Puglia and Basilicata – Best of Southern Italy

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

Tour Fact Sheet

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.

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; Crypt of Original Sin, the trulli town of Alberobello; Ostuni “the white” Price Comfort hotels: starting from €1130 Single Supplement: €235 Deluxe hotels: starting from €1620 Single Supplement: €280

August supplement: €150 per person Visit our website for tour dates, price and full Includes 7 nights lodging in 3-4 star hotels or equivalent, all breakfasts; use of a high quality 24-27 speed itinerary description at www.cycleeurope.com. racing or hybrid bicycle; bike delivery and Do you need more information? Read our Self- collection; bike fitting and briefing in English; Guided Tour FAQ Sheet here. use of 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 Daily Distance 32 to 69 km per day (20 to 43 miles) No mileage on rest days by choice What to Easy to moderate cycling over mostly hilly Expect terrain (gentle rolling hills and some steeper climbs), with low to moderate daily mileage; scenic routes; genuine experiences of Southern Italian life and culture. Rating 2 – View Tour Rating Descriptions

Terms Terms & Conditions

Tour dates

Between January 25 and December 4 tour can start any day from Monday to Saturday. Sunday available upon request. Not recommended in August.

Self-guided tours Collections Program:

This tour is part of our Self-Guided Collections program Great cycling experiences abound throughout Europe! Since we cannot directly operate self-guided tours everywhere, we have used our vast experience and network in the continent to curate and offer self-guided tours on our website that are operated by select partners that we know and trust. These tours are similar in quality to those we operate directly in many ways – for example, the tour begins with an in-person briefing (in English); bicycles are provided in optimal condition, and each customer goes through a personal bike fitting at the tour start; the roadbook and step-by-step navigation instructions, as well as lodging/accommodations are of similar quality. If you have any question regarding this type of tours, please feel free to ask us!

Your itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Trani. Fit bicycles Highlights: Old town of Trani; Romanesque cathedral by the sea; Swabian Accommodation: Castle Comfort- Hotel S. Paolo After arriving in Trani and settling into your hotel, you will be met by our al Convento English-speaking local staff for a welcome briefing and bike fitting. We Deluxe- Marè Resort 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.

Day 2: Ride to Castel del Monte Mileage: 46 km (29 Highlights: The Alta Murgia countryside; olive groves and vineyards; Castle miles) of Frederick II; night in a Masseria farm-stay Accommodation: Your cycling tour begins crossing the gentle hills of the Alta Murgia countryside, Comfort- Masseria Torre a region that has been inhabited and sculpted by various Mediterranean di Nebbia (or similar) civilizations. You’ll pedal past olive groves and vineyards, until arriving at the Deluxe- Lama di Luna Castle of Frederick II. The Holy Roman Emperor left his imprint throughout Biomasseria 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.

Day 3: Cycling backroads to Gravina di Puglia Mileage: 42 km (26 Highlights: Cycling through rocky landscapes; underground city tunnel miles) network; crypts of San Michele delle Grotte and the Madonna della Stella Accommodation: Cycling over rolling hills, with occasional short climbs and very little vehicle Comfort- Il Borgo B&B traffic, today’s route seems to take you back in time. The town of Gravina di Deluxe- Principe Relais 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.

Day 4: Altamura and Matera UNESCO World Heritage Site Mileage: 45 km (28 Highlights: Altamura’s old town and famous pane di Altamura bread; miles) Matera’s sassi dwellings and UNESCO world-heritage site Accommodation: You will enjoy gentle cycling through valleys to the town of Altamura, famous Comfort - Locanda S. for the cathedral and old town, as well as the local pane de Altamura and Martino (or similar) focaccia breads made in wood ovens (great for a lunch stop). From there, Deluxe - Palazzo Gattini (or beautiful countryside cycling takes you to Matera, the capital of the Basilicata similar) 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.

Day 5: Enjoy a rest day or explore on a loop ride Optional Mileage: 32 km Highlights: Matera old town and surroundings (20 miles)

As Matera has so much to experience, you can use the entire day to explore the Accommodation: town at your leisure, or start your day with a loop-ride and continue your visit Comfort- Locanda S. of Matera in the evening. Martino (or similar) Deluxe - Palazzo Gattini (or Optional loop-ride: this ride will take you the Murgia Timone, which lies across similar) 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.

More loops rides around Matera available upon request.

Day 6: Ride to Alberobello Mileage: 69 km (43 Highlights: towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci; the trulli of Alberobello, miles)

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 Accommodation: easygoing towns, Gioia del Colle and Noci, where you can stop for lunch or Comfort- Tipico Resort in coffee, stroll the town centers or simply watch local life and people. Today’s Trulli destination of Alberobello is another trip highlight – its amazing trulli dwellings Deluxe- La Corte are also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. dell’Astore (or similar)

Day 7: Cycle to Ostuni Mileage: 44 km (28 Highlights: Ostuni “the white” miles)

Cycling over gentle backroads, rolling hills and some short climbs, you will Accommodation: reach Ostuni. This architectural jewel is commonly referred to as the “white Comfort- Hotel La Terra town”, as the buildings of its old town are completely covered in whitewashed Deluxe- Ostuni Palace walls. Perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic, the white buildings contrast against the blue sea, creating a magnificent sight. This is another great town (or masseria in the for strolling its cobblestone streets, photographing the coastal scenery and surrounding area) picture-perfect white buildings, and lazing away over dinner.

Day 8: Tour ends in Ostuni 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.

NOTE: This hotel itinerary is subjected to changes according to availability. City taxes are not included.

GTA: How to get there and away

Starting point: Hotel San Paolo al Convento or Marè Resort Via Statuti Marittimi 111, Trani Piazza Quercia, 8, Trani Tel: +39 0883 482 949 Tel: +39 0883.486411

We recommend flying into Bari (Bari’s airport is connected by bus to Bari train station) We offer a private transfer from Bari’s Airport to your hotel (see next page for prices)

Ending point: B&B Casa d’Autore or Ostuni Palace Corso Mazzini 134, Ostuni Corso Vittorio Emanuele 218, Ostuni Tel: +39 349 127 6629 Terl.: +39 0831 338885

We recommend flying out from Bari. We offer a private transfer to the airport (see next page for prices)

Once you book the tour we will send you detailed information and different options on how to get to the starting point and away from the ending point of the tour.

Luggage Transfers

Luggage transfers are included in your package. Normally, the luggage is collected from 09.00 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 16.30. Every luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag (provided by Cycle Europe). Please make sure yours have correct tags.

If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may need to have to pay directly a local taxi for the service.

Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage.

Normally you cannot use the luggage transport service to skip the stage. In case you need help to skip the stage, please contact our emergency number.

Services available at an additional cost (ask for availability)

Private transfers from and to the airport: Bari airport – hotel in Trani: 40€ per person (min 2 pax). Hotel in Ostuni – Bari airport: 50€ per person (min 2 pax).

Extra nights – prices per room per night

- Trani: € 120 (comfort hotel), € 210 (deluxe hotel) - Ostuni: € 120 (comfort hotel), € 210 (deluxe hotel) - Alberobello: € 140 (comfort hotel), € 230 (deluxe hotel)

Bicycle Specifications

All bikes come with a water bottle, a small pump, a lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube, tire irons and patch kit. We can provide flat pedals or pedals with toe cage; we don't provide clipless pedals as there are different kinds, so you'll have to bring your own pedals with you and we'll mount them on your rented bike. ROAD

Frame Gravel X Alloy 7005 Hydroforming Carbon F04 UDC 1 1/8’’ Fork Gravel X Full Carbon 1.5" Crankset FSA Omega 50/34 Chain FSA 11sp Derailleur Shimano 105 Shifters PROMAX Aluminium Brakeset Shimano Disc Flat Mount Saddle Prologo Kappa Seat Post BH Lite 27,2 X350

HYBRID

Frame: Aluminum Fork: Rigid aluminum (or suspension forks on demand) Gears: Shimano 27 speed Deore Saddle: Royal gel Weight: 13,6 kg Tires: 28’’ Schwalbe Rear rack: aluminum (max 20 kgs) Lights: LED (front and rear) Brakes: V-Brakes Mudguard: Plastic, matte black

FULL CARBON ROADS You can rent a full carbon road bike for an extra price of 50€ for your tour.

Frame Quartz Carbon Monocoque Fork Quartz Evo Integrated Tapered Full Carbon 1.5" Crankset FSA Omega 386 Chain FSA 11sp Derailleur Shimano 105 11x32 Shifters Shimano 105 Brakeset Shimano 105 Saddle San Marco Monza Seat Post BH Lite 27,2 X350

E-BIKE You can rent an electric assisted bike for an extra price of 50€ for your tour.

Frame: Aluminum Trekking Frame Fork: SR Suntour suspension Gears: Shimano 10 speed Deore Saddle: Selle Royal Tires: Schwalbe Big Apple 28”x2.0 Rear rack: Available on all bikes Brakes: Shimano/Magura hydraulic disc Engine: Bosch 400 Watt/Yamaha 500wh

Accessories provided:

GPS Garmin Edge 810

Accessories on request:

Helmet

Pannier

Trailer for child

Tag Along

Child seat