Apulia - Heel of Italy
7 nights from €1780
4.43Bike to the UNESCO sites of Alberobello, Matera, and their beautiful surroundings
From the Sassi of Matera in Basilicata you will venture onto Apulian land. After crossing the Murgia Plateau, you'll stay in the Itria Valley, characterized by flourishing vegetation where olive trees stretch towards the sun. These are cultivated on farms called Masserie - small, local stone fortresses. The coasts here are defined by long, sandy beaches, dunes, and protected natural reserves. Located around this incredible area are several traces of old Messapi civilizations - rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques.
In the last days you will head south to the Salento, know for three things: sun, sea, and wind! Once you reach this lovely land, stretched between the two seas, you'll find cities and inland towns bearing the expressions of the unique Lecce Baroque with Messapi and Salento Grecìa. The language, songs and feasts of this remarkable region still show the enduring culture of Magna Graecia, ensuring long-lasting memories of an incredible side of Italy.
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Matera
You will be transferred from Bari airport to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a guided walking visit of the Sassi, ancient Matera districts, and the Park of Rupestrian Churches (included in tour cost). We suggest dinner in a typical Sassi restaurant carved in the rock.
Overnight in Matera.
Day 2: Matera – Alberobello
43 miles/69 km
You will pass through the small villages of Gioia del Colle and Noci, then ride onwards to Alberobello, the capital town of Trulloes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation in a Trullo house or a restored farmhouse.
Overnight in Alberobello.
Day 3: Ostuni
28 miles/45 km
Crossing the Itria Valley, with stops in the characteristic Locorotondo and Cisternino, you will reach Ostuni, reputed to be an architectural jewel. Ostuni is commonly referred to as 'The White Town' for its white walls and typically white-washed architecture.
Overnight in Ostuni.
Day 4: Castles and farmhouses
34 miles/55 km
Cycle south through the quiet country lanes to the charming town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria, famous for its 13th century castle and delightful historic center. You'll continue through the countryside to a Masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse and our accommodation for the night.
Overnight in Avetrana.
Day 5: Gallipoli and the Ionian Coast
37 miles/60 km
Today your route will pass through Porto Selvaggio and skirt the Ionian coast to reach Gallipoli, derived from the Greek word 'kalépolis' meaning 'beautiful city'. Have a picnic on a sandy beach and think about taking a swim if the weather is nice.
Overnight in Gallipoli.
Day 6: Far East
44 miles/71 km
Cycling to Otranto, the route will take you to the wildest, rocky coast of Southern Italy. The sun and the atmosphere is unique in a place where Turks and Greeks landed centuries ago. Otranto has a wonderful center with walls and a castle. A masterpiece is the mysterious mosaic discoverable in the Romanesque Cathedral.
Overnight in Otranto.
Day 7: Lecce
28 miles/45km
The last stage of your tour will take you to Lecce, the Baroque town with wonderful façades of buildings and churches. Taste a puccia (local bread filled with salami or vegetables) or a pasticciotto (delicious pastry), and enjoy shopping and walking in the city center.
Overnight in Lecce.
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to Bari airport.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Comfort hotels
Hotel Casino Ridola, Matera
www.hotelridolamatera.it
Tipico Suite, Alberobello
Casa d' Autore, Ostuni
www.casadautore.it
Masseria Bosco, Avetrana
www.masseriabosco.it
Al Pescatore, Gallipoli
www.alpescatoregallipoli.com
Palazzo De Mori, Otranto
www.palazzodemori.it
Palazzo Dei Dondoli, Lecce
www.palazzodeidondoli.it
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. You can also discover a range of day tours in and around Italy here.
Bikes
Bikes available for rent on this tour (must be reserved in advance at time of booking):
- Standard bike, 27-speed
- Gravel and road bike
- Full carbon road bike
- Electrically assisted bike*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Bikes come equipped with the following at no extra cost:
- Cycle-computer
- Panniers
- Universal tool and spare tube
- Lock
Other equipment available to rent:
- Helmets (€10)
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
While helmets are available to rent, please plan to bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
Dates
May 15; Jun 15; Sep 04; Oct 02*, 2023 (minimum 6 participants) *fully booked
Prices
Tour package
| Per person, double occupancy | €1780 |
| Single use room (1 person/1 room) | €2080 |
Bike Rentals
| Standard touring bike, 27 speed | €120 |
| Full carbon road bike | €240 |
| Gravel and road bike | €240 |
| Electrically assisted bike | €240 |
| Helmet | €10 |
Extra Nights, Matera
| Per person, double occupancy | €105 |
| Single use room (1 person/1 room) | €145 |
Extra Nights, Lecce
| Per person, double occupancy | €105 |
| Single use room (1 person/1 room) | €145 |
Included services
- 7 nights in double rooms
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Road book and maps (1 set per room)
- 7-days technical and emergency assistance
- Cycling guide
- Support van assistance
- Guided walking tour in the Sassi di Matera
- Transfer to/from Bari airport
Local hotel taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to each hotel (approximately €1-5 per person/night).
Surface and terrain
Much of the terrain on the tour is panoramic and flat, but there is considerable rolling and hilly terrain including some extended climbs. We recommend this tour for cyclists in above-average physical condition or those who don't mind the occasional uphill walk.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Bari, Italy
Nearest train station: Matera, Italy
From Bari, you can take a direct regional train called FAL to Matera.
Tour end
Nearest airport: Brindisi, Italy
Nearest train station: Lecce, Italy
From Lecce, you can take a train or shuttle bus to the Brindisi or Bari airports.
Please note, the tour includes transfers to/from the Bari airport and the tour start and end.
See more tips on getting to and from your tour.
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Marc Parks
Great exposure to the highlights of Matera and Puglia
Overall our 14 experienced cyclists very much enjoyed our tour, in spite of a few start-up issues for those with no previous ebike experience. The route included several scenic, interesting places, in “the heel of the boot in Italy”, including fascinating Matera and Alberobello, and the lodging was wonderful, with sumptuous breakfast buffets. In addition our guides, Paolo and Alessandria, added interesting insights into local history and culture as well as attending to our every need, all while while maintaining a great sense of humor. All of us felt we'd love to return to some of the destinations for several days - a new destination each day of the tour prevented in-depth exploration. And in hindsight, those with no previous ebike experience should have used them for a couple of rides before coming on the trip.
- ★★★★★ Sue Collins-Larson
A superior trip[
The region offered so many fascinating aspects of the unique culture of Apulgia. This was enhanced so greatly by our tour guide Paolo Maragliulo. He was from the region, had an amazing sense of humor, and was patient and understanding. Our accommodations were in keeping with the uniqueness of the locale. It was, however, concerning that the bikes were not in good condition and many of our group struggled with bike problems. Additionally I found the planning process difficult due to not receiving emails that others in your group received. Three times I tried to correct this and it never was resolved.
- ★★★★★ Beverly Feucht
Heel of Italy
Paolo and his wife were the BEST. They made the ride perfect. They were able to guide us effortlessly through cities.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ mary lynn OBrien
Everything was perfect!!
We had the best Guide ever - Paolo He was fun , funny , so knowledgeable and of course a bike expert The hotels were first class and we saw the highlights of Puglia We recommend this tour highly and especially recommend it c Paolo and his wife Alessandra
- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 1
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Kris
Great bike ride through historic sites, splendid scenery, and fantastic food.
We did a self-guided tour with e-bikes–and were happy with our arrangements throughout. We picked this ride because of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the fact we hadn't visited this part of Italy. It's so cool to bike through agricultural areas, small towns and the regional centers. A highlight was the stay in Masseria Bosco in the middle of the vast olive orchards–a lux experience and fine restaurant in an historic agricultural property. All the city hotels were great, too. We loved both Matera and Alberobello and took some extra time there on our own. The ride from sea to sea (Adriatic to Ionian) was truly spectacular. And, wow, the food! In short, the whole experience was well-curated. Anyone wanting to try a bike tour would be wise to start here with the expert recommendations and support by biketours.com and their local partners.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ JackieDog
Confusing directions
Wonderful way to see the countryside but frustrating as the directions were often vague or inadequate.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 16-23
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Suelikestobike
Delicious, warm and quiet
We were looking for a tour that would get us off the beaten track in Italy. This fit the bill. Nice accommodations, low traffic and of course it's Italy, so good food. We also hoped for warm sunny weather in May and it delivered! Matera was outstanding. Book an extra day and a tour. Not a flashy tour but enjoyed it. Service provided by the bike tour operator was great.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 13-20
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5 tours with Bike Tours .com
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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