Gargano Peninsula – Escorted
The Gargano, a 2000-foot limestone massif rising from the plains of Puglia, is one of Italy’s least known areas. The peninsula forms the ‘spur’ on the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’ and was originally a separate island. The highest settlement on the peninsula is Monte Sant’Angelo, a major centre for pilgrimage from earliest medieval times, its famous rock church believed to be the last place that St Michael appeared on Earth in 491 AD. The landscape is hilly with a coastline of coves, cliffs and sandy beaches, with tracts of woodland and scrub inland.
Whilst the coast has visitors to its beaches, the hinterland is surprisingly wild and remote. Much of it is a National Park which, in springtime, offers some of Europe’s most profuse, and some of its rarest, wildflowers. On our walks we encounter small-scale farming, cattle and pigs that graze freely in the oak woods, olive groves, vineyards and coastal pine woods, together with fine sea views and opportunities for swimming.
Duration: 8 days
Trip dates:
10 - 17 Oct 2026
Itinerary
After arrival at Bari airport we travel by road to the heart of the Gargano National Park and our hotel in a spectacular setting (2 hours, 15 mins).
Foresta Umbra, which translates at "Shady Forest" is a dense, centuries-old woodland covering over 10,000 hectares. It's one of the most important natural areas in southern Italy and home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including beech, oak, maple, roe deer, wild boar, and over 170 bird species.
Simple but comfortable, family-run refuge/eco-lodge in Umbra Forest
We walk to discover the Foresta Umbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved area of ancient woodland in Puglia, with an abundance of birds and animals and more than 65 different types of orchids (5 miles, 3.5 hours). After lunch, optional 1.5-hour walk, before visiting the picturesque fishing village of Peschici, its narrow alleys of cliff-top whitewashed houses perched on the eastern edge of the Gargano Peninsula.
The town of Peschici is perched on a cliff top overlooking white sand beaches and one of the most beautiful bays in Italy, with a coastline full of marine caves and pine trees. The historic nucleus of the town is still intact and climbs from the port to the fortifications of the Svevo castle. It is an intricate town of alleyways, little hidden piazzas, steep steps, narrow streets, arches and white houses, typical of the Apulian coast.
Simple but comfortable, family-run refuge/eco-lodge in Umbra Forest
From the high massif we follow tracks and paths through pine forests and pastures with panoramic views of the coast, before descending to a cove. After lunch, a spectacular coastal walk brings us to the harbour of Vieste (12 miles, 6 hours).
At the easternmost point of the Gargano peninsula, Vieste is a centre of fishing and agriculture. The fortified medieval quarter stands on an isolated rocky promontory between two long golden beaches. It is an attractive old town made up of little alleyways, a Romanesque (although restored and altered) cathedral, an archaeological museum, and a rather interesting ‘museum’ of seashells.
Very convenient to both the beach and old town, with pool
In the morning we enjoy (weather-permitting) a boat trip along the picturesque Gargano coast. After a brief transfer by road we reach our lunch spot in the Gargano National Park. We then walk back to Vieste, enjoying wonderful views of the coast (7.7 miles, 4 hours).
Very convenient to both the beach and old town, with pool
After a brief transfer we follow paths and tracks through woods, limestone hills and scrub to a viewpoint (340m/1,115ft), before descending to follow a picturesque coastal path to the bay of Fontana delle Rose, and the exquisite beach of Mattinatella (8.3 miles, 4 hours). A brief transfer brings us to the small harbour village of Mattinata.
Originally the Roman village of Matinum, Mattinata is located within the Gargano National Park and faces the Adriatic Sea – the only town in Puglia to do so. The many species of orchids found in the surrounding area attract botanists from around the world.
In lovely setting, with sweeping sea views
Follow paths across Monte Saraceno, with extensive views overlooking the sea and an archeological site (7.1 miles, 3.5 hours). Free afternoon to explore Mattinata, with optional town walk.
Mattinata is a hidden gem of sun drenched beaches, turquoise waters and fragrant olive groves. Stroll through its charming town centre, where pastel colored buildings overlook the sea, and delight in fresh, local seafood. Visit the iconic Baia delle Zagare with its iconic coastal cliffs and grottoes - perfect for swimming and exploration.
In lovely setting, with sweeping sea views
We drive (45 mins) to Monte Sant'Angelo, with its whitewashed hoses, steen narrow alleys and stairways. Time to explore the town and visit the famous cave church, venerated as being the last place St Michael appeared on Earth in 491 AD. Optional afternoon walk down an ancient, well-made pilgrim path back to Mattinata (9.2 miles, 5 hours).
On a spur of Monte Gargano, the town is the centre of the widespread medieval Western European cult of St Michael the Archangel, who was supposed to have made a series of appearances in a cave here. This cave now forms the innermost sanctuary of a great basilica, around which the attractive and historic town of Monte Sant’Angelo is clustered. Dominating the town is a castle, begun by the Normans.
In lovely setting, with sweeping sea views
We return to Bari airport (1 hour 40).
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Moderate walking. This is an 8-day trip, with walks offered on 6 days (including optional walks). The length of each day varies from 3.5 hours to a maximum of 6 hours (or 8.5 hours — including optional extra walk). 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.
Much of our walking is on good, firm limestone terrain for which walking boots with a firm sole and ankle support are recommended, or on farm and forest tracks through pinewoods, scrub and olive groves, and across beaches and meadows. We also follow an ancient pilgrim path, and there is some moderate climbing. The terrain can be rocky in places so walking sticks are recommended.
On certain days our walk takes us into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient 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
Moderate walking. This is an 8-day trip, with walks offered on 6 days (including optional walks). The length of each day varies from 3.5 hours to a maximum of 6 hours (or 8.5 hours — including optional extra walk). 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.
Much of our walking is on good, firm limestone terrain for which walking boots with a firm sole and ankle support are recommended, or on farm and forest tracks through pinewoods, scrub and olive groves, and across beaches and meadows. We also follow an ancient pilgrim path, and there is some moderate climbing. The terrain can be rocky in places so walking sticks are recommended.
On certain days our walk takes us into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient 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 have only to ask. The dress code is quite casual in all the restaurants we use.
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
The cuisine of Puglia, like all the regions of Italy, is based on its geography – the inland arable plains producing the wheat for the local pasta, and the coast providing the seafood for which the area is renowned. Puglia has a huge variety of pastas, some made without the addition of eggs (the area is, traditionally, poor), including orecchiette (‘little ears’) and troccoli; and is also noted for its mignuicchi (homemade gnocchi). Savoury breads and pastries are popular and include such specialities as taralli, rings of dried baked bread. The coast is a source of shellfish such as cuttlefish, mussels, sea bass, calamari, sea bream and clams, whilst further inland abundant vegetables are grown such as pomodori (tomatoes), melanzane (aubergines) and zucchini (courgettes). Meat is eaten in Puglia to a relatively large extent compared to other regions of southern Italy, with roasted or stewed lamb and rolls of stuffed veal – involtini. The Pugliesi are fond of their sweet pastry desserts. Puglia is one of Italy’s largest wine producers (growing almost one fifth of the country’s wine), much of which is consumed locally, or goes north to Piemonte to be used in the production of Vermouth. More recently, the emphasis has been placed on producing wines of greater quality, and the region now has over 20 DOCs. Around the Gargano Peninsula grow the wines of La Capitanata – middle-weight reds and light whites, whilst further south, heavier reds and fine rosés are more common.
History
Puglia shares much of its history with the island of Sicily. Settled first by native Italic and Illyric peoples it was conquered and settled by the Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans before falling to the Lombards and Goths with the collapse of the Roman Empire. The Byzantines ruled the region from the 6th-11th centuries, until it was conquered by the Normans who assimilated it into the Kingdom of Sicily. In the following centuries the Spanish, Turks, Venetians and French dominated Puglia, until 1861 when the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies fell to Garibaldi’s liberating forces and the region became part of the new, unified country of Italy. In recent decades, Puglia has pulled itself out of poverty, with agriculture and tourism playing a large part in its economic revival.
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.
Other trips you may be interested in
