Puglia to Basilicata Bike Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Deluxe Hotels
2026: Apr-May, Aug-Oct 2027: Apr-Jun, Aug-Oct
From Ancient Matera to Salento
Sunlit olive groves. Ancient towns. The aquamarine Adriatic glittering in the distance. Ride through Puglia on an adventure of quiet roads, deep traditions and unforgettable flavors.
Highlights
- Ride from the Ionian to the Adriatic, tracing a sunlit path across olive groves and along shimmering coastal horizons
- Wander Matera and Alberobello, where ancient sassi cave dwellings and storybook trulli tell the stories of history shaped over millennia
- Dive into Pugliese culinary culture with a mozzarella making demonstration, hands-on pasta making and relaxed meals
- Spin into Ostuni’s whitewashed maze and along cliffside roads where glittering grottoes invite a refreshing dip
- Unwind at countryside farmhouses and seaside retreats that balance comfort, style and character
Start Bari
End Lecce
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Ride Basilicata’s undulating landscape dotted with fields of swaying wheat • Ascend into Matera, where caves carved into limestone cliffs reveal one of the world’s oldest settlements • Wander narrow lanes and stairways for views of sassi cave homes • Gather for a lively welcome dinner, sharing regional dishes and stories that set the tone for the days ahead.
Night 1
Set within a restored 18th-century palace in the historic center of Matera, Palazzo Viceconte overlooks the city's famous Sassi districts. Antique furnishings and frescoed ceilings reflect the building's noble past. And a panoramic rooftop terrace offers views across the ancient cave dwellings that define this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Days 2-3
Pedal scenic backroads toward Alberobello, its iconic trulli rising like a fairy-tale village in the hills • See how mozzarella is made for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s signature flavors • Ride through ancient olive groves toward Ostuni, the luminous White City perched across three hilltops • Climb into its maze of bright alleys and hidden courtyards crowned by a gothic cathedral • Cool off with a sweet espressino freddo before continuing along quiet scenic roads • Join a local cook for a pasta-making experience, then share a relaxed farmhouse dinner rooted in generations of tradition.
Nights 2-3
A serene countryside retreat in Puglia's Itria Valley where historic stone trulli dwellings meet refined simplicity and rural charm.
Days 4-6
Bike inland through lesser-known villages and open farmland • Stop for a fresh, seasonal lunch at a working agriturismo • Opt into downtime at our stylish retreat or hop back on your bike for extra miles past coastal lakes and into Otranto • Get ready for the trip’s most spectacular ride along cliffside roads, seaside towns and hidden grottoes perfect for an unhurried swim break • Celebrate the journey with an evening of local music and dancing • End the trip in Lecce, known for its intricate baroque architecture carved from warm golden stone.
Nights 4-5
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Adriatic, this resort features a stunning infinity pool and walking path to the sea below. (pool)
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.
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.
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