Explore Italy's southernmost treasures

Apulia and Basilicata: Castles and Wine Tour

Tour Description: Guided

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

Departing from the Alta Murgia plateau, you will visit Trani, with its port and enchanting cathedral, 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 traveling back in time.

Tour Description: Self-guided

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

Departing from the Alta Murgia plateau, you will visit Trani, with its port and enchanting cathedral, 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 traveling back in time.

Highlights: Guided

• The Trani Cathedral
• Castel del Monte
• The Sassi of Matera
• The Rock Churches
• The Wine and the vineyards

Highlights: Self-guided

• The Trani Cathedral
• Castel del Monte
• The Sassi of Matera
• The Rock Churches
• The Wine and the vineyards

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival Tenuta
Your journey starts from the Alta Murgia countryside not far from Castel del Monte, where you will get situated in a Tenuta (a quiet estate 50 min. from Bari airport) specialized in producing wine and olive oil. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Trani route (35miles/56km)
Your first route is a loop going to 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 lunch, choosing from the fish menu at one of the small restaurants. On demand is possible to arrange a wine tasting in one of the local cellars producing red wine. Back to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Andria. 

Day 3: Venosa (41miles/65km)
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 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. (Route has some short slopes.)
Overnight in Venosa. 

Day 4: Rest day or cycle into the Vulture area and the Castles of Federico II (28miles/45km)
This is the land of Aglianico wine (known since the Roman Empire) and of top-rated 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.
Overnight in Venosa. 

Day 5: Bradano Valley (25miles/40km)
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. At times it will feel like you are back in the last century. Once in Genzano you will meet our van to be transferred 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.
Overnight in Grottole. 

Day 6: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera Hills (28 miles/45km)
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 hotel in the Sassi district. (Route has short final climb at the end.)
Overnight in Matera.

Day 7: The Rock Churches Park (25 miles/40km)
Cycle along the valley of the Chiese Rupestri (rock churches) Park, stopping off for a picnic and to use the pool at the Orto di Luciana on the way. After an optional further 5km (3 miles) uphill, you will reach the hill-top town of Montescaglioso, dominated by its enchanting 11th-century Benedictine abbey before returning to Matera. (Route has short final climb at the end.)
Overnight in Matera.

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and end of tour.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Arrival Tenuta
Your journey starts from the Alta Murgia countryside not far from Castel del Monte, where you will get situated in a Tenuta (a quiet estate 50 min. from Bari airport) specialized in producing wine and olive oil. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Trani route (35miles/56km)
Your first route is a loop going to 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 lunch, choosing from the fish menu at one of the small restaurants. On demand is possible to arrange a wine tasting in one of the local cellars producing red wine. Back to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Andria. 

Day 3: Venosa (41miles/65km)
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 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. (Route has some short slopes.)
Overnight in Venosa. 

Day 4: Rest day or cycle into the Vulture area and the Castles of Federico II (28 miles/45km)
This is the land of Aglianico wine (known since the Roman Empire) and of top-rated 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.
Overnight in Venosa. 

Day 5: Bradano Valley (25 miles/40km)
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. At times it will feel like you are back in the last century. Once in Genzano you will meet our van to be transferred 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.
Overnight in Grottole. 

Day 6: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera Hills (28 miles/45km)
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 hotel in the Sassi district. (Route has short final climb at the end.)
Overnight in Matera.

Day 7: The Rock Churches Park (25miles/40km)
Cycle along the valley of the Chiese Rupestri (rock churches) Park, stopping off for a picnic and to use the pool at the Orto di Luciana on the way. After an optional further 5km (3 miles) uphill, you will reach the hill-top town of Montescaglioso, dominated by its enchanting 11th-century Benedictine abbey before returning to Matera. (Route has short final climb at the end.)
Overnight in Matera. 

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and end of tour.

Dates: Guided

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy €945 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €185 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike €75 Child carrier €0 Equipment included free with all rentals €0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package (self-guided)
Per person, double occupancy €670 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €120 Dinner option (dinner 3 nights) €65 Add two extra nights to the tour, price per person (one night in Alberobello and one night in Valle d'Itria) €160 Bike Rentals Hybrid touring bike €75 Child carrier €0 Equipment included free with all rentals €0 Transfers (minimum of two people) From Bari airport to Trani €40 From Matera to Bari airport €35

Included Services: Guided

• 7 nights in double room and breakfast
• 6 pocket lunches and 7 dinners
• Transfers from/to Bari airport
• Detailed map and road book
• Guide and minivan assistance for all the tour (no ride along guide)
• Guided tour in the Sassi of Matera 

The tour company transports the luggage in their backup bus. It can also give you a lift if you are in trouble. The guide will wait for you at several stations of our trips and he will provide you with beverages and refreshments. They will also give you useful information regarding your route and the sights you pass.

Included Services: Self-guided

• 7 nights in double room
• Breakfast everyday and 4 dinners 
• Luggage transfer 
• Guided tour in the Sassi of Matera 
• Technical and emergency assistance 
• Detailed map and road book

Hotels: Guided

Days 1 and 2: Tenuta Cocevola, Tenuta
This accommodation is located in the countryside near Castel del Monte. Its 24 rooms are placed on the upper floor and provided with all comforts. Its a relaxing place to start, with a unique cuisine.

Days 3 and 4: Agriturismo La Maddalena,Venosa
http://www.agrilamaddalena.eu
The Agriturismo is named after the county where the farmhouse is located. This is a currently running farm with about 70 hectares of land.

Day 5: Agriturismo Bufalara, Grottole
A family farm managed by 2 ladies. They produce grain and have horses. Simple rooms but a great restaurant.

Days 6 and 7: Locanda di San Martino, Matera
www.locandadisanmartino.it
The Hotel is in the heart of Matera’s “Sassi” Historical District, and at the same time it is conveniently located at a very short distance (100 meters) from the city center. There are twenty-two guest rooms situated on four levels, renovated respecting their original forms as single homes. 

Hotels: Self-guided

Days 1 and 2: Tenuta Cocevola, Tenuta
This accommodation is located in the countryside near Castel del Monte. Its 24 rooms are placed on the upper floor and provided with all comforts. Its a relaxing place to start, with a unique cuisine.

Days 3 and 4: Agriturismo La Maddalena,Venosa
http://www.agrilamaddalena.eu
The Agriturismo is named after the county where the farmhouse is located. This is a currently running farm with about 70 hectares of land.

Day 5: Agriturismo Bufalara, Grottole
A family farm managed by 2 ladies. They produce grain and have horses. Simple rooms but a great restaurant.

Days 6 and 7: Locanda di San Martino, Matera
www.locandadisanmartino.it
The Hotel is in the heart of Matera’s “Sassi” Historical District, and at the same time it is conveniently located at a very short distance (100 meters) from the city center. There are twenty-two guest rooms situated on four levels, renovated respecting their original forms as single homes. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The maximum daily elevation gain for this tour is 656 ft/200 m, with a maximum grade of 2.5%. The tour mainly takes place on quiet roads (about 75% of the time) that are comprised mainly of asphalt. The tour is rated leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The maximum daily elevation gain for this tour is 656 ft/200 m, with a maximum grade of 2.5%. The tour mainly takes place on quiet roads (about 75% of the time) that are comprised mainly of asphalt. The tour is rated leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest airport:

• Bari (BRI)

Nearest train station:

• Canosa di Puglia (the station is about 45min. away from Tenuta)

Tour end
Nearest airport:

• Bari (BRI)

Nearest train station:

• Matera

Please note:

The guided tour includes airport transfers

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport:

• Bari (BRI)

Nearest train station:

• Canosa di Puglia (the station is about 45min. away from Tenuta)

Tour end
Nearest airport:

• Bari (BRI)

Nearest train station:

• Matera

Please note:

The guided tour includes airport transfers

More About Italy: Guided

Of all European countries, none draws visitors over and over again like Italy. A peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, Italy consists of 21 diverse regions of rolling hills, vineyards, mountains, lakes, cliffs and islands. Each region has its unique charm, but all share the ‘Italian’ view that life should be taken at a slow pace with time to enjoy conversation, food and drink. Together, Italy’s regions boast the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Pisa are a few of the country's renowned cities along with Italy’s 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles and 5,600 museums and archaeological sites. Whether you ride a gondola through Venice’s Grand Canal, stroll along Lake Como or visit the Coliseum in Rome, the opportunities are endless when visiting Italy.

More on bicycling in Italy > 

View all Italy bike tours >

More About Italy: Self-guided

Of all European countries, none draws visitors over and over again like Italy. A peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, Italy consists of 21 diverse regions of rolling hills, vineyards, mountains, lakes, cliffs and islands. Each region has its unique charm, but all share the ‘Italian’ view that life should be taken at a slow pace with time to enjoy conversation, food and drink. Together, Italy’s regions boast the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Pisa are a few of the country's renowned cities along with Italy’s 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles and 5,600 museums and archaeological sites. Whether you ride a gondola through Venice’s Grand Canal, stroll along Lake Como or visit the Coliseum in Rome, the opportunities are endless when visiting Italy.

More on bicycling in Italy > 

View all Italy bike tours >

Tour Company Background: Bike Basilicata: Guided

Slow Travelling is our philosophy and the best way to visit the South East of Italy.Never too busy, with a dense network of secondary roads, this area between Basilicata and Puglia allows for safe cycling tourism in all tranquillity, offering unique landscapes and inviting you to rediscover a more natural pace of life. We offer detailed maps and road books, high quality bikes, genuine food, "Slow" hotels and reasonable prices. Ferula Viaggi is Slow Travelling! Discover with us the undiscovered South of Italy!

Tour Company Background: Bike Basilicata: Self-guided

Slow Travelling is our philosophy and the best way to visit the South East of Italy.Never too busy, with a dense network of secondary roads, this area between Basilicata and Puglia allows for safe cycling tourism in all tranquillity, offering unique landscapes and inviting you to rediscover a more natural pace of life. We offer detailed maps and road books, high quality bikes, genuine food, "Slow" hotels and reasonable prices. Ferula Viaggi is Slow Travelling! Discover with us the undiscovered South of Italy!

Terms and Conditions: Bike Basilicata: Guided

Cancellations

In case of reservations cancellation, Ferula Viaggi will apply the following penalties, in addition to all costs incurred with the annulment of the same:

• 25% of the full amount for cancellations effected up to 15 days before the expected arrival date
• 50% of the full amount for cancellations effected up to 7 days before the expected arrival date 
• 100% of the full amount for cancellations effected after the aforementioned deadlines
• No reimbursement will be made for those who don’t show up for the tour’s departure and/or those who cancel during the course of the tour. 

Program
Whenever circumstances beyond our control make it necessary, the organization has the power to modify the travel program at any moment and reserves the right to modify hotels and/or other accommodation. The refusal of such changes on part of the client, will make Ferula Viaggi responsible exclusively for the return of the sums received as cautionary deposits.

Baggage
All baggage travels under the direct surveillance and is the exclusive responsibility of the owner. Ferula Viaggi cannot in any case be held responsible for any eventual loss or damage to baggage. The carriers are limitedly responsible to the travellers during transport with their facilities/means in so far as the law prescribes.

Responsibility
The contracts of travel for the present program, are regulated by the law n. 1084 of 27.12.77 of ratification and execution of the “International conventions relative to contracts of travel” (CVV) signed in Brussels 23.04.70. The responsibility of Ferula Viaggi cannot in any case exceed the foreseen limits of the law cited.

Complaints
In the event of complaints regarding services received, the client is asked to immediately contact Ferula Viaggi so that there may be an investigation into the complaint and resolution achieved in a timely manner.

Unforeseen events
Acts of God and other situations beyond our control such as strikes, weather conditions, natural disasters, war, civil disobedience, military events, acts of terrorism and riots, are not attributable to carriers and Ferula Viaggi who cannot be held responsible for the lack of services received by clients due to airline, sea and land-travel delays.

Legal jurisdiction
In the event of any controversy the Matera Legal Forum will have jurisdiction.

Terms and Conditions: Bike Basilicata: Self-guided

Cancellations

In case of reservations cancellation, Ferula Viaggi will apply the following penalties, in addition to all costs incurred with the annulment of the same:

• 25% of the full amount for cancellations effected up to 15 days before the expected arrival date
• 50% of the full amount for cancellations effected up to 7 days before the expected arrival date 
• 100% of the full amount for cancellations effected after the aforementioned deadlines
• No reimbursement will be made for those who don’t show up for the tour’s departure and/or those who cancel during the course of the tour. 

Program
Whenever circumstances beyond our control make it necessary, the organization has the power to modify the travel program at any moment and reserves the right to modify hotels and/or other accommodation. The refusal of such changes on part of the client, will make Ferula Viaggi responsible exclusively for the return of the sums received as cautionary deposits.

Baggage
All baggage travels under the direct surveillance and is the exclusive responsibility of the owner. Ferula Viaggi cannot in any case be held responsible for any eventual loss or damage to baggage. The carriers are limitedly responsible to the travellers during transport with their facilities/means in so far as the law prescribes.

Responsibility
The contracts of travel for the present program, are regulated by the law n. 1084 of 27.12.77 of ratification and execution of the “International conventions relative to contracts of travel” (CVV) signed in Brussels 23.04.70. The responsibility of Ferula Viaggi cannot in any case exceed the foreseen limits of the law cited.

Complaints
In the event of complaints regarding services received, the client is asked to immediately contact Ferula Viaggi so that there may be an investigation into the complaint and resolution achieved in a timely manner.

Unforeseen events
Acts of God and other situations beyond our control such as strikes, weather conditions, natural disasters, war, civil disobedience, military events, acts of terrorism and riots, are not attributable to carriers and Ferula Viaggi who cannot be held responsible for the lack of services received by clients due to airline, sea and land-travel delays.

Legal jurisdiction
In the event of any controversy the Matera Legal Forum will have jurisdiction.