Bike Across Southern Italy

Traverse Italy from heel to toe

A Sea to Sea Ride across the Italian peninsula through the enchanting regions of Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania

Destination

Campania, Basilicata, Italy, Cilento Coast, Puglia

Activity

Biking

Level

Intermediate

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

Bucket List Alert: You seek an epic journey to explore an undiscovered part of Italy, spectacular places where no one else goes. You seek to be pampered with exquisite specialities and sumptuous accommodations.

From $6,700 PP 9 days/8 nights

From $6,700 PP 9 days / 8 nights

Book Now

Download Itinerary

Schedule A Call

Building on the success of Ciclismo Classico’s signature Bike Across Italy, director Lauren Hefferon created its ideal counterpart: Bike Across Southern Italy, a 9-day, coast-to-coast journey from the Adriatic to the Mediterranean through Puglia, Basilicata, and Campania.

This tour reveals an Italy few travelers ever see. We ride from seaside Polignano into the Trulli region, famed for its fairytale stone dwellings, then cross Basilicata to unforgettable Matera, the ancient Città dei Sassi, an archaeological and cinematic marvel carved into the rock. From there, we pedal through the dramatic Dolomiti Lucane to the hidden village of Castelmezzano and continue across the Southern Apennines, passing nature reserves, historic monuments, and timeless hill towns.

The journey ends along the unspoiled Cilento coast in Campania—every bit as beautiful as the Amalfi Coast, yet blissfully untouched—before concluding in Maratea, the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea,” where forested hills meet brilliant blue water.

Tour Essence

Explore Polignano, a charming fishing village and the Capital of Gelato
Indulge in four-star stays along the stunning Adriatic and Mediterranean coastline
Ride through the captivating clusters of conical Trulli structures, the region’s unique and iconic architecture
Discover the ancient, enchanting villages of Alberobello, Castelmazzano, Matera and Maratea
Enjoy peaceful cycling through the epic mountain landscapes
Absorb the scent of eucalyptus and the sound of cowbells echoing through the countryside
Learn through guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Experience warm “Old World” Italian hospitality
Take historic walking tours of Alberobello and Maratea led by local experts
Thrill in breathtaking roller-coaster-like rides along the dramatic Cilento Coast
Savor hearty, authentic Southern Italian cuisine

What to Expect

Terrain

Hilly

Start Location

Polignano a Mare

End Location

Maratea

Mileage

Average Daily: 40/45 miles Total: 330/375 miles

Elevation

Average Daily: 4,300/5,000 ft Total: 30,000/34,600 ft

Colorful scenic view of three men with baskets of freshly picked mushrooms during Italy bike tours in a lush countryside setting.

A person standing in a cave in Belvedere, Italy

Itinerary

Download Itinerary

Start Location

Polignano a Mare

Fly Into

Rome

End Location

Maratea

Fly Out Of

Rome

Download Itinerary

STYLED MAP

Day1

Polignano a Mare

Benvenuti to Southern Italy! Welcome to Polignano a Mare, a captivating seaside town on the Adriatic coast, a favorite holiday destination for many Italians. Arrive a day early to relax, swim, and enjoy this enchanting stone village overlooking the sea. We meet at our first hotel at 12:30 pm for introductions and a light lunch. Afterward, we change into our cycling gear for a bike fitting and a brief safety talk before heading out on a warm-up ride along the magnificent Adriatic Coast. We cap off the evening with cocktails, a seafood dinner, and a leisurely walk to explore this delightful seaside town together.

Meals Provided

Lunch, Dinner

Average Mileage

15 miles

Elevation Gain

600 ft

Riding Terrain

Gentle climb to Conversano with descent back to Polignano

Meals Provided

Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Pietrablu Resort & Spa

Pietrablu Resort & Spa is a tranquil 4-star retreat surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, olive groves, and iconic trulli. Overlooking a clear-water bay with natural rock pools and a private beach, this stylish resort features air-conditioned rooms with terraces or balconies, multiple pools, a spa with sauna and Jacuzzi, and on-site dining.

Luxury Level4-star

Day2

Polignano a Mare to Alberobello

We ride along rolling, narrow roads lined with stone walls and a sea of olive trees passing through a surreal landscape of conical-shaped trulli houses. We stop for lunch in the charming, white-washed village of Locorotondo, before continuing to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to over 1,000 trulli. We enjoy a captivating walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, who invites us into an authentic trulli home. The day concludes with an exquisite dinner featuring seasonal dishes native to the Murgia region.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

35/40 miles

Elevation Gain

2,300/2,900 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling, leaving sea level up onto the “Murge” and Alberobello at 787 ft

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Grand Hotel Olimpo

Grand Hotel Olimpo is an elegant 4-star hotel in the heart of Alberobello, just a short walk from the famous trulli and historic center of this UNESCO-listed town. The hotel offers comfortable, stylish rooms (many with private balconies). On-site amenities include the Eden restaurant serving local cuisine, a bar/lounge, and a garden terrace.

Luxury Level4-star

Day3

Alberobello to Matera

Today’s ride is one of the easiest, featuring long stretches of winding, gently rolling farm roads lined with dry stacked stone walls. The serene landscape, filled with fields of wheat, wildflowers, and chestnut groves offers tranquil and beautiful scenes for the eyes to behold. In the distance, we can spot old stone farmhouses called Masserie, reminiscent of a simpler time. We pass through the village of Gioia Del Colle (Joy of the Hill), known for its Baroque churches, Primitivo wine, and delicious Burrata Mozzarella. Continuing on, we ride through more tiny baroque villages and less populated areas that evoke the feel of a spaghetti western movie. We enjoy a homemade lunch and visit a vineyard before arriving in the magnificent city of Matera, where we spend two extraordinary nights in a luxurious “Cave” Hotel.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Average Mileage

45/55 miles

Elevation Gain

2,000/ 2,600 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling through vast farmlands and isolated roads

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Locanda di San Martino

Set inside the Matera Sassi UNESCO site, the boutique hotel is in a renovated historical building carved out of stone with all modern comforts. There is an underground thermae Romana (Roman-style baths) with heated pools, a dry-heat room, a steam room, and a hydromassage. Guest rooms are on four levels and are simple and comfortable to keep to the original cavern atmosphere—the view from the terrace is breathtaking.

Luxury Level3-star

Day4

Rest Day or Loop Ride to Montescaglioso

Today is a perfect day to take a break from cycling and explore one of Europe’s most amazing stone villages. Matera, with its easy-to-navigate labyrinth of culture, offers endless photo opportunities, frescoed churches, world-class museums, and Michelin-starred restaurants. For those looking to ride, we offer a short ride to Montescaglioso, a hilltop town home to an ancient abbey, giving us a taste of the climbs we will encounter in the days ahead. After returning to Matera for lunch, we meet a local guide in the afternoon for a walking tour of this unique 8,000-year-old city. Tonight, dinner is on your own.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Average Mileage

30 miles/optional rest day

Elevation Gain

2,600 ft

Riding Terrain

Starting with a 3.7-mile descent then a 3.1-mile climb to Montescaglioso, and back through the wheat fields of Basilicata

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Locanda di San Martino

Luxury Level3-star

Day5

Matera to Castelmezzano

Today’s route takes us on a spectacular ride through the hilly landscapes of Basilicata. We begin with a descent into the Bradano River Valley, passing through a protected forest of pine and eucalyptus trees safeguarded by the World Wildlife Foundation. Along the way, we enjoy breathtaking views of several hilltop villages that Carlo Levi wrote about in his historical novel “Christ Stopped at Eboli.” Later, we pass through Tricarico, once a critical Roman outpost, where we stop to enjoy a hearty pasta lunch. In the afternoon, we descend with sweeping views of the Piccolo Dolomiti and the surrounding mountain villages. Finally, we arrive at Castelmezzano, the gem of Basilicata nestled along the cracks of a massive sandstone outcrop shaped by centuries of wind and rain. The village’s sandstone-roofed houses and its historic center perched on the rock make Castelmezzano one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, renowned for its stunning and unique landscape.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

60/60 miles

Elevation Gain

6,500/7,000 ft

Riding Terrain

Long descent from Matera, then rolling, followed by some significant climbing in the afternoon

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Locanda di Castromediano

Nestled in the rocks of the Piccoli Dolomiti (Little Dolomites) and in the midst of a beautiful park, Locanda di Castromediano offers mountain style hospitality. Our host, Antonietta, is well known in Italy as a one of the most important Chefs who represent “La Cucina Lucane”. She will treat us to an unforgettable feast of Local Culinary delights as we recover from today’s ride.

Luxury Level

Day6

Castelmezzano to Padula

We begin our journey at around 3,200 feet in Castelmezzano, continuing to ascend through traffic-free routes, surrounded by magnificent views and the sounds of friendly cows, goats, and sheep with their chiming bells. Along the way, we may encounter wild mushroom foragers, adding to the charm of the landscape. After an exhilarating descent, we stop for a hearty lunch of fresh pasta with local funghi in Viggiano. From there, we descend further until reaching the base of a gentle climb to the “Cima Coppi.” Once we conquer this ascent, we are rewarded with a zig-zagging descent through a fragrant pine forest leading us to the town of Padula, where we visit the Certosa di Padula, Italy’s oldest and largest Carthusian monastery.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

45/60 miles

Elevation Gain

5,500/6,900 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling through vast farmlands and isolated roads

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Villa Cosilinum

The 4-star Villa Cosilinum is an archeo-hotel. An historical building with views of the center and the Diano Valley. This is the perfect facility to relax and enjoy your stay in Padula.

Luxury Level4-star

Day7

Padula to Palinuro

Today we begin with a gentle ride through the lush Tangaro Valley, leading us to Sanza, where we pause in the lively piazza, alive with locals playing cards and debating the latest soccer scores. From there, we enter the stunning Cilento Park and gently climb to Passo Inferno (Hell’s Pass), where the breathtaking views will certainly feel heavenly! After the climb, we enjoy a long descent to Rofrano, followed by another ascent through chestnut forests on our way to lunch in Montano Antilia. As we climb, we pass through olive groves that produce the prestigious Cilentano olive oil and catch glimpses of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The day ends with a blissful 12-mile descent, leading us to a luxurious four-star hotel overlooking the azure Mediterranean and its enchanting sunsets.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

55/60 miles

Elevation Gain

5,200/5,500 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling with gentle-to-steep climbs and descents

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Grand Hotel San Pietro Palinuro

Near Cape Palinuro’s main square, the modern 4-star Grand Hotel San Pietro is built into the rocky coastline and offers a private pebble beach, a panoramic seawater pool, and a serene wellness center. Guests can indulge in beauty treatments and massages or unwind in the sauna and Turkish bath for a truly relaxing escape.

Luxury Level4-star

Day8

Palinuro to Maratea

Today’s ride takes us on a scenic journey along the charming yet lesser-known rocky beaches of southern Italy. We ride the coastline to Marina di Camerota before ascending inland to Lentiscosa, where we take in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. We descend to Scario and treat you to a delightful picnic lunch of local specialties by the harbor. In the afternoon, we pass by Sapri and ride along the cliffs of Cersuta. This coastal spin guarantees one of your most cherished rides, with breathtaking views at every turn. Take it slow and savor every moment. Finally, we arrive in Maratea, a charming town famous for its 44 churches and the 22-meter-high statue of Christ, a symbol of Maratea. Slightly smaller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, it sits atop Monte San Biagio at 644 meters. For those seeking an extra challenge, our grand finale features a dramatic loop up the mountain, where you’ll be awestruck by the panoramic coastal views stretching for hundreds of miles.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Average Mileage

45/55 miles

Elevation Gain

5,300/6,500 ft

Riding Terrain

Flat to start, then challenging climbs

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

La Locanda Delle Donne Monache

The 4-star luxury hotel La Locanda Delle Donne Monache was originally occupied by the Visitandine nuns. It is the ideal accommodation in Maratea for guests to explore the character and local treasures of the Lucania region. This hotel has 27 rooms and suites, a large panoramic pool with a solarium and a jacuzzi, and is a few steps from the sea and mountains. It offers many gastronomic and cultural delights.

Luxury Level4-star

Day9

Arrivederci!

After breakfast, we offer a 10-minute group shuttle to the Maratea Train Station. We highly recommend extending your stay in Maratea to enjoy swimming in the Mediterranean, hiking through the lush mountain landscapes, strolling through town, or perhaps taking a scenic boat ride along the coast. Maratea is the perfect peaceful post-tour destination where you can rest, relax, and repeat!

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Biker cycling along a scenic coastal mountain road in Italy with stunning views of the sea and lush green hills, perfect for Italy bike tours and scenic bike adventures.

Bike Across Southern Italy

Luxury Level

Dates

2027

May 23-31

Available

Jun 14-22

Available

Sep 13-21

Available

Sep 27-Oct 5

Available

From $6,700 PP 9 days/8 nights

$1,340 Single Supplement

From $6,700 PP 9 days / 8 nights

Book Now

Download Itinerary

Schedule A Call

Any of our tours can be made private. Contact us to learn more.

Go Private

Once your trip is confirmed, we’ll provide everything you need to prepare for your adventure—from training and packing tips to practical travel information and inspiration to get you excited for the journey ahead. Our Travel Advisors are also available to help you plan your pre- and post-tour travel.

What’s Included

Services of expert local bilingual guides throughout the program
Full van support throughout the tour
Ciclismo Classico Super Snacks with local specialties and fresh seasonal products
Cycling clinics and personalized coaching
Group shuttle at the end of the tour