its ancient Daunians necropolis, the place where this fierce population used to bury important members of the community.
From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Gargano white coast, together with the Mattinata plain landscape, full of olive groves and fields.
A trail through the Mediterranean bush will take us to the renowned pebble beach of Mattinata. After a refreshing swim, a quiet path will take us back to your accommodation.
Elevation: +/- 300 mt 4 hours
Monte Saraceno and Necropolis – walk on the cliff – Mattinata shore
GIORNO 4: MATTINATA - MONTE SACRO
+/- 15 - alternative: 7+4 km
Let’s say goodbye to the white Mattinata, and get ready for a nice walk in the hidden green ‘mulattiere’, old countryside trails originally walked by pack animals like mules.
We will pass through Ripe Rosse, a red limestone cliff overlooking the bay, until you will reach the Tagliata valley.
This is a perfect example of Gargano inland. It is easy to find the typical natural rainwater pools of the area, named ‘cutini’, in a scenery dotted by rolling hills, wild orchids, kestrels, and ‘podolica’ cattle at pasture.
The last climb of the day will pay off all our efforts: once on the top, take a deep breath end enjoy the silent ruins of the Monte Sacro Abbey, a jewel placed in the deep forest of the so-called Holy Mountain.
Elevation: +1050 mt, -450 mt 6 hours
Alternatively, you can take a shorter itinerary, which is as rich as the longer one in terms of natural beauties! Your morning hiking starts anyway from Mattinata and, after a couple of hours in the lush nature of Gargano National Park, you will reach your accommodation for lunch. In the afternoon, a gentle path will lead you to the marvelous ruins of Monte Sacro Abbey.
Elevation: +750mt 3+2 hours
Ripe Rosse cliffs – Monte Sacro Abbey
GIORNO 5: MONTE SACRO - MASSERIA SGARRAZZA
+/- 16 km
Leaving Monte Sacro and taking the old Saint Michael pilgrims’ route, we will get to the extreme south-east border of the Umbra Forest.
Thanks to the peninsula isolation over the ages, we will have the chance to walk through extraordinary maple woods, monumental oaks of different species and magnificent beech woods, now belonging to the UNESCO heritage. Once out of the green forest, a path amid pastures and Mediterranean scrub will lead us to Masseria Sgarrazza, a real farmhouse still in business.
Elevation: + 350 mt, – 650 mt 6 h
Umbra Forest – Pilgrims’ Path – Podolica cattle – Orchids
GIORNO 6: MASSERIA SGARRAZZA - VIESTE
+/- 12,5 km
We will head again towards the coast, across olive groves, pines and scents of rosemary and thyme. We will notice Vieste from far away: perched on a white cliff, overlooking an astonishing turquoise sea, its magical atmosphere makes it the town of lovers.
Take some time for a walk in the narrow alleys of the old town centre, a visit to the imposing medieval Basilica, or an unforgettable ‘trabucco’ experience.
Elevation: +100 mt, – 450 mt 5 h
Gargano National Park – Vieste – Trabucco
GIORNO 7: VIESTE
After breakfast, check out and end of services.
On request
You can book an extra day in Vieste: the perfect way to take advantage of the white long beaches, or take a boat trip (weather permitted!) to explore the several sea caves and coves along the Gargano coastline, or even to reach the famous Tremiti Islands.
€ 930.00 with 20% discount
€ 740,00 per person
Accommodation in double or twin room
This guided tour is available for the period 16/22 October 2021, with limited availability.
- 7 days / 6 nights in typical guest houses/ original farmhouse/ 3-4* hotel, with breakfast
- Guide
- 3 dinners ( beverage not included)
- GPS device rental with tracks or outdoor smarthpone with app
- Luggage transport
- FULL Assistance
Tourist tax to be paid locally, where applicable.
These are some extra services you can add to your trip. If you are interested please contact us.
- Single room supplement: € 25,00 per night
- Private transfer: on request
We have selected for you the best local farmhouses in the countryside or 3/4-star hotels (depending on availability), equipped with all the comforts a traveller may need. Here are the typologies:
Monte Sant’Angelo: hotel in the heart of old town centre.
Mattinata: high ranked farmhouse with swimming pool.
Monte Sacro: authentic farmhouse with swimming pool in the Gargano National Park.
Contrada San Salvatore: a real farmhouse, with a view over the surrounding woods with a view on the sea.
Vieste: boutique hotel in old town centre, with a stunning view on the bay.
[actual accommodation could be based on availability]
On request and upon availability we can offer 5-star accommodation options, too.
This is a guided tour: one of our experienced local guides will accompany you along the way, and will be on hand to answer your questions and attend to your needs during the trip.
We will book hotels for you, and transport your luggage from one location to another.
Our tours represent Puglia in all respects – even in altitude! Puglia is a hilly region surrounded by the sea: this is what you will find after the stop. Some of these stages are almost completely flat, others are fun climbs and descents, others have short climbs and panoramic views, which will bring out the adventurer within you, even if only for a few specific meters.
We have created an itinerary to reach a very difficult goal: to show you the most beautiful corners of our region, walking on the most suggestive paths.
The tour is suitable for all those who are used to walking, whatever their age.
In any case, it is always a pleasure for us to listen to your needs and customize the tour, offering you the best experience ever!
On average, every day there will be 15 kilometers to cover, with some even shorter stages (just over 10) and only a longer one, about 20 km.
The towns of departure and arrival (Monte Sant’Angelo and Vieste) can be reached by several bus lines (Marozzi, Ferrovie del Gargano), departing from Foggia (provincial capital city, served by Trenitalia the National Railway Network). Bus schedules may vary, so before your trip we will be happy to help you with all the updated information you need.
In any case, on request there is also a private transfer service with driver from all airports, stations and ports in Puglia and beyond.
FULL ASSISTANCE
Clients have one of our assistants at their disposal at all times in case of problems or needs.
On the day of arrival, guests will meet their guide for an information briefing on the tour and to answer any questions they may have. During the tour, he or she will be at their disposal for any needs.
