Italy: Puglia & Basilicata Bike Tour

Nine days, eight nights of southern Italian bicycle touring on easy terrain with variable distance choices, beginning in the cave town of Matera and descending through the Itria Valley to the Adriatic coast.

“I just wanted to thank you for the absolutely wonderful trip… You have me hooked; I would really love to do one of your trips again maybe even with the kids…” – Anna P.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• UNESCO site – Sassi, century-old caves carved from rock cliffs.
• Easy, bicycle-friendly terrain.
• The first city you visit, Matera, is seen in the recent James Bond film "No Time to Die" with Daniel Craig.
• Traditional, Southern Italian lifestyle.
• Itria valley’s olive groves and trulli, ancient circular stone houses.
• Coastal route overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
• Exquisite local cuisine.
• Ride through San Foca to Otranto on the Adriatic coast, whose castle was the setting for a book by Horace Walpole, The Castle of Otranto.
• The cultural capital of Puglia, whose baroque architecture and warm sandstone buildings appear golden in the afternoon sun.
• Matera has been the filming location for a number of well-known films, including James Bond and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

The route is almost entirely paved. The terrain on the Italy: Puglia & Basilicata Bike Tour is relatively easy, with a few rolling hills, but distances are high unless you choose shorter options.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: Introductions.
• 2: Matera Caves Excursion & Cooking Class.
• 3: Matera to Locrotondo; ~45km.
• 4: Loop Ride ~48km or ~94km.
• 5: Lecce and the Grecia Salentina Loop ~55km.
• 6: Lecce to Otranto ~56km.
• 7: Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca ~50km or ~94km.
• 8: Santa Cesarea Terme to Gallipoli ~64km.
• 9: Gallipoli to Sant’Isidoro 25km; then transfer to Lecce.

(Click image to enlarge)

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Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.

 

This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.

 

Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.

 

This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.

 

The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.

 

There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.

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