Current as of: December 21, 2024 - 09:22
Cycling Puglia & Matera Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MWV
- Carbon Footprint: 12kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover the heel of Italy by bike, taking a country-and-coast route from the cave town of Matera to baroque Lecce
Cycle the captivating region of Puglia, riding through olive groves and along the winding coast to stay in some of the most spectacular cities and towns in Italy. The adventure begins in the cave town of Matera, officially in the Basilicata region and beloved by film directors for its ancient beauty, before progressing to the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello, the White City of Ostuni, and seaside Gallipoli. It ends in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its extraordinary collection of baroque landmarks.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (6 hotel, 1 agriturismo/farmhouse)
- Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Six days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
- 99 percent paved roads and some short sections of gravel
- Quiet, rural, rolling roads
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E-bikes available for an additional cost
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Discover the best of Puglia and Matera by bike, riding through the Italian countryside
- Begin in the extraordinary cave town of Matera – a spectacular opening to the adventure
- Ride to Alberobello and wander among fairytale trulli houses
- Cycle along the Ionian Coast with a chance for a refreshing dip
- Finish in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its magnificent baroque buildings
- Stay at Masseria Bosco, a converted farmhouse with home-grown produce
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Six days of cycling
- Average 37mi (60km) per day
- Terrain and route: 99 percent paved road, with a couple of very short sections of gravel
Most of the cycling is along flat to hilly paved roads with a few steady ascents and descents along the way, so a reasonably good fitness level is required. Road conditions are generally good, but the roads may be pot-holed in places. A support vehicle (with only two passenger seats) is available throughout the trip, it can’t follow the group at all times but it will meet you at the end of cycle paths and at junctions to give route directions and allow access to any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike.
Some roads on the trip will be busy, particularly in June to September when Italians traditionally take their holidays and drive to the seaside. The most challenging cycling is on Day 2, when we cover approximately 43mi (69km) and there is an ascent of 2,162ft (659m). Be prepared for high temperatures during the summer months, when 30C (86F) in the daytime can be expected.
Group
There will be one cycling leader and one support person driving the support vehicle.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Matera
- End City: Lecce
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Bari; transfer to Matera
Fly to Bari and transfer to the town of Matera, a real jewel of southern Italy. The hotel is located within walking distance of the historic centre. There is usually time in the afternoon to wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s famous Unesco-listed cave-dwelling district and enjoy the atmosphere of this enchanting city.
For millennia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-coloured soft stone. These houses are called Sassi and are a Unesco World Heritage site. Matera is the only place in the world where people still live in the same houses as their ancestors did 9,000 years ago.
We’ll also enjoy a welcome briefing today – the perfect chance to meet the group and your expert tour leader.
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere (or similar)
Start Matera
The town of Matera is a real jewel of southern Italy, and our hotel is just a short walk from the historic centre. There is usually time in the afternoon to wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s Unesco-listed cave-dwelling district and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city.
For millennia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-coloured soft stone. These houses are called Sassi and are a Unesco World Heritage site. Matera is the only place in the world where people still live in the same houses as their ancestors did 9,000 years ago.
We’ll also enjoy a welcome briefing today – the perfect chance to meet the group and your expert tour leader.
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere (or similar)
Ride past the historic Sassi houses of Matera before heading to Alberobello
On leaving Matera, we pedal through the area that makes this town so special. Today’s ride is mostly hilly with gentle ascents throughout, as we cycle on quiet rural roads among the picturesque Apulian countryside towards Alberobello. We’ll pass the lovely towns of Noci and Gioia del Colle plus fairytale trulli houses that have made the historic centre of Alberobello another Unesco World Heritage site. Overnight in Alberobello.
Cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria, past the fairytale trulli houses to the hilltop town of Ostuni
Today we cycle through the lush Valle d’Itria, one of the prettiest cultural and natural landscapes in southern Italy, to the hilltop town of Ostuni. The route is rolling throughout but much shorter than yesterday’s ride. This allows us to enjoy the views at a more leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities for rest stops. Along the way we pass the wine town of Locorotondo and Cisternino, both known for their historic centres filled with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, churches and elegant piazzas. In the afternoon we reach Ostuni, known as the White City thanks to the dazzling effect of its white buildings. Overnight in Ostuni.
Ride through quaint villages and country lanes to a typical masseria (renovated farmhouse) where we spend the night
We continue pedalling through tranquil country lanes to the town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria. A popular destination among Apulians, Oria is famous for its 13th-century castle and delightful historic centre of cobbled streets, whitewashed walls and beautiful architecture. We continue through the countryside to a masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse and our accommodation for the night. The masseria is still a working farm and most of the produce grown here, from vegetables to olives and wheat, is used daily for the preparation of local dishes. Before dinner we will have the opportunity to taste some organic olive oil produced by the family that runs the farm and accommodation. Overnight in Avetrana.
Cycle to the coast and swim in the crystal-clear sea before continuing towards Gallipoli with its old town on a rocky island
From the masseria we cycle towards the Ionian Coast and the beautiful town of Gallipoli, known as the Ionian Pearl with its old town on a rocky island offering fantastic views both to north and south. The town itself has many churches and narrow alleys and was the largest exporter of lamp oil made from olives in the 17th and 18th centuries. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming in the Ionian sea near the popular seaside resort of Porto Cesareo (weather permitting). Overnight in Gallipoli.
Head towards the Adriatic Sea and the ancient town of Otranto
Leaving the Ionian Sea behind, we head across the peninsula to the Adriatic sea and the ancient Messapian town of Otranto, the easternmost point in Italy. Before dinner there will be time at leisure to explore the medieval town centre. Here the interesting architecture, views, sea-front restaurants and white sandy beaches make it one of the most picturesque towns in Puglia. Overnight in Otranto.
Continue along the shoreline to the beautiful baroque city of Lecce
Today we follow the shoreline through innumerable olive groves to Lecce, the baroque masterpiece of southern Italy, in the heart of Puglia. Sometimes described as the Florence of the South, the city is an architectural gem, with sumptuous palazzi and churches. Today’s ride is relatively short and easy, giving us time to stop for a last swim (seasonal) in Torre dell’Orso, a lovely bay surrounded by limestone cliffs with many ancient caves to discover. In Lecce, there will be free time to explore the historic centre before an optional farewell dinner. Overnight in Lecce.
Transfer to Bari; fly to London
Transfer to Bari; fly to London.
End Lecce
We enjoy our final breakfast of the adventure this morning. But if you’d like an extra day in Lecce to soak up the atmosphere of this elegant baroque city, contact your sales representative to arrange post-tour accommodation.
Accommodation
Three- and four-star hotels
Throughout this town-to-town cycling trip, we use three- and four-star hotels and renovated traditional buildings, which have been selected for their location, comfort and character.
Below are the hotels we typically use.
- Matera: Hotel Belvedere, Residence Casalnuovo, Matera in Vacanza, or Hotel San Domenico al Piano (night 1)
- Alberobello: Traditional trulli houses, Grand Hotel Olimpo or Colle del Sole (night 2)
- Ostuni: Relais Sant’Eligio (night 3)
- Avetrana: Masseria Bosco (night 4)
- Gallipoli: Hotel 33 Baroni (night 5)
- Otranto: Hotel Albània or Vittoria Resort (night 6)
- Lecce: Hotel Eos or Hotel delle Palme (night 7)
For many, our standout stay is Masseria Bosco (above), a bucolic farm estate with original stone buildings. Our groups often head straight for the swimming pool (perhaps picking up a wine or beer en route), where there’s an inviting set of sun loungers. Alternatively, you may want to wander around the working farm, enjoying a peaceful moment among the olive groves. Dinner is held where the animals were once kept. It’s a celebration of Pulian produce with much of the ingredients grown on the farm – make sure to sample their delicious range of olive oils and homemade wines.
Worth knowing
- Due to the limited capacity of hotels in Matera we are not able to confirm the definite start hotel for each departure far in advance, and the group may occasionally be split across different accommodations of similar standards.
- You can contact your sales representative two weeks before departure if you wish to receive the up-to-date hotels list for your trip.
Single supplement from £ 360
Food & Drink
Seven breakfasts are included and usually consist of a continental-style buffet. A typical hotel breakfast consists of toast/bread with jam, cereal, cheese and ham (occasionally), served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and yoghurt.
Lunches are normally arranged as picnics or taken in small cafes along the route. You may opt in to a lunch kitty (€50-€80, depending on the weather/season) to cover the cost of these lunches. The tour leader will collect cash at the welcome meeting and the kitty also covers local city taxes. If you choose not to opt in, the local city taxes should be paid directly to each hotel on check-in.
Vegetarians and people with special dietary requirements can be catered for but please inform us of your requests prior to travel.
In Puglia, you will find authentic regional cooking with strong links to the land and sea – think orecchiette pasta served with a turnip-tops sauce or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta cheese, cavatelli with pulses, grilled fish and seafood, burrata, and excellent wines. This region is a paradise for food lovers.
Transport
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. The vehicle will be available with assistance during the rides.
Weather & Seasonality
Puglia enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with year-round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure a lush landscape. Although Puglia covers a large area it is long and narrow, never more than 19mi (30km) across, which allows the sea breeze to have a moderating effect on the weather.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: There will be a welcome briefing around 5.30pm at the start hotel; if you arrive later, the tour leader can give you a shortened version the following morning
Airport: Bari (BRI)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily on public transport. From Bari Aiport, catch the Pugliairbus bus service to the stop in Matera. The journey takes 1hr 15min and tickets cost €6 from www.aeroportidipuglia.it/en/bus-pugliairbus-/. The hotel is then a 20-minute walk or 10-minute cab away.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Matera
Location end: Lecce
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Spare inner tube (unless hiring a bike)
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen and lip salve
- Sunglasses/eye protection
- Warm jacket for the evenings
- Small backpack for the day
- Energy snacks
- Mosquito repellent
Optional Equipment
- Beach towel and swimwear
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Velo de Ville L200 Disc touring bike with rigid fork. The brakes on the provided bikes may use the opposite commands to your own bike ie the front brake is operated with the left hand and rear brake with the right hand.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £140/US$200/265 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride. Panniers are provided with the bikes on this trip.
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
Cash points are available in Matera and all major towns visited. Major credit cards are accepted in most places, but cash is usually easier.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
For lunches and dinners not included allow about €200-€250 (for the week) depending on the standard of the restaurant chosen.
Local taxes: many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1 and €4 per person per night. For this trip, please allow €10-15 for the week. If you opt into the lunch kitty at the beginning of the week, this also covers the local taxes.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus, however most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip, as a guide we would suggest approximately €20 for the leader and €10-€15 shared between the other staff, such as private bus drivers, where appropriate.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.