20 Photos to Inspire You to Explore Southern Italy
Our Bike Across Southern Italy raises the bar when it comes to epic, unrivaled cycling journeys across Italy’s most dramatic, southern and intriguing regions. Visit Matera, nominated as the 2019 European Capital of Culture, on this amazing bike tour. Ciclismo Classico guide/photographer Frank Yantorno shares a few of his best recent shots on this tour.
Southern Italy is without a doubt festive, lively, invigorating, authentic. Some say it’s the real Italy. And, well, we can’t argue that!
Our trip starts in the delightful village of Polignano al Mare, aka “”Pearl of the Adriatic.”” And who knew that, Domenico Modugno, the guy who sang ‘Volare’ came from this dazzling place? Nel blu dipinto di blu is the song’s title in Italian (“In the Sky, Painted Blue”).
We ease our way into this 12-day epic journey across the South with gentle pedaling along the fairy-tale roads of Puglia.
In the most southern regions (and in most of Italy, in general) life just tends to happen in la piazza: kids, parents, grandparents, friends all meet up to share the events of the day, talk sports or politics, local news, gossip, play, share and laugh.
It’s an everyday cultural ritual that emphasizes and celebrates community as a core value that weaves its way into the daily social fabric of life. We generally like to dive right in.
Gelato is just part of life. Any one of our tours promises daily samplings of healthy gelato (yes that’s right, healthy!).
Imagine views like this from your hotel room?
After days out riding in stunning, gorgeous countryside, our evenings include a delicious, generous southern style dinners followed by the entertaining passeggiata – or stroll – through town. Evening sunsets in vibrant colors embrace us. Sounds dreamy, right? It is.
A Ciclismo Classico trademark experience includes evening musical or folkloristic events. This doesn’t happen every night, but when it does–these are moments you’ll never forget! Whether you join in on the singing dancing or just quietly observe–the energy is truly rare and joyful.
The food in Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Campania–to name a few regions we cycle through on this trip–is out of this world. Simple pastas, the daily catch of fish and vegetables galore, fresh cheeses and desserts to Insta-write home about.
Dramatic cliffside villages dot our Bike Across Southern Italy route. Towns where local folks live and rarely see cyclists or travelers passing through.
Passion. Amore.
Fun.
Just a few of the themes on this Southern Italian adventure: coastal riding, smooth, challenging climbs, unknown villages like Castelmezzano, Basilicata (pictured above); foods and wines you can’t even imagine tasting.
Last year, Matera was named European City of Culture. This is the time to get there! Ciclismo Classico guides Frank Yantorno and Dana Geraghty are leading the way to one of their favorite towns.
Alberobello’s amazing trulli can be found on the western slopes of the town’s two hills: a dense mass of 1500 beehive-shaped houses, white-tipped as if dusted by snow. These dry-stone buildings are made from local limestone; and many date back to the 14th century.
Guide Dana Geraghty visits (and re-visits) with her favorite local caffè owner.
Join us on our Bike Across Southern Italy–the most engaging, spectacular, and epic adventure out there!
Photos: Frank Yantorno