Basilicata: Forests and Ravines Biking

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.

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