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Biking
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Puglia to Basilicata Bike Tour

From Ancient Matera to the Adriatic Sea

Couples, Friends & Solos

6 days 5 nights

Activity Level: 2-4

Casual & Premiere Hotels

From: $4,299 - $4,899 pp dbl occ

($800 - $1,300 for sgl occ)

The map says Italy. The "heel of the boot." Though you may feel you've strayed into Greece. And that's part of Puglia's appeal. Endless olive groves. A rugged coastline and the blue-green Adriatic. The people are welcoming and down-to-earth. The cuisine rustic and satisfying. Our Puglia bike tour is the perfect escape.

Italy Puglia to Basilicata Bike Tour map
Italy Puglia to Basilicata Bike Tour map

Italy

Start Bari / End Lecce

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Highlights

  • Visit the World Heritage sites of Alberobello and its 1,500 trulli, and Matera, with a mesmerizing maze of prehistoric caves
  • Taste exceptional regional wines, learn to make fresh pasta and enjoy delicious home-cooked Pugliese specialties
  • Bike from coast to coast, from the Ionian to the Adriatic, with opportunities to relax en route over coffee and gelato
  • Relish breathtaking coastal vistas and views of ancient olive groves, enchanting villages and traditional farmhouses

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual & Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Description

Bike tour through a remarkable scene of whitewashed villages, olive trees and age-old farmhouses | Journey to the World Heritage site of Matera, one of Italy's most fascinating towns | Some 9,000 years ago, humans inhabited the canyon’s caves, creating what UNESCO calls "the most outstanding example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean" | Soak up the authentic feel and intriguing history of this lost-in-time town.

Accommodations
Exterior view of Palazzo Viceconte
Palazzo Viceconte
Matera
| Casual Plus Hotel

This beautifully renovated 18th-century palace offers unsurpassed views of Matera's sassi from its rooftop terrace.

Days 2-3
Description

Ever wondered how mozzarella is made? It's your chance to learn | Explore the World Heritage site of Alberobello with 1,500 trulli, unusual round stone buildings topped with conical gray slate roofs | Bike into the surrounding landscape, an artist’s dream, with its vibrant palette of reddish brown soil, green grass and blue skies | Start the day off with an espressino freddo, Puglia's irresistible cold sweet coffee | Take in unbeatable views of ancient olive groves as you ride to historic Ostuni, known as the White City, which spans three hilltops and is crowned by a Gothic cathedral | Learn to make pasta and enjoy home-cooked Pugliese specialties at a local masseria (fortified farmhouse).

Accommodations
The pool at the Masseria Torre Coccaro
Masseria Torre Coccaro
Savelletri di Fasano
| *Premiere Hotel

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 4-6
Description

Enjoy bike rides through peaceful farmland and along scenic roads down the Adriatic coast | Along the way, admire the azure Adriatic and its picturesque white-sand beaches | Savor local produce, fresh seafood and regional wines | Get ready for superb coastal vistas, extraordinary grottoes and opportunities to swim in the blue sea | Bike to the "heel of the boot" on a spectacular seaside ride to the tiny village of Santa Maria di Leuca | Take a final ride over undulating terrain toward Otranto | Delight in an evening of lively traditional music and folk dancing | The trip ends in historic Lecce, a city famed for its beautiful baroque architecture.

Accommodations
Pool at Le Capase Resort
Le Capase Resort
Villaggio Paradiso
| Casual Hotel

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Adriatic, this resort features a stunning infinity pool and walking path to the sea below. (pool)

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.

September 2023
Sep 24 - Sep 29
Sold out
Sep 26 - Oct 1
Sold out
October 2023
Oct 1 - Oct 6
Sold out
Oct 8 - Oct 13
Sold out
Oct 10 - Oct 15
Sold out

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Activity Level: 2-4

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.

Daily Route Options

* Includes shuttle.
Day 1
Biking
Level 2 | 13 miles | 1400 ft. gain
Level 3 | 23 miles | 2400 ft. gain
Other
Walking Tour of Matera (1 hour)
Day 2
Biking
Level 2 | 30 miles* | 900 ft. gain
Level 3 | 39 miles* | 1600 ft. gain
Level 5 | 60 miles* | 2000 ft. gain
Day 3
Biking
Level 3 | 27 miles* | 2000 ft. gain
Level 4 | 48 miles | 2600 ft. gain
Level 5 | 65 miles | 3000 ft. gain
Day 4
Biking
Level 2 | 21 miles* | 800 ft. gain
Level 3 | 39 miles* | 1400 ft. gain
Level 4 | 57 miles | 2200 ft. gain
Day 5
Biking
Level 3 | 30 miles* | 1600 ft. gain
Level 4 | 50 miles | 3100 ft. gain
Day 6
Biking
Level 1 | 12 miles | 500 ft. gain

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.

Backroads Performance Road Bike
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike

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. 

Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike

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.

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike

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+

Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike

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

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike

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.

Ask a trip expert

Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our Help Center.

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