Through 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites

Basilicata and Apulia: Sassi and Trulli tour

Tour Description: Guided

A week of cycling around the two wonderful UNESCO sites of Alberobello and Matera. Leaving from Matera’s “Sassi” and the rock caves and stone houses, you will reach the Itria Valley, a karstic land also called the Valley of the Trulloes due to the thousands of “trulli”, limestone dwellings that are remarkable examples of drywall constructions offering a prehistoric building technique, which is still in use in Apulia. 

All around, there is an explosion of color; olive trees and ancient farmhouses. Back to the mysterious land of Basilicata, a slow ride from the rolling hills of the Bradano Valley, to the natural oasis of San Giuliano Lake and back to Matera.

The South of Italy's natural beauty, ancient culture, deeply-rooted local traditions, genuine Mediterranean food and above all the warmth and hospitality of its people, will capture you and leave you with an unforgettable feeling.

Tour Description: Self-guided

A week of cycling around the two wonderful UNESCO sites of Alberobello and Matera. Leaving from Matera’s “Sassi” and the rock caves and stone houses, you will reach the Itria Valley, a karstic land also called the Valley of the Trulloes due to the thousands of “trulli”, limestone dwellings that are remarkable examples of drywall constructions offering a prehistoric building technique, which is still in use in Apulia. 

All around, there is an explosion of color; olive trees and ancient farmhouses. Back to the mysterious land of Basilicata, a slow ride from the rolling hills of the Bradano Valley, to the natural oasis of San Giuliano Lake and back to Matera.

The South of Italy's natural beauty, ancient culture, deeply-rooted local traditions, genuine Mediterranean food and above all the warmth and hospitality of its people, will capture you and leave you with an unforgettable feeling.

Highlights: Guided

• The Sassi of Matera
• Rock Churches
• "Trulli" in Alberobello
• White washed villages of Locorotondo and Cisternino
• Ravines
• Unique accommodations

Highlights: Self-guided

• The Sassi of Matera
• Rock Churches
• "Trulli" in Alberobello
• White washed villages of Locorotondo and Cisternino
• Ravines
• Unique accommodations

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival in Matera
Arrival in Matera and transfer to your hotel (included in guided tour, only). Afternoon: guided tour around the Sassi – a UNESCO world heritage site since 1993 - with its small streets and squares, caves, rock churches and cellars. Two districts built from the Medieval age through to the last century. We suggest you have dinner at one of the Sassi’s typical restaurants. 

Day 2: Matera to Alberobello (40miles/64km)
Distribution of bicycles, briefing and departure for Alberobello. You will pass through the small villages of Gioia del Colle and Noci and on to Alberobello, the capital town of “trulloes” and a UNESCO world heritage site. Accommodation in the historical centre in a trullo dating from 1600. Visit of the city.
Overnight in Alberobello.

Day 3: Alberobello - Cisternino – Martina Franca (28miles/45km)
Departure in the direction of the Itria Valley, a karstic depression filled with thousands of olive trees. You will pass through Cisternino, one of the whitewashed villages in the valley. A climb over the hill dominating the Itria Valley will bring you to Martina Franca, a real Baroque gem. Back to Alberobello and overnight stay in your trullo.
Overnight in Alberobello.

Day 4: The Land of the Ravines (41miles/66km)
Heading south into the Taranto province, you will cycle along deserted roads and among vineyards. You will pass through the Land of the Ravines and the villages of Mottola and Palagianello. The Ravines are deep precipices, often more than 100 metres deep, similar to canyons. Overnight stay in Castellaneta Marina, on the Ionian Sea.
Overnight in Castellaneta Marina. 

Day 5: Fruit Gardens (25miles/40km)
Today you will continue to cycle along the Bradano River among vineyards and orange trees. After a light ascent on the Montescaglioso hill (a visit to the Benedictine Abbey is a must), back to the valley again and overnight stay at a holiday farm specialized in producing vegetables. Relax in the swimming pool.
Overnight in Montescaglioso.

Day 6: Free Day
Today you have time to enjoy a circular cycle in the valley or relax in the swimming pool.

Cycle option 1: The Ancient Via Appia (22miles/35km)
Riding along the ancient "Via Appia" (an old Roman road), you will pass through the charming village of Miglionico, with a nice view on the valley. Back to your holiday farm for relax and dinner. Overnight stay.

Cycle Option 2: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera Hills (25miles/40km)
This route will take you along the wonderful, deserted road around the 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. Optional stop to the Crypt of Original Sin (with the oldest frescoes in the area). Back to your holiday farm for relax and dinner. Overnight stay.
Overnight in Montescaglioso. 

Day 7: Matera (16 miles/25km)
The route will take you back to Matera skirting again the Park of Rock Churches. After 12 km. you’ll leave your bikes to reach the Gravina canyon walking. Picnic in the caves of Cristo La Selva, an amazing Rupestrian village in the hearth of the Park. Head on to Matera and get situated at your hotel. Free afternoon. Farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Matera. 

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and end of tour

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Arrival in Matera
Arrival in Matera and transfer to your hotel (included in guided tour, only). Afternoon: guided tour around the Sassi – a UNESCO world heritage site since 1993 - with its small streets and squares, caves, rock churches and cellars. Two districts built from the Medieval age through to the last century. We suggest you have dinner at one of the Sassi’s typical restaurants. 

Day 2: Matera to Alberobello (40miles/64km)
Distribution of bicycles, briefing and departure for Alberobello. You will pass through the small villages of Gioia del Colle and Noci and on to Alberobello, the capital town of “trulloes” and a UNESCO world heritage site. Accommodation in the historical centre in a trullo dating from 1600. Visit of the city.
Overnight in Alberobello.

Day 3: Alberobello - Cisternino – Martina Franca (28miles/45km)
Departure in the direction of the Itria Valley, a karstic depression filled with thousands of olive trees. You will pass through Cisternino, one of the whitewashed villages in the valley. A climb over the hill dominating the Itria Valley will bring you to Martina Franca, a real Baroque gem. Back to Alberobello and overnight stay in your trullo.
Overnight in Alberobello.

Day 4: The Land of the Ravines (41miles/66km)
Heading south into the Taranto province, you will cycle along deserted roads and among vineyards. You will pass through the Land of the Ravines and the villages of Mottola and Palagianello. The Ravines are deep precipices, often more than 100 metres deep, similar to canyons. Overnight stay in Castellaneta Marina, on the Ionian Sea.
Overnight in Castellaneta Marina. 

Day 5: Fruit Gardens (25miles/40km)
Today you will continue to cycle along the Bradano River among vineyards and orange trees. After a light ascent on the Montescaglioso hill (a visit to the Benedictine Abbey is a must), back to the valley again and overnight stay at a holiday farm specialized in producing vegetables. Relax in the swimming pool.
Overnight in Montescaglioso.

Day 6: Free Day
Today you have time to enjoy a circular cycle in the valley or relax in the swimming pool.

Cycle option 1: The Ancient Via Appia (22miles/35km)
Riding along the ancient "Via Appia" (an old Roman road), you will pass through the charming village of Miglionico, with a nice view on the valley. Back to your holiday farm for relax and dinner. Overnight stay.

Cycle Option 2: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera Hills (25miles/40km)
This route will take you along the wonderful, deserted road around the 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. Optional stop to the Crypt of Original Sin (with the oldest frescoes in the area). Back to your holiday farm for relax and dinner. Overnight stay.
Overnight in Montescaglioso. 

Day 7: Matera (16 miles/25km)
The route will take you back to Matera skirting again the Park of Rock Churches. After 12 km. you’ll leave your bikes to reach the Gravina canyon walking. Picnic in the caves of Cristo La Selva, an amazing Rupestrian village in the hearth of the Park. Head on to Matera and get situated at your hotel. Free afternoon. Farewell dinner and overnight stay.
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 €1150 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €185 Ride along guide (for private groups) €165 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 €650 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €140 Dinner option (dinner each evening) €150 Tour package with 4-star accommodations €116 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 Matera €35 From Matera to Bari airport €35

Included Services: Guided

• 7 nights in double rooms
• 6 pocket lunches + 7 dinners
• Transfers from/to Bari Airport
• Guide and minivan assistance (no ride along guide)
• Technical and Emergency assistance
• Detailed Map, roadbook
• 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 with breakfast
• Luggage Transfer
• Guided tour in the "Sassi di Matera"
• Technical and Emergency Assistance 
• Detailed Maps and road-book

Hotels: Guided

Day 1: Locanda di San Martino, Matera
www.locandadisanmartino.it
The Hotel "Locanda di San Martino" lies 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 with the greatest care in order to respect their original forms as single homes. 

Days 2 and 3: Pietradimora Bed and Breakfast, Alberobello
www.pietradimora.it
Is a beautiful group of comfortable and stylish trulli located in the middle of the old town in Alberobello. Trullo rooms have own bathroom with shower or Jacuzzi, internet wireless, centralized heating. Breakfast will be served in the leaving room or in the garden during the warmest seasons.

Day 4: Nicotel Pineto, Castellaneta Marina
www.nicotelhotels.com
Merged in the charming setting of a centenary pinewood, few metres far from the fine gold sand beach of the Apulian Jonic coast. Its 114 rooms, elegant and full of light, are functionally furnished and equipped with all the comforts a guest needs. The private balcony offers an enchanting view on the spectacular swimming pool or on the centenary pines.

Days 5 and 6: Orto di Lucania, Montescaglioso
www.ortodilucania.it
A farm that offers guest accommodations- is situated in a valley overlooked by the town of Montescaglioso in the province of Matera, Basilicata. On our estate measuring 250 hectares on the banks of the Bradano River, we grow organic wheat, maize, tomato eggplant, artichoke, olive and fruit.

Day 7: Locanda di San Martino, Matera
www.locandadisanmartino.it
The Hotel "Locanda di San Martino" lies 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 with the greatest care in order to respect their original forms as single homes. 

Hotels: Self-guided

Day 1: Locanda di San Martino, Matera
www.locandadisanmartino.it
The Hotel "Locanda di San Martino" lies 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 with the greatest care in order to respect their original forms as single homes. 

Days 2 and 3: Pietradimora Bed and Breakfast, Alberobello
www.pietradimora.it
Is a beautiful group of comfortable and stylish trulli located in the middle of the old town in Alberobello. Trullo rooms have own bathroom with shower or Jacuzzi, internet wireless, centralized heating. Breakfast will be served in the leaving room or in the garden during the warmest seasons.

Day 4: Nicotel Pineto, Castellaneta Marina
www.nicotelhotels.com
Merged in the charming setting of a centenary pinewood, few metres far from the fine gold sand beach of the Apulian Jonic coast. Its 114 rooms, elegant and full of light, are functionally furnished and equipped with all the comforts a guest needs. The private balcony offers an enchanting view on the spectacular swimming pool or on the centenary pines.

Days 5 and 6: Orto di Lucania, Montescaglioso
www.ortodilucania.it
A farm that offers guest accommodations- is situated in a valley overlooked by the town of Montescaglioso in the province of Matera, Basilicata. On our estate measuring 250 hectares on the banks of the Bradano River, we grow organic wheat, maize, tomato eggplant, artichoke, olive and fruit.

Day 7: Locanda di San Martino, Matera
www.locandadisanmartino.it
The Hotel "Locanda di San Martino" lies 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 with the greatest care in order to respect their original forms as single homes. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The route includes hilly terrain of easy to medium difficulty and is on quiet roads about 75% of the time. The maximum daily elevation is 984ft/300m and maximum grade of 3%. The tour is rated leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The route includes hilly terrain of easy to medium difficulty and is on quiet roads about 75% of the time. The maximum daily elevation is 984ft/300m and maximum grade of 3%. The tour is rated leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport:

• Bari (BRI)

Nearest train station:

• Matera

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport:

• Bari (BRI)

Nearest train station:

• Matera

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.