La Bella Puglia
Discover the charms of Italy’s rustic southern region
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Discover the charms of Italy’s rustic Southern region on this unforgettable bike trip. Named one of the “20 Places to See Now” by National Geographic Traveler, this bike tour takes you through the heart of fascinating Puglia in Italy’s southern region, with its landscapes steeped in Greek, Norman, and Arab history.
We begin our journey in Otranto, a picturesque town whose complicated yet intriguing history make it one of Puglia’s most sought-after places to be. We then pedal to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Baroque capital of Salento area, Lecce. Heading north, we ride through one of the enological gems of the south of Italy: the Salice Salentino. In Alberobello, the trulli region, spin by clusters of fantastic conical dwellings surrounded by enormous, gnarled olive trees. We end our journey in Matera, a city in the Basilicata region that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and world-renowned for its sassi (cave dwellings). Along the way, we’ll be fortified by outstanding local specialties like homemade orecchiette, and grilled calamari pulled fresh from the sea.
Tour Essence
- One-night stay and a walking tour of Matera, “The City of Stone”
- Captivating clusters of conical trulli structures
- Discover the whitewashed town of Ostuni
- Savory cuisine: grilled vegetables, handmade pasta and dense bread
- Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lecce, Alberobello and Matera
What to Expect
Terrain
Gently rollingStart Location
Otranto, ItalyEnd Location
Matera, ItalyMileage
Average Daily: 30 miles Total: 238 milesElevation
Average Daily: 1,734 ft Total: 13,875 ft
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Unforgettable event featuring local music
- Guided walking tours of Matera and Lecce
- 1 wine tasting and 1 olive oil tasting
- Shuttle from Alberobello to Matera on Day 8
- Group shuttles at the beginning and end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of a carbon road bike equipped with Garmin Edge GPS
- Ciclismo Classico water bottle
- Ciclismo jersey
- Two water bottle holders
- Map holder on handlebars and a Garmin Edge GPS
- Handlebar bag
- Tire pump
- Combination bike lock
- Gel-padded saddle
- Choice of pedals
- Card with your tour leaders’ mobile phone numbers
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
- Toe cage pedals
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 2 lunches and 1 picnic lunch
- 6 dinners
The gently undulating route of this bicycle trip is an ideal introduction to the irresistible Basilicata and Puglia regions. Destinations on our journey of discovery include the Città Bianca (white city), Ostuni, the beaches of Savelletri, and Matera, the “City of Stone.” Here, medieval monks “dug in” to the hills to create individual cells, tiny chapels, and even spacious churches, and today Matera’s 155 cave churches range from primitive to exquisite. We’ll stay in the magical Sassi – an entire area carved into the rock and located in one of the most panoramic and charming areas of this ancient settlement. The circular town of Locorotondo, known for its white wine, and Serra, with its fascinating panorama of the valley of the Itria, are also on our cycling tour’s itinerary. Join us and experience the haunting landscapes, welcoming people and exquisite cycling on this incomparable bicycling adventure.
2021
Start Location
Otranto, ItalyFly Into
Rome, ItalyEnd Location
Matera, ItalyFly Out Of
Rome, ItalyOtranto
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
14 milesElevation Gain
600 ftRiding Terrain
Gently rollingMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Palazzo Papaleo
In the historic center of Otranto, the 5-star Hotel Palazzo Papaleo is the charming hotel that you’ve dreamed of for your vacation in Salento, a historic residence near the sea, carefully renovated with splendid rooms with every comfort.
Otranto
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
33 miles; extra loop: 14 milesElevation Gain
1,958 ft; extra loop: 623 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Palazzo Papaleo
In the historic center of Otranto, the 5-star Hotel Palazzo Papaleo is the charming hotel that you’ve dreamed of for your vacation in Salento, a historic residence near the sea, carefully renovated with splendid rooms with every comfort.
Lecce
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
34 miles extra loop: 9 milesElevation Gain
1,020 ft; extra loop: 328 ftRiding Terrain
FlatMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Palazzo Bozzi Corso Hotel
Palazzo Bozzi Corso is situated only a short walk away from the splendid Basilica of Santa Croce and the very central Piazza S. Oronzo. The original architectural features enhance the building’s prestige and evoke its aristocratic past. Today the Palazzo represents the ideal union of the antique and the contemporary and perfectly embodies La Fiermontina’s aesthetics, deeply rooted in local history and tradition while also projected towards the future.
Mesagne
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
44 milesElevation Gain
994 ftRiding Terrain
FlatMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Tenuta Moreno
Each room in the Tenuta Moreno is equipped for comfort. Here, you can appreciate the beauty of Apulia and its rich history. You can also enjoy the swimming pool and exclusive solarium.
Ostuni
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
32 miles; extra loop: 12 milesElevation Gain
1,118 ft; extra loop: 393 ftRiding Terrain
Gently rollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Ostuni Palace Hotel
With its impressive façade, Ostuni Palace fits in perfectly in the White City of Ostuni. It offers a spa, an elegant piano bar, and an Italian restaurant. Unwind at the modern Ostuni Palace Spa equipped with a hot tub, a sauna, and a Turkish Bath. Offering panoramic views across the town’s whitewashed buildings, the Ostuni Palace is 10 minutes’ walk from the main square. The sandy beaches of Puglia’s Mediterranean coast are just a 15-minute drive away.
Ostuni
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
23 miElevation Gain
875 ftRiding Terrain
Descent and gradual climbMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Ostuni Palace Hotel
With its impressive façade, Ostuni Palace fits in perfectly in the White City of Ostuni. It offers a spa, an elegant piano bar, and an Italian restaurant. Unwind at the modern Ostuni Palace Spa equipped with a hot tub, a sauna, and a Turkish Bath. Offering panoramic views across the town’s whitewashed buildings, the Ostuni Palace is 10 minutes’ walk from the main square. The sandy beaches of Puglia’s Mediterranean coast are just a 15-minute drive away.
Alberobello
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
32 miles; extra loop: 13 milesElevation Gain
2,421 ft; extra loop: 853 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling with short easy climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
La Corte Dell’Astore Luxury Resort and Falconry
Peacefully positioned on a hillside, but still within a short walking distance of downtown Alberobello, La Corte Dell’Astore is a magic combination of Past and Present, Competence and Passion, Dream and Reality that you will experience in the Trulli.
Matera Loop
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
26 miles; extra loop: 7 milesElevation Gain
1,820 ft; extra loop: 872 ftRiding Terrain
Gently rollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Corte San Pietro
Set inside the Matera Sassi UNESCO site, Corte San Pietro is housed in a renovated historical building carved out of stone. It offers rooms with a private entrance and free Wi-Fi throughout. Featuring an elegant yet primitive style, each room is unique and furnished with hand-carved wood and stone items.
