Siciclando » Apulia/Puglia http://siciclando.com Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:43:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc Sassi of Matera and Apulia Easy Biking http://siciclando.com/tours/apulia/sassi-matera-easy-biking-tour http://siciclando.com/tours/apulia/sassi-matera-easy-biking-tour#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:19:29 +0000 mark http://siciclando.com/?p=128 Meander through a magical place.

Explore the “Heel of the Boot,” where most do not travel. Unfortunate for them because of all they miss, fortunate for you because it is much quieter here. Enjoy this easy bike tour with gentle routes that are filled with many magical experiences this region has to offer. The tour will begin in the neighbouring region of Basilicata in the town of Matera where you will discover the Sassi and the Park of Rupestrian Churches. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi are dwellings – both residential and religious – carved out over the centuries from the rock cliffs. They were inhabited until the 1950’s and then abandoned. They are now being renovated and occupied again. See the rugged beauty of this place. You will never forget it.

You will then find yourself in the Apulian land. Cycle through the Murge Plateau, a territory that includes an astonishing variety of landscapes including caves, sanctuaries, defensive strongholds, churches, rock settlements, small villages and larger cities. You will stay in the Itria Valley, characterized by groves of flourishing olive trees. These are cultivated in masserie lands, small stone fortresses typical of this area. Our routes will also take us by the Apulian Coasts, laced with long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations where you will see rock settlements and castles. You will fall in love with the fairy-like trullo; round, conical shaped houses made completely of stone without mortar. They are centuries old and are lovely whether they appear solo in the fields or grouped together in the villages.

You will head south to Salento and experience the sun, sea, and wind. The natural setting is striking with the land balanced between two seas. The cities and inland towns are charming expressions of the baroque style. The language, songs and feasts of this area still show the culture of Magna Graecia. The Salento coast is characterized by a wide variety of landscapes: the clear, fine sand beaches of the Santa Cesarea seafront and the famous caves. Discover Castro village with its Grotta Romanelli, one of the most important Italian prehistoric settlements, and Grotta Zinzulusa, “the pearl of caves” with its name rooted in the word zinzuli (rags), used by fishermen referring to its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Cost
€ 1325 – € 1655 ($) see PRICING details below
Duration
8 days/7 nights
Start/End
Matera/Otranto
2010 Start Dates
April 10, April 24, May 8, May 22, June 5, June 19, September 4, September 18, October 2, October 16

Highlights of the tour

  • Discover the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries-old cave dwellings carved out of the steep rock cliffs and beautifully rugged rock churches, with precious frescoes dating back to the 9th through 17th centuries
  • Escape into the Murgia Plateau where you will go to the Park of Rock Churches, with its strong smell of wild thyme, cave villages, Neolithic park, and views of the Sassi.
  • Visit the San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful natural oasis that has become the destination of many migratory birds from Africa. We suggest you take some time to enjoy bird watching — grey herons, cormorants, storks and fish hawks.
  • Encounter the Crypt of Original Sin (with the oldest frescoes in the area). This is also called the “Sistine Chapel” of Rock Churches.
  • Experience the magic of the Itria Valley and the round stone fairy-like trullo buildings in Alberobello
  • Bike along the breathtaking Adriatic Coast, through medieval hill towns and centuries-old olive groves
  • Explore Ostuni, the White town, and Lecce, the capitol of Baroque style
  • Enjoy Otranto and the medieval mosaic in the Cathedral
  • Taste the local wines from Murgia and Salento
  • Enjoy local cuisine including seafood, fruit, bread of Matera, and Apulian olive oil
  • Watch some video highlights from this Apulia bike tour.

Day 1 – Welcome to the Apulia Tour!

Arrival to Matera is on your own. Once in Matera, you will take an afternoon tour of the UNESCO Sassi districts with one of our guides. For dinner you might look for one of the several restaurants carved out of the rock in the Sassi. Enjoy the flavors of regional cuisine in a unique setting. Overnight stay in Matera.

Day 2 – San Giuliano Lake and the Matera hills (22 miles/35 km)

This route will take you along a wonderful, deserted road around the San Giuliano Lake. Stop at the Crypt of Original Sin with the oldest frescoes in the area. Back to Matera (pedalling or by van) and a free afternoon. Dinner on your own and another night in Matera.

Day 3 – Matera to Noci (39 miles/64 km)

We will leave Matera and head east towards the coast. Enjoy the beautiful pastures along the way. Accommodations will be in Noci at a beautiful trulli hotel – an old farm converted into a lovely, comfortable hotel with a relaxing pool. Enjoy!

Day 4 – On to Alberobello and Ostuni “the White Town” (28 miles/45 km)

Our route today will take us through the charming town of Alberobello, the capital town of trullo architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a self-tour of the town, we will continue through the Selva (forest) near Fasano, then along the Adriatic Coast to Ostuni. This town is an architectural jewel commonly referred to as “the White Town” because of its white-painted walls and buildings. We will stay overnight here to allow time to explore.

Day 5 – Transfer to Lecce (relaxing day/no biking)

Today, a little bit of pampering as we transfer to the beautiful Baroque town of Lecce. Enjoy a guided walking tour where we will taste puccia (local bread filled with salami or vegetables) or a pasticciotto (delicious pastry). Take time, at your own pace, to continue exploring the charm of this town – with many lovely buildings and churches. Relax with a massage at our five-star hotel.

Day 6 – Bike to Otranto (26 miles/42 km)

Bike along the coast towards our final destination of Otranto. This is a charming city surrounded by walls that protected the people and a castle. Be sure to visit the cathedral, a Romanesque-style building with mysterious mosaics. Overnight stay in Otranto.

Day 7 – Loop ride: Otranto – Porto Badisco –S. Cesarea – Otranto (22 miles/35 km)

Our sunny bike route will take you to the wild, eastern rocky coast of Southern Italy. It is a unique place where Turks and Greeks landed centuries ago. We will visit the Caves of Zinzulusa, stunning caves that face the clear waters of the Ionian Sea. The caves are known for unusual, twisted, limestone formations that hang from the ceiling. Back to Otranto for our final night and a farewell dinner together.

Day 8 – Departure Day

End of the tour.

Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations.

Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

apuliaeasy2
Level of difficulty: Easy
Apulia is flat. The only ascents you will find are getting in Matera, but just for few km. The roads are not busy (sometimes just near every village). These are old roads only used by local people and peasant. You will find some traffic around Lecce and Matera only.
Why this tour
The tour is an opportunity to enjoy the UNESCO heritage sites of Matera, with its Sassi district, and Alberobello, with the trulli houses. History and architecture are unique in every village, and landscape is typical of Southern Italy, with fortified farmhouses, olive groves, golden fields and the gorgeous coast around Otranto.
Travel notes
The reference airport for the tour is Bari. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals to Bari.
Group tour price
  • 4-5 people € 1655 per person
  • 6-7 people € 1485 per person
  • 8+ people € 1325 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees
  • High season surcharge – € 100 (effective July 1– August 31)
  • Private room – € 265
  • Hybrid Bike rental – € 100 (€ 15 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
  • GPS rental – € 35 Garmin E-Trex Venture HC
  • Visit the Crypt of Original Sin – € 8 per person
  • Transfer rates per person (2 person minimum)
    • Bari airport-Matera: € 45
    • Otranto-Bari airport: € 200 (up to 6 people)
    • All extra transfer (between the hotels) requested: € 30
Included
  • One English-speaking trip leader
  • Seven nights in double rooms, six nights in a 3 star hotel and one night in a 4 star hotel
  • Seven breakfasts and one dinner
  • Guided tour of Matera
  • Guided tour of Lecce
  • Baggage transportation between hotels
  • Detailed route information and maps
  • Van support
Not included
  • Admission to museums and archaeological sites
  • Tickets for trains or any public transportation
  • Wine or beverages
  • Airfare
  • Transfers to the starting point or from the finishing point unless specified; we can assist you in planning and arranging for any necessary shuttles
  • Transport of bike case (for guests who bring their own bike)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, personal supplies, phone calls, etc.)
  • Gratuity
Self-guided option
This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1175 per person. This option includes:

  • Seven nights in double rooms, six nights in a 3 star hotel and one night in a 4 star hotel
  • Seven breakfasts and one dinner
  • Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
  • Baggage transportation between hotels
  • Detailed route information and maps
  • Telephone assistance
Tour code
AP
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