Overview
Cycle from the UNESCO town of Matera through Italy’s heel to Lecce
In the deep south of Italy, nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, lie
the captivating regions of Puglia and Basilicata. This extensive itinerary
explores the very best selection of all the cultural and natural treasures
found here. Materas fascinating Sassi houses and the UNESCO
‘Trulli houses of Alberobello set the scene for the journey to come. After
passing through idyllic countryside and the stunning ‘white city’ of Ostuni,
the route veers towards Gallipoli and the dramatic Ionian coastline. While
riding across the famous Salento Peninsula, we immerse ourselves in the
charming laid-back Italian way of living and explore a stunning landscape
made of olive orchards, limestone cliffs, crystal waters and Baroque towns. Highlights * Ride from the stunning UNESCO town of Matera
* Enjoy gentle cycling through olive groves and past white-coned trulli
* Sample fine seafood and wine from the famous Salento coast
* Stay in charming accommodation bursting with character ItineraryDay 1
Fly to Bari; transfer to Matera.Fly to Bari and transfer to the town of Matera, a real jewel of Southern
Italy. The hotel is located within walking distance to the historic centre.
There is usually time in the afternoon to wander through the narrow alleys of
the towns famous UNESCO cave-dwelling district and enjoy the unique
atmosphere of this enchanting city. Day 2
Ride past the historic ‘Sassi’ houses of Matera before heading to
Alberobello.On leaving Matera we pedal through the area that makes this town so special.
For millenia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwelling directly into
ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-colored
soft stone. These houses are called ‘Sassi’ and are a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be
still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago.
Today’s ride is mostly hilly with gentle ascents to be expected throughout,
as we cycle on quiet rural roads amongst the picturesque Apulian countryside
towards Alberobello. En route we pass the lovely towns of Noci and Gioia del
Colle as well as some famous fairy-tale trulli houses that have also made the
historic centre of Alberobello a recognised UNESCO world heritage site.
Overnight in Alberobello. Cycle approx. 70km (ascent +659m; descent -648m). Day 3
Cycle through the lush Valle d’Itria, past the picturesque fairytale trulli
houses to the hilltop-town of Ostuni.Today we cycle through the lush Valle d’Itria, one of the prettiest cultural
and natural landscapes of Southern Italy, on to the picturesque hilltop
village of Ostuni. The route is undulating throughout, but much shorter than
yesterday’s thus allowing to enjoy the views at a more leisurely pace with
plenty of opportunities for rest stops.Along the way we pass the famous
wine town of Locorotondo and Cisternino, both boasting charming historic
centres filled with whitewashed houses, narrow quaint streets, churches and
elegant piazzas. In the afternoon we reach the city of Ostuni, known as the
‘white city’ for the the dazzling effect of its white buildings. Overnight in
Ostuni. Cycle approx. 45km (ascent +341m; descent -547m). Day 4
Ride through quaint villages and country lanes to a typical Masseria – a
renovated farmhouse – where we spend the night.We continue pedalling through tranquil country lanes to the charming town of
Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria, a popular destination among Apulians,
famous for its 13th Century’s Castle and delightful historic centre
characterised by cobbled streets, whitewashed walls and beautiful
architecture. We continue through the idyllic countryside to a Masseria, a
typical Apulian converted farmhouse and our accommodation for the night.The
masseria is still a working farm and most of the produce grown here, from
vegetables to olives and wheat, is used daily for the preparation of local
dishes.Before dinner we will have the opportunity to taste some organic
olive oil produced by the family who runs the farm and accommodation.
Overnight in Avetrana. Cycle approx. 56km (ascent +170m; descent -314m). Day 5
Cycle to the coast and swim in the crystal clear sea before continuing
towards Gallipoli with its old town situated on a rocky island. From the Masseria we cycle towards the Ionian coast and the beautiful town of
Gallipoli, known as the ‘Ionian Pearl’ with its old town situated on a rocky
island and offering fantastic views both from the north and the south. The
town itself has many churches, narrow alleys and was the largest exporter of
lamp oil made from olives in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Weather permitting,
today there are plenty of opportunities for swimming in the crystal-clear
Ionian sea near the popular seaside resort of Porto Cesareo. Overnight in
Gallipoli. Cycle approx. 65km (ascent +213m; descent -270m). Day 6
Follow stunning stretch of coastline leading to the ancient town of Otranto.Our route continues along the south of the peninsula and the impressive
stretch of coastline leading to the ancient Messapian town of Otranto, the
easternmost pointin Italy. Before dinner there will be time at leisure to
explore the towns mediaeval centre and its interesting architecture,
views, sea-front restaurants and white sandy beaches which make it one of
Puglia’s most picturesque towns. Cycle approx. Overnight in Otranto. 70km
(ascent +506m; descent -495m). Day 7
Continue along the shoreline to the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce.Today we follow the shoreline through innumerable olive groves to Lecce, the
Baroque masterpiece of southern Italy located in the heart of Puglia.
Sometimes described as the ‘Florence of the South’, the city is a real
architectonic gem boasting sumptuous palazzi and churches. Today’s ride is
relatively short and easy thus giving us time to stop en route for a last
swim (seasonal) in Torre dell’Orso, a lovely bay surrounded by limestone
cliffs with many ancient caves to discover, areal treat to end the week of
cycling. In Lecce there will be some free time to explore the charming
historic centre before an optional farewell dinner. Overnight in Lecce. Cycle
approx. 50km (ascent +234; descent -188m). Day 8
Transfer to Bari; fly to London.Transfer to Bari; fly to London. |
