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 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
Arrival to Matera is on your own. Our guide will take you on a tour of Matera where you will begin with a tour of a wood-burning bakery and enjoy a taste of the special bread and focaccia made with local hard grain. You will take a light bike ride around the Sassi in the ancient Matera districts. Stop at the Park of Rupestrian Churches for a picnic. Dinner will be together in a typical Sassi restaurant carved out of the Rock. 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 Alberobello (39 miles/64 km)
You will pass through the small villages of Gioia del Colle and Noci and then on to Alberobello, the capital town of trullo architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to visit the city on your own. Accommodations will be in the historical center in a Trullo dating back to the 1600. Enjoy!
Day 4 – Loop ride: Alberobello, Cisternino & Martina Franca (28 miles/45 km)
Our tour will take us in the direction of the Itria Valley, filled with thousands of olive trees. You will pass through the town of Cisternino, one of the white washed villages in the valley. A climb over the hill dominating the Itria Valley, will bring you to the village of Martina Franca, a real Baroque gem. Back to Alberobello and another night in your trullo.
Day 5 – Ostuni “the White Town” (26 miles/42 km)
Cycling trough the Selva (forest) near Fasano, you follow the Adriatic Coast and reach Ostuni, which is an architectural jewel and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” because of its white-painted walls and buildings. We will stay overnight here to allow time to get to know this charming town.
Day 6: Far East (26 miles/42 km)
A transfer with our van will take you to Lecce, the Baroque town with lovely buildings and churches. After tasting a puccia (local bread filled with salami or vegetables) or a pasticciotto (delicious pastry), you will start pedalling towards Otranto following the coast. Overnight stay in Otranto.
Day 7 – Loop ride: Otranto – Porto Badisco –S. Cesarea – Otranto (22 miles/35 km)
Otranto is surrounded by walls with a wonderful city center and a castle. The highlight is the mysterious mosaic, in the Romanesque Cathedral. 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. Back to Otranto for another night.
Day 8 – Departure Day
End of the tour.
Ciao!
Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.
- 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
- 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: € 35
- Otranto-Bari airport: € 70
- 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
- Baggage transportation between hotels
- Detailed route information and maps
- Van support
- HD guided tour in Matera
- 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
