Castles And Wines 8 Days Cycling Tour

Leaving Trani, with the enchanting medieval cathedral, you will reach Castel del Monte with the mysterious octagonal-shaped medieval castle built by Frederick II of Swabia.

Two days in Venosa, an ancient Roman city, to discover this area called Vulture, rich of Castles and vineyards of Aglianico wine.

Last days you will cycle southwards, among golden hills, until you reach Matera with its Sassi.

Every day you will discover local art treasures and taste the cuisine and products of these lands. You will often feel like you are traveling back in time.

Highlights

The Trani Cathedral
Castel del Monte castle
Roman ruins in Venosa and the “Incompiuta” (unfinished Church)
Melfi castle with its museum
Hills and vineyards around Venosa
The variety of wines (Castel del Monte, Aglianico, Primitivo)
The Sassi of Matera

Itinerary

Day 1 – Trani

Arrival and get settled in at your hotel 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 to have lunch, choosing from the fish menu at one of the small restaurants. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 2 – 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”, you get settled in at a nice hotel in the country. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Duration: Approx. 45 km
Grade: Easy

Day 3 – Venosa

From Puglia you will cycle on to Basilicata in 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 on your own and overnight stay at a holiday farm or historic home.
Duration: Approx. 55 km
Grade: Easy with short slopes

Day 4 – Rest Day or…

…cycle into the Vulture area and the Castles of Frederick II. 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. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Duration: 45 km
Grade: Moderate to Challenge (we also offer a light loop of 30 km)

Day 5 – The Bradano Valley

A gentle ride through the Bradano river valley, surrounded by vineyards and small villages with a typical Southern Italian atmosphere: Palazzo S. Gervasio, Banzi, Genzano di Lucania. At times it will feel like you are back in the last century. Once in Genzano you will take a long downhill that will take you to the foot of Grassano. The colours of the landscape, its silence and the warm welcome from the local people are still able to enchant any visitor. Dinner on your own and overnight stay in Grassano, Tricarico or Gravina (we can offer 3 solutions)
Duration: 73 km
Grade: Moderate

Day 6 – 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 bird watching, spotting grey herons, cormorants, storks and fish hawks. Continue to Matera and overnight stay in one of the hotels in the Sassi district. Dinner on your own.
Duration: Around 45 km with a short final climb
Grade: Easy

Day 7 – The Rock Churches Park

Cycle along the valley of the Chiese Rupestri (rock churches) Park, stopping off for a picnic (or swimming in the pool) at the Orto di Lucania, on the way. After an optional further 5km uphill, you will reach the hill-top town of Montescaglioso, dominated by its enchanting 11th-century Benedictine abbey before returning to Matera.
Duration: Around 40 km with a short final climb
Grade: Easy

Day 8 – End of tour

Breakfast and end of tour