Hiking in the Mercadante Forest: the green heart of the Alta Murgia
A walk in nature amid woods, karst landscapes and regenerating silences
Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the nature of the Alta Murgia. Walk along the paths of the Mercadante Forest and discover a landscape made of woods, clearings and ancient rural traces.
Experience available all year round, on reservation and in the presence of favourable weather and environmental conditions. The recommended periods are spring, autumn and the less hot summer days.
The programme of the excursion in the Mercadante Forest
- Departure from the Hotel San Nicola or meeting directly in the Mercadante Forest
- Introduction of the environmental hiking guide
- Check of the participants' equipment
- Introduction to the Alta Murgia National Park
- Presentation of the Mercadante Forest
- Start of the route on foot
- Walk along forest tracks and dirt roads
- Crossing of paths and clearings
- Observation of the wood's features
- Account of the karst landscape of the Alta Murgia
- Passage near gullies and natural depressions
- Insight into the relationship between wood, water and land
- Observation of the traces of rural life
- Stops dedicated to photography and nature observation
- Regenerating break in a suitable area
- Possible snack or tasting of local products
- Continuation along the ring route
- Return to the starting point
- Conclusion of the experience
What the experience may include
- Accompaniment by an environmental hiking guide
- Guided route in the Mercadante Forest
- Nature introduction to the Alta Murgia area
- Assistance throughout the excursion
- Panoramic and nature stops
- Possibility of choosing an itinerary for families
- Possibility of choosing a longer hiking route
- Possibility of adding a snack with local products
- Possibility of adding a cheese tasting
- Possibility of adding a packed lunch
- Possibility of requesting transport from the Hotel San Nicola
Useful information
- Recommended duration: about 3 hours
- Duration with extended route and break: from 4 to 5 hours
- Approximate length of the standard route: about 6-7 kilometres
- Type of route: ring, unless otherwise arranged
- Approximate difficulty: easy, with some sections of a hiking nature
- Elevation gain generally modest on the standard route
- Duration, distance and difficulty must be confirmed by the guide
- Price of the experience: on request
- Minimum number of participants: to be defined
- Maximum number of participants: to be agreed with the guide
- Experience available exclusively on reservation
- The route may include paths, dirt tracks, stones and uneven ground
- Trekking shoes or sports footwear with good grip are mandatory
- Comfortable clothing and long trousers are recommended
- Each participant must bring a personal supply of water
- In summer a hat and sun protection are recommended
- In winter warm and waterproof clothing is recommended
- The guide may modify or interrupt the route for safety reasons
- The excursion may be postponed in case of heavy rain, strong wind or unsafe conditions
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
- Any mobility problems or significant physical conditions must be communicated in advance
- Pets are admitted only with the guide's prior authorisation
- The snack, picnic and tastings are not included, unless otherwise stated
- Transport from the Hotel San Nicola is not included, unless added to the quote
- It is possible to reach the starting point by your own means
- The exact meeting point is communicated before the excursion
- The environment must be respected and no litter left behind
- Picking plants or disturbing animals is not allowed
- Payment and cancellation terms are communicated in the quote
