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Apulia: Cycling the Heel of Italy’s Boot

“Our adventure through Puglia was unforgettable!” — R.S.

“Our adventure through Puglia was unforgettable!” — R.S.

“Our adventure through Puglia was unforgettable!” — R.S.

“Our adventure through Puglia was unforgettable!” — R.S.

“Our adventure through Puglia was unforgettable!” — R.S.

“Our adventure through Puglia was unforgettable!” — R.S.

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  • 7 nights | 35 miles/day
  • Difficulty Level: 3
  • Guided from: €1650
  • Self-guided from: €750
  • View Dates

Level of difficulty

Tours using road, hybrid or touring bikes:

  1. Mostly flat
  2. Flat with some gentle slopes
  3. Rolling, hilly terrain
  4. Some long and/or steep climbs
  5. Extensive climbing

Tours using mountain bikes:

  1. Mostly flat, wide trails
  2. Some gentle slopes, wide trails
  3. Rolling, hilly terrain and/or narrow trails
  4. Some long and/or steep climbs and/or technical trails
  5. Extensive climbing and/or highly technical trails

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Why Book with BikeTours.com?

  1. Variety: Choose from more than 200 tours offered by local operators in 35 countries.
  2. Advice: Our informed advisors help you choose the trip that's right for you.
  3. Lower cost: You pay local tour company prices—less than what big American companies charge.
  4. Great exchange rates: Pay low rates thanks to the millions of dollars in foreign currency we buy each year.
  5. Convenience: We handle the full booking and payment process.
  6. Support: We’re your advocates from initial planning through final pedal stroke.
Tour Type: Guided Self-guided
Description

Tour description

From the Sassi of Matera, in Basilicata, you will head on to the Apulian land.

After crossing the Murgia plateau, you will stay in the Itria valley, characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand. These are cultivated in farms called Masserie, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There 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. Sun, sea, wind. Nature strikes in the first place, when one gets to this land stretch in balance between two seas. The cities and inland towns expressions of the unique Lecce Baroque with Messapi and Salento Grecìa can still be seen. Its language, songs and feasts still show the culture of Magna Graecia.

Highlights

  • Sassi, ancient Matera districts and the Park of Rock Churches
  • Locorotondo and Cisternino, whitewashed villages
  • Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Ostuni, an architectural jewel referred to as "the White Town"
  • Staying in Masseria (farmhouse)
  • Gallipoli, founded by Greeks, located by the Ionian Sea
  • Otranto, with its beautiful castle and cathedral

Learn more

Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.

Program

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival to Matera
You will arrive in Matera independently and get settled in at 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 on your own 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 and on to Alberobello, the capital town of Trulloes and a UNESCO’s world heritage site. Accommodation in a Trullo house or a restored farmhouse.
Overnight in Alberobello.

Day 3: Ostuni "the White" (28 miles/45 km)
Crossing the Itria Valley, with stops in the characteristic Locorotondo and Cisternino, you will reach Ostuni, which is reputed an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture.
Overnight in Ostuni.

Day 4: Castles and farmhouses (34 miles/55 km)
Cycling south through the quiet country lanes to the charming town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria, famous for its 13th Century's Castle and delightful historic center. We 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 try to 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 and eastern rocky coast of Southern Italy. The sun and the atmosphere is unique in a place where Turkish and Greeks landed centuries ago. Otranto has a wonderful centre with walls and a castle. A masterpiece is the mysterious mosaic, in the Romanesque Cathedral.
Overnight in Otranto.

Day 7: Lecce, the Baroque gem (28 miles/45km)
Last stage will take you to Lecce, the Baroque town with wonderful façade 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 centre.
Overnight in Lecce.

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and then depart on your own.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival to Matera
You will arrive in Matera independently and get settled in at your hotel. In the afternoon, you can walk through the Sassi, ancient Matera districts, and the Park of Rupestrian Churches. We sugest dinner on your own 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 and on to Alberobello, the capital town of Trulloes and a UNESCO’s world heritage site. Accommodation in a Trullo house or a restored farmhouse.
Overnight in Alberobello.

Day 3: Ostuni "the White" (28 miles/45 km)
Crossing the Itria Valley, with stops in the characteristic Locorotondo and Cisternino, you will reach Ostuni, which is reputed an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture.
Overnight in Ostuni.

Day 4: Castles and farmhouses (34 miles/55 km)
Cycling south through the quiet country lanes to the charming town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria, famous for its 13th Century's Castle and delightful historic center. We 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 try to 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 and eastern rocky coast of Southern Italy. The sun and the atmosphere is unique in a place where Turkish and Greeks landed centuries ago. Otranto has a wonderful centre with walls and a castle. A masterpiece is the mysterious mosaic, in the Romanesque Cathedral.
Overnight in Otranto.

Day 7: Lecce, the Baroque gem (28 miles/45km)
Last stage will take you to Lecce, the Baroque town with wonderful façade 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 centre.
Overnight in Lecce.

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and then depart on your own.

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 who don't mind the occasional uphill walk.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Category A: Comfort hotels (also used for Guided tour)

Hotel Casino Ridola, Matera
hotelridolamatera.it

Tipico Suite, Alberobello
www.tipicosuite.it

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

Category B: Casual hotels

Casastella, Matera
www.casastella.it

Traditional Holiday, Alberobello
www.trulliholiday.com

Relais Sant Eligio, Ostuni
www.santeligiorelais.it

Masseria Bosco, Avetrana
www.masseriabosco.it

Hotel 33 Baroni, Gallipoli
www.hotel33baroni.it

Hotel Albania, Otranto
www.hotelalbania.com

Eos Hotel, Lecce
www.vestashotels.it

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

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 Leece, you can take a train or shuttle bus to the Brindisi or Bari airports.

Please note, the guided tour includes transfers to/from the Bari airport and the tour start and end. On the self-guided tour, you can book transfers for an extra cost.

Airport transfers

See more tips on getting to and from your tour

Map

Route Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Dates & Prices

Dates

May 6, 20; Jun 17; Sep 2, 23; Oct 7, 2019 (minimum 4 participants)

Prices

Tour package
Per person, double occupancy
€1650
Single room surcharge (1 person/1 room)
€300
Bike Rentals
Hybrid touring bike, 27 speed
€80
Full carbon road bike
€210
Gravel and road bike
€170
Electrically assisted bike
€170
Helmet
€5

Dates

Daily: Mar 15-Jun 15; Aug 15-Nov 5, 2019

Prices

Category A
Per person, double occupancy
€1230
Single room surcharge (1 person/1 room)
€255
Bike Rentals
Hybrid touring bike, 27 speed
€80
Full carbon road bike
€210
Gravel and road bike
€170
Electrically assisted bike
€170
Helmet
€5
GPS unit
€45
Extra Nights, Lecce
Per person, double occupancy
€75
Single room (1 person, 1 room)
€95
Extra Nights, Matera
Per person, double occupancy
€85
Single room (1 person, 1 room)
€95
Transfer
From Bari airport to Matera, per person (minimum 2)
€40
From Brindisi airport to Matera, per person (minimum 2)
€75
From Lecce to Brindisi airport, per person (minimum 2)
€35
From Lecce to Bari airport, per person (minimum 2)
€90
Category B
Per person, double occupancy
€750
Single room surcharge (1 person/1 room)
€195
Bike Rentals
Hybrid touring bike, 27 speed
€80
Full carbon road bike
€210
Gravel and road bike
€170
Electrically assisted bike
€170
Helmet
€5
GPS unit
€45
Extra Nights, Lecce
Per person, double occupancy
€45
Single room (1 person, 1 room)
€70
Extra Nights, Matera
Per person, double occupancy
€50
Single room (1 person, 1 room)
€75
Transfer
From Bari airport to Matera, per person (minimum 2)
€40
From Brindisi airport to Matera, per person (minimum 2)
€75
From Lecce to Brindisi airport, per person (minimum 2)
€35
From Lecce to Bari airport, per person (minimum 2)
€90

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 who rides with you
  • 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).

Included services

  • 7 nights in double rooms
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Road book and maps (1 set per room)
  • 7-days technical and emergency assistance

Note: Local hotel taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to each hotel (approximately €1-5 per person/night).

Bike rentals

Bikes available for rent on this tour (must be reserved in advance at time of booking):

  • Hybrid bike, 27-speed
  • Gravel and road bike
  • Full carbon road bike
  • Electrically assisted bike

Bikes come equipped with the following at no extra cost:

  • Cycle-computer
  • Panniers
  • Universal tool and spare tube
  • Lock

Other equipment available to rent:

  • GPS system (€45)
  • Helmets (€5)

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.

Tour Company Terms

Terms & Conditions

Please note: Instead of operating bicycle tours ourselves, BikeTours.com represents local bicycle tour operators around the world. Review the tour operator's information and terms below, then submit your booking request through BikeTours.com. The primary benefits of booking your tour through BikeTours.com include:
  • Lower cost: You pay local tour company prices—less than what big American companies charge
  • Variety: Choose from more than 200 tours offered by local operators in 35 countries.
  • Advice: Our informed advisors help you choose the trip that's right for you.
  • Great exchange rates: Pay low rates thanks to the millions of dollars in foreign currency we buy each year. Or pay in euros!
  • Convenience: We handle the full booking and payment process.
  • Support: We’re your advocates from initial planning through final pedal stroke.
Contact us with any questions about booking and paying for your tour through BikeTours.com. We look forward to serving you!

Bike Basilicata Terms and Conditions

Cancellations

In case of reservations cancellation, the tour operator will apply the following penalties, in addition to all costs incurred with the annulment of the same:

  • 30% of the full amount for cancellations effected up to 15 days before the expected arrival date
  • 50% of the full amount for cancellations effected up to 7 days before the expected arrival date
  • 100% of the full amount for cancellations effected after the aforementioned deadlines
  • No reimbursement will be made for those who don’t show up for the tour’s departure and/or those who cancel during the course of the tour.

Program
Whenever circumstances beyond our control make it necessary, the organization has the power to modify the travel program at any moment and reserves the right to modify hotels and/or other accommodation. The refusal of such changes on part of the client, will make the tour operator responsible exclusively for the return of the sums received as cautionary deposits.

Baggage
All baggage travels under the direct surveillance and is the exclusive responsibility of the owner. The tour operator cannot in any case be held responsible for any eventual loss or damage to baggage. The carriers are limitedly responsible to the travelers during transport with their facilities/means in so far as the law prescribes.

Responsibility
The contracts of travel for the present program, are regulated by the law n. 1084 of 27.12.77 of ratification and execution of the “International conventions relative to contracts of travel” (CVV) signed in Brussels 23.04.70. The responsibility of the tour operator cannot in any case exceed the foreseen limits of the law cited.

Complaints
In the event of complaints regarding services received, the client is asked to immediately contact the tour operator so that there may be an investigation into the complaint and resolution achieved in a timely manner.

Unforeseen events
Acts of God and other situations beyond our control such as strikes, weather conditions, natural disasters, war, civil disobedience, military events, acts of terrorism and riots, are not attributable to carriers and the tour operator who cannot be held responsible for the lack of services received by clients due to airline, sea and land-travel delays.

Legal jurisdiction
In the event of any controversy the Matera Legal Forum will have jurisdiction.

All photos used by permission. ©Ferula Viaggi

Reviews

Ratings

Ratings Snapshot

  • 5 Star 1
  • 4 Star 1
  • 3 Star 1
  • 2 Star 0
  • 1 Star 0

Average Ratings

  • Overall

    4

  • Difficulty level (Actual vs. expected) 3
  • Value 4.3
  • Included meals 4
  • Bikes & equipment 4.3
  • Hotels or boat 4.7
  • Scenery 3.7
  • Ease of navigation 3.3
  • Tour documents 2.7
  • Local tour company services 4.3
  • Route selection 4.3

Reviews

Kris January 29, 2019

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.

JackieDog September 26, 2017

Confusing directions

Wonderful way to see the countryside but frustrating as the directions were often vague or inadequate.

Suelikestobike May 25, 2017

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.