Puglia and Basilicata - Best of Southern Italy - Self-Guided

Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata - Best of Southern Italy - Self-Guided

OVERVIEW

The regions of Puglia and Basilicata occupy the "heel" of Italy's boot, surrounded by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Here, ancient Greek and Italian culture mingle in hillside vineyards, olive groves, and whitewashed villages nestled against the blue of the Mediterranean. Pedal through a magical landscape filled with unique conical shaped dwellings known as trulli and the ancient sassi dwellings dug out of hillside rock; enjoy meals prepared with Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern influence; and discover the warmth and hospitality of Southern Italy's friendliest people. You will also explore the UNESCO world heritage sites of Alberobello and the lovely Alta Murgia countryside. This self-guided cycling tour begins in the quaint port town of Trani, using secondary paved roads with little traffic, over rolling hills and valleys, ending in the stunning whitewashed town of Ostuni. ______

For more information download the Tour Factsheet

HIGHLIGHTS

Beautiful countryside cycling on remote backroads; UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Trani’s old town; the Alta Murgia natural region; ancient castles; stunning views of Mediterranean; Gravina di Puglia underground city; Matera’s Sassi rock dwellings; the trulli town of Alberobello; Ostuni “the white”

TOUR FACTS

Tour Style : Learn more about our tours at https://www.experienceplus.com/tours/bike-tour-styles/-tours 7 nights lodging in 3-4 star hotels or equivalent, all breakfasts; use of a high quality 24-27 speed racing or hybrid bicycle; bike delivery and collection; bike fitting and tour briefing in English; use of Includes GPS with preloaded tracks; detailed routes description; luggage transfers every day; map; dinner suggestions Countries Italy Begin/End Trani / Ostuni Arrive/Depart Bari airport (BRI) Total Distance 300 km (187 miles) with additional mileage options available Avg. Daily Distance 32 to 69 km per day (20 to 43 miles) No mileage on rest days by choice per riding day Easy to moderate cycling over mostly hilly terrain (gentle rolling hills and some steeper Tour Level climbs), with low to moderate daily mileage; scenic routes; genuine experiences of Southern Italian life and culture. We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour. Tour code: itbs3735 ______You can make this a 10 days tour. Ask for details. Tour Factsheet

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata - Best of Southern Italy - Self-Guided

This tour is part of our Self-Guided Collections program: operated by select local partners that we know and trust, the tour is similar in quality to those we operate directly in many ways. Please click here for more details.

Please Keep in Mind Note: We may have small itinerary changes to this trip after you download this PDF document. If you have booked this trip and there are major changes, including changes to towns or activities, we'll email you directly. However, you should always be sure to refer to the online itinerary for the most up-to-date trip information including arrival and departure tips before you depart for your trip: https://www.experienceplus.com/guided-bike-tours/italy/best-cycling-southern-italy-puglia-2

2 © ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours 1-800-685-4565 ExperiencePlus.com Dates & Prices

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata - Best of Southern Italy - Self-Guided

DATES & PRICES

Dates Price Single Supplement* *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a DAILY RIDE SUMMARY roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. Day Distance/Gain Terrain Day Level Notes

1 Test ride

2 47km / 535m (29mi / 1755ft)

3 42km / 615m (26mi / 2017ft)

4 45km (28mi) Hilly

5 32km (20mi) Rolling hills Today's ride is an optional loop ride

6 69km (43mi) Rolling hills

7 45km (28mi) Rolling hills

8 Last day

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata - Best of Southern Italy - Self-Guided

Arrive in Trani. Fit bicycles DAY 1

Highlights Old town of Trani; Romanesque cathedral by the sea; Swabian Castle Meals Breakfast, Dinner

After arriving in Trani and settling into your hotel, you will be met by our English- speaking local staff for a welcome briefing and bike fitting. We recommend any free time for visiting this historic and quaint fishing port town on the Adriatic coast. Trani is a peaceful town, great for walking and taking in the many wonderful views of the charming harbor. You will also want to visit the cathedral, Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino, set on a dominant position on the edge of the water; the Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo) dating back to 1249, built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II; and the 12th century Chiesa di Ognissanti church, built by the Templar Knights.

Ride to Castel del Monte DAY 2

Highlights The Alta Murgia countryside; olive groves and vineyards; Castle of Frederick Distance 47 km (29 mi) II; night in a Masseria farm-stay Gain 535 m (1755 ft)

Your cycling tour begins crossing the gentle hills of the Alta Murgia countryside, a Meals Breakfast region that has been inhabited and sculpted by various Mediterranean civilizations. You’ll pedal past olive groves and vineyards, until arriving at the Castle of Frederick II. The Holy Roman Emperor left his imprint throughout Southern Italy, and this may be his most amazing architectural accomplishment; the unique and stunning building is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight’s lodging is at a nearby masseria – a charming countryside farm stay.Distance: 46 km (29 miles).

Cycling backroads to Gravina di Puglia DAY 3

Highlights Cycling through rocky landscapes; underground city tunnel network; crypts of Distance 42 km (26 mi) San Michele delle Grotte and the Madonna della Stella Gain 615 m (2017 ft)

Cycling over rolling hills, with occasional short climbs and very little vehicle traffic, Meals Breakfast, Dinner today’s route seems to take you back in time. The town of Gravina di Puglia will be one of the highlights of your tour - also full of charm and mystery, this walled town dates to the 8th century BC. Its location made it an important settlement since Roman times, with previous influence from other cultures, and it’s famous for its many grava buildings, cut into the rock, as well as the unique network of underground tunnels, cellars, churches and more, all hidden underneath the old town center.Distance: 42 km (26 miles).

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata - Best of Southern Italy - Self-Guided

Altamura and Matera UNESCO World Heritage Site DAY 4

Highlights Altamura’s old town and famous pane di Altamura bread; Matera’s sassi Distance 45 km (28 mi) dwellings and UNESCO world-heritage site Terrain Hilly

You will enjoy gentle cycling through valleys to the town of Altamura, famous for the Level cathedral and old town, as well as the local pane de Altamura and focaccia breads Meals Breakfast made in wood ovens (great for a lunch stop). From there, beautiful countryside cycling takes you to Matera, the capital of the Basilicata region and home to the famous sassi rock dwellings, inhabited since prehistoric times. As with many other southern Italian cities, Matera has been influenced by the presence of various Mediterranean cultures and kingdoms. The ancient and primeval aspect of the old town has also made it a fabulous spot for films, like The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson. We recommend hiring a local guide for a visit of the town’s important sights and rich history. You will sleep the next two nights in a sassi hotel with a magnificent view of the old town.

Enjoy a rest day or explore on a loop ride DAY 5

Highlights Matera old town and surroundings Distance 32 km (20 mi) Terrain Rolling hills As Matera has so much to experience, you can use the entire day to explore the town at your leisure, or start your day with a loop-ride and continue your visit of Matera in Level the evening. Optional loop-ride: this ride will take you the Murgia Timone, which lies Meals Breakfast across the Sassi district gorge, up to an amazing panoramic view of the old town of Matera and its sassi. A small park atop protects an amazing collection of Neolithic cave dwellings and small churches carved out of rock. The visitor’s center provides interpretation and good spot for a picnic lunch.

Ride to Alberobello DAY 6

Highlights : towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci; the trulli of Alberobello Distance 69 km (43 mi) Terrain Rolling hills More easy riding with some gentle rolling hills and short climbs takes us closer to the “heel of the boot”. On the way, you’ll ride through two beautiful and easygoing towns, Level Gioia del Colle and Noci, where you can stop for lunch or coffee, stroll the town Meals Breakfast centers or simply watch local life and people. Today’s destination of Alberobello is another trip highlight – its amazing trulli dwellings are also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata - Best of Southern Italy - Self-Guided

Cycle to Ostuni DAY 7

Highlights Ostuni “the white” Distance 45 km (28 mi) Terrain Rolling hills Cycling over gentle backroads, rolling hills and some short climbs, you will reach Ostuni. This architectural jewel is commonly referred to as the “white town”, as the Level buildings of its old town are completely covered in whitewashed walls. Perched on a Meals Breakfast hill overlooking the Adriatic, the white buildings contrast against the blue sea, creating a magnificent sight. This is another great town for strolling its cobblestone streets, photographing the coastal scenery and picture-perfect white buildings, and lazing away over dinner.

Tour ends in Ostuni DAY 8

Highlights Arrivederci! Meals Breakfast

Your bike tour ends in Ostuni today. Spend more time getting to know this city, or if your travel plans allow it, continue on to Bari or Lecce (the baroque Florence of southern Italy) to continue exploring the heel of Italy. If you are interested in more cycling, ask us about possibilities for additional days.PLEASE NOTE : The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.

INCLUDED

WHAT'S INCLUDED You'll receive a highlighted route map each day or a briefing with the GPS tracks. On Classic, Bike and Boat, When you book a tour with ExperiencePlus! our goal is to Spotlight and Expedition tours we also navigate using our ensure your only focus each day is to hop on your bike and signature chalk dust arrows. Our arrows make navigating explore scenic cycling routes in new destinations. very easy—you may never need to look at the map. On Inclusions may differ depending on which tour style you Explorer tours the terrain and destinations are not always pick but all ExperiencePlus! tours include the three most conducive to using chalk arrows so we'll ride as a group or important aspects of a guided bike tour. you can navigate on your own with the GPS tracks. Superb tour leaders who are fun and multilingual, bi- Before each tour we offer the opportunity to download GPS cultural experts, and cycling enthusiasts. They will tracks of most tour routes to your personal GPS device or support you and help you navigate confidently on and off smartphone using RideWithGPS.com. We do not provide the road. GPS tracks for tours in South America. High quality bikes selected for the terrain you are cycling on and correct bike fitting to ensure comfortable cycling. On tour you will have a support van providing water and More details on our bikes page. snack resupply, mechanical assistance, a lift for tired cyclists, and luggage transfers. On some itineraries the van Thoughtfully designed itineraries and routes that take will not be able to follow sections of the route that stray advantage of stunning cycling destinations and the from the road for example onto cycling paths. freedom of bicycle travel. Need More Miles? On many days it is possible to add miles PRE-TRIP SUPPORT to the day, just talk to your tour leader about your options. Bicycle training programs designed specifically for your Need Fewer Miles? If you aren't sure about your abilities or tour and fitness level. how much you want to ride remember the support van is available to offer snacks, encouragement, a lift over the Planning tips on what to pack, hotel recommendations next hill, or to the next hotel. You are on vacation and we're and other helpful details from our Travel Planning here to help make it perfect for you. Pages. A gift of your choice (cycling jerseys, socks, or a t-shirt) TIPPING YOUR TOUR LEADER TEAM: as our way of saying thanks for choosing ExperiencePlus! If you feel your tour leader team has demonstrated great *Traveler services including assistance booking extra expertise and service, common practice within the travel nights at the tour starting and ending hotels. (*Not industry is to tip. Tipping is voluntary and greatly included on Explorer Tours.) appreciated, and gratuity amounts vary widely. Should you decide to leave a tip, as a guideline, we suggest 5% of the ON TOUR tour cost per traveler – this is for the entire tour leader team, not each tour leader. You can give the tip to any See "What's Included" on your tour Itinerary for tour- member of the tour leader team, as they share it evenly. In specific inclusions. order to avoid social tensions, we encourage you to tip as individuals and not as a group. If you feel your tour leaders BICYCLES did not quite meet your expectations, please let us know. For a full list of what's included with your bike see Our *Tips are included in Expedition pricing. Bikes page. If you would like to bring your own pedals and PHOTOS: shoes we recommend doing so. On Explorer tours we include a GPS device on all bikes. We ask that you bring By reserving space on tour, you agree that ExperiencePlus! your own helmet to ensure the best fit. Please ask if you may use, re-use and reproduce any images, photos or would like us to provide you with a gently used helmet and videos sent to us, or taken by our guides or travelers free of we will do so. charge and without your right to inspection. If you do not want us to use any images of you on tour, you must inform NAVIGATING, DAYSHEETS AND VAN SUPPORT: your tour leader in writing at the start of the tour. Each day you'll receive a daily briefing with a highlighted route map and daysheet (print or digital) that includes information on the day's activities, meals and ride. Daily information also includes Tour Leader phone numbers, hotel information and interesting historical and cultural information.

STYLES

OUR TOUR STYLES Spotlight Tours: Multi-nights stays, loop rides, choose from a selection of activities or enjoy hotel amenities during your We realize that one size does not fit all and there are as free time. many ways to travel by bike as there are different types of cyclists and travelers. No matter what you are looking for in Tour Length: 6-7 days a cycling vacation, we have a tour with just the right pace Hotels: 3-5 stars, typically 3-nights spent in one hotel for you. and 2-nights in the other. Classic Tours: Dream of traveling through a region by bike? Road Type: Pavement then our Classic style bike tours are for you! Our unique chalk arrows lead the way as you explore small villages and Multi-night Stays: Min 2 night stays world-class cities while traveling at your own pace. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Tour Length: 7-15 days Price: $$$ Hotels: 3-4 stars, most itineraries include at least one Tour Levels: 1-4 two-night stay at the same hotel. Bike and Boat Tours: Spend days cycling and your Road Type: Pavement, bike paths. evenings relaxing on a private boat as you cruise to your Multi-night Stays: Occasionally next port. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Tour Length: 7-8 days, some itineraries have land-based Price: $$$ extensions available. Tour Levels: 1-4.5 Barge/Boat: 3-4 star, same cabin for the entire boat trip. Road Type: Pavement Explorer Tours: Travel further off the beaten path - we let the destination dictate where we ride, not the road surface. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Price: $$$ Tour Length: 7-8 days Tour Levels: 1-4 Hotels: 2-3 stars, occasional multi-night stays at the same hotel. Expedition Tours: Multi-week tours where you spend long Road Type: 30-50% gravel or hard-packed dirt, the rest days on the bike with the added satisfaction of pedaling pavement. across multiple countries. Multi-night Stays: Occasionally Tour Length: 15-40 days Navigation: Group riding and GPS Hotels: 2-4 stars, typically there is a 2-night hotel stay Price: $$ every 5-7 days. Tour Levels: 1-4 Road Type: Pavement with occasional hard-packed dirt or gravel. Multi-night Stays: On rest days Navigation: Chalk Arrows Price: $$$ Tour Levels: 4-5

LEVELS

We know that travelers have different cycling abilities and LEVEL 4 - 4.5 preferences for the number of miles, elevation gain, and Level 4 - 4.5 days are the best riding days for avid cyclists type of terrain they want on a bicycle tour. We have rated or very active individuals who are excited to challenge each day of our tours on a scale of 1-5. Our Tour Level's themselves on a bike. are an average of the day rating on tour. We recommend looking at the daily summary on the PDF and Website Average daily mileage: 70-90km (45-55 miles) Be sure Itinerary to see details about each day's ride. to check the day by day itinerary description for the tour you are considering for specific mileages. LEVEL 1 - 1.5 Gain: 900-1000m (2800-3600 ft) Level 1 - 1.5 days will be mostly flat and the distance will rarely exceed 50 km. Level 1 - 1.5 tours are suitable for Terrain: Presents multiple steep climbs (6% to 8% beginner cyclists, those traveling by bicycle for the first grades), 1 to 3km long. Alternatively, 4 – 6% grades for time, or multi-generational groups with a desire for a nice 6 kilometers or more. and easy bike tour with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. LEVEL 5 (EXPEDITIONPLUS!) Average daily mileage: 20 - 50 km. (12-30 miles) Be Our ExpeditionPlus! tours designed for strong riders looking sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the for the challenge of riding across countries or continents. tour you are considering for specific mileages. Long daily mileages mean limited van support so we recommend these tours for riders who feel confident that Gain: 0-400 M (0-1200 ft) they can ride every mile. Terrain: Mostly flat with occasional gentle climbs at a Average daily mileage: 120 km (75 miles). Be sure to grade of less than 3%, that are sustained for a maximum check the day by day itinerary description for the tour of 3km. There might be a steeper but short climb. you are considering for specific mileages. LEVEL 2 - 2.5 Gain: 500-2000 m (1600- 6500 ft) Level 2 - 2.5 days are ideal for riders newer to bicycle Terrain: Expect and be prepared for any and everything. touring looking for a bit of a challenge. REMEMBER Average daily mileage: 30-60 km (18 - 38 miles). Be sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the A tour level is the average of the days so we recommend tour you are considering for specific mileages. you look at the day level on each day of the itinerary to help you better understand what to expect from your tour. Gain: 400 - 600 m (1200 - 2000 ft) Terrain: Mostly rolling terrain around 3%. Presents multiple 3% to 4% climbs. May present an occasional steeper climb.

LEVEL 3 - 3.5 Level 3 - 3.5 days are great for active individuals (who run, bike, swim etc. on a regular basis). Average daily mileage: 50-70km (30-45 miles). Be sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the tour you are considering for specific mileages. Gain: 600 - 900m (2000 - 2800 ft) Terrain: Multiple Climbs with grades of 4 - 6%.

CHECKLIST

TO DO ONCE YOU'VE BOOKED! Read through your Reservation Confirmation (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip! Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country. Complete the Customer Information Form: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/customer-information-form/ We recommend you take out travel insurance. Find details at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/travel-insurance/ Choose a bicycle training program: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/bicycle-tour-training/ Peruse our country-specific Travel Planning Pages: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/

6 TO 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO TOUR START DATE Review the arrival and departure information under the "Travel Information" tab to see meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure. Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Begin your chosen training program Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike & Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.

6 TO 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO TOUR START DATE Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/. Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/ We'll email your Hotel Itinerary, the Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date.

DAY OF YOUR FLIGHT Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack one day of cycling gear in your carry-on just in case. See you soon!