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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided/Guided |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 30 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily: March 15-June 15 and Aug 15 - Nov 5, 2013 Guided: May 25; Jun 8; Aug 31, 2013 |
| Tour price: | €690 (self-guided) €1203 (guided) |
| Start city: | Tenuta |
| End city: | Matera |
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.
Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.
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.
Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.
Day 1: Arrival 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.
Overnight in Trani.
Day 2: Castel del Monte (25miles/40km)
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 with swimming pool. Dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Andria.
Day 3: Venosa (34 miles/55km)
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.
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.
Day 1: Arrival 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.
Overnight in Trani.
Day 2: Castel del Monte (25miles/40km)
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 with swimming pool. Dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Andria.
Day 3: Venosa (34 miles/55km)
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.
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: March 15-June 15 and Aug 15 - Nov 5, 2013
*Clients who start the tour on May 2 will be able to experience the Giro d'Italia in Matera, the finish line and overnight location for the stage.
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These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
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.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
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.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
The bikes for this tour are hybrid touring bikes, 24 or 27 speed, with Shimano Deore gear equipped with rear pack frames and side bags. Electrically assisted bikes may also be available upon request.
The bikes for this tour are hybrid touring bikes, 24 or 27 speed, with Shimano Deore gear equipped with rear pack frames and side bags. Electrically assisted bikes may also be available upon request.
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. There will be some moderate hills on this tour.
The tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
Daily elevation profile
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. There will be some moderate hills on this tour.
The tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
Daily elevation profile
Tour start
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station:
Tour end
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station:
Please note:
The guided tour includes airport transfers
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour start
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station:
Tour end
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station:
Please note:
The guided tour includes airport transfers
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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:
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.
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:
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.
