Apulia and Basilicata

A trip into the silence, light and history of Southern Italy.

Leaving from Trani with its port and enchanting cathedral, you will visit Castel del Monte that boasts a mysterious octagonal-shaped medieval castle, Venosa, an ancient Roman city, and Melfi. After passing through the Vulture vineyards, you will head south, cycling along roads surrounded by golden hills and the final leg of the tour is in Matera with its Sassi.

Every day you will discover local art treasures and sample the cuisine and products of these lands. You will often have the impression of travelling back in time.

Duration: 7 nights
Grade: Easy to Modarate

Self guided

guided tour fee and dates on demand

Day 1

Arrival in Trani, an old town facing the Adriatic Sea. There is a lovely historical centre, Romanesque cathedral, castle, gardens and old port where we suggest you have dinner, choosing from the fish menu at one of the small restaurants. Overnight stay.

Day 2 – From Trani to Castel del Monte
The route passes through the olive fields on the A- 170 with a stop-off in Castel del Monte, a UNESCO site and example of medieval architecture as built by the emperor Frederick II. After visiting the castle, which offers a wonderful view of the “Alta Murgia” plateau, you will head towards Andria and stop off at a quiet estate. Olive oil and wine tasting. Dinner and overnight stay.

Length: Approx. 45 km
Grade: Easy

Day 3 - Venosa

Passing through the Murgia, you will cycle on to Venosa, the town of Horatio, the Latin poet of Carpe Diem. To be visited: the Trinity church with its tombs of Norman kings and valuable frescoes. Dinner and overnight stay at holiday farm.

Length: Approx. 55 km
Grade: Easy with short slopes

4th day - The Vulture area and the Castles of Federico II - 45 km
This is the land of Aglianico wine (known since the Roman Empire) and of top-rate olive oil. In Melfi you can visit the big Norman Castle with its seven towers and museum. A ride through a chestnut wood will bring you to a local wine store where you can stop off for tasting. Back to Venosa across the hills and the wine cellars located around Barile and Ginestra. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 – The Bradano Valley
A gentle ride through the Bradano river valley, surrounded by vineyards and small villages with a typical southern atmosphere: Palazzo S. Gervasio, Banzi, Genzano di Lucania, in order to reach an authentic farmhouse set among golden fields. At times it will feel like you are back in the last century. Get settled in your room and take some time to relax in the swimming pool. Dinner and overnight stay.

Length: 40 km
Grade: Easy

Day 6 – Rolling Hills

The route then passes through grain fields and the Bradano Valley up to Bufalara hill. The colours of the landscape, its silence and the warm welcome from the local people are still able to enchant any visitor. Stop off at an authentic holiday farm, dinner and overnight stay.

Length: 65 km
Grade: Easy with a short, hard final slope (2 km.)

Day 7 - San Giuliano Lake and the Matera Hills
A ride along the wonderful, deserted road around San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful natural oasis, the destination of many migratory birds from Africa. We suggest you take some time to enjoy birdwatching, spotting grey herons, cormorants, storks and fish hawks. Back to Matera and overnight stay.

Length: Around 45 km with a short final climb.
Grade: Easy

Day 8
Breakfast and end of tour.