Flowers of the Gargano – Escorted
Discover the secrets of the Gargano, where a high fertile limestone massif offering spectacular sea views bursts into bloom each Spring with inspiring profusion - and abundance of species including sone rare, and one unique - ‘Europe’s most beautiful wild orchid’.
A wide range of habitats in the Gargano National Park – including high meadows, terraced hillsides, aromatic Mediterranean scrub or Puglia’s most ancient forest, offer an abundance of both flowers and wildlife. In the stony uplands are pre-historic sites, and high at the western end, is the rock church of Monte Sant’ Angelo, Europe’s oldest pilgrim sanctuary, site of the legendry last appearance on earth of the archangel Michael in 496 AD… whilst down on the coast are with its rocky coves and sandy bays are whitewashed fishing villages, restaurants offering fresh seafood and comfortable seaside hotels where we stay. Enjoy easy to moderate walking, browsing the best botanical sites to discover their secrets, or just relax and enjoy the extensive views of this delightful area of south eastern Italy.
Duration: 8 days
Trip dates:
18 - 25 Apr 2026
Itinerary
After arrival at Bari, we travel by road to the small city of Manfredonia (2 hours), 'gateway' to the Gargano Peninsula. If flight times permit, we will pause en route to visit the interesting Romanesque churches of San Leonardo di Siponto and Santa Maria Maggiore di Siponto, whose presence allude to the enormous importance of this area at the height of medieval pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Today, Manfredonia is known for its fishing industry, cultural festivals and as a gateway to the nearby Gargano National Park. This modern fishing town has an attractive old nucleus. It is not overly touristy, offering a genuine insight into day-to-day life here. Take a stroll around the castle and marina, walk along the seafront to the ruins of Siponto (the original port) or relax on the sands at Siponto Lido.
Friendly, family-run hotel on the Adriatic
We drive up the great limestone escarpment behind Manfredonia into peaceful farmland and rocky meadows, where a wealth of spring flowers bloom. We wander the open hillside, typically enjoying displays of wild iris and a great variety of orchids, possibly including the rare endemic Sipontum orchid. After picnicking amongst the flowers, we complete our circular walk (3 hours + 1 hour), and return to Manfredonia by road.
Friendly, family-run hotel on the Adriatic
We drive - up - to Monte Sant’Angelo, the highest and most historic town on the Gargano Peninsula (880m / 2,890ft), with its remarkable 4th century rock church, 12th century basilica and Swabian castle. After exploring the town we walk out to picnic on a ridge with panoramic views over the coastal plain. After lunch our walk continues, descending the ridge through wonderfully flower-filled meadows (1 hour + 2.5 hours). Return to Manfredonia by road.
Kings, emperors and empresses, nobles and saints are among the many pilgrims that have made their way over the centuries to Monte Sant’Angelo. It is famed as the site of a fourfold appearance of the Archangel Saint Michael towards the end of the 5th century, making it one of the earliest shrines in Europe. Visit the sanctuary and various churches that surround the site. Above the town is a massive, ruined castle begun by the Normans.
Friendly, family-run hotel on the Adriatic
Our walk today follows quiet lanes and small paths through an unspoiled limestone landscape of farmland and woods in a 'hidden' valley. The flower displays are typically glorious, changing as we pass between habitats, and the verdant views and birdsong are equally delightful (3.5 hours + 1.5 hours). Free afternoon with optional late-afternoon excursion (by minibus – 20 mins) to the Madonna di Pulsano monastery.
The Madonna di Pulsano Monastery is a historic and spiritual site located on Mount Gargano. Founded in the 6th century by Saint Gregory the Great and later expanded by Saint John of Pulsano in the 12th century, it became a centre for monastic life and Byzantine spirituality. The monastery is known for its striking location overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Today, it serves as a pilgrimage site and is home to a small community of monks.
Friendly, family-run hotel on the Adriatic
We drive down towards the olive-covered plain of Mattinata, pausing en route to visit the ancient necropolis of Monte Saraceno (1 hour). Driving on, we follow small roads inland to Monte Sacro. From here, we walk up through flowery limestone rockeries and through shady woods to discover a ruined 12th century monastery on the summit of the 'monte', redescending to picnic in the meadows below (2 hours). After lunch, we continue by road to the seaside town of Vieste (1.5 hours).
Set over hills within the Gargano National Park, Mattinata occupies a picturesque spot, overlooking the blue Adriatic and a patchwork of olive groves. In Spring, wild orchids fill the surrounding countryside. Local shops sell artisan items, such as prickly pear jam and local olive oil.
Centrally located Liberty style hotel dating back to the 15th century
We drive up into the hills behind Vieste. Our walk then follows small lanes and farm tracks through oak woods and pasture, with grazing Podolica cattle and free-range pigs, along a pleasant ridge with open views, and tracks that lead us down to the olive groves behind Vieste. After picnicking in one of these, there is the option to walk on, along a quiet lane flanked by olives, to the outskirts of Vieste (3 hours + 1 hour).
This beautiful village of narrow streets and white-washed houses sits above a coastline peppered with geological wonders. The chalk-like white limestone has been carved out by wind and water to create fascinating caves and archways.
Centrally located Liberty style hotel dating back to the 15th century
Morning excursion by boat to explore the beautiful coastline of the Gargano (weather permitting!). After returning to Vieste, we explore a nearby orchid site, and then enjoy another delightful, short ridge walk through high meadows with open views, descending towards the sea (1.5 hours).
Centrally located Liberty style hotel dating back to the 15th century
We return to Bari airport by road (2.5 hours).
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Easy to Moderate Walking. This is an 8-day trip, with optional walks offered on 6 days. The length of each day varies from 1.5 hours to a maximum of 5 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. A typical day might incorporate an hour or two of ‘pottering’ in an area particularly rich in flowers and a longer (more directional!) walk of 2-4 hours, during which we can enjoy more of the scenery as well as the flowers en route.
The pace of walks is naturally slow, as we stop to look at so many flowers, but the terrain can be rough in places and is quite hilly. You should be prepared to climb/scramble over old stone walls, as many of the walks cross abandoned farmland and the walls are difficult to avoid! In Vieste our walks are down ridges running toward the coast and therefore involve some gently sustained descent.
We walk across open farmland (often abandoned) on little grassy paths through rocky fields, follow walled drove roads (still in use) that can be both rough/rocky and muddy, woodland tracks, dirt roads and short sections of tarmac lane. Please make sure that your footwear provides strong ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Walking & Terrain
Easy to Moderate Walking. This is an 8-day trip, with optional walks offered on 6 days. The length of each day varies from 1.5 hours to a maximum of 5 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. A typical day might incorporate an hour or two of ‘pottering’ in an area particularly rich in flowers and a longer (more directional!) walk of 2-4 hours, during which we can enjoy more of the scenery as well as the flowers en route.
The pace of walks is naturally slow, as we stop to look at so many flowers, but the terrain can be rough in places and is quite hilly. You should be prepared to climb/scramble over old stone walls, as many of the walks cross abandoned farmland and the walls are difficult to avoid! In Vieste our walks are down ridges running toward the coast and therefore involve some gently sustained descent.
We walk across open farmland (often abandoned) on little grassy paths through rocky fields, follow walled drove roads (still in use) that can be both rough/rocky and muddy, woodland tracks, dirt roads and short sections of tarmac lane. Please make sure that your footwear provides strong ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
The hotels we stay in are characteristic of the area and the towns we visit.
All evening meals are included and are taken either in the hotel or in local restaurants. At dinner, the Tour Manager will tell you about each evening’s menu and if there is anything else that you would prefer, you only have to ask. There are no particular dress requirements in the restaurants we use, although some are obviously smarter than others.
Each day the Tour Manager will meet you with one of ATG’s celebrated picnic lunches. You will be greeted with mineral water and a starter followed by wine and an abundant lunch of local organic produce and specialities. Picnics are colourful, varied and nutritious. Buffet-style, there is a choice of meats, cheeses, substantial salads, bread and fruit…and pudding. If it is cold there will be a hot dish.
Food & Wine
This region is traditionally poor and the humble (yet delicious) cuisine reflects this. There is pasta galore of every shape and size while the coast is a wonderful source of fresh seafood, from cuttlefish to calamari and clams – see the trabucchi, enormous wooden structures that were once used to catch fish, which line the coast from Vieste to Peschici. Wine in Puglia is free flowing – it produces one fifth of the country’s wine – but in recent years there has been a focus on quality over quantity. The region now has over 20 DOCs to its name. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
Flora & Fauna
The Gargano National Park covers a wide array of habitats, from the woodlands of the Umbra Forest to the limestone cliffs of the coast. Deer, wild boar, porcupines and pine martens roam the woods while birds of prey including kestrels, peregrine falcons and snake eagles have all been spotted in the area. The Gargano is particularly famous for its orchids. There are 81 different types growing here, including endemic species that were first found here and which may not be found anywhere else. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Escorted trips are accompanied by two of ATG’s fully trained Tour Consultants, from the moment they welcome you at the airport, through to the end-of trip airport transfer. The Tour Manager looks after the practical side of the trip – luggage transport, hotels, food and drink. The Tour Leader will lead each day’s walk, and after dinner each evening will tell you about the following day’s itinerary. Both Tour Consultants will explain their role, and how the trip will run, on the first evening at dinner.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Tour Consultants can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Tour Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently. We will advise you of the group meeting time at the destination airport and return transfer time to the airport at the end of your trip to enable you to book compatible flights.
Yes. All of our escorted trips can be booked privately, you can book a set departure or a date to suit you (subject to availability). In most instances if the group is 13-16 clients we will offer the trip at the published price. For 12 or fewer clients we would provide a bespoke costing.
On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from items of a personal nature and snacks or drinks outside of the set meals.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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