Puglia's Salento to Matera Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Premiere Hotels
Puglia's Salento to Matera Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Premiere Hotels
2026: Apr-Jun, Aug-Oct 2027: Apr-Jun, Aug-Oct
Coastlines, Hill Towns & World Heritage Sites
Majestic sea views. Whitewashed towns. Prehistoric cave dwellings. Cycle the little-known roads of Puglia and Basilicata and experience Italy’s pristine landscapes. As you unwind in elegant retreats, it will feel like time stands still.
Highlights
- Pedal from the turquoise seaside to the verdant countryside dotted with olive trees
- Stop at quintessential agriturismi to sample homemade cheeses and taste the region’s classic Pugliese dishes
- Ride along the coast and in enchanting seaside villages, taking 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
Start Lecce
End Bari
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Prepare to be captivated by Puglia’s charms as you bike on quiet country lanes from one beach to the next • After lunch at a masseria (fortified farmhouse), luxuriate by the pool or rejuvenate with a visit to the spa • 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.
Nights 1-2
An oasis of elegance in the heart of Salento, this aristocratic 16th-century palace features a spa, Lecce stone vaults and ancient chianche (stone) floors. (pool, spa)
Days 3-4
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, pausing to admire the historical site of Egnazia • Ascend the Murgia plateau for stunning views of the Alberobello countryside • Immerse yourself in the history of this area and its 1,500 trulli (round stone buildings) on a walking tour • Explore the winding medieval streets of Monopoli.
Nights 3-4
Set just a short distance from the sea, this onetime refuge for pilgrims and the Knights of Malta offers unique guest rooms, each with its own private garden. (pool, spa)
Days 5-6
Ride toward the picturesque countryside of Basilicata • Eat like the locals at an agriturismo (Italian farmhouse) • Discover prehistoric caves in the World Heritage Site of Matera • Raise a glass to new friends and la dolce vita over a festive dinner.
Night 5
A 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.
This trip has an activity level range of 1-4
- Activity
- Activity Level
- Mileage
- Elevation
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. 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 in other parts of Italy. Although our routes are quiet, 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.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
