Puglia and Matera easy walking vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This itinerary is thoughtfully designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions throughout the journey. The trip makes extensive use of trains for key transfers between Lecce, Ostuni, and Alberobello, offering an efficient, lower-carbon alternative to private car journeys or domestic flights. Walking and hiking are central to the experience—guests walk or hike on at least four days, including coastal walks near Otranto, countryside hikes around Ostuni, and explorations of the Itria Valley and Murgia plateau. These human-powered activities not only cut emissions but also deepen connection with local landscapes.

Accommodations are primarily small, locally-owned B&Bs and boutique hotels, which typically have smaller carbon footprints than international hotel chains. Many restaurants serve local and seasonal cuisine, with vegetarian and vegan options available throughout. Travelers are advised to support these low-impact choices and provided with guidance on reducing their own carbon footprint, such as by favoring plant-based meals and using shared or public transport when outside the guided activities.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Accommodations on this tour are selected for their efforts to reduce environmental impact. Many practice waste reduction, plastic minimization, and responsible water management, reflecting local traditions of sustainability. The trip includes walking through ancient olive groves and agricultural landscapes, which are crucial habitats for local wildlife and pollinators. Several accommodations integrate green spaces or encourage biodiversity through native plantings and bird-friendly practices.

Included activities contribute directly to the protection of nature and cultural heritage. Entry fees and guided visits in areas like the Sassi of Matera and regional natural parks actively support local conservation and site maintenance. Guests also receive briefings on how to respect wildlife and natural habitats—such as remaining on marked paths during hikes to minimize erosion and protect endemic plants. Where relevant, the itinerary uses local guides who are knowledgeable about biodiversity, offering insight into the region’s unique flora, fauna, and traditional land stewardship.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

This journey prioritizes supporting the local economy across every aspect. Accommodations are predominantly locally-owned B&Bs or boutique hotels, and guests dine in authentic trattorias and restaurants run by local families. The itinerary includes regional wine and product tastings, visits to open markets, and opportunities to purchase regional crafts, which helps sustain traditional livelihoods. Local guides are employed throughout, giving guests firsthand insight while keeping economic benefits within the community. In destinations like Matera and Alberobello, guides are often lifelong residents with personal connections to the sites presented.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Around 90 percent or more of staff and guides involved in this trip are from the local region, including women and individuals from rural communities. Baboo’s partners are committed to fair employment, paying above minimum wage and nurturing inclusive workplaces where hiring is based on skills and passion, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or orientation. The trip is LGBTQ+ friendly and efforts are made to accommodate travelers with a range of abilities, with transparent advice given around the walking and physical terrain involved. Where possible, the tour supports opportunities for marginalized groups, such as supporting local women’s cooperatives and rural families providing home-cooked meals or artisanal products. These choices help preserve Puglia and Basilicata’s cultural mosaic while ensuring tourism drives tangible benefits for residents across backgrounds.