- Discover the best of Puglia and Matera by bike, riding through the Italian countryside
- Begin in the extraordinary cave town of Matera – a spectacular opening to the adventure
- Ride to Alberobello and wander among fairytale trulli houses
- Cycle along the Ionian Coast with a chance for a refreshing dip
- Finish in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its magnificent baroque buildings
- Stay at Masseria Bosco, a converted farmhouse with home-grown produce
Cycling Puglia & Matera
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Discover the heel of Italy by bike, taking a country-and-coast route from the cave town of Matera to baroque Lecce
Cycle the captivating region of Puglia, riding through olive groves and along the winding coast to stay in some of the most spectacular cities and towns in Italy. The adventure begins in the cave town of Matera, officially in the Basilicata region and beloved by film directors for its ancient beauty, before progressing to the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello, the White City of Ostuni, and seaside Gallipoli. It ends in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its extraordinary collection of baroque landmarks.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 agriturismo/farmhouse)
- Six days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
- Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Italy
What's Included
- All breakfasts
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
- Local bike hire
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Local city taxes (approx. €10)
- E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)
6 Days of Cycling
Pace:
Moderate: 8mi-10mi (13km-16km) an hour
Terrain:
Low altitude; 99 percent paved, 1 percent short sections of gravel.
Quiet, rural, rolling roads
Day 2
69 km / 42.9 miles
Day 3
39 km / 24.2 miles
Day 4
61 km / 37.9 miles
Day 5
58 km / 36 miles
Day 6
71 km / 44.1 miles
Day 7
54 km / 33.6 miles
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Sunday
12 Oct 2025 12 Oct 2025
Sunday Sunday
19 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 2 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price £ 2049 £ 2049
Optional Single Supplement +£ 360
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
05 Apr 2026 05 Apr 2026
Sunday Sunday
12 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
12 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026
Sunday Sunday
19 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
26 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026
Sunday Sunday
03 May 2026 03 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
03 May 2026 03 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
10 May 2026 10 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
17 May 2026 17 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
24 May 2026 24 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
24 May 2026 24 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
31 May 2026 31 May 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
14 Jun 2026 14 Jun 2026
Sunday Sunday
21 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 2099 £ 2099 Book with £ 524 deposit Book with £ 524 deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 400
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
21 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026
Sunday Sunday
28 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026
Sunday Sunday
06 Sep 2026 06 Sep 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026
Sunday Sunday
20 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
20 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026
Sunday Sunday
27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026
Sunday Sunday
04 Oct 2026 04 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
04 Oct 2026 04 Oct 2026
Sunday Sunday
11 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
18 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026
Sunday Sunday
25 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
25 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026
Sunday Sunday
01 Nov 2026 01 Nov 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1999 £ 1999 Book with £ 499 deposit Book with £ 499 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Matera Lecce
Fly to Bari; transfer to Matera
Fly to Bari and transfer to the town of Matera, a real jewel of southern Italy. The hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre. There is usually time in the afternoon to wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s famous Unesco-listed cave-dwelling district and enjoy the atmosphere of this enchanting city.
For millennia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-coloured soft stone. These houses are called Sassi and are a Unesco World Heritage site. Matera is the only place in the world where people still live in the same houses as their ancestors did 9,000 years ago.
We’ll also enjoy a welcome briefing today – the perfect chance to meet the group and your expert tour leader.
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere, Residence Casalnuovo, or Palazzo del Sedile (or similar)
Start Matera
The town of Matera is a real jewel of southern Italy, and our hotel is just a short walk from the historic centre. There is usually time in the afternoon to wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s Unesco-listed cave-dwelling district and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city.
For millennia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-coloured soft stone. These houses are called Sassi and are a Unesco World Heritage site. Matera is the only place in the world where people still live in the same houses as their ancestors did 9,000 years ago.
We’ll also enjoy a welcome briefing today – the perfect chance to meet the group and your expert tour leader.
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere, Residence Casalnuovo, or Palazzo del Sedile (or similar)
Ride past the historic Sassi houses of Matera before heading to Alberobello
On leaving Matera, we pedal through the area that makes this town so special. Today’s ride is mostly hilly with gentle ascents throughout, as we cycle on quiet rural roads among the picturesque Apulian countryside towards Alberobello. We’ll pass the lovely towns of Noci and Gioia del Colle plus fairytale trulli houses that have made the historic centre of Alberobello another World Heritage site.
Accommodation: Traditional trulli houses or Colle del Sole (or similar)
Cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria, past the fairytale trulli houses to the hilltop town of Ostuni
Today we cycle through the lush Valle d’Itria, one of the prettiest cultural and natural landscapes in southern Italy, to the hilltop town of Ostuni. The route is rolling throughout but much shorter than yesterday’s ride. This allows us to enjoy the views at a more leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities for rest stops. Along the way we pass the wine town of Locorotondo and Cisternino, both known for their historic centres filled with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, churches and elegant piazzas. In the afternoon we reach Ostuni, known as the White City thanks to the dazzling effect of its white buildings.
Accommodation: Relais Sant’Eligio, Masseria Valente, or Ostuni Palace (or similar)
Ride through quaint villages and country lanes to a typical masseria (renovated farmhouse) where we spend the night
We continue pedalling through tranquil country lanes to the town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria. A popular destination among Apulians, Oria is famous for its 13th-century castle and delightful historic centre of cobbled streets, whitewashed walls and beautiful architecture. We continue through the countryside to a masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse and our accommodation for the night. The masseria is still a working farm and most of the produce grown here, from vegetables to olives and wheat, is used daily for the preparation of local dishes. Before dinner we will have the opportunity to taste some organic olive oil produced by the family that runs the farm and accommodation.
Accommodation: Masseria Bosco (or similar)
Cycle to the coast and swim in the crystal-clear sea before continuing towards Gallipoli with its old town on a rocky island
From the masseria we cycle towards the Ionian Coast and the beautiful town of Gallipoli, known as the Ionian Pearl with its old town on a rocky island offering fantastic views both to north and south. The town itself has many churches and narrow alleys and was the largest exporter of lamp oil made from olives in the 17th and 18th centuries. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming in the Ionian sea near the popular seaside resort of Porto Cesareo (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Hotel 33 Baroni (or similar)
Head towards the Adriatic Sea and the ancient town of Otranto
Leaving the Ionian Sea behind, we head across the peninsula to the Adriatic sea and the ancient Messapian town of Otranto, the easternmost point in Italy. Before dinner there will be time at leisure to explore the medieval town centre. Here the interesting architecture, views, sea-front restaurants and white sandy beaches make it one of the most picturesque towns in Puglia.
Accommodation: Hotel Albània, Vittoria Resort, or Relais Valle dell’Idro (or similar)
Continue along the shoreline to the beautiful baroque city of Lecce
Today we follow the shoreline through innumerable olive groves to Lecce, the baroque masterpiece of southern Italy, in the heart of Puglia. Sometimes described as the Florence of the South, the city is an architectural gem, with sumptuous palazzi and churches. Today’s ride is relatively short and easy, giving us time to stop for a last swim (seasonal) in Torre dell’Orso, a lovely bay surrounded by limestone cliffs with many ancient caves to discover. In Lecce, there will be free time to explore the historic centre before an optional farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Eos, Hotel delle Palme, or Hotel President (or similar)
Transfer to Bari; fly to London
Transfer to Bari; fly to London.
End Lecce
We enjoy our final breakfast of the adventure this morning. But if you’d like an extra day in Lecce to soak up the atmosphere of this elegant baroque city, contact your sales representative to arrange post-tour accommodation.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Six days of cycling
- Average 37mi (60km) per day
- Terrain and route: 99 percent paved road, with a couple of very short sections of gravel
Most of the cycling is along flat to hilly paved roads with a few steady ascents and descents along the way, so a reasonably good fitness level is required. Road conditions are generally good, but the roads may be pot-holed in places. A support vehicle (with only two passenger seats) is available throughout the trip, it can’t follow the group at all times but it will meet you at the end of cycle paths and at junctions to give route directions and allow access to any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike.
Some roads on the trip will be busy, particularly in June to September when Italians traditionally take their holidays and drive to the seaside. The most challenging cycling is on Day 2, when we cover approximately 43mi (69km) and there is an ascent of 2,162ft (659m). Be prepared for high temperatures during the summer months, when 30C (86F) in the daytime can be expected.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: There will be a welcome briefing around 5.30pm at the start hotel; if you arrive later, the tour leader can give you a shortened version the following morning
Airport: Bari (BRI)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily on public transport. From Bari Aiport, catch the Pugliairbus bus service to the stop in Matera. The journey takes 1hr 15min and tickets cost €6 from www.aeroportidipuglia.it/en/bus-pugliairbus-/. The hotel is then a 20-minute walk or 10-minute cab away.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Matera
Location end: Lecce
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Three- and four-star hotels
Throughout this town-to-town cycling trip, we use three- and four-star hotels and renovated traditional buildings, which have been selected for their location, comfort and character.
Below are the hotels we typically use.
- Matera: Hotel Belvedere, Residence Casalnuovo, or Palazzo del Sedile (night 1)
- Alberobello: Traditional trulli houses or Colle del Sole (night 2)
- Ostuni: Relais Sant’Eligio, Masseria Valente, or Ostuni Palace (night 3)
- Avetrana: Masseria Bosco (night 4)
- Gallipoli: Hotel 33 Baroni (night 5)
- Otranto: Hotel Albània, Vittoria Resort, or Relais Valle dell’Idro (night 6)
- Lecce: Hotel Eos, Hotel delle Palme, or Hotel President (night 7)
For many, our standout stay is Masseria Bosco (above), a bucolic farm estate with original stone buildings. Our groups often head straight for the swimming pool (perhaps picking up a wine or beer en route), where there’s an inviting set of sun loungers. Alternatively, you may want to wander around the working farm, enjoying a peaceful moment among the olive groves. Dinner is held where the animals were once kept. It’s a celebration of Pulian produce with much of the ingredients grown on the farm – make sure to sample their delicious range of olive oils and homemade wines.
Worth knowing
- Due to the limited capacity of hotels in Matera we are not able to confirm the definite start hotel for each departure far in advance, and the group may occasionally be split across different accommodations of similar standards.
- You can contact your sales representative two weeks before departure if you wish to receive the up-to-date hotels list for your trip.
Reviews
Add your own reviewOur great Italian cycling adventure
We thoroughly enjoyed our Exodus cycling trip from Matera to Leece in June 2025. As first time visitors to this part of Italy we really appreciated our guide, Manni’s knowledge of the area, contemporary and historical. We had a great group of fellow cyclists, eleven of us in total. The accommodation was excellent as were our bikes. This is our second Exodus cycle trip and we would thoroughly recommend the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
The leadership shown by Manni and Leo and the commadiere of our 'team' as we tackled the 'undulations' in 38 degree heat. Leo's regular appearance in the van with water to help us hydrate, not to mention the daily fresh fruit and nuts.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Manni (Emanuele) was excellent. He was very organised, and along with Leo, ensured things ran smoothly. He went the extra mile in noting the birthday of one of our 'team' was during our cycle. He organised a cake in celebration. His recommendations for dinner each night were excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We booked two extra nights in Matera ahead of the commencement of the trip and would recommend this. There is so much to see and enjoy in this very special town.
The perfect trip
The perfect way to see the best of Italy for those who want to be outdoors and exercise
Most Inspirational Moment
The group encouraging eachother if the cycling got tough
Thoughts on Group Leader
In one word Excellent. Manni the group leader and Leo the support guy always made sure we felt safe and made the whole day from breakfast to bedtime enjoyable and fun. Manni imparted all his knowledge concerning this area of Italy and was a brilliant guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are sitting on the fence about an electric bike then please have one. I consider myself fit, enjoy spin classes and cycle regularly. I chose and electric bike due to a recent injury, but boy oh boy I'm glad I did. The 'upward slopes' on hot windy days were challenging and that little bit of electric on the odd occasion made sure this was a holiday and not an endurace test........... 90% + of the time I used my own leg power so had a brilliant work out every day.
Left me a little flat......
I’ve done a few cycling trips over the years with Exodus and loved them all, but this one left me just a little flat. It started well enough, Matera is beautiful and as we cycled out of Matera the scenery was lovely and the sun was shining. But the days that followed were just a little frustrating really. We stayed in a farmhouse for two nights (not the one advertised) and both were lovely, but we arrived each day at around 3:30 and then you have nothing to do for the rest of the day because you’re literally in the middle of nowhere. I wish we had stayed in Ostuni for one of these nights. This also meant we were limited to eating from a basic set menu each night we were in the farmhouses, which was a bit disappointing as the food in this part of Italy can be amazing.
On the plus side we did cycle every day but lots of it felt like it was on busy roads, I wish we could have spent more time on the coast. I also felt we often cycled through a lovely village or town but then stopped for lunch in some very random and not great places. Would have been nice to have a bit more information on some of the towns we stopped in, on previous trips there’s been a little walking tour but not on this one. This could have been so much better, but it just wasn’t. For the first time if someone asked me if they should go on this trip I would say no…..
Most Inspirational Moment
The night in Matera, at night it's a magical place. I only wish there were more moments than this one.
Thoughts on Group Leader
My previous experience of leaders has been excellent, but on this trip I felt the team could have done more to allow us to experience this part of Italy. It wasn't terrible, but just felt a bit adequate.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do we warned it can get pretty windy in this part of Italy, can make the cycling a bit of a slog some days.
Reply from Exodus
We’re sorry to hear that Steven came away from this trip feeling underwhelmed, especially after having enjoyed several previous cycling adventures with us. While we’re glad he found Matera beautiful and appreciated the opportunity to cycle each day, we regret that other elements didn’t meet the expectations set by his past experiences.
Steven’s feedback about the farmhouse stay is noted. For many of our travellers, this is an accommodation highlight, with peaceful countryside surroundings, authentic hospitality, and a chance to unwind. However, we recognise that its remote location and set menu might not suit every preference, particularly for those who enjoy more independent exploring or variety in dining. We’ll continue to monitor feedback closely to ensure we strike the right balance between rural charm and variety of experience.
We also take seriously Steven’s comments on the route and choice of lunch stops. While some sections of the itinerary necessarily include time on busier roads, we’ll review this with our local team to see where adjustments might be possible. Similarly, his suggestion about offering more information or short walking tours in key towns is a helpful one.
We’re grateful for Steven’s honest reflections, and we hope to welcome him back on another that lives up to his past experiences with Exodus.
– The Exodus Travels Team
Not up to Exodus standards
This was my 5th trip with Exodus and the first time I left feeling unsatisfied. The cost of the trip seemed excessive for what we received. The hotels were not great and food was uninspiring – we passed through lots of lovely little towns and villages and yet on 2 particular occasions stopped in less desirable places for lunch at an odd American styled bar and a buffet style cafe on a busy road. We stayed in masserias two nights instead of one which meant two nights of nothing to do in the afternoon / evenings. People in the hotels and restaurants were very unfriendly and rude. The leader was ok but did nothing above the basics. We had 10 people on e-bikes which in my opinion was way too many as most were inexperienced cyclists.
Most Inspirational Moment
The ride along the coast was beautiful. The Adriatic Sea was absolutely gorgeous. Matera was fascinating and beautiful, especially at night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
In my past tours with Exodus, the leaders have been amazing, going above and beyond. At each town we stayed at, there would be a planned meeting time after the ride where the leader would take us into town, show us the sights and then do a group dinner at a lovely restaurant. The guide on this tour did not do that. Other than the first night and the last night, where all he did was offer to walk people to the chosen restaurant, we were left to our own devices and never saw our guide until the next morning. He made very little effort to mingle or be part of the group. When we ended in Lecce, we were told there was a train strike. Apparently this has been announced in the media a few days prior but never communicated to us. Everyone in the group had to travel away from Lecce and most had planned to take the train. Very little assistance was offered by our guide, and his advice to me was to go sit at the train station and see what happens. Not helpful. One woman had pre-booked a transfer through exodus but we were told by our guide that it was a small car and there was no room for us to join. We were later advised by the woman that it was in fact a 7 seater van and that her and the guide were the only occupants. We ended up having to pay €350 for a private transfer to insure we made our flight.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was VERY windy during our rides which made them far more difficult than they should have been. Be prepared for that if you go in October as apparently this is normal. When you ride on the coast, bring your swim suit and swim at the beautiful spots on the breaks as the towns you stay in do not have nearly as beautiful swim spots, despite what you may be told.
Reply from Exodus
We’re sorry to hear that Tiffany’s fifth trip with Exodus didn’t meet the high standards she’s come to expect from travelling with us. We fully appreciate how disappointing that must have been, especially after such consistently positive experiences in the past.
While it’s great to hear she enjoyed the stunning coastal rides and the beauty of Matera by night, we regret that other aspects of the trip, such as the accommodation, meal stops, and afternoon downtime, fell short of expectations. We also understand how frustrating the situation in Lecce must have been, particularly given the lack of clear communication about the train strike and the missed opportunity for shared transport. This is not the level of support we aim to provide.
Tiffany’s feedback regarding the group leader has been shared with our local team, and we’ve followed up to ensure the leader receives further training before guiding with us again. We expect all our leaders to offer not only logistical support but also meaningful engagement and insight throughout the trip, and we’re sorry that this was lacking here.
We also appreciate the note on wind conditions in October and tips about the best swim spots—this is helpful advice for future travellers and something we’ll look to communicate more clearly in our trip materials.
We thank Tiffany for her honesty and for highlighting where we can do better; we hope to be able to welcome her back on another trip soon.
– The Exodus Travels Team
Fantastic Trip
A superb cycling adventure in Puglia in hot and sunny weather in June 2024. Our leader Manni was excellent in every way making sure everyone had a wonderful trip and was kept safe at all times. Mostly quiet undulating back roads with 2 quite hilly days, we visited some spectacular towns in this lovely region – for me the highlights were Matera, Alberobello, Gallipoli and Otranto., staying in ‘Cave Room’ and ‘Trulli’ hotels, not forgetting a fantastic Masseria where the wine and olive oil were produced on site – with a beautiful bedroom and super swimming pool. But one thing was unforgettable, and that was the opportunity to swim several times in crystal clear Ionian and Adriatic seas, including a pre-breakfast 6.30am swim in Otranto. Thank you Manni for all your hard work making this a special trip
Most Inspirational Moment
Alberobello
Thoughts on Group Leader
One of the best!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy yourself - swim whenever you get the chance - buy the local olive oil
Cycle Puglia and Matera
Overall very enjoyable trip
Most Inspirational Moment
View over Matera
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent - calm, helpful, shared cultural and historical knowledge, great bike mechanic and very organised
Cycling Puglia and Matera
Excellent tour through the heel of Italy’s boot. Beautiful scenery cycling on country lanes, coastlines and walled cities. Delicious food and wine along the way.
Most Inspirational Moment
Stepping out onto balcony at hotel in Matera and seeing the old city and cave dwellings for the first time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Manni, was phenomenal. He was always organized, knowledgeable about the route and each of the cities and towns we visited, and always with a sense of humor. Manni made a great trip even better!
Enchanting Puglia
A most charming part of Italy, well worth exploring by bike. Passing through picturesque villages and ancient towns laden with history, every place has something unique to offer. Architecturally impressive churches, cathedrals and basilicas dominate the landscape. The cuisine is delicious and there is plenty of culinary variety to satisfy any preference. The accommodation was good and very good throughout the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Most inspiring places were Matera, Alberobello and Lecce.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour leader Claudio was attentive, organised and looked after the group well. At the end of each day, he offered suggestions for places to have dinner at and a summary of the following day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Having been on several 'medium' rated cycling holidays with Exodus, i would say this trip is on the lower end of 'medium'.
A fabulous cycling trip with lots of culture
What a fantastic trip. Great group, felt like I was laughing all the time. The leader, Michele, was full of energy and organised little extras that really made the trip memorable. The hotels were good too, particularly the masseria, and the cycling was great fun.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many. Seeing Matera for the first time, watching a local artist perform songs for us in his shop, and jumping into the sea from high up.
Scenic cycling in Puglia
A very scenic cycling tour of Matera and Puglia, though the cycling landscape is not as diverse or dramatic as some tours. The challenge was coping with the temperatures of around 30c rather than too many hills. The region though offers great food and drink, and as well as the lovely dinners the lunches were also excellent. It also has stunning religious buildings along the way even in the smallest of towns. The tour is split in two parts, with countryside rides in the first half where you stay in some iconic accommodation such as a cave hotel, trulli house and a masseria. The second half hugs the coast with tourist hotel stays.
Most Inspirational Moment
Like most cycling holidays its getting to the top of the climbs though there weren't too many on this holiday. The climb on the way to Otranto was made tougher after a lovely lunch and a few beers in Castro.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fabrizio was very enthusiastic and led the group well. Coming from Bari, he has a lot of local knowledge which he communicated well. He lived in England for awhile so his English is good and he was eager to pick up new phrases.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy the food and drink. Try and find a few craft bars otherwise you will be stuck with the local beer which is Peroni.
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Cycling Puglia & Matera
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
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