Spring is the ideal time to rediscover the connection with nature, immerse yourself in history, and be amazed by the beauty of untouched landscapes. For this reason, we offer you the unique opportunity to explore the
Land of the Gravine, an extraordinary territory situated among natural canyons, rock churches, and ancient villages.
From March 30th to June 1st, we invite you to participate in
10 unmissable events designed to let you experience the most authentic and wild side of this part of Puglia. A calendar full of experiences for every taste and level of adventure: from
hiking to
guided tours, from
bicycle tours to
walks in the company of horses, not to mention moments dedicated to discovering
local flavors and immersive experiences with
virtual reality.
Each event is designed to offer a different perspective on this extraordinary territory.
To participate, fill out the form: https://forms.gle/Q4tukwCJ7oYiE3856
Sunday, March 30th – 10:00 AM/1:00 PM
Iazzo Maldarizzi: Visit to the Educational Forest, view of the Gravina di Montecamplo, VR experience, and tasting.
Join an immersive experience in the Educational Forest Iazzo Maldarizzi, among centuries-old oaks, ancient quarries, and the breathtaking view of the Gravina di Montecamplo. The itinerary includes a guided walk through the forest, with explanations about the flora, fauna, and history of the place, up to the suggestive viewpoint over the gravina. At the end, return with a tasting of typical local products and a virtual reality experience to explore the Land of the Gravine in all its peculiarities. For a comfortable experience, it is advised to wear hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, and to bring water, a hat, and insect repellent. The activity includes an environmental guide, insurance coverage, and the use of VR headsets.
PRICE: €30.00 pp (children under €20.00)
Sunday, April 6th – 10:00 AM/12:30 PM
Gravina di Palagianello: Excursion between nature and history.
The Gravina di Palagianello reveals an ancient and fascinating world. Rock villages cling to rocky walls, testifying centuries of history and traditions. Medieval churches with their centuries-old frescoes complete this unique landscape, immersing visitors in an unforgettable journey into the past. Discover the timeless beauty of the Gravina di Palagianello, where every glimpse is a story of bygone eras and life lived among the rocks.
Route: 3 km
Duration: About 2 hours
Difficulty: E (hiking)
Elevation gain: 300 m
PRICE: €15.00 pp (€5.00 for children under 13)*
*Not under 9 years old, used to easy-medium hiking.
Saturday, April 12th – 9:30 AM/6:00 PM
Gravina in Puglia – Spring Festival at the Giardini di Pietra: Family, Trekking, and Bike tour.
In this event, we will discover the marvelous Giardini di Pietra, immersed in the heart of the UNESCO GEOPARK. We will walk the Water Trail, an unmissable adventure to breathe nature and experience the thrill of exploring one of the most fascinating territories in Puglia, accompanied by AIGAE Environmental Hiking Guides.
Fill out the REGISTRATION FORM: https://bit.ly/4hBppLp
– 9:30 AM Start Family Trekking Tour | 4.5 km: A hike designed for the whole family, among enchanting landscapes. | Max 20 participants | €15 full ticket (€5 for children under 13)
– 9:30 AM Start Hiking Trekking | 10 km: For the more adventurous, a medium difficulty trek. | Max 30 participants | €15
– 9:30 AM Start Cycle Excursion* | 30 km: Explore the territory on your gravel or MTB bike! | Max 15 participants | €25
*Bike rental available.
Monday, April 21st – 10:00 AM/5:00 PM
Pasquetta at Iazzo Maldarizzi: A day outdoors, immersed in nature.
Spend a special Easter Monday in nature, among lush woods, breathtaking views, and authentic flavors! After a pleasant walk in the woods among ancient quarries and the spectacular view over the Gravina di Montecamplo, we will gather for an outdoor barbecue, immersed in the tranquility of nature. A day dedicated to conviviality, good food, music (strictly acoustic), and discovery!
PRICE: €30.00 pp (children under €20.00)
Sunday, April 27th – 10:00 AM/1:00 PM
Castellaneta between history and taste: Guided tour and tasting of typical products.
In this guided tour, you will discover the historical and natural charm of Castellaneta, the city of Rodolfo Valentino. From the church of Santa Maria del Pesco overlooking the gravina, to the historic center and the museum dedicated to the famous actor, until discovering the charm of the underground, to savor, in a hidden cellar underground, two excellences of the rural vocation of the place: oil and wine.
PRICE: €15.00 pp (€5.00 for children under 13)*
Sunday, May 4th – 10:00 AM/1:00 PM
Gravina di Ginosa: Excursion and guided visit between history and nature.
Ginosa offers a unique immersion in the history and nature of the Land of the Gravine. Among paved white streets and suggestive terraces, this ancient rock habitat seems suspended in time, harmonizing the natural landscape and human settlement. Starting from Piazza Orologio, the route includes a panoramic view from the viewpoint near the castle and the discovery of the Rione Casale, characterized by its traditional architectures. The visit continues with the Chiesa Matrice, a guardian of centuries of history through frescoes and sacred architectures. The experience culminates in the Rivolta Cave Village, a real "little ancient world," followed by an excursion in the gravina to the suggestive rock church of Santa Sofia on the opposite side.
Route: 4 km
Duration: About 2.5 hours
Difficulty: T/E (touristic/hiking)
Elevation gain: 300 m
PRICE: €15.00 pp (€5.00 for children under 13)*
*Not under 9 years old, used to easy-medium hiking.
Saturday, May 17th – 3:30 PM-6:00 PM
Grottaglie, Gravina del Fullonese: Afternoon hike among unique landscapes.
An important rock settlement that has hosted pilgrims for centuries along the Via Appia. Here, a Jewish community from Oria, fleeing the dreadful Saracen incursions of the late 10th century, found refuge and all the elements necessary to continue their leatherworking craft. From a naturalistic point of view, the Fullonese is a combination of different habitats with biodiversity sensitive to the various microclimates present, leaving visitors astonished.
Route: 4 km
Duration: About 2.5 hours
Difficulty: T/E (touristic/hiking)
Elevation gain: 40 m
PRICE: €15.00 pp (€5.00 for children under 13)*
*Not under 9 years old, used to easy-medium hiking.
Saturday, May 24th – 4:00 PM/7:00 PM
Crispiano: Walking tour 'Alda Merini': Guided visit with tasting.
Discover Crispiano through the eyes and verses of Alda Merini, walking among the places that marked her life and poetic inspiration. A path between memory and beauty, culminating in her house, where words and atmospheres intertwine with the authentic flavors of a typical tasting.
PRICE: €15.00 pp (€5.00 for children under 13).
Sunday, May 25th – 3:30 PM/6:00 PM
Laterza: with horses among lamie and gravine: Workshop and walk.
An unforgettable walk on a stretch of the Hellenic Path of the Materano Way (from Laterza towards Ginosa) accompanied by instructors and trainers, who after a brief workshop on the human-animal relationship (horse, mule, and donkey) will lead us to discover the territory of San Pellegrino (pine forest, woods, and gravina) with horses, donkeys, and mules.
PRICE: €15.00 pp (€5.00 for children under 13)*
*Not under 9 years old, used to easy-medium hiking.
Sunday, June 1st – 9:30 AM/1:00 PM
Mottola: Bike Tour of the rock churches*
Pedal through the Mottolese territory along an itinerary between history and nature, to discover its Byzantine rock churches, jewels carved into the rock and guardians of ancient frescoes. A journey through stages between faith, art, and breathtaking landscapes, to immerse yourself in the most authentic soul of this territory.
PRICE: €15.00 pp.
*Bike rental available.
Local Experience: This event is not only an opportunity to explore the Land of the Gravine but also a chance to feel part of the local community, discovering stories, traditions, and the deep connection between people and the territory. Choose the event that suits you and join us in this adventure between nature, history, and tradition.
For information and registrations:
Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/Q4tukwCJ7oYiE3856
+39 339 4591656 (also WhatsApp)
contact@explovery.it
The excursions and/or activities will be led by environmental hiking guides registered with the AIGAE National Register (www.aigae.org), professionals operating in the sector under Law 4/2013.
All our guides are covered by Professional Liability Insurance.
During the excursion, photographs and/or video footage may be taken that can appear on public domain sites and will be used by the organization for promotional purposes regarding the activity itself. Participation in the excursion implies consent to the publication of the aforementioned material.
To guarantee you the best possible experience, we recommend taking a look at the Regulations.
Included:
Excursion and visit of the gravina with a qualified guide
Insurance coverage
First Aid Kit
Excluded:
Transport
Water (participants must provide for themselves)
Meals
Trekking equipment
Photographic equipment
Everything not expressly indicated under "included"
Recommendations:
Running shoes with grooves or hiking shoes
Backpack
Water (at least 1 liter)
Hat
Comfortable clothing suitable for the season
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Observe strictly the instructions of the guides, cooperate with them for the success of the excursion, and be supportive of the decisions made from time to time, especially in case of necessity.
Maintain disciplined and correct behavior, according to the norms of polite education.
Avoid unnecessary and harmful gestures towards the environment where the excursion takes place (leaving any kind of waste, picking flowers, breaking branches, carving trunks, making noise, disturbing fauna, lighting fires, etc.).
Follow the itinerary set by the guides and their "pace" without ever preceding them; never stray from the group or undertake personal initiatives; do not involve or be involved in personal initiatives of individual hikers.
The guides are the only ones authorized to decide on any changes to the route or program and have the faculty to cancel the excursion and/or activity or turn back if they detect any problems that may risk the entire group.
We look forward to sharing the magic of the Land of the Gravine with you!
Web:
explovery.it