Cycling by the sea and through the hills of the Alta Murgia, among the UNESCO world heritage sites of Apulia and Basilicata. Visit Trani, with its port and splendid cathedral and Castel del Monte, with its mysterious, octagonal-shaped castle built by Frederick II. After crossing the Bradano Valley, on roads surrounded by hills of corn, head for Matera, with its ancient Sassi, dwellings dug out of the rock. The journey ends in the Itria Valley, among the trulli of Alberobello.
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Tour features
The tour unwinds largely on secondary roads with little traffic. Mainly on asphalt that is suitable for road bikes. The area is predominantly hilly with short, easy climbs near some of the towns.
UNESCO Sites ::· Tour Description
| DAY |
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| 1 |
Individual arrival in Trani and accommodation in a 3* Hotel. Free time to visit this old city with its beautiful historical centre, splendid Romanesque Cathedral on the sea, Swabian Castle, historical buildings, gardens and port, where we recommend you try the fish for dinner in one of the small restaurants. At 6 pm, in the afternoon, meeting/appetizers for the presentation of the tour, distribution of material (road book and maps) and bicycles hired, if necessary. Overnight stay.
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| 2 |
towards Castel del Monte
Our trip begins with a visit to the Alta Murgia countryside, not far from Castel del Monte, where you will be welcomed on an estate that specializes in the production of wine and olive oil. Before the end of the visit climb to the Castle of Frederick II, the amazing site, protected by UNESCO, which is unique of its kind.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Distance: about 45 km
Easy route, almost completely flat with a brief climb to the Castle
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| 3 |
The Alta Murgia National Park - Enjoy a pleasant ride through the hills in the park, setting off from your hotel, making a round journey that touches on the pretty town of Ruvo di Puglia. The Romanesque Cathedral and the Jatta Museum, in the historical centre, will accompany you on your enjoyable visit.
Distance: about 47 km.
Average/easy hilly route with short, gentle climbs.
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| 4 |
Gravina di Puglia - Leave the marvellous meadowlands in the park and head for the valley until you come to the town of Gravina di Puglia, along semi-deserted roads where time seems to stand still. The town, which dates back to the 8th century B.C., unfolds over the centuries with amazing evidence of the various civilizations. Don’t miss a visit to the underground town and historical centre.
Distance: about 47 km
Easy hilly route with short climbs
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| 5 |
Altamura and Matera - Head for the town of Altamura, which is famous for its splendid cathedral and bread. Don’t miss a ride through the streets in the historical centre, beneath the cathedral bell-tower and taste some fresh focaccia baked in an old wood-burning oven. Set off again for the countryside towards the built-up town of Matera, which is just a few kilometres away.
Arrival in the old part of the town called the “Sassi” and accommodation in a hotel in the historical centre.
Don’t miss a visit to the rock churches and city’s museums.
Distance: 46 km Uphill route with short climbs
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| 6 |
Day of rest
Enjoy a relaxing day visiting the city of Matera. A leisurely walk will enable you to visit: museums, rock churches. (entrance fees not included)
Alternatively, you have the choice of two routes that give you the chance to explore the surrounding area
LOOP 6/1 - San Giuliano Lake, the Matera hills and the Crypt of Original Sin Follow the beautiful, deserted road around the San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful wildlife reserve for migratory species from Africa. Stop to watch the herons, cormorants, storks and ospreys. A stop-off at the lake is recommended for a picnic. Don’t miss a visit to the Crypt of Original Sin. To reach the crypt, a natural cavern that falls sheer to the "Gravina di Picciano", cross the silent path of Pietrapenta, through cornfields and vineyards. This fascinating rock oratory represents one of the oldest examples of rock art in the South of Italy. Its extraordinary cycle of frescoes painted five hundred years before Giotto, highlights the typical features of Benedictine-Beneventan art (8th -9th centuries). Payment on entry (8 euros per person) and subject to booking.
Return to Matera back up the hill.
Distance: about 29 km
Average/easy route with a short climb at the end.
LOOP 6/2 - Matera, the Bradano Valley and Montescaglioso
Cycle along the valley of the Rock Church Park, stopping off for a picnic break and a dip in the pool of a tourist farm along the way (subject to booking). If you still have enough energy, a 5 km climb will take you to the centre of Montescaglioso, which is dominated by the impressive 11th century Benedictine Abbey
Return to Matera and overnight stay.
Length: about 58 km with a short climb at the end. (that can be reduced to 40 km with a variation) Average/easy route with good climbs for cycling (Matera and Montescaglioso)
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| 7 |
from Matera to Alberobello - Breakfast and departure for Alberobello. Go through the towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci until you reach Alberobello. Accommodation in a Trulli complex dating back to 1600, in the historical centre of Alberobello, which is included among UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Visit the old quarters with overnight stay.
Distance: about Km. 69. Hilly route on stretches that are almost flat with brief climbs
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| 8 |
Breakfast and end of services.
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PRICES (per person) · ↑ top
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Euro |
| SELF GUIDED |
630,00 |
What's Included:
- 7 nights in double room
- breakfast and 2 dinners
- Luggage transfer
- Briefing and delivery of bicycles
- Emergency and Technical assistance
- Detailed Map and Road Book
What's Excluded:
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Medical/Luggae insurance, minivan support (on demand), drinks, lunches and 5 dinners, entrance fee, tips, personal extras, everything else which does not come under the heading "what's included"
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| Singol Room Supplement |
170,00 |
| Half Board Supplement (5 dinners, excluding drinks) |
105,00
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| Hybrid Bike Rental with 24/27 speed - Shimano Deore gear equipped with rear pack frames and side bags |
75,00 |
| Optional Services on Demand |
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| Transfer from Bari APT to Trani (2 persons min.) |
40,00 |
| Transfer from Alberobello to Bari APT (2 persons min.) |
35,00 |
Tour Info·· ↑top
Characteristics
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6 days by bicycle on an easy to moderate hilly terrain
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| Total Length |
about 300 km
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| Legs |
from 40 to 69 km to be done in 4 - 8 hours within the day
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| Terrain |
Panoramic, hilly
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| Climate |
Hot summer, pleasant in Spring and Fall |
| Meals |
every day breakfast and 2 dinners
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| NIghts |
7
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Suggested departures
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Self guided: Any day from March 15 to June 30 and from September 1 to October 30.
Guided tours:
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| Accommodations |
5 nights in 3* hotels, 2 nights in farm holidays
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| Closest airport |
Bari (54 km from Alberobello and Trani) |
