The Rotta dei due Mari on foot
PugliaDifficulty path:Highlights
In this splendid strip of land you will cross, one step at a time, ancient paths framed by dry stone walls, you will observe the landscape changing colors and shades, going from the intense blue of the sea and the green of the centuries-old olive trees to the white stone of the Trulli, from the coasts jagged overlooking the Adriatic to the beautiful sandy beaches of the Ionian. A journey on foot to discover the wonders of the Apulian hinterland and coast where nature has designed works of extraordinary beauty.
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The natural galleries of Castellana Grotte
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The magic of Alberobello’s Trulli
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The charm of Locorotondo's sloping roofs
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The baroque elegance of Martina Franca and Crispiano
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The Pianelle Natural Park: hidden jewel of the Murge
Program
Welcome to Polignano a Mare!
Individual arrival in Polignano a Mare.
Breathe deeply the fresh and delicate sea breeze that accompanies the sound of the sea breaking on the pebbles of the shore. Polignano is a small fishing village overlooking the splendid shores of the Adriatic Sea. We recommend you visit the wonderful tangle of streets in the historic center, among its gentle ups and downs that end with the splendid natural terraces that overlook the sea.
From Polignano to Castellana Grotte
20 km
The Route of the Two Seas starts from the charming Polignano a Mare, a city loved by Domenico Modugno, the singer of the very famous song "Volare", and home of raw fish.
After a tasty breakfast, leave the jagged coasts of the Adriatic and the suggestive panorama they offer, to head towards Castellana, with its enchanting karst caves and very beautiful and picturesque villages. In the final stretch of the route, monumental carob trees provide a pleasant coolness among the secondary streets surrounded by well-kept gardens.
→ If you want you can plan a visit to the caves.
From Castellana to Alberobello
19 km
You will wake up in Castellana to make the second stage towards Alberobello.
The blue line of the Adriatic is now far away, and today you find yourself in the lush Apulian countryside, with landscapes skillfully painted with various shades of colors. In this exciting stage you will cross a route marked by the charm of dry stone walls, where white roads framed by the intense green of the fields lead to ancient farms and small houses marked by white lime.
The arrival in Alberobello inspires and captures the gaze of visitors of every era: among the narrow alleys of the historic center, in fact, you can admire the fantastic Trulli, a UNESCO heritage site since 1996, true architectural masterpieces for their extraordinary and characteristic conical shape, custodians of an ancient technique and eternal witnesses of never-dormant rites and traditions.
From Alberobello to Locorotondo
20 km
Today's stage begins with a warm embrace of this enchanted landscape, unique in the world.
Among oaks and centuries-old olive trees you will enter the heart of the Itria Valley, surrounded by evocative vine terraces kissed by the sun for most of the year. Once you cross the Cecca bridge, from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, Locorotondo appears on the horizon with its particular circular shape from which it takes its name, and, one step after another, the village becomes closer and closer.
The arrival in the historic center of Locorotondo is dotted with the typical "a cummerse" houses with the characteristic sloping roofs covered with “chiancarelle”, a pleasant discovery that cheers up the gentle slopes of this fascinating village, custodian of ancient knowledge. In fact, one of the most famous PDO white wines in the region is grown in the area: Locorotondo wine, which comes from the Verdesca and Bianco d'Alessano vineyards to which Malvasia, Bombino and Fiano grapes are added.
From Locorotondo to Martina Franca
17 km
Locorotondo retains with it the charm and emotion of a magical place and the impression that there is still everything to be discovered and known.
After breakfast you will have the right energy to continue the journey towards the elegant Martina Franca. Once you reach the highest point of the eastern Murgia, among the white lime houses that reflect the sun of Puglia region, and the meticulous baroque decorations set like jewels among the city's monuments, Martina Franca appears even closer. Once you arrive, abandon yourself to discover the labyrinth of streets tangled around the houses that characterizes its fascinating historic center.
From Martina Franca to Crispiano
30 km
After yesterday's short stage, you're back on the road!
The timeless charm of the hills of Eastern Murgia makes the journey less tiring. In fact, the spicy scent of the Mediterranean scrub will also lull you along the gentle slopes of the route. Upon arrival in Crispiano, the ancient City of 100 masserie, you pass from the mysterious charm of the Trulli to the prehistoric caves scattered throughout the area. The ancient town preserves important historical evidence such as a very interesting tomb kit dating back to the 4th century which constitutes one of the most important pieces of the famous "Golds of Taranto" preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Taranto.
From Crispiano to Taranto
28 km
Last day of this exciting journey on foot along the Route of the Two Seas that leads from the Adriatic to the Ionian.
Beautiful Taranto is now close, step by step the sea becomes more and more present, first with the smell of the salt brought by the breeze and then with the fascinating colors of the Mar Piccolo that embraces the ancient village.
But before arriving in the city there is still time to explore the Land of the Gravine, and to appreciate the fantastic views of the Gulf of Taranto that the imposing canyons scattered throughout the territory offer.
Goodbye Taranto!
After breakfast, end of the ride!
Explore Taranto and the many alleys of the Old City, to discover the ancient Taras, shaped by the rigidity of Sparta and the taste for beauty that guided the artists and architects of Magna Graecia, the cradle of modern civilization. Taranto is a city of undoubted charm and timeless beauty, in which two souls coexist: on one side the old city, on the other the Borgo Nuovo with its frenetic rhythms dictated by the shops, renowned boutiques and restaurants.
Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each walker can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 7 nights with breakfast in double room
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Pilgrim Passport
- Luggage transportation
- Telephone assistance 8:00-20:00
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxe
- Insurance and what's not listed as Included
Departures and prices
Supplements per person
Other Information
The itinerary along the Route of the Two Seas is suitable for anyone used to walking long distances. The length of the stages ranges from a minimum of 17 to a maximum of 30 km, with differences in altitude and easy routes and travel times between 3 and 6.5 hours.
The excursions wind along paths and country roads, with some rare but essential passages on busy roads.
We recommend equipping yourself with comfortable shoes suitable for trekking, trekking poles (strongly recommended), hat, water, sunscreen, swimsuit and raincoat in case of rain.
The tour includes overnight stays in central B&Bs and selected 3* hotels.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 night in Polignano a Mare
- 1 night in Castellana Grotte
- 1 night in Alberobello
- 1 night in Locorotondo
- 1 night in Martina Franca
- 1 night in Crispiano
- 1 night in Taranto
7 breakfasts included.
→ We will take care of your luggage while you are walking.
For the whole duration of your tour, you can contact our assistance numbers.
A few days before departure you will receive by email the Service List with instructions for using the Travel App.
Upon your arrival, ask at reception for the infopack with:
- updated Service List;
- Pilgrim's Credential;
- luggage Labels.
Getting there
Reaching Polignano a Mare will not be a problem, whether by car, bus, train or plane.
BY TRAIN. Trenitalia connects Polignano a Mare with Bari Centrale station. From here you can reach the major Italian cities. To find out about cancellations or additions of stops, delays, route detours and much other useful information for those traveling by train with Trenitalia, consult Viaggiatreno .
BY PLANE. The two reference airports are those of Bari and Brindisi with flights departing from the most important Italian and foreign cities.
Brindisi Salento airport is approximately 71 km from Polignano. Bari Palese airport is closest with a distance of approximately 50 km. From both airports it will then be easy to get to Polignano a Mare by bus, train or taxi. More info on the website Aeroporti di Puglia.
BY BUS. Polignano a Mare can also be reached by bus. Below are the major companies that operate the service: Autolinee Ferrovie Sud-Est, Flixbus. From the Bari Largo Ciaia terminal, continue with local trains from the Bari railway station.
BY CAR. By car you need to use the A14 Bologna-Taranto or A16 Napoli-Canosa motorways with exit at Bari Nord. From Bari Nord, continue on the ring road to Brindisi. On the SS16 - E55 after about 30 km you will find the Polignano a Mare exit. For those arriving from Taranto, follow the SS100 exit Mottola, then Noci, Putignano, Castellana Grotte and finally Polignano a Mare.
Return to Polignano a Mare
From Taranto , the last stop on this tasty trip to Puglia, it is possible to reach Polignano a Mare using the train. Or you can easily reach the airports of Bari and Brindisi.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.