At a Glance
Surrender to the timeless allure of Puglia on 5 day walking odyssey through Italy’s sun-drenched South. Throughout your journey your sanctuary is the five-star La Fiermontina Luxury Home in Lecce, a sophisticated retreat that offers the seamless elegance of a singular hotel experience. By eliminating the need to repack, you are invited to settle deeply into the Mediterranean rhythm, trading the haste of travel for moments of pure, immersive relaxation.
Your journey begins in the historic heart of Lecce and unfolds along pristine coastal trails that hug the Adriatic coastline, leading you to the iconic Punta Palascia lighthouse—Italy's easternmost point. From there, you will traverse the dramatic cliffs of Porto Badisco and the ancient Sentiero delle Cipolliane, wander through the wild beauty of Porto Selvaggio Natural Park, and stroll among ancient ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- 4 nights’ accommodation in a 5 star hotel on a twin share basis
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfer
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
 |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: At 10:30 a.m., your journey begins as you meet your Trip Leaders at Caffettino cafe, nestled at Via Adriatica, 4e, 73100 in Lecce, Italy. Should you need assistance, your pre-trip hotel is ready to guide you toward the café, setting the stage for the day ahead. Dressed in your hiking attire and sturdy shoes, with your luggage and a well-packed daypack in tow—don’t forget rain gear and perhaps a swimsuit for those who wish to swim—you’ll also want to keep your passport handy for hotel check-in later. With a warm “Benvenuti in Puglia!,” the adventure carries you from Lecce’s lively city center to the coastal gem of Roca, where sun-washed sands and the embrace of azure waters invite you to savor a picnic crafted from regional delights. After this indulgent lunch, the path leads you on a leisurely hike along the marina’s edge toward Torre dell'Orso, culminating in a mesmerizing natural swimming cave, dramatically sheltered by weathered cliffs. |
|
 |
A short shuttle returns you to Lecce, a city famed for its flamboyant Baroque architecture carved from soft, golden sandstone—a legacy immortalized in its Barocco Leccese style. Unwind in the refined ambiance of La Fiermontina Luxury Home, where history and hospitality entwine and your gracious hosts reveal secrets of the property’s storied past. The tranquil afternoon invites you to relax, perhaps with a refreshing swim in the serene pool, before gathering for a welcoming reception and a tasting of exquisite local wines at dusk. As the evening unfolds, a gentle stroll through enchanting streets leads to an acclaimed local restaurant, the setting for a sumptuous dinner inspired by the artisanal delicacies of Puglia, promising a culinary finale as memorable as your surroundings. Tonight, La Fiermontina Luxury Home is yours to luxuriate in. |
La Fiermontina Luxury Home (5*)
Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Following a delectable breakfast, a scenic hike awaits along the Ionian coast within the pristine expanse of Porto Selvaggio Natural Park. True to its name, "wild port," this preserved stretch of Mediterranean coastline unfolds in a breathtaking panorama of sparkling sea, sun-kissed beaches, and fragrant groves of Aleppo pine and eucalyptus. As you traverse this stunning landscape, prepare your camera for vistas that capture the untamed beauty of the Salento Peninsula. The trail meanders through quintessential Salento villages, hidden gems untouched by the usual tourist path, offering a glimpse into authentic local life. Our journey pauses for a midday repast in the historic town of Nardò, where an exclusive tasting will introduce you to the region's unique and flavorful olive oil blends. After this delightful culinary interlude, a short shuttle will convey you back to the serene elegance of Lecce. |
|
 |
The afternoon is yours to indulge in quiet contemplation, perhaps while strolling through the estate’s grounds to admire the curated 20th-century art from the owner's private collection, or simply lounging by the tranquil pool. As evening descends, we will gather once more for an immersive, hands-on cooking class in a charming local venue. Here, you will uncover the secrets of traditional Pugliese cuisine, crafting regional dishes under expert guidance before savoring the fruits of your labour. Buon appetito! |
La Fiermontina Luxury Home (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Today, our journey through Puglia continues! After breakfast, we’ll head to Otranto, a picturesque port town known for its historic center and colorful houses. The town’s castle, famously featured in Horace Walpole’s Gothic novel The Castle of Otranto, is a must-see. Before starting our hike, we’ll enjoy a traditional Pugliese treat—a delicious pasticciotto, a cream-filled pastry perfect for an energy boost. Our hike takes us along the stunning Adriatic coastline, past rocky beaches and historic landmarks, all the way to Italy’s easternmost point, the Punta Palascia lighthouse. Midday, we’ll stop for lunch at a charming agriturismo, where a local artisan will demonstrate how fresh mozzarella is made. In the afternoon, we continue walking through groves of ancient olive trees toward the beautiful beach of Porto Badisco. Afterward, a shuttle will take us back to Lecce and our hotel. Tonight, dinner is yours to enjoy in Lecce—wander the quiet streets, savor local dishes, and admire the city’s captivating historic architecture. |
La Fiermontina Luxury Home (5*)Breakfast, Lunch |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: After breakfast at the hotel, we'll take a shuttle to the coastal village of Marina di Novaglie to begin a hike along the picturesque Sentiero delle Cipolliane. This scenic trail winds through seaside cliffs between Novaglie and Ciolo, offering breathtaking views of turquoise waters, limestone formations, and hidden caves. At the trail's end, you can relax on Ciolo Beach, take in the views at a cozy café, or explore the Ciolo Canyon, home to ancient cave dwellings known as pagliari. Next, we’ll shuttle to Santa Maria di Leuca, located at the southernmost tip of Italy's boot. Weather permitting, we’ll board a private boat and cruise along this stunning coastline, dotted with rocky cliffs and sea caves. |
|
 |
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Lecce to celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner. Raise a glass of vino and toast to the incredible adventure we’ve shared! |
La Fiermontina Luxury Home (5*) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before heading out on a walking tour of Lecce with our local guide to uncover its rich history. Prefer a slower start? Sleep in and relax by the pool instead. Our journey concludes at the hotel, where you’ll say goodbye to your leaders. Whether you continue exploring bella Italia or extend your stay in Lecce, your adventure awaits! NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings and private departures. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Lecce, Italy
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Lecce. Meet trip leaders at 10:30 a.m. at Caffettino cafe located at Via Adriatica, 4e, 73100 in Lecce, Italy
Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. Do not schedule your flights until your reservation is confirmed
Puglia, located in the southern heel of Italy, enjoys a Mediterranean climate that attracts visitors year-round. Summers are warm, dry, and ideal for beach days and outdoor dining by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. In autumn, the heat becomes milder, making it a great time to explore historic towns and visit vineyards during harvest season. Winters are mild and quiet, offering a peaceful opportunity to discover the region’s history and culture. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and pleasant weather, perfect for scenic drives and coastal hikes.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
