Kiran & Adam S – 1st to 8th October 2023 This was an extremely enjoyable holiday. It certainly is bespoke with the type of walks being tailored to our group taking into consideration a knee injury, the weather and a fear of heights. The walks were varied from pine forests to coastal walks, with lovely cool breezes and a scramble over boulders. Not forgetting a walk to a lovely vineyard with an enjoyable, informative afternoon with no hard sell. Our walks often finished with a swim in lovely cool waters or a bar to rehydrate, all in beautiful surroundings. We also opted to have some time in local towns, there is a huge amount of fascinating history to explore. We stayed in the studio apartment which is very spacious and well appointed, the arched ceiling is amazing! The apartment and facilities make it very comfortable to have nights in, in the apartment or outside in your designated space. The local town is small though has cafés, bars and restaurants. You really do get to experience the true Italy. Liz and Dave have found some great restaurants which they are happy to book and ferry you too and from. We are usually independent travellers, but found this holiday very good value in many ways, especially if you book your flights well in advance! The value for us was the free rides with airport pickups and drop offs, free rides to all the walks, local villages and restaurants, our investigations found taxis are scarce and very expensive. Hiring a car is an option but Dave and Liz certainly took the stress out of getting around. Some of the roads and junctions are very challenging. We valued the variety walks that they have found, the standard of the apartment and the restaurants. All of this led to a very stress-free holiday, I felt what we wanted to do was achieved. We had a mixture of walks some more challenging than others and got to experience local Italy at its best. There is still more for us to explore and can see us returning for another holiday with Hiking the Heel.    

We were met at Brindisi airport by Liz and Dave; our flight had been delayed so Liz quickly escorted us to their very comfortable and spacious MPV where we settled down with a cold drink for the hour journey to Sogliano Cavour, the small town where they live. Then a quick change and out for pizza at a local restaurant with our hosts and fellow guests. From start to finish their hospitality was fantastic. We were transported everywhere in the MPV with a well stocked fridge to keep the picnics and drinks cool! There are a couple of bakeries and 2 supermarkets in the town, so we could stock up on essentials on Saturday morning. Liz and Dave led us on walks every day exploring coves and caves, beautiful coastal scenery as well as pine forests to a secluded beach and the countryside to appreciate the wild flowers. They have lots of local knowledge and we learnt about the history of the olive oil industry and had the chance to taste wines at the local vineyard (strongly recommend this). We also had a free day when we chose to visit Lecce where we were dropped off and collected later, we took a guided waking tour around this historic city from the tourist information point in the main square. In the evenings we were taken to some lovely local restaurants and as transport is needed to all but the restaurant in the town, Dave and Liz were on hand every evening to drop off and collect (or they will eat with you sometimes if you wish), helping us with the local menus when needed. We also chose to eat in our lovely first floor apartment sometimes, which was very comfortable to relax in after a full day out. This had its own terrace and everything you need in the kitchen to self cater, as well as a comfy sofa and DVDs, which after busy days walking and exploring was very welcome! We were sorry to be leaving this unspoilt area of Puglia, many thanks to Hiking the Heel who gave us such a relaxing break as Dave & Liz took care of all the planning and there was no stressful driving for us!!
Jane & Nige

We had a week of fabulous walks, meals, sightseeing and even a beautiful visit to a vineyard with Liz and Dave from Hiking The Heel. As far as hosts and guides go, they cannot be faulted. Both of our hosts were a fountain of knowledge about the area in all its glory and couldn’t do enough for their guests. They provided a fantastic itinerary, having listened and most importantly, understood our likes, dislikes and abilities. Each day was a wonderful journey of adventure and excitement be it a trip to Otranto, Poets Pool or a walk in the Parco Di Torcito at Cannole. We were looked after like much loved members of their family, fed and watered with super packed lunches and ate at beautiful, recommended restaurants and bars. Travelling around in the Hiking The Heel people carrier was an adventure in itself with the fridge full of refreshments and expert driving skills of Dave getting us where we wanted to be each and every day. Simply awesome and can’t wait for our next Hiking The Heel escapade.
Samantha and Chris

My wife and I have just had a wonderful holiday with “Hiking the Heel”. Dave and Liz are great hosts and nothing is too much trouble for them. They organized interesting walks and tourist visits for us all around the region and kept us fully occupied and energized at all times. The accommodation is so comfortable and the restaurants that we visited served amazing and varied food. We will certainly be back.
Tim and Vivien

I have recently returned home from a delightful hiking holiday in Puglia, Italy. Liz and Dave were warm and welcoming hosts who shared their knowledge and passion for the idyllic area, fantastic scenery, traditional pasta and, of course, delectable ice-cream. They guided me through several amazing hikes and also shared captivating stories about the history, culture, and traditions of Puglia. Their warmth and enthusiasm made this trip memorable. I stayed in a beautiful apartment which, though built in the 13th century, had high-quality modern amenities including a well-equipped kitchen with coffee maker and washing machine. The vaulted ceilings were a lovely feature giving an ambience of cosy and authentic charm. The bathroom had a great shower and double hand basins (mind your head when entering the bathroom though!). The main room was tastefully decorated and had a sofa, TV, table and chairs and a lovely comfy bed. The terrace outside was great for morning coffees and for a cold beer in the evenings. There were a wide variety of hikes available – Liz and Dave can adapt these to suit the needs of their guests – so we undertook a mix of long and short hikes along coastal routes and inland trails. The scenery was fabulous and a revelation to me. I was particularly surprised to come across turtles swimming happily in an isolated lake – how did they get there? Some of the walks included visits to historic sites including amazing underground cellars where lamp oil was produced prior to the introduction of electricity. We also saw many traditional towns, villages, ports, etc and spent a chilled afternoon tasting some of the regions famous wines. A few of the walks ended with trips to nearby sand or pebble beaches. The coastline was stunning and the clear blue waters were so welcoming after a hot day hiking. A particular highlight of the week was making pasta with Liz and Dave’s wonderful neighbour, Enza. She was a truly amazing character who was happy to demonstrate a variety of local pasta types – I don’t think my efforts quite came up to her high standards but she was very stoic about it! Another benefit was eating the pasta that we’d made later that evening. Liz and Dave shared their knowledge of local restaurants and bars which all had amazing atmospheres and fabulous food. I did learn that my eyes are bigger than my belly, so twice had to bring a doggy bag home with left over pizza (great for lunch the next day!). In conclusion, my hiking holiday in Puglia was an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to return to this hidden slice of Italian paradise. Grazie mille, Liz and Dave, for a truly magical adventure!      

I recently went on a hiking trip in the beautiful Puglia region of Italy, and I’ve been really excited to share my experiences. It was a fantastic journey that fulfilled a long-held dream, and it gave me wonderful memories to cherish. The charming and hospitable hosts, Liz and Dave made this holiday even more special. A complementary pick-up from Lecce train station had been organised and Liz & Dave were waiting for us and were incredibly welcoming. They were obviously proud of their beautiful home from home, and their enthusiasm for sharing it with visitors is truly sincere. The locals were also very friendly, whether it was a friendly chat with a local wine maker while passing through vineyards or a warm “buongiorno” from the neighbours each morning in the picturesque village, everyone’s kindness added an extra layer of warmth to the trip. The culinary delights of Puglia are nothing short of a gastronomic excellence. Each meal was a delicious adventure in itself, filled with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The region is known for its delectable olive oil, and I had the pleasure of tasting some of the best I’ve ever had. The pizza and pasta were both highlights. The handmade orecchiette in Bari was awesome, and I couldn’t get enough of the flavourful tomato sauces that adorned them. Our accommodation in Puglia was equally exceptional. I stayed in charming boutique villa that offered a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity. The rooms were thoughtfully decorated, and Liz & Dave were always eager to make my stay as comfortable as possible. Waking up to the soft rays of the Puglian sun streaming through my window and the scent of freshly baked pastries wafting up from the local Panetteria was a delight I looked forward to every morning. Puglia is a hiker’s paradise, with diverse landscapes that left me in awe at every turn. Liz & Dave were able to tailor the hikes to our groups varied abilities, which was much appreciated. From the rugged coastline with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters to the rolling hills blanketed in ancient olive groves, there was no shortage of breath-taking vistas to take in. The hiking trails were well-marked and offered a mix of challenging climbs and leisurely strolls, ensuring that there was something for everyone. I’ll never forget the feeling of reaching the summit of a hill and being rewarded with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea on one side and the rustic countryside on the other. Or the joy of discovering untouched tiny little villages with highly decorated churches always with a café nearby serving excellent coffee. From Gallipoli to Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca to Frescura there is so much to see do. Not forgetting exploring the soft white sands of the beaches that could have come from the Caribbean. As an alternative to hiking renting mountain bikes in Puglia is a fantastic way to explore the region’s picturesque landscapes and well-maintained roads. The gently rolling hills and scenic coastal routes provide an ideal backdrop for cyclists of all levels. As you pedal through charming villages, olive groves, and vineyards, you’ll find yourself immersed in the region’s rich culture and breath-taking scenery. The well-paved roads make for smooth rides, allowing you to focus on soaking in the beauty of Puglia while enjoying an active and rewarding adventure on two wheels. In conclusion, my hiking holiday in Puglia was so much fun. The warmth of the hosts, the excellent food, the comfortable accommodations, and the stunning landscapes all combined to create an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a destination that will touch your heart and invigorate your senses, look no further than Puglia with Liz & Dave. This trip exceeded all my expectations, and I can’t wait to return to this slice of Italian paradise. Grazie, Liz & Dave, for an adventure of a lifetime!  

Along with our 2 friends we stayed at Liz & Daves two apartments, in Sogliano Cavour, for a week in September. From the moment they picked us up at Lecce train station they looked after us wonderfully. Transport was a dream in their lovely air-conditioned MPV which was always on hand and stocked with cold water. It was our first visit to Puglia, and it is fair to say we were stunned by the beauty and authenticity of the area; they have truly found a little bit of paradise. The walks they took us on were perfectly adapted to our group’s abilities and interests. From cliff tops with stunning views, beaches with cove after cove to explore, old cave settlements, archaeological digs, nature reserves (where we even saw turtles,) to a walk to a vineyard tour with wine tasting; each walk had something different to offer. En route we visited towns oozing in history of days gone by; castles, monasteries, oil production, fish markets. We often ended the day with a swim in the sea or a lovely, chilled beer before heading back. Evenings were spent either at the apartments, eating pasta we had made earlier that day under the instruction of their fabulous neighbour, or at local restaurants. When we wanted to eat further afield Liz & Dave took us and picked us up, making life very easy indeed. If you’re looking to be guided around this truly unspoilt area of Italy, with hosts who will show you some real gems, I truly recommend you get in touch with Liz & Dave. Thank you guys for a fabulous week.
Bev & Neil 

Wow – what a holiday! We originally booked our holiday with Hiking the Heel for May 2023 but unfortunately due to work commitments we had to rearrange for October 2023. It was definitely worth the wait – our hosts Liz & Dave couldn’t have been more accommodating. Firstly, we were met at Brindisi airport, Liz had kept in touch with us prior to the holiday starting so we knew that they would be waiting for us, ready with a chilled beer and water. It’s about a hour’s drive to their lovely properties in Sogliano Cavour. We were in the upstairs apartment which was beautiful. Liz & Dave had thought of everything that we may possibly need (& things we didn’t even know we needed – thank you for the welcome pack & the handcrafted wooden personalised love heart by Dave – a lovely touch). We went with friends so we had the opportunity to view their downstairs studio apartment which was also beautiful. It was different to ours (check the photos out on the website) so we’re looking forward to going back and trying that one! Liz & Dave provide their guests with a very personal & bespoke holiday, checking at the beginning & throughout the week what we would like to do & see – they made lots of suggestions regarding what’s available and quickly adapted the itinerary if we wanted to. We were able to enjoy some spectacular walking along the beautiful coastline and also inland guided by our knowledgeable hosts. Liz & Dave made sure that the walks were within our walking ability (we are experienced walkers) and we weren’t disappointed. We also had the opportunity to swim & find out about the history & culture of this stunning region. It’s definitely a well kept secret – although we’re not sure for how long! We visited the larger towns of Otranto, Gallipoli and Galatina & many smaller towns & villages during the week – always safely driven by Dave in their air conditioned transport with Liz highlighting various points of interest along the way. The roads in Italy can be a bit stressful to say the least so it was really good that Dave took the stress out of our holiday by driving. One day we decided we wanted to travel by train to visit the historic town of Lecce, this was easily facilitated by Liz & Dave and we weren’t disappointed as Lecce was beautiful. Although, the apartment was really well equipped we decided to eat out every night (we were on holiday after all). There is one restaurant in Sogliano Cavour and it was so good we visited it twice during the week. On some of the other nights we were driven to a variety of fantastic restaurants where Liz had checked out in advance that they could accommodate both a pescatarian & a person with a fish/ seafood allergy! One afternoon we walked to a vineyard & olive oil producer in the next village – it was a fabulous experience (from what we can remember). In summary, we stayed in a beautiful well equipped apartment in an unspoilt area of Italy. It was a brilliant personal holiday which was really well organised by Liz & Dave. We’ll be back …
Karen & Dave