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Italy · Cycle
The journey
Enjoy fun bike rides from Matera through the heel of Italy, linking Basilicata and Apulia by way of the millennial Murge Plateau, Alberobello, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Otranto, and Lecce. Along the route, discover the Sassi and Rupestrian Churches of Matera, whitewashed towns, Adriatic and Ionian coastal scenery, and the distinctive landscapes of southern Italy. The journey ends with time to savour local specialities such as Puccia and Pasticciotto while exploring Lecce's elegant Baroque centre.
Enjoy fun bike rides from Matera through the heel of Italy, linking Basilicata and Apulia by way of the millennial Murge Plateau, Alberobello, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Otranto, and Lecce.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive independently in Matera and settle into your hotel.
Upon request, enjoy a guided walking visit of the Sassi, Matera's ancient districts, and the Park of Rupestrian Churches.
Enjoy dinner on your own in a typical Sassi restaurant carved out of the rock.
Overnight stay.
Pass through the small villages of Gioia del Colle and Noci on your way to Alberobello, the capital town of Trulli and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation in a Trullo house or a restored farmhouse.
Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Distance: about 69 km
Grade: Hilly route on stretches that are almost flat, with brief climbs
Cycle through the Selva forest near Fasano, then follow the Adriatic coast to reach Ostuni, an architectural jewel commonly referred to as the "White Town" for its white walls and typically white-painted architecture.
Get settled into your hotel.
Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Distance: about 45 km
Grade: easy
Cycle south through the quiet country lanes to the charming town of Francavilla Fontana and Oria, famous for its 13th-century castle and delightful historic centre.
Continue through the countryside to a Masseria, a typical converted Apulian farmhouse and your accommodation for the night.
Distance: about 55 km
Grade: easy
Today's route passes through Porto Selvaggio and skirts the Ionian coast to reach Gallipoli, whose name derives from the Greek word kalépolis, meaning "beautiful city."
Get settled into your hotel near the seaside.
Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Distance: about 60 km
Grade: easy
Cycle to Otranto along the wildest and eastern rocky coast of Southern Italy. The sun and the atmosphere are unique here, where Turks and Greeks landed centuries ago. Otranto has a wonderful centre with walls and a castle, and you will also see the Romanesque Cathedral.
Return to your hotel for the night.
Dinner on your own.
Distance: about 71 km
Grade: easy to moderate
The last stage takes you to Lecce, the Baroque town with a wonderful façade of buildings and churches.
Taste a Puccia, a local bread filled with salami or vegetables, or a Pasticciotto, a delicious pastry, and enjoy shopping and walking in the city centre.
Get settled into your hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Distance: about 45 km
Grade: easy
Where this trip takes you
Sassi di Matera, Alberobello, Ostuni, Adriatic and Ionian coasts
The route
The fine print
Seven nights in double rooms with breakfast
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
Roadbook
Technical and emergency assistance
Hybrid bike rental with 24/27 speed (Shimano Alivio/Deore gear) with rear pack frames and side bags: € 80.00 (7 days).
E-bikes and road bikes: € 150.00 (7 days).
Transfer from Bari APT to Matera: € 35.00 (per person with a minimum of two pax travelling).
Transfer from Lecce to Bari APT: € 90.00 (per person with a minimum of 2 pax travelling).
Transfer from Brindisi APT to Matera: € 75.00 (per person with a minimum of two pax travelling).
Transfer from Lecce to Brindisi APT: € 35.00 (per person with a minimum of two pax travelling).
Medical/luggage insurance, drinks, lunches and dinners, entrance fees, city taxes, tips, personal extras, and everything else which does not come under the heading "the fee includes".
Pre-tour extra night in Matera
Casual tour: € 50,00 in a double room - € 75,00 in a single room (fifty or seventy-five).
Comfort tour: € 70,00 in a double room - € 95,00 in a single room (seventy or ninety five).
Post-tour extra night in Lecce
Casual tour: € 45,00 in a double room - € 75,00 in a single room (forty-five or seventy-five).
Comfort tour: € 70,00 in a double room - € 95,00 in a single room (seventy or ninety five).
Escorted tour with an English-speaking guide for the major towns on request
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Province of Matera.
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