Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Matera

Your cycling holiday in Puglia starts with your arrival to Matera. You are free to get settled at your hotel. Upon request you can have a guided walk, visiting the Sassi (ancient Matera districts) and the Park of Rupestrian Churches. Dinner takes place in a typical Sassi restaurant carved out in the Rock.

Day 2 – From Matera to Alberobello (69 km)

Today’s ride takes you through rolling hills and short climbs. You will cycle through the small villages of Gioia del Colle and Noci and on to Alberobello, before you reach the capital town of Trulloes, Alberobello, a UNESCO’s world heritage site. Accommodation is in a Trullo house or a stunningly restored local farmhouse.

Day 3 – Ostuni “the White” (45 km)

Cycling through the Selva forest near Fasano, you follow the Adriatic coast and reach Ostuni, which is an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its glimmering white walls and its traditional white-painted architecture.

Day 4 – Castles and farmhouses (55 km)

Cycling south through the quiet country lanes to the charming town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria, famous for its 13th century Castle and delightful historic centre. You continue cycling through the countryside to a Masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse, and your accommodation for the night.

Day 5 – Gallipoli and the Ionian Coast (60 km)

Today your route passes through Porto Selvaggio and skirts the Ionian coast to reach Gallipoli, derived from the Greek word kalépolis, meaning “beautiful city.” Your hotel is located on the coast.

Day 6 – Far East (71 km)

Today the cycling in Puglia is bit more taxing with a few short hills. Cycling to Otranto, the route will take you to the wildest and most easterly rocky coast of Southern Italy. The sun and the atmosphere is unique, in a place where the Turks and Greeks landed centuries ago. Otranto has a wonderful centre, with walls and a castle. A masterpiece is the mysterious mosaic in the Romanesque Cathedral.

Day 7 – Lecce, the Baroque gem (45 km)

Cycling the last stage will take you to Lecce, the Baroque town with wonderful façade of buildings and churches. Taste a Puccia (local bread filled with salami or vegetables) or a Pasticciotto (delicious pastry), and enjoy shopping and taking in the sights of the city centre.

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast and departure.

Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.

Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each rider can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.