Cycling Puglia & Matera

Day 1  Matera          
Make your way to Matera and take a stroll through the town’s narrow alleys, before meeting your fellow travellers and tour leader this evening.

Day 2  Matera to Alberobello        
Matera is a remarkable place and has been continuously inhabited for 9,000 years. Cycle through the amazing Sassi area and take time to enjoy the unique cityscape. On leaving the town, enjoy cycling on quiet rural roads though the undulating Apulian countryside. Pass through Noci and Gioia del Colle before reaching Alberobello where you’ll see the famous conical trulli houses.

Day 3  Alberobello to Ostuni          
Today is a fairly leisurely ride as you pedal though the lush Valle d’Itria to the hilltop village of Ostuni. En route, pass through the wine centre of Locorotondo and its historic centre, filled with whitewashed houses and elegant piazzas. Arrive in the so-called ‘White City’ of Ostuni in the afternoon.

Day 4  Ostuni to Avetrana        
Following tranquil country lanes, today’s route takes you via Francavilla Fontand and Oria. Famous for its 13th Century castle, Oria is a delightful stop. Continue through idyllic countryside to tonight’s accommodation at a traditional masseria farmhouse. The masseria is still a working farm. Why not take the opportunity to try the organic olive oil produced on site?

Day 5  Avetrana to Gallipoli          
Head for the Ionian coast at Gallipoli, an old town situated on a rocky island just off the mainland. The town has many churches and narrow alleys and if the weather permits, there is plenty of time to swim in the crystal-clear Ionian Sea near Port Cesaero.

Day 6  Gallipoli to Otranto      
Continue along the south side of the Salentine Peninsula. Enjoy the coastal views leading to the Messapian town of Otranto, the easternmost point of Italy. There’s plenty of time to explore the picturesque town this afternoon.

Day 7  Otranto to Lecce    
The last day of cycling follows the coastline through peaceful olive groves to Lecce, considered a Baroque masterpiece. Enjoy a stop at Torre dell’Orso en route, where there’s time to stop for a swim, a perfect end to a week’s cycling. Today’s route is fairly short, leaving plenty of time to discover Lecce’s historic centre.

Day 8  Lecce          
Your tours ends after breakfast this morning.