Cycling holiday in Puglia – from Matera to Ostuni
Self-guided tour – 9 days
From the depths of the canyons (gravine) and across the border between Basilicata and Puglia, and then to the white city, Ostuni, that rises on top of its hill between the Murge and Salento areas. But also passing through the caves of Castellana, the trulli of Alberobello and the cliffs of Polignano a Mare. This cycling tour combines land, sea and sky in a perfect mix of colours, scents and flavours that will surprise you each and every day!
Itinerary
DAY 1: MATERA
Arrival in Matera and check-in. Take a day off to discover this unique town, Unesco World Heritage and European Culture capital of 2019. You will be caught by its thousand-year old history, the “Sassi” district and cave churches, and its famous bread!
DAY 2: MATERA
Briefing and bike fit with a member of Puglia Cycle Tours crew.
DAY 3: MATERA – CASTELLANETA
+/- 60 km
The first stage runs almost entirely in the Ravines Regional Park, in the middle of wheat fields and wide panoramas. You will have the chance to visit the town of Laterza, famous for the tasty bakery products and the beautiful pottery. Enjoy your stay in Castellaneta.
+/- 550 meters of climbing
DAY 4: CASTELLANETA – PUTIGNANO
+/- 55 km
You still cycle the first kilometres in the “Terra delle Gravine” ( Ravines Land), amongst deep canyons, carved by rivers over millions of years. You will even cycle upon one of them, over a stone bridge! Leaving the ravines it’s time to discover the iconic Puglia scenery: dry stone walls, old masserie (fortified stansteads) and trulli, our typical rural houses with a conic roof, built without any cement or mortar. Your daily destination is Putignano, famous for hosting European oldest carnival.
+/- 650 meters of climbing
DAY 5: PUTIGNANO – ALBEROBELLO
+/- 35 km
Leaving the medieval centre of Putignano, cycle in the lush countryside to reach Castellana Caves after just a few kilometres. It is the main karst site in the South Italy: we do recommend to stop for a visit! After the caves, continue along the rolling lanes of the countryside where olive, almond, apricot and cherry trees grow, in their marvelous colours according to the season. The daily destination is a UNESCO heritage site: Alberobello, the world capital of Trulli.
+/- 400 meters of climbing
DAY 6: (LOOP) ALBEROBELLO
+/- 45 km
Let’s play a game: are you able to cover even a single stretch of the daily route without spotting a trullo? They are everywhere in the Itria Valley, the very heart of our region. Cycle along the Apulian Aqueduct cycling route, the “Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto”, towards Locorotondo, one of the “borghi più belli d’Italia” (most beautiful villages of Italy). Then before riding back to Alberobello, pass by the quaint town of Martina Franca, known for its baroque architecture
+/- 550 meters of climbing
DAY 7: ALBEROBELLO - MONOPOLI
+/- 45 km
It’s time to say goodbye to the lovely Alberobello and its trulli! You slowly ride down to the Adriatic coast and reach one of its most fascinating town: Polignano a Mare, perched on the side of a cliff; explore the old town and reach one of the terraces, with their stunning view overlooking the sea. Riding further on the coast, you get to Monopoli, a perfect mix between beautiful sea and history. Your accommodation is in the old town, a few steps away from the old fishermen port and the Castle.
+/- 300 meters of climbing
DAY 8: MONOPOLI – OSTUNI
+/- 40 km
Your today cycle starts through the courtyards and arches of the old town, then continues along shores and little coves, arriving in a marvelous scenario: an expanse full of century and thousand-year old olive trees. Little by little, you will spot a white outline amid the hills: it is Ostuni, known as “the white town” because of its whitewashed houses and walls. To perfectly end the day, indulge a stroll in its old town, a sort of Mediterranean Kasbah of narrow alleys and white stairs, getting lost in the light of sunset.
+/- 350 meters of climbing
DAY 9: OSTUNI
After breakfast, end of services.
