self-guided
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Tour Description: Guided
(View Self-guided)
This is an easy tour through the Heel of Italy's Boot. From Basilicata with round trips starting from the Sassi of Matera and the Park of Rupestrian Churches, you will head on to the Apulian land.
Cycling through the Murge plateau (a territory that encloses an astonishing variety of landscapes: caves, sanctuaries, defensive strongholds, churches and rock settlements, small towns and big cities), you will stay in the Itria valley, characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand. These are cultivated in masserie lands, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations, rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques.
In the last days you will head south to the Salento. Sun, sea, wind. Nature strikes in the first place, when one gets to this land stretch in balance between two seas. The cities and inland towns expressions of the unique Lecce Baroque with Messapi and Salento Grecìa can still be seen. Its language, songs and feasts still show the culture of Magna Graecia.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Tour Description: Self-guided
This is an easy tour through the Heel of Italy's Boot. From Basilicata with round trips starting from the Sassi of Matera and the Park of Rupestrian Churches, you will head on to the Apulian land.
Cycling through the Murge plateau (a territory that encloses an astonishing variety of landscapes: caves, sanctuaries, defensive strongholds, churches and rock settlements, small towns and big cities), you will stay in the Itria valley, characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand. These are cultivated in masserie lands, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations, rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques.
In the last days you will head south to the Salento. Sun, sea, wind. Nature strikes in the first place, when one gets to this land stretch in balance between two seas. The cities and inland towns expressions of the unique Lecce Baroque with Messapi and Salento Grecìa can still be seen. Its language, songs and feasts still show the culture of Magna Graecia.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Highlights: Guided
(View Self-guided)
- Visit to a wood-burning bakery
- San Giuliano Lake
- Crypt of the Original Sin
- Capital town of Trulloes, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Ostuni, an architectural jewel referred to as "the White Town"
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Highlights: Self-guided
- Visit to a wood-burning bakery
- San Giuliano Lake
- Crypt of the Original Sin
- Capital town of Trulloes, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Ostuni, an architectural jewel referred to as "the White Town"
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Daily Program: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Daily Program: Self-guided
Day 1: Arrival to Matera
Independent arrival to Matera and get settled in at your hotel. Afternoon guided walking visit of the Sassi (ancient Matera districts) and the Park of Rupestrian Churches. Dinner in a typical Sassi restaurant carved out in the Rock.
Overnight in Matera.
Day 2: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera Hills (15-24 miles/25-40 km)
After visiting a wood-burning bakery where you will taste the special bread and focaccia made with local hard grain, you will start pedalling along the wonderful, deserted road around the San Giuliano Lake. Stop at the Crypt of the Original Sin (with the oldest frescoes in the area). Picnic and back to Matera (pedalling or by van) and free afternoon. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Matera.
Day 3: From Matera to Alberobello (40 miles/64 km)
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's world heritage site. Accommodation in a restored farmhouse. Visit of the city and dinner.
Overnight in Alberobello.
Day 4: Loop- Alberobello, Cisternino and Locorotondo (28 miles/45 km)
Departure in the direction of the Itria Valley, a carsick 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.
Overnight in Alberobello.
Day 5: Ostuni, "the White Town" (34 miles/55 km)
Cycling trough the Selva (forest) near Fasano, you follow the Adriatic coast and reach Ostuni, which is reputed an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as "the White Town" for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture.
Get situated at your Hotel. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Ostuni.
Day 6: Far East (40 miles/65 km)
A transfer with our van will take you to Lecce, the Baroque town with wonderful façade of buildings and churches. After tasting a puccia (local bread filled with salami or vegetables) or a pasticciotto (delicious pastry), you start pedalling towards Otranto following the coastal route. Get situated at your hotel in a wonderful farmhouse. Dinner.
Overnight in Otranto.
Day 7: Loop, Otranto- Porto Badisco - S. Cesarea - Otranto
Otranto has a wonderful centre with walls and a castle. A masterpiece is the mysterious mosaic, in the Romanesque Cathedral. The route will take you to the wildest and eastern rocky coast of Southern Italy. The sun and the atmosphere is unique in a place where Turkish and Greeks landed centuries ago. Dinner on your own. Back to your hotel.
Overnight in Otranto.
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and end of services.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Dates: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Dates: Self-guided
Every Saturday: Spring and Fall (suggested departures from late March to June; and from September to early November)
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Route Map: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Route Map: Self-guided
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Packages and Prices: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Packages and Prices: Self-guided
| Tour package (self-guided) |
 |
|
|
| |
|
| Per person, double occupancy |
€750 |
| Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) |
€168 |
| Optional evening dinner plan (6 dinners, excluding drinks) |
€126 |
| Hybrid touring bike, 24/27 speed |
€75 |
| Equipment included free with all rentals |
€0 |
| From Bari Airport to Matera |
€35 |
| From Otranto to Bari Airport |
€75 |
|
*The dollar amount is based on today's exchange rate and is subject to currency fluctuation.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Included Services: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Included Services: Self-guided
- 7 nights in double room
- Breakfast everyday; 1 dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Guided tour in the "Sassi di Matera"
- Technical and emergency assistance
- Detailed map and roadbook
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Hotels: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Day 1 and 2: Hotel Palazzo Viceconte, Matera
www.palazzoviceconte.it
Hotel Palazzo Viceconte is an early 17th-century Dimora Storica in the heart of the ancient city. Recently renovated and with probably the best panoramic views over the Sassi and its surroundings, sleeping in Hotel Palazzo Viceconte means splendid hospitality in the captivating charm of a historic palazzo.
Day 3 and 4: Traditional "Trulli" Stone Homes, Alberobello
www.trulliepuglia.com
You’ll stay for two nights in traditional “trulli” – stone homes – such as Trullo Vittoria, located down one of Alberobello’s charming alleys near the Trullo Church dedicated to Saint Antonio. It’s exceptionally quaint. Dating back to the 1600s, this beautiful trullo once had a wooden loft where children slept that has now been transformed into a comfortable sleeping area for you to enjoy (as well as kitchen and living area). The fusion between the wood and stones creates an atmosphere of warm and tranquility.
Day 5: Masseria Monte Napoleone, Ostuni
www.masseriamontenapoleone.com
Masseria Monte Napoleone is a living farm that was refurbished and renovated to be part of the nature around it. Some of the rooms are even original caves and dwellings of the first settlers in the area hundreds of years ago. Each room, corner and secret area has been redesigned or embellished to encompass the natural beauty that it already possesses. You can even to walk around the property and pick fruits and tomatoes to eat at your leisure.
Day 6 and 7: Hotel Corte di Nettuno, Otranto
www.cortedinettuno.it/
Your home for the next two nights is the four-star Hotel Corte di Nettuno, a historical agricultural “cottage” built in a typical courtyard style situated at the entrance of Otranto’s historic center overlooking the port, the castle and the Serpe tower, one of the most striking points of Salento.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Hotels: Self-guided
Day 1 and 2: Hotel Palazzo Viceconte, Matera
www.palazzoviceconte.it
Hotel Palazzo Viceconte is an early 17th-century Dimora Storica in the heart of the ancient city. Recently renovated and with probably the best panoramic views over the Sassi and its surroundings, sleeping in Hotel Palazzo Viceconte means splendid hospitality in the captivating charm of a historic palazzo.
Day 3 and 4: Traditional "Trulli" Stone Homes, Alberobello
www.trulliepuglia.com
You’ll stay for two nights in traditional “trulli” – stone homes – such as Trullo Vittoria, located down one of Alberobello’s charming alleys near the Trullo Church dedicated to Saint Antonio. It’s exceptionally quaint. Dating back to the 1600s, this beautiful trullo once had a wooden loft where children slept that has now been transformed into a comfortable sleeping area for you to enjoy (as well as kitchen and living area). The fusion between the wood and stones creates an atmosphere of warm and tranquility.
Day 5: Masseria Monte Napoleone, Ostuni
www.masseriamontenapoleone.com
Masseria Monte Napoleone is a living farm that was refurbished and renovated to be part of the nature around it. Some of the rooms are even original caves and dwellings of the first settlers in the area hundreds of years ago. Each room, corner and secret area has been redesigned or embellished to encompass the natural beauty that it already possesses. You can even to walk around the property and pick fruits and tomatoes to eat at your leisure.
Day 6 and 7: Hotel Corte di Nettuno, Otranto
www.cortedinettuno.it/
Your home for the next two nights is the four-star Hotel Corte di Nettuno, a historical agricultural “cottage” built in a typical courtyard style situated at the entrance of Otranto’s historic center overlooking the port, the castle and the Serpe tower, one of the most striking points of Salento.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Bike Rentals: Guided
(View Self-guided)
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.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Bike Rentals: Self-guided
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.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Surface and Terrain: Guided
(View Self-guided)
The terrain on the tour is panoramic and flat. It is 6 days of easy cycling with some hilly terrain. The total length you will cycle is 174 miles (280 km), averaging around 25-40 miles (40-65 km) a day to be done within 3-6 hours.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Surface and Terrain: Self-guided
The terrain on the tour is panoramic and flat. It is 6 days of easy cycling with some hilly terrain. The total length you will cycle is 174 miles (280 km), averaging around 25-40 miles (40-65 km) a day to be done within 3-6 hours.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
How To Get There: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Tour start
Nearest airport: Bari, Italy
Nearest train station: Matera, Italy
Tour end
Nearest airport: Bari, Italy
Nearest train station: Otranto, Italy
Tip
The best bet is to fly into Rome and take the train to Bari. From there, the company can provide a low-cost 45-minute transfer to the tour start in Matera, which has no train station. Likewise, Ostuni, where the tour ends, has no train station, so transfer to Brindisi and take the train from there to Rome (normally with a train change in Bari). These are high-speed trains that often sell out, so purchase the tickets ahead of time through RailEurope.
Occasionally, you can get good connecting flights into and out of Bari, so it never hurts to research that, too.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
How To Get There: Self-guided
Tour start
Nearest airport: Bari, Italy
Nearest train station: Matera, Italy
Tour end
Nearest airport: Bari, Italy
Nearest train station: Otranto, Italy
Tip
The best bet is to fly into Rome and take the train to Bari. From there, the company can provide a low-cost 45-minute transfer to the tour start in Matera, which has no train station. Likewise, Ostuni, where the tour ends, has no train station, so transfer to Brindisi and take the train from there to Rome (normally with a train change in Bari). These are high-speed trains that often sell out, so purchase the tickets ahead of time through RailEurope.
Occasionally, you can get good connecting flights into and out of Bari, so it never hurts to research that, too.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
More About Italy: Guided
(View 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 >
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
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 >
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Tour Company Background: Bike Basilicata: Guided
(View 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!
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
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!
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
Terms and Conditions: Bike Basilicata: Guided
(View 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.
Beautiful Cycling through Salento and Basilicata
Basilicata and Salento - the Heel of the Boot
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.
