Puglia Cycling Tour

Our classical, easier and best seller tour from the Sassi of Matera, in Basilicata, to Puglia.

After crossing the Murgia plateau, you will stay in the Itria valley, characterized by olive grooves and typical “trulli”, rural conical roof houses made with drystone techniques. Around Ostuni, the “white town” lots of Masserie, small typical local stone fortresses.

Salento is the southern region of Puglia, the Heel of Italy’s Boot. Here the Ionian Coast, before Gallipoli, is characterized of sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves.

The Adriatic Coast, around Otranto, is made of cliffs and small bays.

The cities and inland hamlets, expressions of the unique Lecce Baroque, Messapi and Salento Grecìa are not to be missed.

Highlights

The Sassi of Matera
The Trulloes of Alberobello
Ostuni “The White”
Gallipoli, the beautiful city
Otranto: the gate to East
Lecce, the Baroque Gem

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Basilicata

Independent arrival in Matera and get settled in at your hotel. Briefing and delivery of bicycles.
We suggested you book our guided tour of the Sassi (old districts) and the Park of Rupestrian Churches, in the list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Have a dinner in a typical Sassi restaurant carved out in the Rock! Overnight in a typical accommodation in the old town.

Day 2 – from Matera to Alberobello

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.
Distance: Km. 69.
Grade: moderate

Day 3 – Ostuni “The White”

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.
Distance: about 45 km
Grade: easy

Day 4 – Castles and Farmhouses

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 Centre. You will reach a Masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse, your accommodation for the night.
Distance: about 55 km
Grade: easy

Day 5 – Gallipoli and the Ionian Coast

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 enjoy a swim if the weather is nice.
Distance: about 60 km
Grade: easy

Day 6 – Far East

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.
Distance: about 71 km
Grade: moderate.

Day 7 – Lecce, the Baroque Gem

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) and a pasticciotto (delicious pastry), and enjoy shopping and strolling in the city Centre.
Distance: about 45 km
Grade: easy

Day 8 – End of tour

Breakfast and end of services.