Puglia to Basilicata Family Bike Tour
From $4,649 - $4,699 /person
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Casual & Premiere Hotels
Puglia to Basilicata Family Bike Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Casual & Premiere Hotels
2024: May-Jun
From Ancient Matera to the Adriatic Sea
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. You've found your family's perfect escape.
Highlights
- Visit the World Heritage sites of Alberobello and its 1,500 trulli, and Matera, with a fascinating maze of prehistoric caves
- Learn to make fresh pasta with an expert and enjoy family dinners of irresistible 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 superb coastal vistas and unbeatable views of ancient olive groves, whitewashed villages and age-old farmhouses
Start Bari
End Lecce
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
As you ride, take in mesmerizing views of lost-in-time villages, olive trees and traditional farmhouses • Travel to Matera, a World Heritage site and one of Italy's most captivating towns • Humans inhabited this canyon’s caves some 9,000 years ago, creating what UNESCO calls "the most outstanding example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean" • Immerse yourself in the authentic feel of this remarkable town, with its intriguing history and spectacular sights.
Night 1
This beautifully renovated 18th-century palace offers unsurpassed views of Matera's sassi from its rooftop terrace.
Days 2-3
Master the art of mozzarella-making in a hands-on demonstration • Admire unusual round stone buildings topped with conical gray slate roofs in the World Heritage site of Alberobello • Bike into the surrounding landscape, where a vibrant palette of reddish brown soil, green grass and blue skies inspires • Savor a mid-ride espressino freddo, Puglia's delicious cold sweet coffee • Ancient olive groves line the way as you ride to historic Ostuni, known as the White City, which spans three hilltops and is crowned by a Gothic cathedral • Sip regional wines, learn to make fresh pasta and enjoy a family dinner of Pugliese specialties prepared at a local masseria (fortified farmhouse).
Nights 2-3
Surrounded by century-old olive groves and ancient Roman ruins, this historic farmhouse has been transformed into a luxurious hotel on the Adriatic. (pool)
Days 4-6
Journey by bike through tranquil farmland and along scenic roads down the coast • Delight in views of the azure Adriatic and its postcard-perfect white-sand spiagge (beaches) • Sample local produce and freshly caught seafood • Unforgettable coastal vistas, extraordinary grottoes and opportunities to swim in the blue sea await • Ride to the heel of Italy's boot-shaped land • Arrive in the tiny hamlet of Santa Maria di Leuca • Bike one last time over undulating terrain toward Otranto • Celebrate with an evening of lively traditional music and folk dancing • Extend your family vacation in historic Lecce, a city famed for its beautiful baroque architecture.
Nights 4-5
This luxury Mediterranean retreat is built from classic Italian dry stone walls and highlights the greenery of the Puglia countryside. (pool, spa)
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 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.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
Casual Plus Hotel
This beautifully renovated 18th-century palace offers unsurpassed views of Matera's sassi from its rooftop terrace.
Nights 2-3
Surrounded by century-old olive groves and ancient Roman ruins, this historic farmhouse has been transformed into a luxurious hotel on the Adriatic. (pool)
Nights 4-5
Casual Hotel
This luxury Mediterranean retreat is built from classic Italian dry stone walls and highlights the greenery of the Puglia countryside. (pool, spa)
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
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
- $650 rental fee; subject to availability
- 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
- Built for hard-core riders
- $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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