Gargano Peninsula

Day 1 • Arrive in Manfredonia

Time to explore the town with its port and castle

HHH Hotel Panorama del Golfo

Day 2 • Manfredonia to Monte Sant’Angelo

Walk along the coast then across a small plain before ascending an ancient pilgrim route, once used by crusaders before they embarked for the Holy Land. The route, now a grassy ravine with ruined monasteries on either side, leads to the ancient town of Monte Sant’Angelo (2,755ft), with its whitewashed houses, steep narrow alleys, and views across the bay of Manfredonia (9 3 miles, 5 hrs / bus 20 mins!)

HHHH Palace Hotel San Michele

Day 3 • Monte Sant'Angelo to Mattinata

Time to explore the town and visit the famous cave church, venerated as being the last place St Michael appeared on Earth in 491 AD, before setting off down a well-made pilgrim path to the small town of Mattinata (650ft) set in olive groves, close to the coast (9 2 miles, 5 hrs)

HHHH Residence Il Porto

Day 4 • Mattinata to Baia Fontana delle Rose

Follow paths along the coast and into hills overlooking the sea, before descending to the picturesque bay of Fontana delle Rose (7 3 miles, 3 5 hours) Transfer (15 mins) back to Mattinata Transfer (15 mins) back to Mattinata

HHHH Residence Il Porto

Day 5 • Baia Fontana delle Rose to San Salvatore

Brief transfer, then: Tracks lead up through limestone hills and aromatic scrub to a viewpoint (1,115ft) before continuing to the isolated Masseria Sgarrazza, beautifully situated on a ridge overlooking the Gargano coast (8.6 miles, 5 5 hrs) Optional 3 5-mile circular walk to a necropolis and natural well

Masseria Sgarrazza agrit urism o

Day 6 • San Salvatore to Vieste

Paths lead along a ridge with fine open views, before descending to a long sandy beach and Vieste (7.7 miles, 4 hrs).

HHHH Palace Hotel Vieste

Day 7 • Free day in Vieste

Alter natively, the walk to Peschici (see day 8) can be done on this day, retur ning to Vieste by bus.

HHHH Palace Hotel Vieste

Day 8 • Extension

Optional extension to Peschici Follow paths through ancient olive groves and far mland, then across coastal headlands to the whitewashed village of Peschici, perched on a buttress of rock (13 miles, 7 hrs)

Route open: April-June; Sept-Nov

Airports to first hotel: u Bari (66 miles)

Train/bus + taxi:

2 5-3 hrs - ~€60

Taxi: 1 5 hrs - ~€160 u Pescara (135 miles)

Train + taxi: 2.5 hrs - ~€70

Taxi: 2 hrs 20 - €270

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English, Italian and conversational Spanish.

Route Book: 111 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate (Grade 3) See p 8

Terrain: Limestone hills with coastal paths; quiet lanes; far m and woodland tracks; and pilgrim routes