Self-Guided Bike Tour: From Matera to Salento – 8 Days
Self-guided bike tour - 8 Days/ 7 Nights - Cycle from the Sassi of Matera to the Southern Tip of Italy
Explore two of Italy’s most fascinating regions--Basilicata and Puglia—on this self-guided cycling adventure. Start in the ancient cave city of Matera, then ride through the Itria Valley, whitewashed villages, olive groves, and vineyards, ending at the crystal-clear beaches of the Salento peninsula.
The itinerary offers a fantastic journey through some of the highlights of Apulia and Basilicata. The tour will give you the opportunity to visit two Unesco Sites, the Sassi of Matera and the trulli of Alberobello. In Alberobello wander through the narrow streets lined with trulli and immerse yourself in the town's enchanting atmosphere: a true exploration of the Itria Valley and its small towns like Locorotondo, a place of circular beauty, Martina Franca the elegant city with its bulging balconies and Cisternino famous for its steak house where they serve the typical "bombette". Your cycling route then takes you to Ostuni, called "White City" due to its whitewashed buildings. The old town is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the charming streets, visit the stunning Ostuni Cathedral, and enjoy the local cuisine. Continue your holiday among the gems of Salento: the city of Gallipoli, located on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, Gallipoli boasts beautiful sandy beaches, a historic old town, and a picturesque harbor. Cycle further east to Otranto, a coastal gem known for its turquoise waters and medieval charm. Visit Otranto Cathedral, which houses impressive mosaic flooring, and take a stroll along the town's scenic promenade. Finally, make your way to Lecce, often called the "Florence of the South" due to its stunning Baroque architecture. Admire the intricate details of the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Piazza del Duomo.
Itinerary
Day 1. ARRIVAL IN MATERA
Famous for its ancient cave dwellings SASSI and dramatic landscapes, Matera lies at the crossroads of Basilicata and Puglia. With over 30,000 years of history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique glimpse into the past. Explore rock-cut churches, visit a traditional cave home, and enjoy dining or sleeping in beautifully restored cave hotels. Arriving late? Consider adding an extra night to fully experience this unforgettable city.
Overnight stay in Matera.
Overnight stay in Matera.
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Day 2. MATERA - ALBEROBELLO 78 km / +650m
After a personalized bike delivery and fitting, begin your ride through the southern Murgia region toward one of Italy’s most iconic destinations: Alberobello. Known as the capital of the Trulli—unique, cone-shaped stone dwellings—this charming town boasts over 1,500 of these historic buildings clustered in the Monti and Aia Piccola districts, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996. Enjoy scenic rural roads, olive groves, and timeless landscapes on your way.
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(See profile)
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Day 3. ALBEROBELLO - OSTUNI 52 km / +600m
Today’s route takes you across the rolling hills of the Itria Valley—one of the most picturesque landscapes in southern Italy. Cyclists and nature lovers will be immersed in a patchwork of ancient olive groves, red soil, vineyards, and iconic white trulli houses under clear blue skies. Along the way, stop in:
Overnight stay in Ostuni.
- Locorotondo, for a refreshing aperitif with local white wine
- Martina Franca, to explore its elegant historic center and baroque architecture
- Cisternino, where you can enjoy a rustic lunch in a traditional butcher’s grill
Overnight stay in Ostuni.
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Day 4. TRAIN TRANSFER FROM OSTUNI TO LECCE.
Today you'll take a regional train from Ostuni to Lecce (approx. 55 minutes, direct route, ticket €5.50 – not included). You can bring your bike onboard free of charge on regional trains.
Spend the day exploring Lecce, the Baroque jewel of southern Italy. Stroll through charming alleys and grand piazzas, and admire stunning 17th-century architecture. Don’t miss Piazza Duomo, Piazza Sant'Oronzo with its Roman amphitheatre, and the ornate Basilica di Santa Croce.
Overnight stay in Lecce. (train timetables)
Spend the day exploring Lecce, the Baroque jewel of southern Italy. Stroll through charming alleys and grand piazzas, and admire stunning 17th-century architecture. Don’t miss Piazza Duomo, Piazza Sant'Oronzo with its Roman amphitheatre, and the ornate Basilica di Santa Croce.
Overnight stay in Lecce. (train timetables)
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Day 5. LECCE - GALLIPOLI 62 km / +220m
Today’s ride takes you through the scenic countryside of Salento, rich with olive groves and dry-stone walls. Your first stop is charming Galatina, where you can visit the impressive Mother Church and the stunning Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, famed for its 15th-century frescoes. After a lunch break—perhaps enjoying a typical Rustico Leccese—you'll continue cycling to the coastal town of Gallipoli. In the evening, explore its atmospheric old town, perched on an island and full of seaside charm.
Overnight stay in Gallipoli.
(See profile)
Overnight stay in Gallipoli.
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Day 6. GALLIPOLI - OTRANTO 68 km / +390m
Today your tour will lead you from the Ionian to the Adriatic coast . In the heart of the Grecia Salentina you will cross the small towns of Corigliano d'Otranto, where ancient "Griko" is still spoken by elderly people, and Melpignano, crowded with more than one hundred thousand visitors during the Night of the Taranta, which takes place in August. From here you will cycle to your destination: OTRANTO. If you want you can have a delicious seafood dinner and take a walk throughout the historic centre and maybe buy some souvenirs from the local little shops. Overnight stay in Otranto.
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(See profile)
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day 7. OTRANTO - LECCE 56 km / +285m
In the morning, if you want, there's time to visit the city. Otranto is best appreciated in its amazing cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. Less macabre is the cathedral’s other jaw-dropper, its medieval mosaic floor, which rivals the famous early Christian mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and historical significance. Cycling along the Alimini Lakes, you’ll finally reach the seaside village of Torre dell'Orso: don't miss the opportunity to swim in the suggestive Grotta della Poesia. Before arriving in LECCE you will meet Acaya, a perfect stop for an authentic Italian espresso or for a drink at sunset in front of the castle. Overnight stay in Lecce.
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DAY 8. DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast. End of services and goodbye Puglia ! But before leaving, stock up on pasticciotti, the typical shortcrust pastry dessert from Lecce!
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Price details
CATEGORY |
Low season |
Mid-season |
High season |
CATEGORY: Economy B&B/HOTEL 3* |
€ 1.075 |
€ 1.275 |
€ 1.475 |
CATEGORY: Deluxe HOTEL 4*/5* |
€ 1.430 |
€ 1.875 |
€ 2.275 |
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LOW SEASON
From 08th Jan to 13 April From 22nd April to 31st May From 23rd Sept to 22th Dec MID SEASON
From 01st June to 14th July From 24th Aug to 22nd Sept HIGH SEASON
From 14th to 21th April From 15th July to 23rd Aug From 23rd Dec to 7th Jan |
what is included:
*Reduce Waste! Bring Your Helmet and Refill Your Water Bottle! For a more responsible tourism experience, we encourage you to bring your own helmet and refillable water bottle. If needed, we are happy to provide these items for you. Please inform us in advance if you require them. not included:
supplements:
SINGLE ROOM: +30 % on the base quote AUGUST SUPPLEMENT: From 01st Aug to 23rd Aug 2024 Category Economy: € +240 per pax Category Deluxe: € +475 per pax E-BIKE RENTAL: +150 € per bike ROAD BIKE RENTAL: +70 € per bike |
Please, take note: If you book the tour in the Economy Category, breakfast at the B&B in Ostuni is self-catering.
Bikes available
Specifications:
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Suspension fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 3 x 7-10 speed
WHEELS: 28”
PEDALS: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Suspension fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 3 x 7-10 speed
WHEELS: 28”
PEDALS: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack
Specifications:
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Suspension fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 1 x 8-11 speed
BATTERY: 418-500 W
WHEELS: 27,5” / 28” / 29”
PEDALS: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack, battery charger
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Suspension fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 1 x 8-11 speed
BATTERY: 418-500 W
WHEELS: 27,5” / 28” / 29”
PEDALS: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack, battery charger
Available size: S, S/M, M/L
FRAME RIDE LITE
FORK Road Carbon Comp
DERAILLEUR FRONT Shimano Claris D
DERAILLEUR REAR Shimano Sora GS
SHIFTERS Shimano Claris
BRAKE LEVER attached
BRAKES Road Dual Pivot
CHAINWHEEL FSA Tempo 50-34
BBSET Cartridge Bearing
CHAIN KMC 8s
HUBS OV alloy/ OV cassette
RIM Merida comp 20 pair
FREEWHEEL Sunrise CS-8S 11-32
TIRES Kenda K1018 700 25
HANDLEBAR STEM Merida Comp OS-6
HANDLEBAR Merida Anatomic Road OS
HEADSET Big Conoid semi neck pro
SEAT POST Merida Road Comp SB12 27.2
SADDLE Merida Race 5
PEDAL Lock, SPD, SPD- LS
FRAME RIDE LITE
FORK Road Carbon Comp
DERAILLEUR FRONT Shimano Claris D
DERAILLEUR REAR Shimano Sora GS
SHIFTERS Shimano Claris
BRAKE LEVER attached
BRAKES Road Dual Pivot
CHAINWHEEL FSA Tempo 50-34
BBSET Cartridge Bearing
CHAIN KMC 8s
HUBS OV alloy/ OV cassette
RIM Merida comp 20 pair
FREEWHEEL Sunrise CS-8S 11-32
TIRES Kenda K1018 700 25
HANDLEBAR STEM Merida Comp OS-6
HANDLEBAR Merida Anatomic Road OS
HEADSET Big Conoid semi neck pro
SEAT POST Merida Road Comp SB12 27.2
SADDLE Merida Race 5
PEDAL Lock, SPD, SPD- LS
Specifications:
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Carbon fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 1x11 / 2x9 speed
WHEELS: 28”
PEDALS: NO (flat, SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Carbon fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 1x11 / 2x9 speed
WHEELS: 28”
PEDALS: NO (flat, SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack
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Apulia Bike Tours
Bike & Hike Srl Via Annibale De Leo, 19 San Vito dei Normanni (BR) 72019 P. Iva: IT 02475020745 Licenza Regionale 06.11.2006 no. 873 Fondo di Garanzia IL SALVAGENTE Pol. n 2022/1-0571 - Garanzia Assicurativa R.C. Unipol Sai Pol. 1/72076/319/189831229 Vertical Divider
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