From Sassi of Matera to Salento
Self-guided bike tour - 9 Days/ 8 Nights
The itinerary offers an incredible journey through some of the highlights of Apulia and Basilicata. This tour provides the opportunity to visit two UNESCO Sites: the Sassi of Matera and the trulli of Alberobello. In Alberobello, wander through narrow streets lined with trulli and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the town. It's a genuine exploration of the Itria Valley and its small towns, such as Locorotondo, a place of circular beauty, Martina Franca, an elegant city adorned with bulging balconies, and Cisternino, renowned for its steak houses serving typical "bombette."
Your cycling route then leads you to Ostuni, known as the "White City" for its whitewashed buildings. The old town sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the charming streets, visit the stunning Ostuni Cathedral, and savor the local cuisine. Moving from the White City, the tour continues in the birthplace of Primitivo DOC wine: Manduria. Here, you'll pedal among rows of these precious grapes. Don't miss a visit to the Primitive Wine Civilization Museum.
Continue your holiday exploring the gems of Salento: Gallipoli, a city situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Gallipoli boasts beautiful sandy beaches, a historic old town, and a picturesque harbor. you will pedal all the way to Capo di Leuca, where you can admire the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Finibus Terrae in Santa Maria di Leuca: right where the two seas meet. You will have arrived at the southernmost point of Apulia.Cycle further east to Otranto, a coastal treasure known for its turquoise waters and medieval charm. Visit Otranto Cathedral, housing impressive mosaic flooring, and take a stroll along the town's scenic promenade.
Finally, make your way to Lecce, often referred to as 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.
Your cycling route then leads you to Ostuni, known as the "White City" for its whitewashed buildings. The old town sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the charming streets, visit the stunning Ostuni Cathedral, and savor the local cuisine. Moving from the White City, the tour continues in the birthplace of Primitivo DOC wine: Manduria. Here, you'll pedal among rows of these precious grapes. Don't miss a visit to the Primitive Wine Civilization Museum.
Continue your holiday exploring the gems of Salento: Gallipoli, a city situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Gallipoli boasts beautiful sandy beaches, a historic old town, and a picturesque harbor. you will pedal all the way to Capo di Leuca, where you can admire the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Finibus Terrae in Santa Maria di Leuca: right where the two seas meet. You will have arrived at the southernmost point of Apulia.Cycle further east to Otranto, a coastal treasure known for its turquoise waters and medieval charm. Visit Otranto Cathedral, housing impressive mosaic flooring, and take a stroll along the town's scenic promenade.
Finally, make your way to Lecce, often referred to as 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 Sassi and stunning landscapes, Matera, located on the border of Basilicata and Puglia, is not only breathtaking, but fascinating: Its history goes back more than 30,000 years. There are several rupestrian churches open to the public, a reproduction of a typical cave house that you can visit, and refurbished caves made into hotels and restaurants. The sassi districts are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you arrive late at night, we suggest you an extra stay in this wonderful and unique city. Overnight stay in Matera.
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Day 2. MATERA - ALBEROBELLO 78 km / +650m
Bike delivery and fitting. Today you will cycle through the southern part of the Murgia to reach one of the most peculiar city in Italy, ALBEROBELLO, universally-known as the capital of the Trulli, distictive, small, dry-stone buildings with a conical roof. There are about 1500 trulli scattered in Monti and Aia Piccola districts, both listed as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996. Overnight stay in Alberobello.
(See profile)
(See profile)
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Day 3. ALBEROBELLO - OSTUNI 52 km / +600m
Today you will ride over the hills dominating the Itria Valley. Nature lovers will not be disappointed: With its still expanses of olive trees as far as the eye can see, the Itria Valley is red soil, green groves and vineyards, and white trullo houses under a serene blue sky – essentially, a marvelous chromatic effect that repeats itself several times over. Before reaching your final destination, we suggest you to stop first in Locorotondo for a typical Italian aperitif tasting the white wine produced in this region, second in Martina Franca, for a short visit to its marvellously intact historic centre, its beautiful square, and stunning Palazzi, and last but not least in Cisternino for a lunch break, maybe in one of its typical butcher shops, where you can choose the meat you want to eat and they cook it for you. Finally you'll cycle to OSTUNI, the White City, whose whitewashed arches and houses shine like a pearly white tiara, extending across three hills with the magnificent gem of a cathedral as its sparkling centrepiece. Overnight stay in Ostuni.
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Day 4. OSTUNI - MANDURIA 70 km / +250m
Leaving Ostuni and cycling through its beautiful countryside, you will come cross small towns such as San Vito dei Normanni, Mesagne, and Oria where you will be enchanted by their marvellous Frederick's castles. Then the tour will take you to your final destination of the day: MANDURIA. Don't miss the possibility to taste the red wine produced in this area: Primitivo. Overnight stay in Manduria.
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Day 5. MANDURIA - GALLIPOLI 70 km / +350m
This stage is dedicated to the west coast of Salento, where you'll cycle towards Campo Marino, Porto Cesareo, up to GALLIPOLI. The island heart of Gallipoli is home to numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi, testament to the town's former wealth as a trading port. A labyrinthine weave of narrow streets all eventually lead to the broader sea-front promenade with its wonderful views. Overnight stay in Gallipoli.
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Day 6. GALLIPOLI - SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA 75 km / +520m
(See profile).
We also offer a shorter option: 52 km / +230m (See profile). Leaving behind Gallipoli you'll cycle along the Ionian coast headed to Torre San Giovanni. Here the crystal clear sea will tempt you…but it’s time to get back on your bike! A short detour will take you inland to see the small towns of Ugento and Specchia, one of the most beautiful 'BORGHI' of Italy. Then you will continue your ride for another 35 km reaching SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA, where the Ionian and the Adriatic Sea meet; this is the southernmost point in Salento, striking the visitor’s eye for its colors and unreal silence. Overnight stay in Santa Maria di Leuca.
We also offer a shorter option: 52 km / +230m (See profile). Leaving behind Gallipoli you'll cycle along the Ionian coast headed to Torre San Giovanni. Here the crystal clear sea will tempt you…but it’s time to get back on your bike! A short detour will take you inland to see the small towns of Ugento and Specchia, one of the most beautiful 'BORGHI' of Italy. Then you will continue your ride for another 35 km reaching SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA, where the Ionian and the Adriatic Sea meet; this is the southernmost point in Salento, striking the visitor’s eye for its colors and unreal silence. Overnight stay in Santa Maria di Leuca.
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day 7. SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA - OTRANTO 63 km / +650m
Today you'll start riding northward along the beautiful coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Crossing the marinas of Tricase Porto and Castro Marina, you'll finally get to one of the most amazing city of Salento: 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 8. 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.
(See profile)
(See profile)
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Day 9. 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* |
€ 1.175 |
€ 1.425 |
€ 1.675 |
CATEGORY: Deluxe HOTEL 4*/5* |
€ 1.675 |
€ 2.125 |
€ 2.575 |
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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 25th Aug 2024 Category Economy: € +240 per pax Category Deluxe: € +475 per pax E-BIKE RENTAL: +170 € per bike ROAD BIKE RENTAL: +80 € 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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