Puglia's Salento to Matera Bike Tour
Coastlines, Hill Towns & World Heritage Sites
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,799 pp dbl occ
($2,550 for sgl occ)
Whitewashed towns. Majestic sea views. Prehistoric cave dwellings. Cycle the little-known roads of Puglia and Basilicata and experience Italy’s pristine landscapes. Pedal from the turquoise seaside to the verdant countryside—and stop at quintessential agriturismos to sample homemade cheeses and breads along the way. As you unwind in your elegant getaways, it will feel like time stands still.
Italy
Start Lecce / End Bari
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Ride along the coast and in enchanting seaside villages, reveling in dramatic views of the shimmering blue Adriatic Sea
- Discover regional history on tours of two World Heritage sites, the troglodyte settlement of Matera and picture-perfect Alberobello
- Learn how delicious mozzarella is made by connecting with a local artisan and friend of Backroads in a typical stone trullo
- Taste the region’s delectable wines and classic Pugliese dishes then retreat to luxurious hotels at the end of each day
Itinerary
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Prepare to be captivated by Puglia's charms | Wind through quiet country lanes around lakes and beaches on your bike and enjoy a delicious lunch at a masseria (fortified farmhouse) | Luxuriate by the pool or rejuvenate with a visit to the spa | After a satisfying lunch with a coastal view, drink in panoramic vistas of the Adriatic Sea and perhaps even dip your toes in the water | Experience an epic bike ride along the eastern coast of Salento | Enjoy some of the region’s finest wines and cuisine at a local winery.
Surrounded by olive groves, this lovely hotel is just a few minutes away from gorgeous Adriatic beaches and features spacious rooms, classic Puglia style and refined European service. (pool, spa)
After a peaceful cycling route through acres of sunlit olive groves, take a break to enjoy local specialties at the “White City” of Ostuni | Discover the age-old techniques of making mozzarella | Ride an ancient Roman road, taking a break to admire the historical site of Egnazia | Ascend the Murgia plateau for stunning views of the Alberobello countryside | Immerse yourself in the local history of Alberobello and its 1,500 trulli (round, stone buildings) on a walking tour | Explore the winding medieval streets of Monopoli.
An Andrew Harper Grand Award recipient with "a winning combination of international comfort and refined rusticity," overlooking the Adriatic Sea. (pool, spa)
Ride up the limestone plateau of Murgia inland toward the picturesque countryside of Basilicata | Eat like the locals at an agriturismo (Italian farmhouse) | Find artisan treasures down quaint market streets | Discover prehistoric caves in the World Heritage city of Matera | Raise a glass to new friends and la dolce vita over a festive dinner.
A truly unique experience awaits at this elegantly distinctive property, which claims to be the world's only hotel set within prehistoric caves—indeed, the luxury rooms are literally caves with unfinished stone surroundings and little natural light.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level:
1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip is rolling, with some moderate and steep hills of up to 4 miles long. If you're having difficulty on an ascent, feel free to walk your bike or hop in the shuttle for a lift.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip is rolling, with some moderate and steep hills of up to 4 miles long. If you're having difficulty on an ascent, feel free to walk your bike or hop in the shuttle for a lift.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Biking in Puglia
Roads in Puglia and most of southern Italy are not always as well maintained as those found up north. Although our routes are quiet and picturesque, you can expect some rough patches of road along the way. Also, litter can occasionally be part of the landscape, especially when approaching small villages. For most, these challenges are offset by Puglia's beautiful countryside and warm hospitality.
Service Standards
The slower pace and relaxed approach to life in Puglia is one of the highlights of this spectacular region and is reflected in the hotels and restaurants on this trip. This said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe.
Accommodations
We stay one night at Sextantio le Grotte della Civita, an elegant but simple hotel set within prehistoric caves in the World Heritage cave dwelling site of Matera. Although the hotel offers all the modern amenities and comforts you can expect from a Premiere Hotel, the luxury rooms are quite literally caves with little natural light and unfinished stone surroundings. For the unique experience it offers, we believe this hotel is well worth the stay.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Roads in Puglia and most of southern Italy are not always as well maintained as those found up north. Although our routes are quiet and picturesque, you can expect some rough patches of road along the way. Also, litter can occasionally be part of the landscape, especially when approaching small villages. For most, these challenges are offset by Puglia's beautiful countryside and warm hospitality.
The slower pace and relaxed approach to life in Puglia is one of the highlights of this spectacular region and is reflected in the hotels and restaurants on this trip. This said, service can lack a sense of urgency when compared with the service found in other parts of Europe.
We stay one night at Sextantio le Grotte della Civita, an elegant but simple hotel set within prehistoric caves in the World Heritage cave dwelling site of Matera. Although the hotel offers all the modern amenities and comforts you can expect from a Premiere Hotel, the luxury rooms are quite literally caves with little natural light and unfinished stone surroundings. For the unique experience it offers, we believe this hotel is well worth the stay.
