Weekendin Singapore Jan '14 | Issue 10 | Page 126

intheTRAVEL intheTRAVEL Walking in Puglia & Basilicata Think you’ve seen all of Italy? Think again. This trip takes you on a walking holiday through Puglia and Basilicata, two lesser-known regions of this postcard-perfect country. You’ll hike along the rugged Adriatic Coast, explore inland valleys and olive groves, and visit a charming hill town built around a Benedictine abbey. Better yet, you’ll experience a secret side of Italy that’s still relatively unaffected by tourism. Rural landscape of Basilicata, near Acerenza Block Sofa by Danish Designs Discover two of Italy’s most beautiful and uncongested regions. The heel of the boot, Puglia (often called Apulia) offers the best of Southern Italy from delicious cuisine and wine to its rich and unique culture. The neighbouring province of Basilicata offers the dramatic cave-city of Matera as well as the surprising alpine scenery of the Dolomiti Lucane. Highlights include Bari’s historic medieval port, the cliffs of Polignano a Mare, UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses, and unbelievable Matera, carved from a limestone gorge over the centuries. The unexpected alpine scenery of the Basilicata’s Lucane region, and the fabulous, genuine welcome from Maria and Peppino! In the heart of the Mediterranean lies Puglia and Basilicata, two unique regions sandwiched between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas. The itinerary explores the very best walks in these captivating and still relatively unknown regions in Southern Italy. From the stunning white city of Ostuni, perched high on a hill overlooking the Adriatic, you walk towards the idyllic coastline. As you move inland, you explore the lush Itria Valley, dotted by thousands of ancient olive trees and the fairytale Trulli houses, still standing after 5000 years. The remainder of the journey takes you to Montescaglioso, a charming hilltop village built around a Benedictine Abbey in the undiscovered region of Basilicata. Following the bed of a canyon and walking past rock churches and caves, you reach the fascinating city of Matera, famous for its Sassi houses carved out of the rock and inhabited since the Prehistoric times. Offered By: Adventure Centre Length: 8 days with the support Price: $1, 835 CAD (1,730 USD) Weekendin 126 of A captivating and idyllic coastline A charming hilltop village 127 Weekendin