Cycling Puglia & Matera
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of southern Italy, exploring the rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural heritage of Puglia. From the ancient cave dwellings of Matera to the baroque splendor of Lecce, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Cycle through picturesque countryside, visit charming towns, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local accommodations. Whether you're wandering through Unesco-listed sites, tasting organic olive oil at a traditional masseria, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian and Adriatic seas, each day promises new experiences and lasting memories.
Included
Local bike hire
Seven breakfasts are included and usually consist of a continental-style buffet. A typical hotel breakfast consists of toast/bread with jam, cereal, cheese and ham (occasionally), served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and yoghurt.
Lunches are normally arranged as picnics or taken in small cafes along the route. You may opt in to a lunch kitty (€50-€80, depending on the weather/season) to cover the cost of these lunches. The tour leader will collect cash at the welcome meeting and the kitty also covers local city taxes. If you choose not to opt in, the local city taxes should be paid directly to each hotel on check-in.
Vegetarians and people with special dietary requirements can be catered for but please inform us of your requests prior to travel.
In Puglia, you will find authentic regional cooking with strong links to the land and sea – think orecchiette pasta served with a turnip-tops sauce or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta cheese, cavatelli with pulses, grilled fish and seafood, burrata, and excellent wines. This region is a paradise for food lovers.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
There will be one cycling leader and one support person driving the support vehicle.
Throughout this town-to-town cycling trip, we use three- and four-star hotels and renovated traditional buildings, which have been selected for their location, comfort and character.
Below are the hotels we typically use.
Matera: Hotel Belvedere, Residence Casalnuovo, Matera in Vacanza, or Hotel San Domenico al Piano (night 1)
Alberobello: Traditional trulli houses, Grand Hotel Olimpo or Colle del Sole (night 2)
Ostuni: Relais Sant’Eligio (night 3)
Avetrana: Masseria Bosco (night 4)
Gallipoli: Hotel 33 Baroni (night 5)
Otranto: Hotel Albània or Vittoria Resort (night 6)
Lecce: Hotel Eos or Hotel delle Palme (night 7)
For many, our standout stay is Masseria Bosco (above), a bucolic farm estate with original stone buildings. Our groups often head straight for the swimming pool (perhaps picking up a wine or beer en route), where there’s an inviting set of sun loungers. Alternatively, you may want to wander around the working farm, enjoying a peaceful moment among the olive groves. Dinner is held where the animals were once kept. It’s a celebration of Pulian produce with much of the ingredients grown on the farm – make sure to sample their delicious range of olive oils and homemade wines.
Worth knowing
Due to the limited capacity of hotels in Matera we are not able to confirm the definite start hotel for each departure far in advance, and the group may occasionally be split across different accommodations of similar standards.
You can contact your sales representative two weeks before departure if you wish to receive the up-to-date hotels list for your trip.
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. The vehicle will be available with assistance during the rides.
Destinations
Otranto
LecceMap
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Matera
- Murgecchia - Arrival day
- More
- Sassi di Matera
- More
Begin your journey in the enchanting town of Matera, a true gem of southern Italy. Our hotel, just a short stroll from the historic center, offers the perfect base to explore the Unesco-listed cave-dwelling district. Wander through narrow alleys and soak in the unique atmosphere of this ancient city, where people still reside in homes carved from honey-colored tuff stone, just as their ancestors did 9,000 years ago. In the evening, join us for a welcome briefing to meet your fellow travelers and expert tour leader. Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere (or similar).
Day 2 – Day 2: Matera to Alberobello
- Murgecchia
- Alberobello
- More
- Crypt of the Redeemer
- Grotta delle Rondinelle
- More
Pedal through the captivating landscapes that make Matera so special. Today's journey takes you on a hilly ride with gentle ascents, traversing quiet rural roads amidst the picturesque Apulian countryside. Pass through the charming towns of Noci and Gioia del Colle, and marvel at the fairytale trulli houses in Alberobello, another Unesco World Heritage site. Overnight in Alberobello.
Day 3 – Day 3: Alberobello to Ostuni
- Alberobello
- More
- La Rotonda
- Calaponte Marina
- More
Cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria, one of southern Italy's most picturesque cultural and natural landscapes, to the hilltop town of Ostuni. The route is rolling but shorter than the previous day, allowing for a leisurely pace with ample opportunities for rest stops. Pass through the wine town of Locorotondo and the historic center of Cisternino, both known for their whitewashed houses and elegant piazzas. Arrive in Ostuni, the White City, famed for its dazzling white buildings. Overnight in Ostuni.
Day 4 – Day 4: Ostuni to Avetrana
- Ostuni
- Francavilla Fontana
- More
- Fontana
- More
Continue your journey through tranquil country lanes to the town of Francavilla Fontana and onward to Oria. Known for its 13th-century castle and charming historic center, Oria is a popular destination among Apulians. Continue through the countryside to a masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse, where you'll stay overnight. Enjoy a taste of organic olive oil produced by the family that runs the farm before dinner. Overnight in Avetrana.
Day 5 – Day 5: Avetrana to Gallipoli
- Gallipoli
- More
- Porto Cesareo Esplanade
- More
Cycle towards the Ionian Coast and the beautiful town of Gallipoli, known as the Ionian Pearl. The old town, situated on a rocky island, offers fantastic views and is rich in history with many churches and narrow alleys. Enjoy opportunities for swimming in the Ionian Sea near the popular seaside resort of Porto Cesareo, weather permitting. Overnight in Gallipoli.
Day 6 – Day 6: Gallipoli to Otranto
- Gallipoli
- Otranto
- More
- Li Marangi
- More
Leave the Ionian Sea behind as you head across the peninsula to the Adriatic Sea and the ancient Messapian town of Otranto, the easternmost point in Italy. Spend your leisure time exploring the medieval town center, with its interesting architecture, sea-front restaurants, and white sandy beaches. Overnight in Otranto.
Day 7 – Day 7: Otranto to Lecce
- Otranto
- Lecce
- More
- Torre del Serpe
- More
Follow the shoreline through olive groves to Lecce, the baroque masterpiece of southern Italy. Often described as the Florence of the South, Lecce is an architectural gem with sumptuous palazzi and churches. Today's ride is relatively short and easy, allowing time for a final swim in Torre dell'Orso, a lovely bay surrounded by limestone cliffs. In Lecce, enjoy free time to explore the historic center before an optional farewell dinner. Overnight in Lecce.
Day 8 – Day 8: Lecce
- Lecce - Departure day
- More
Enjoy your final breakfast of the adventure in Lecce. If you wish to extend your stay in this elegant baroque city, contact your sales representative to arrange post-tour accommodation.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
