Siciclando » Matera/Basilicata http://siciclando.com Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:43:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc Basilicata: Forests and Ravines Biking http://siciclando.com/tours/matera/matera-basilicata-forests-ravines-biking-tour http://siciclando.com/tours/matera/matera-basilicata-forests-ravines-biking-tour#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:14:13 +0000 mark http://siciclando.com/?p=25 Untouched. Uninterrupted. Indescribable.

Basilicata charms you slowly. This tour begins with the Sassi of Matera, old dwellings and rock churches carved centuries ago out of the steep cliffs. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bike through the varied landscape of Basilicata with ancient forests, rolling hills covered with grain or grapes, sweet villages, and the calanchi hills. Each day is a different experience with climbs and descents, hills and valleys, prairies and forests. Enjoy the pace of life: slow, genuine, and simple.

Cost
€ 1295 – € 1640 ($) see PRICING details below
Duration
8 days/7 nights
10 days/9 nights (Pollino extension)
Start/End
Matera/Viggianello or Maratea
2010 Start Dates
May 22, June 12, September 18, October 9, October 23

Highlights of the tour

  • Discover the ancient and fascinating historical center of Matera, with a tour of the Sassi, cave dwellings inhabited for centuries until 1950 – now a UNESCO World Heritage site the dwellings are being renovated and occupied again.
  • View Matera’s beautiful churches carved out of the rock and decorated with frescos.
  • Bike through the diverse landscape of the Basilicata; ravines, gorges, forests and canyons
  • See, Aliano, a “land of exile” for Carlo Levi who wrote Christ stopped in Eboli
  • Enjoy biking through the Park of Gallipoli Cognato and the Little Dolomites of Lucane
  • Explore the cobblestoned hill top village of Rabatana, a peaceful Arab borough of the 9th century, which has been virtually abandoned until recent years
  • Visit sanctuary of Santa Maria d’Anglona
  • Bike through the Pollino National Park – a beautiful route
  • Sample the excellent and simple cuisine in the Lucanian tradition

Day 1 – Welcome to Matera!

Arrival in Matera with time on your own. In the afternoon, join us for a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sassi cave dwellings and churches.

Day 2: The Bradano river valley and the Via Appia (37.6 miles/62.7 km)

Today we leave Matera to reach an authentic agriturismo, farm hotel. After a picturesque stretch along San Giuliano Lake, an oasis for fauna and a resting place for migratory birds coming from Africa, we will enter the Lucanian countryside.

Day 3: Thick forests and stone villages (30.5 miles/50.8 km)

Today we enter the heart of the tour. We will approach the mountainous heart of Lucania, reaching the Park of the Little Dolomites of Lucane. We will see what remains of the ancient thick oak forests which were so abundant centuries ago.

Day 4 – Pietrapertosa loop (31 miles/51.6 km)

A loop ride that is challenging but rich in panoramic views as you climb to the picturesque town of Pietrapertosa. Then an awe-inspiring route through the dense oak forests.

Day 5 – Accettura and the calanque hills (47.5 miles/79.2 km)

Today we move from the thick forests around Accettura to the arid landscape of the calanques, a fascinating landscape with hills created by erosion of the cream-colored soil.

Day 6 – Journey through the Pollino National Park (51 miles/85 km)

Today’s trip will take us to the Pollino National Park. We will first cross the arid region of the calanques, its harsh beauty will make a strong impression. After a brief stop at the oldest Marianist sanctuary in the region, Santa Maria d’Anglona, we will enjoy a long stretch over rolling terrain that will take us to the lovely town of Terranova del Pollino.

Day 7 – Pollino Park and Viggianello (29 miles/48.3 km)

Immersed in the lush Pollino Park, we will reach the town of Viggianello. A stretch which is initially challenging and then softens into a wonderful winding decline. We will pass through an amazing variety of landscapes before we reach our destination.

Day 8 – Departure or optional extension (37.1 miles/61.8 km)

Standard tour: Departure with pre-arranged transfers (if included in the tour package).

Extension: Loop in Pollino National Park

Day 9 – Maratea (48.2 miles/80.4km)

A long ride as we head to Maratea along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Biking over rolling terrain, with more emphasis on the downhill.

Day 10 – Departure Day

Departure with pre-arranged transfers (if included in the tour package). 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.

materabasilicata
Level of difficulty: Moderate
The orography of Lucania in which the tour is taking place, that is the valleys of the Bradano, Basento, Salandrella and Agri rivers, is characterized by rolling hills and results in a steady stream of climbs and descents.

The tour overall is considered to be one of moderate difficulty, enjoyable for cyclists who have at least a fairly good level of fitness. For the more serious cyclists, the loop rides of days four and eight will be particularly appreciated.

Throughout the week, the tour will gradually increase in difficulty, as we ride through the four aforementioned valleys and move southeast, towards Pollino Park and eventually skirting Calabria.

The average daily distance is about 64 km over paved roads, with brief unpaved sections. The day we ride to Pollino Park is the longest day at 85 km.

Travel Notes
Airports for the tour include Bari for arrival and Naples or Lamezia Terme for departure.
Group tour price
  • 4-5 people € 1640 per person
  • 6-7 people € 1465 per person
  • 8+ people € 1295 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees
  • High season surcharge – € 150 (effective July 1– August 31)
  • Pollino extension – € 190 (includes two nights in a bed and breakfast)
  • Private room – € 235 (€ 270 in case of a person traveling alone on a self guided tour)
  • 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
  • Transfer rates (per person)
    • Bari-Matera: € 35
    • Viggianello-Maratea: € 70
    • Viggianello-Naples: € 160
    • Viggianello-Rome: € 300
Included
  • One English-speaking trip leader
  • Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
  • Seven breakfasts and five dinners
  • 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 € 1035 per person. This option includes:

  • Seven nights in three-star hotels, all rooms with en suite bathroom
  • Seven breakfasts and five dinners
  • Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
  • Baggage transportation between hotels
  • Detailed route information and maps
  • Telephone assistance
Tour code
BA
]]> http://siciclando.com/tours/matera/matera-basilicata-forests-ravines-biking-tour/feed 0 Matera: Basilicata Easy Biking http://siciclando.com/tours/matera/matera-basilicata-easy-biking http://siciclando.com/tours/matera/matera-basilicata-easy-biking#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:18:20 +0000 mark http://siciclando.com/?p=27 Enchanting landscapes, places, and people.

An easier bike tour through the hills of Matera and two regions that will charm you. This tour begins with the Sassi of Matera, old dwellings and rock churches carved out of the rock cliffs centuries ago. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Metaponto, an ancient Greek colony established in the 7th Century B.C., set among vineyards and orange groves. Pythagoras founded one of his schools in this rich and important town. Today it houses an interesting archeological park and museum.

Cost
€ 1290 – € 1570 ($) see PRICING details below
Duration
8 days/7 nights
Start/End
Matera/Matera
2010 Start Dates
April 17, May 8, May 22, June 19, September 11, October 2, October 16

Highlights of the tour

  • See the Sassi of Matera, cave dwellings and rock churches carved out of rock cliffs. A spectacular site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Explore Metaponto – with its beaches and archeological significance
  • Visit the quiet village of Bernalda, with its nice promenade lined with bars and restaurants. Film director Francis Ford Coppola has ancestral roots in this village and has recently purchased a home here.
  • Bike along the San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful natural oasis and a destination for many migrating birds from Africa
  • View the Crypt of Original Sin with the oldest frescoes in the area. Also known as the “Sistine Chapel” of Rock Churches.
  • See video Highlights from our September 2009 trip to Basilicata and Apulia.

Day 1 – Welcome to Matera!

Arrival to Bari Airport and transfer to Matera is on your own. Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch on your own. In the afternoon, join us for guided tour of the Sassi, ancient cave dwellings inhabited for centuries until the 1950’s. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi are being renovated and occupied again. Meet for a welcome drink and overview of the bicycle tour.

Day 2 – Bread, focaccia, and the Park of Rupestrian Churches around Matera (15 miles/25km)

A good beginning to our bicycle tour with a 15 mile loop route where we will visit a wood-burning bakery where you will taste the special bread and focaccia made with local hard grain. You will also stop at the Park of Rupestrian Churches (churches built in the rock). Here we will enjoy a picnic. A free afternoon to explore Matera. Dinner is on your own.

Day 3 – The Bradano Valley (27 miles/45km)

Bike through the Bradano valley, following the road that skirts the Park of Rupestrian Churches. You will come to a typical farm, which has been turned into an agritourism inn. This is where we will stay for the night. Relax in the swimming pool surrounded by orchards and olive groves. Dinner will be here tonight.

Day 4 – Relax in the Magna Graecia (21 miles/35km)

Today, a gentle bike ride to the sea to visit the Archaeological Park of Metaponto. Pythagoras founded one of his schools in this rich and important town. After this visit you will spend the rest of the day at the seaside having a picnic on the beach.

Day 5 – The Bradano River (25miles/42km)

Cycling along the Bradano River you will reach the Montescaglioso and its Benedictine Abbey. Dinner and overnight stay at a holiday farm located in the valley. Relax in the swimming pool, if you would like.

Day 6 – Two cycling options or a rest day

Today you have time to enjoy a circular cycle route in the valley or relax – perhaps at the swimming pool.

1st option: The Ancient Via Appia (21 miles/35km)

Riding along the ancient “Via Appia” (an old Roman road), you will pass through the charming village of Miglionico, with a nice view of the valley. Back to your holiday farm to relax. Dinner is together again at the farm.

2nd option: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera hills (24 miles/40km)

This route will take you along the wonderful, deserted road around the San Giuliano Lake. Optional stop at the Crypt of Original Sin (with the oldest frescoes in the area). Back to your holiday farm to relax. We will be together again for dinner at the farm.

Day 7 – Back to Matera (15 miles/25km)

The route will take you back to Matera again skirting the Park of Rock Churches. After 7 miles, you’ll leave your bike and walk to reach the Gravina Canyon. We will enjoy a picnic in the caves of Cristo La Selva, an amazing rupestrian village, where the homes are carved into the rock in the heart of the Park. Head on to Matera, where dinner will be on your own.

Day 8 – Departure Day

End of tour. You will transfer to the Bari Airport on your own. 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.

materabasilicataapuliaeas
Level of difficulty: Easy
The Bradano Valley is quite flat. The only ascents you will find are getting in every village, but just for few km. The roads are no more busy. These are old roads only used by local people and peasant. You will find some traffic around Matera only.
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 € 1570 per person
  • 6-7 people € 1460 per person
  • 8+ people € 1290 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional options and fees
  • High season surcharge – € 120 (effective July 1 – August 31)
  • Private room – € 270
  • Bike rental – € 100 (€ 15 each additional day), which includes 1 bike pannier per bike, helmets and a cycle computer.
  • GPS – € 35 Garmin E-Trex Venture HC
Included
  • One English-speaking trip leader
  • Guided tour in Matera in the Sassi district
  • Seven nights double rooms
  • Seven breakfasts and four dinners
  • 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 € 1020 per person. This option includes:

  • Seven nights in double rooms
  • Seven breakfasts and four dinners
  • Welcome meeting (tour explanation)
  • Baggage transportation between hotels
  • Detailed route information and maps
  • Telephone assistance
Tour code
BP
]]> http://siciclando.com/tours/matera/matera-basilicata-easy-biking/feed 0 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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