Landscapes of Matera and Puglia Cycling

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15 Days from

USD 4,149

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

C14PM

Start at Matera, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and cycle through the Alta Murgia National Park, the largest natural park in Italy.

This fourteen night, self-guided cycling holiday takes in some of the highlights of Basilicata and Puglia in Southern Italy. Starting in the UNESCO-listed Matera, known for its rock churches and Sassi houses, you'll have a free day here to explore before setting off on your bike to head to the neighbouring region of Puglia. Firmly tucked away 'on the heel of Italy's boot', Puglia offers extraordinary variety and beauty with a dramatically rugged coast, providing a total contrast to the lush green interior.

You'll ride to Gravina, one of the most important Roman cities along the Appian Way and continue on through the Alta Murgia National Park (the largest natural park in Italy) with a stop at Castel del Monte with its iconic castle. Your cycle route then heads to the Adriatic coast, to Trani, one of the oldest and liveliest cities along this stretch of coastline. Follow the coastline to Bari where you spend 2 nights before heading inland.

Here, you'll be intoxicated by the rich colours of the landscape, olive groves, fruit orchards, vineyards and ruby-red fields, all intensified by the wonderful limpid light of the Adriatic. Highlights include staying in unique Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visiting the postcard-pretty white village of Ostuni as you wind your way back towards the sea.

Highlights

Two nights in the UNESCO town of Matera
Cycling through the Alta Murgia National Park, the largest natural park in Italy
Hand-picked hotels including two nights in a unique trullo house in UNESCO Alberobello
Traditional Mediterranean cuisine and excellent wines

Key Information

14 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
11 days cycling
All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions and maps
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
RideWithGPS navigation app
Luggage transfers between hotels

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

14 nights accommodation
All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
High Quality Bikes
GPS route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels

What's Not Included

Single supplement (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations

11 Days of Cycling

Day 3

43 km / 26.7 miles

Day 4

42 km / 26.1 miles

Day 5

43 km / 26.7 miles

Day 6

55 km / 34.2 miles

Day 8

48 km / 29.8 miles

Day 9

45 km / 28 miles

Day 10

46 km / 28.6 miles

Day 11

45 km / 28 miles

Day 12

48 km / 29.8 miles

Day 13

30 km / 18.6 miles

Day 14

40 km / 24.9 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Arrive in Matera, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

Enjoy the stone city of Matera, named the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Situated in the Basilicata Region, stroll through its beautiful Palaeolithic cave dwellings, intricate cathedrals and museums.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Matera and cycle a few kilometres to enter the beautiful region of Puglia. Ride on gentle slopes towards Gravina, one of the most important Roman cities along the Appian Way, and Altamura, located on the hills of the Murge plateau.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, our route winds across the largest natural park in Italy - the Alta Murgia National Park. Our final destination is an iconic castle in the southern region, commissioned by Frederick II, with its unique octagonal structure making it worthy of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's ride continues though the Alta Murgia National Park, with a pleasant descent towards the adriatic Sea and Trani, one of the oldest and liveliest cities on the Apulian coast. Known as the 'Pearl of Pugila', the city is characterised by its breath-taking cathedral that sits right on the water's edge. Afterwards, wander around its Jewish quarter, hidden between it's glossy limestone streets.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore the historic town centres of Bisceglie, Molfetta and Giovinazzo, admiring their Romanesque style architecture. Arrive in Bari, a bustling, coral-fringed port town and ride along one of the longest promenades in the Mediterranean to the old city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring the capital of the region Puglia, walking the narrow lanes of the Vecchia Bari (Old town), admiring the 11th century Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola (also know as Santa Claus) which was specially built to house his remains. Or head to the old port for a stroll along the seafront, where in the mornings you can see fishermen landing in small wooden boats with their catch - and then selling it directly on the waterfront.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Bari pedalling for several kilometres on the southern side of the sea, up to Baia San Giorgio, where San Nicola (Santa Claus) landed in Europe, the black Saint bridge between Eastern and Western Christianity. Then follow the coast and up to Torre a mare and then go a few kilometres inland, to Rutigliano, a beautiful town known for the manufacture of terracotta artefacts, and from there you cross peaceful countryside planted with grapes and cherries to Conversano.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's cycling takes you through the rolling hills of the Itria Valley where the air is perfumed with wild mint and herbs. Stop in the little towns of Putignano and Noci, and their characteristic whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. It's then off to unique Alberobello and its plethora of trulli houses, the architectural symbol of the region. On arrival you'll be met by the staff, will show you to your own private trullo house.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend today roaming around the historic centre, navigating your way through narrow streets, kitsch souvenir shops and tasting local delicacies. Or maybe visit the Museum of the Territory to discover the history of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, a circular cycle route (45km / 29mi - route directions provided) takes you deep into the Itria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo, with wonderful panoramic views across the valley. Continue on to Martina Franca, a must-see town given its marvellously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning palaces.

Meals Included: Breakfast

You'll spend a long downhill run with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. This incredible descent will bring you down towards. Chapter and finishes through a patchwork of almond orchards, olives groves, vineyards and gloriously coloured fields of fresh tomatoes and peppers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you could just relax by the hotel pool, or cycle to the nearby beach. For the more energetic, a circular cycle ride (48km / 30mi route directions provided) - taking notes to charming Ostuni whose whitewashed arches and houses are neatly piled like sugar cubes on hills rich in olive groves and vineyards!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you leave the farm and head to the Adriatic coast on a gentle flat route. You will cycle past the colourful fishing village of Savelletri, a perfect stop for an authentic Italian espresso or indulge in a delicious seafood lunch. Your ride will continue past the archaeological site of Egnazia, once the location of a Greek-Roman town, dating as far back as 4 B.C. Arrive in the picturesque coastal town of Monopoli in time for a stroll before choosing your evening restaurant from one of the many eateries in the heart of the old town.

Meals Included: Breakfast

On your last day you're spoilt for choice: explore Monopoli and its beautiful cathedral, stroll along its narrow streets flowing around its delightful port and enoy a relaxed lunch in one of the many outstanding seafood restaurants. Or you can explore a stretch of the Adriatic coast, perhaps the most beautiful of all by cycling to the north of Monopoli, coming out of the port and after a few coves and a beautiful medieval tower overlooking the cliff, arriving at Polignano. Its hamlet, which can be reached by bike through a spectacular bike path, in some places almost suspended over the sea, is positioned on the edge of a high cliff (from here the daring athletes who participate in the world diving championship also plunge from great heights). Polignano is then the city of ice cream and the country that gave birth to Domenico Modugno (mister 'Volare'). A few kilometres further along the coast we come to the village, the marina and the abbey of San Vito: an imposing and spectacular medieval building overlooking the sea. From here you go back, pedalling inland, through vegetable gardens and olive trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast in Monopoli.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccination

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All continental breakfasts and 3 dinners included.

In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians! On this trip there will be many opportunities to taste the best local specialities.

Weather

Matera and Puglia enjoy a wonderful Mediterranean climate with all year round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure that the green is never too far off. You're never far from the sea which has a moderating effect on the weather. Please note that the area can be very hot, reaching high 30s in the summer.

Is this trip for you?

This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

Landscapes of Matera and Puglia Cycling

Start at Matera, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and cycle through the Alta Murgia National Park, the largest natural park in Italy.

11 Days of Cycling

Responsible Travel

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

Italy

Vaccination

Italy

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Is this trip for you?

Hotels

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

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Landscapes of Matera and Puglia Cycling