Italy & Puglia 2024

Southern Italy & Puglia Adventure – AGT 2024

In September 2024, a group of Auckland Global Trekkers set off on a sun‑soaked journey through Southern Italy — a trip filled with coastal walks, ancient towns, hilltop viewpoints, and the warm hospitality that makes Puglia one of Italy’s most unforgettable regions. Over nearly two weeks, we explored Rome, Trani, Ostuni, Taranto, Naples, and the dramatic Amalfi Coast, mixing walking, culture, food, and plenty of Mediterranean charm.

Rome – A Warm Italian Welcome

Our adventure began in Rome, where we spent our first evening wandering the historic streets and visiting the Colosseum under soft evening light. The next morning, we headed into the Castelli Romani Regional Park for a beautiful 15 km loop walk between Lake Albano and Lake Nemi. Forest trails, volcanic lakes, and small hilltop villages gave us a peaceful start before we picked up our rental car and headed south.

Trani – Coastal Beauty & Day Trips into Nature

Our base for the next three nights was the elegant seaside town of Trani, known for its harbour, cathedral, and relaxed atmosphere. On the drive down, we stopped at the mineral springs of Telese Terme, a refreshing break before reaching the Adriatic coast.

From Trani, we explored:

• Gargano National Park — dramatic cliffs, forests, and coastal scenery

• Monopoli & Polignano a Mare — postcard‑perfect seaside towns

• Castel del Monte — an iconic octagonal fortress rising from the countryside

Evenings were spent strolling the waterfront and enjoying Puglia’s famously good seafood.

Ostuni – The White City & Salento Coast

Next, we travelled to Ostuni, the “White City,” perched on a hill with sweeping views over olive groves and the Adriatic. On the way, we visited Alberobello, home of the famous trulli — whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs that look like something from a fairytale.

From Ostuni, we took a day trip to Otranto, exploring its old town and coastal paths. Along the way we visited:

• Masseria Li Veli — a beautiful winery where we enjoyed a guided tasting

• Torre Sant’Andrea — one of the most stunning coastal rock formations in Italy

This part of the trip blended walking, culture, and plenty of Puglian food and wine.

Taranto – Trulli, Countryside Walks & Ancient Caves

Our next stop was Taranto, but the journey there was just as memorable. We returned to Alberobello for a 12.5 km countryside walk through the Itria Valley — a landscape of olive groves, vineyards, stone walls, and scattered trulli. It was one of the most peaceful walks of the trip.

We also visited:

• Grottaglie — famous for its ceramics and artisan workshops

• Gravina & Matera — ancient cave dwellings, dramatic ravines, and unforgettable viewpoints

Matera, with its stone cave houses (the Sassi), was a highlight for many.

Naples – Islands, Palaces & the Path of the Gods

Our final base was Naples, reached after a scenic drive north with a stop at Paestum, home to some of the best‑preserved Greek temples in the world.

From Naples, we explored:

• The Royal Palace of Caserta — Italy’s answer to Versailles

• Herculaneum — a smaller, beautifully preserved version of Pompeii

• Ischia Island — volcanic landscapes, thermal waters, and coastal walks

• The Catacombs of Naples — a fascinating look into the city’s ancient past

We also walked the legendary Path of the Gods, a 10 km trail high above the Amalfi Coast with breathtaking views all the way to Positano.

On our final evening, we walked to one of Naples’ best beaches — Spiaggia della Gaiola — for a relaxed picnic as the sun set over the Bay of Naples.

A Journey Through History, Coastlines & Culture

From volcanic lakes near Rome to the trulli of Alberobello, from the cliffs of Gargano to the dramatic Path of the Gods, this Southern Italy adventure was a perfect blend of walking, culture, food, and friendship. It captured everything we love about AGT: exploring new landscapes together, sharing memorable meals, and discovering the world one walk at a time.

For more upcoming adventures check out Auckland Global Trekkers