Via Francigena del Sud: The Via Appia Traiana from Bari to Brindisi – VFS4

Along the Coast of Puglia to the harbour of Brindisi

The route of this tour mostly follows the coastline, still on the traces of what once was the Via Appia Traiana, the ancient Roman road to Brindisi. However, while in other areas of Italy large parts of the Roman roads are still intact, here more recent history has taken over and – apart from a few places – you won’t see much of the roman history anymore.

On the other hand, you will encounter many of the most beautiful villages of Puglia, like the stunning coastal towns of Monopoli and Polignano, and beautiful Ostuni slightly more inland. You’ll walk through gentle hills and plains covered by olive groves, always with the Adriatic Sea within reach. For those who have walked from Benevento to Bari already, this part of the route is definitely easier, with almost no ascents and descents, but also busier. For those who just want to do a part of the southern Via Francigena/Via Appia, and enjoy some nice villages and perhaps a swim too, this stretch can be a good first approach to this historical route.

The tour starts from Bari, the beautiful capital of Puglia, often overlooked by tourism. Do take your time to walk through the old city centre ‘Bari Vecchia’, with its small streets and the amazing church of San Nicola, in which both Catholic & Orthodox Christianity are celebrated. Then you start walking along the coast in southern direction, heading for Brindisi!

After Bari, you will walk mostly along the coast, with occasional detours into the olive groves of the coastal plain. You’ll walk along a number of beautiful small towns, some better known, like Monopoli and Polignano, some relatively unknown, but equally beautiful, such as Mola di Bari.

You’ll come across the ruins of the ancients city of Egnazia, the most extensive example in Puglia of the cities of the Roman period, in the middle of the olive groves at only a few kilometres from the “white city” of Ostuni, on the road connecting Bari and Brindisi. Here the remains of the Trajan Way (via Traiana), can still clearly be seen, as they mark an ideal dividing line between the public buildings and the residential and artisan neighbourhoods of the Roman city. After Egnazia it’s only a few km. to the charming seaside village of Savelletri.

After the small villages of Savelletri and Torre Canne there are no more historical villages along the coast, now covered mostly by holiday resort towns, therefore we suggest to head inland, and visit beautiful Ostuni, one of the most interesting towns of Puglia, located on a hilltop overlooking the infinite sea of olive groves.

Then head back to the coast for the last stretch to Brindisi. You’ll pass the small villages of Torre Santa Sabina and Specchiolla, walk through the nature reserve of Torre Guaceto, then a stretch along a busier road and a last 15 km. along the coast will finally bring you to the outskirts of Brindisi. By boat you travel to the centre of town, where you can finally admire the Roman Columns, the symbol of Brindisi, which symbolise the ending of the ‘Via Appia’.

Please note: this is a moderate tour which is suitable for experienced walkers with a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are along good paths and small rural roads, with few ascents and descents – but sometimes with little shade! Average walking times:  approx. 5 to 7 hours each day.

Day-to-Day programme

Day 1 –  Arrival in Bari

Arrival in Bari (either on foot or by public transport). Depending on your arrival time, you can settle in your hotel and go for a first visit to this beautiful town. The city of Bari, although it does not look attractive from the outside, has a beautiful, very interesting historical centre, called ‘Bari Vecchia’. Here you can stroll through the old streets, enjoy some street food, meet the locals and visit some of the beautiful churches. The main point of interest is the stunning Cathedral of San Nicola, where the original ‘Santa Claus’ is buried.

Hotel *** – Bari
Approx. walking time: around 1 h. + sightseeing time

Day 2 – From Bari to Mola di Bari

Today’s starts right from the old town ‘Bari Vecchia’. You walk down to Porto Vecchio, the old harbour and then continue along the monumental sea side boulevard in southern direction. You will walk the whole day close to the coast, with very little ascent and descent. Part of the walk is very pleasant, but there is also a long part through a densely populated area, mostly residential housing, with little historical interest. To avoid this you could make use of the local train, which will bring you directly to the beautiful small town of Mola.

Hotel *** – Mola di Bari
Total walking distance: 24 km. Approx. walking time: 6 h.

Day 3 –  From Mola di Bari along Polignano to Monopoli

Today is a long stage, almost 30 km., along which you will visit two of the most charming small coastal towns in Puglia: Polignano and Monopoli. Both deserve a longer visit, for which reason we suggest to cut this stage in two, which allows you time of both villages, plus some beach time, or to walk only part of the route. From Mola di Bari you’ll head first inland, and after leaving the outskirts of Mola behind you, you’ll walk along pleasant rural roads, in the middle of the famous Apulian olive groves. The trail then heads back to the coast and you’ll follow the coastline which here has several charming inlets (‘Cala’) with nice small beaches and grotto’s.

The first village you’ll encounter is the beautiful hamlet of San Vito, with its nice fishing harbour, imposing monastery, fortified church and several bars and restaurants. About an hour further you’ll enter Polignano, a beautiful whitewashed town, and the birthplace of ‘Mr. Volare’, Domenico Modugno. Here you can look around and decide whether to continue on foot or take the train to Monopoli. This beautiful small town definitely needs a prolonged visit. Do walk down through the arch to it’s old harbour, which has a beautiful atmosphere, especially in the evening and at night.

Hotel***/**** – Polignano/Monopoli
Total walking distance: 20 km. (to Polignano) 30 km. (to Monopoli) Approx. walking time: 5,5 – 8 h.

After Monopoli there are two options: one route along the coast, one more inland.

The official route goes along the coast – but out of season this area is not very lively. Much more interesting is the inland, with its beautiful villages: Fasano, Ostuni, San Vito dei Normanni. We therefore recommend this route!

Inland Route

Day 4 – From Monopoli to Fasano

After the short easy walk yesterday (in case you booked hotels in both Polignano and Monopoli), today is a relatively long walk. The first few metres you’ll walk a few of the most scenic stretches in Puglia. From the central square of Monopoli, you’ll pass the arch to the old harbour and then follow the quai all around the harbour. After that you’ll be walking for a few km. through the old town and the the relatively green outskirts of southern Monopoli.

Follows a scenic coastal stretch along the rocky coast, with many inlets and small beaches, until you reach the small village of Capitolo. From here you have the choice: either follow the coastal road, and visit the ancient city of Egnazia (of which the excavations are worth a short visit – you can visit the archeological site and then head inland), or head directly inland and enter the beautiful, intriguing ‘Lama’ of the Assunta. After that you’ll walk along quiet rural roads through the rolling live groves, gently up to the small town of Fasano, located at almost 120 m. of altitude, just below the ridge of the Apulian highplain, overlooking the coastal plain.

Accommodation – Fasano
Total walking distance: 21 (23) km. Ascent & descent: + 150 /- 50 m.  Approx.  walking time: 5-6 h. + sightseeing time.

Day 5 – From Fasano to Cisternino and Ostuni

Today is a beautiful walk along the ‘edge’ of the ridge, which some great viewpoints over the coastal plain. The first part of the route is more or less level, and brings you through the olive groves of the coastal plain, dotted with big farmhouses (‘masseria’), now often converted in luxury hotels. After slightly over 10 km. the route bends inland and you’ll climb up to the ridge.

Here you’ll walk through the last remaining bits of forest, which have survived here along the steep escarpment. You’ll foow the edge of the platform for several kilometers and towards the end of the day you’ll arrive in Ostuni, the ‘White City’, one of the most beautiful small towns in Puglia. Here you settle in the old town.

Accommodation: Ostuni
Distance: 20 km. Approx. 5 h. walking + sightseeing time. Ascent & descent: + 150 m./- 400 m.

Day 6 – From Ostuni to San Vito dei Normanni

Today is a relativy short walk, which allows you to take your time for an extensive stroll through the beautiful old town of Ostuni, and walk around its impressive town walls, a scenic walk with great views over the coastal plain and the Adriatic sea. You then descend from the hilltop, on which Ostuni is located, and will continue your walk more or less level, through a rolling landscapes of olive groves.

Halfway the day, at about 2 hours walking from Ostuni, you’ll make a short climb to the old town of Carovigno, also located on a hilltop. You’ll enter the old town centre to the towngate on one sise and exit at the other. This is a good place to have lunch. After which you’ll have another two hours of walking, with a gentle downhill bias to the small town of San Vito dei Normanni, where you’ll spend the next night. The small town is less know then the other villages, but has a beautiful old town centre, with an impressive ‘norman’ castle, nice bars & restaurants.

Accommodation: San Vito dei Normanni
Total walking distance: 17 km. Ascent & descent: +100 /- 200 m. Approx. walking time: 4,5 h.

Day 7 – From San Vito dei Normanni to Brindisi

Today is the last walking day of this third stage of the Via Appia/Francigena del Sud, which will bring you from the small town of San Vito dei Normanni to the Adriatic Port of Brindisi. You start walking from the small town of San Vito, first through the outskirts, then for almost the whole day through the olive groves and a last 5 km. through the outkirts of Brindisi. You will be partly walking along quiet roads, with a short stretch along a busy roads, before entering the outskirts of Brindisi. You’ll pass at the station from where you walk right into the centre of Brindisi.

This last bit is along the ‘Via Appia’ again, and at the end of the road you can finally admire the Roman Columns, the symbol of Brindisi, which symbolise the ending of the ‘Via Appia’!

Accommodation: Brindisi
Total walking distance: 25/27 km.   Ascent & descent: + 50 (250) /- 200 (400) m.  Approx. walking time: 4-7 h.

Day 8 – Departure

End of the tour. From Brindisi you can take the train back to Bari/Rome (or travel on to Naples).

Coastal Route

Day 4 – From Monopoli to Savelletri (Torre Canne)

Today is an easier day, a relatively short walk, and again – if you stay near to the coast – mostly flat. The first few metres you’ll walk a few of the most scenic stretches in Puglia. From the central square of Monopoli, you’ll pass the arch to the old harbour and then follow the quai all around the harbour. After that you’ll be walking for a few km. through the old town and the the relatively green outskirts of southern Monopoli.

Follows a scenic coastal stretch along the rocky coast, with many inlets and small beaches, until you reach the small village of Capitolo. From here you have the choice: either follow the coastal road, or head inland and walk along quiet rural roads through the rolling live groves. Either way, you’ll end up at the ancient city of Egnazia, the best preserved ‘Roman’ town (the origins date back to the Messapians – 6 centuries before the Romans) of which the excavations are worth a visit. Then it’s another 3 km. to the small coastal village of Savelletri, either along the coast, or more inland.

Accommodation: B&B Savelletri
Total walking distance: 22 (16) km. Approx. walking time: 6 (4) h.

Day 5 – From Savelletri to Torre Canne (Ostuni)

Today if you only walk to Torre Canne it’s only a very short walk (less then 10 km.), which gives you the opportunity to relax, and perhaps go for a swim. Either already at Savelletri and have a later start, or – perhaps better with the heat – at Torre Canne, where there are a number of nice beaches.

The route itself brings you a bit more inland, through the plain of the ‘1000-year old olives’, where you can admire some of Italty’s oldest olive groves, dotted with big farmhouses (‘masseria’), now often converted in luxury hotels. As the route is really short, we suggest to walk on – and head inland to Ostuni, one of the most beautiful towns of this area (see below).

Accommodation: B&B – Torre Canne Total walking distance: 10 km. Approx. walking time: 2,5 h.

Day 6 – From Torre Canne to Ostuni

After the small villages of Savelletri and Torre Canne there are no more historical villages along the coast (only holiday resort towns) therefore we suggest to head inland, and visit beautiful Ostuni. The route goes mostly through olive groves, with very few ascents. After about 5 hours walking you’ll reach the train station of Ostuni, from where you can get a bus up to the old town. In alternative you walk up this last stretch, only a few km., but now uphill!

The first stretch goes along a busy road, but then you reach the town walls of Ostuni and you enter the pedestrian area, with the possibility to make the beautiful walk around the town walls, or make the choice to entre the labyrinth of the small alleys in the ‘centro storico’. Your accomodation is near the old town, so you can enjoy a drink and at night you have a wide choice of nice restaurants to choose from.

Accommodation: Hotel*** or B&B – Ostuni Total walking distance: 22 km. Approx. walking time: 6 h.

Day 7 – From Ostuni to Specchiolla

After an extensive visit of the old town of Ostuni you walk back down to the coast again, a relatively relaxed day. You reach the coast at the small hamlet of Torre Santa Sabina, where you can stay overnight. If you wish you can still walk a coastal stretch to Specchiolla. In alternative you can stay inland and walk to the nice town of San Vito dei Normanni.

Accommodation: B&B – Torre Santa Sabina / Specchiolla Total walking distance: 32 km. Approx. walking time: 9 h.

Day 8 – From Torre Santa Sabina / Specchiolla to Brindisi

Today is the last walking day of this third stage of the Via Appia/Francigena del Sud, which will bring you from the small village of Specchiolla (or Torre Santa Sabina) to the Adriatic Port of Brindisi. You start walking from the small village of Specchiolla, first along the nature reserve of Torre Guaceto, then a stretch along a busier road and a last 15 km. along the coast will finally bring you to Brindisi.

You will be partly walking along quiet roads, with a short stretch along a busy roads, before entering the outskirts of Brindisi. You’ll pass close to the airport and through residential areas. The last bit is along the coast and brings you right to the centre of Brindisi. But on the wrong side of the harbour…. By boat you then travel to the centre of town, where you can finally admire the Roman Columns, the symbol of Brindisi, which symbolise the ending of the ‘Via Appia’.

Accommodation: Hotel***/ B&B – Brindisi Total walking distance: 26 -31 km. (several possible options). Approx. walking time: 7-8 h.

Day 9 – Departure

End of the tour. From Brindisi you can take the train back to Bari/Rome (or travel on to Naples).

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

All nights are spent in hand-picked accommodations, usually nice, characteristic family-run hotels (generally 3-star level) or Bed & Breakfasts or beautiful Boutique Hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities.

You will be free to make your own dinner arrangements. Your host can give you good tips (or prepare something).

A packed lunch can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders or picnic supplies can be purchased in the villages along the road. On some occasions you have the option to have your lunch in a restaurant along the way.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Moderate (3): Mostly easy walks, with some long stages, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces, but involving very uphill walking. On some days extensions or shortcuts (by public transport) are possible.

Fitness: High standard of fitness is necessary: you should be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in the hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.  N.B. During summer the difficulty of this tour definitely increases due to the heat. We therefore advise against booking this tour during the period between about 14^th July and 20^th August.

N.B. During summer the difficulty of this tour definitely increases due to the heat. We therefore advise against booking this tour during the period between about 14th July and 20th August.

FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING

Footpaths: Most paths are relatively well maintained; you’ll follow most of the time the official route of the Via Francigena del Sud, relatively well maintained. A large part of the route goes along quiet rural roads or so-called strade bianche (unsurfaced roads), easy to follow and unlikely to get overgrown.

Waymarking: A large part of the route is waymarked with the signage of the ‘Via Francigena’, but on some occasions we have found more interesting routes than those actually waymarked; therefore, you should follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these you will always be able to find your route.

INCLUSIONS:

• 7/8 nights accommodation – BB
• 1 night in Polignano (optional)
• Route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
• Maps at 1: 25.000 scale or better & GPX-tracks
• 24/7 assistance

NOT INCLUDED:

• Departure taxes & Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Luggage transport (can be arranged at an extra cost)
• Optional private transfers
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Items of personal nature & Tips

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival: The tour starts in BARI, the capital of Puglia, which has an international airport and is linked by a frequent train service to Rome and Naples, and also to more northern cities like Bologna and Milan.

Departure: The tour ends after breakfast in BRINDISI, which also has an international airport. There are also frequent trains to other cities in Italy.

Please contact us for the latest prices

Availability
& Conditions

	You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person.
	There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended.
	Not available.
	Availability and prices on request.

• Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
• Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
• If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
• Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
• Actual exchange rates: GB £ – US $ – CAN $ – CHF – DKK – SEK – NOK – Other currencies.

TOUR VARIATIONS

It is possible to make use of the train a few times, avoiding some less interesting stretches. Also is it possible to cut some (too!) long stretches of the ‘official’ route in two, to make the route feasible for good walkers, without becoming too strenuous. And more importantly, leave some time to visit the places ‘touched’ along the route.

Halfway the tour the tour can be extended with an extra ‘loop’ into the beautiful ‘Valle d’Itria’, with the stunning villages of Alberobello, Locorotondo and Cisternino.

Towards the end of the tour, you can remain more inland and visit the towns of Carovigno and San Vito dei Normanni.

We recommend an extra night in beautiful Brindisi, worth a prolonged visit. A visit of the Salento Peninsula, just south of Brindisi, where you can visit beautiful Lecce and Otranto, is also a must. And of course, there is also the possibility to continue the walk, from Brindisi all the way down to Santa Maria di Leuca!

Of course the tour can be extended with the walk to the Finis Terrae, the very point of the peninsula, the Cape of Santa Maria de Leuca.