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.