The Small DolomitesThe green heart of BasilicataStarting from Matera you come to the amazing sight of the Lucanian Dolomites crossing the Basento and Bradano valleys, following the ancient Via Appia part of the way. There is a beautiful stop at 1000 metres, between Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, the heart of Basilicata. A wild, uncontaminated route, through thick woodlands and immense pastures, centuries-old traditions and delicious food. Tour for skilled cyclists. Dinners included! |  |
Duration: 7 nights Self guided guided tour fee and dates on demand |  |
| Day 1 Arrival in Matera and accommodation in a hotel. Afternoon free to visit the Sassi, the UNESCO world heritage site, the historical centre and the Apulian-Romanesque style Cathedral. Brief meeting to collect the bicycles and information. Dinner in a typical restaurant in the Sassi. Overnight stay. |  |
| Day 2 Skirt the Park of Rupestrian Churches until you come to Ginosa, in Apulia. Return to Basilicata, through the orchards and olive groves of the Bradano valley until you reach Montescaglioso. Worth a visit is the Benedictine Abbey, with its two cloisters. Return to Matera, dinner and overnight stay. Course approximately Km 60 |  |
| Day 3 |  |
| Day 4 Departure for the inland mountains. Climb to Tricarico along the Via Appia and cross the beautiful wood of Campagnasco ( u’ Cupolicchio). Cross the Basento River, which takes you to the Camastra Valley. Steep climb at the end towards Trivigno. It is a delightful place with endless meadows and the Lucanian Dolomites in full view. Accommodation in an agritourism, dinner and overnight stay. Course approximately Km. 70 with steep climb at the end. Grade: moderate to high
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| Day 5 A round trip through the small towns of the Lucanian Apennine: starting with Trivigno touching on Anzi (1066 metres), Abriola, (957 metres) and Calvello (730 metres). Return to agritourism for dinner and overnight stay. Course approximately 50 km. Grade: moderate |  |
| Day 6 Head back downstream, skirting Lake CamastraLaurenzana and then enter the Park of the Lucanian Dolomites, with its sandstone spires dating back 15 million years. Leisurely climb to Castelmezzano, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, set in the rock. Accommodation in a hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 7 After the stop in Pietrapertosa, with a steep 5 km climb, continue skirting amazing views over splendid valleys. We are in the green heart of Basilicata. Carry on until you enter Montepiano wood, where the sun scarcely penetrates the thick vegetation. This takes you to Accettura, a village rich in traditions and excellent food. Accommodation in a hotel, dinner and overnight stay. Course approximately Km. 35 half uphill. Grade: high
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Day 8 | |
Characteristics: 6 days on the bike with hilly and mountainous courses; total length: km. 330.00; courses from 35 to 70 km to be covered in 4 – 8 hours throughout the whole day. 2008 Departures: on Saturdays from May to October |
Self guided tours Fee per Person: € 650,00 (minimum 2 participants, 7 nights and 7 dinners included) Supplements: o single: € 105.00
Bike hire hybrid with 24 or 27 gears and basic equipment: € 70.00 (6 days) |
The fee includes · 7 nights in double room · 7 dinners · luggage transfer · technical assistance and aid · road book and information |
| Excluded services:
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