Puglia's Salento to Matera Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Premiere Hotels
Puglia's Salento to Matera Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Premiere Hotels
2025: May-Jun, Aug-Oct2026: Apr-Jun, Aug-Oct
Coastlines, Hill Towns & World Heritage Sites
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 agriturismi to sample homemade cheeses and breads along the way. As you unwind in your elegant getaways, it will feel like time stands still.
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
StartLecce
EndBari
* 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
An Andrew Harper Grand Award recipient with “a winning combination of international comfort and refined rusticity,” overlooking the Adriatic Sea. (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 city 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.
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.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
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)
Nights 3-4
Premiere Hotel
An Andrew Harper Grand Award recipient with “a winning combination of international comfort and refined rusticity,” overlooking the Adriatic Sea. (pool, spa)
Night 5
Premiere Hotel
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.
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Redesigned for 2024
- Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
- $400 rental fee
- Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
- Custom upgraded wheelset
- Best for riders with some tandem experience.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
