Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata Best of … · 2020. 2. 12. · Deluxe -...

Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy:

Puglia and Basilicata – Best of Southern Italy

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Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata – Best of Southern Italy

Tour Fact Sheet The regions of Puglia and Basilicata occupy the "heel" of Italy's boot, surrounded by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Here,

ancient Greek and Italian culture mingle in hillside vineyards, olive groves, and whitewashed villages nestled against the

blue of the Mediterranean. Pedal through a magical landscape filled with unique conical shaped dwellings known as trulli

and the ancient sassi dwellings dug out of hillside rock; enjoy meals prepared with Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern

influence; and discover the warmth and hospitality of Southern Italy's friendliest people. You will also explore the UNESCO

world heritage sites of Alberobello and the lovely Alta Murgia countryside. This self-guided cycling tour begins in the quaint

port town of Trani, using secondary paved roads with little traffic, over rolling hills and valleys, ending in the stunning

whitewashed town of Ostuni.

Visit our website for tour dates, price and full

itinerary description at www.cycleeurope.com.

Do you need more information? Read our Self-

Guided Tour FAQ Sheet here.

Highlights Beautiful countryside cycling on remote backroads; UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Trani’s old town; the Alta Murgia natural region; ancient castles; stunning views of Mediterranean; Gravina di Puglia underground city; Matera’s Sassi rock dwellings; Crypt of Original Sin, the trulli town of Alberobello; Ostuni “the white”

Price Comfort hotels: starting from €1130 Single Supplement: €235 Deluxe hotels: starting from €1620 Single Supplement: €280 August supplement: €150 per person

Includes 7 nights lodging in 3-4 star hotels or equivalent,

all breakfasts; use of a high quality 24-27 speed

racing or hybrid bicycle; bike delivery and

collection; bike fitting and briefing in English;

use of GPS with preloaded tracks; detailed

routes description; luggage transfers every day;

map; dinner suggestions

Countries Italy

Begin/End Trani / Ostuni

Arrive/Depart Bari airport (BRI)

Total Distance 300 km (187 miles) with additional mileage options available

Daily Distance 32 to 69 km per day (20 to 43 miles) No mileage on rest days by choice

What to Expect

Easy to moderate cycling over mostly hilly terrain (gentle rolling hills and some steeper climbs), with low to moderate daily mileage; scenic routes; genuine experiences of Southern Italian life and culture.

Rating 2 – View Tour Rating Descriptions

Terms Terms & Conditions

http://www.cycleeurope.com/

https://www.cycleeurope.com/self-guided-bike-tours-in-europe-faq/

https://www.cycleeurope.com/self-guided-bike-tour-ratings/

https://www.cycleeurope.com/self-guided-bike-tours-europe-terms-and-conditions/




Tour dates

Between January 25 and December 4 tour can start any day from Monday to Saturday. Sunday available upon

request. Not recommended in August.

Self-guided tours Collections Program:

This tour is part of our Self-Guided Collections program Great cycling experiences abound throughout Europe! Since we cannot directly operate self-guided tours everywhere, we have used our vast experience and network in the continent to curate and offer self-guided tours on our website that are operated by select partners that we know and trust. These tours are similar in quality to those we operate directly in many ways – for example, the tour begins with an in-person briefing (in English); bicycles are provided in optimal condition, and each customer goes through a personal bike fitting at the tour start; the roadbook and step-by-step navigation instructions, as well as lodging/accommodations are of similar quality. If you have any question regarding this type of tours, please feel free to ask us!

Your itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Trani. Fit bicycles

Highlights: Old town of Trani; Romanesque cathedral by the sea; Swabian

Castle

After arriving in Trani and settling into your hotel, you will be met by our

English-speaking local staff for a welcome briefing and bike fitting. We

recommend any free time for visiting this historic and quaint fishing port town

on the Adriatic coast. Trani is a peaceful town, great for walking and taking in

the many wonderful views of the charming harbor. You will also want to visit

the cathedral, Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino, set on a dominant position on

the edge of the water; the Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo) dating back to 1249,

built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II; and the 12th century Chiesa di

Ognissanti church, built by the Templar Knights.

Accommodation:

Comfort- Hotel S. Paolo

al Convento

Deluxe- Marè Resort

http://www.hotelsanpaoloalconventotrani.it/

http://www.hotelsanpaoloalconventotrani.it/

http://www.mareresort.it/it/home/




Day 2: Ride to Castel del Monte

Highlights: The Alta Murgia countryside; olive groves and vineyards; Castle

of Frederick II; night in a Masseria farm-stay

Your cycling tour begins crossing the gentle hills of the Alta Murgia countryside,

a region that has been inhabited and sculpted by various Mediterranean

civilizations. You’ll pedal past olive groves and vineyards, until arriving at the

Castle of Frederick II. The Holy Roman Emperor left his imprint throughout

Southern Italy, and this may be his most amazing architectural accomplishment;

the unique and stunning building is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tonight’s lodging is at a nearby masseria – a charming countryside farm stay.

Mileage: 46 km (29

miles)

Accommodation:

Comfort- Masseria Torre

di Nebbia (or similar)

Deluxe- Lama di Luna

Biomasseria

Day 3: Cycling backroads to Gravina di Puglia

Highlights: Cycling through rocky landscapes; underground city tunnel

network; crypts of San Michele delle Grotte and the Madonna della Stella

Cycling over rolling hills, with occasional short climbs and very little vehicle

traffic, today’s route seems to take you back in time. The town of Gravina di

Puglia will be one of the highlights of your tour - also full of charm and

mystery, this walled town dates to the 8th century BC. Its location made it an

important settlement since Roman times, with previous influence from other

cultures, and it’s famous for its many grava buildings, cut into the rock, as

well as the unique network of underground tunnels, cellars, churches and more,

all hidden underneath the old town center.

Mileage: 42 km (26

miles)

Accommodation:

Comfort- Il Borgo B&B

Deluxe- Principe Relais

https://www.masseriatorredinebbia.it/en/

https://www.masseriatorredinebbia.it/en/

http://www.lamadiluna.com/

http://www.lamadiluna.com/

http://www.ilborgobandb.it/

https://www.principepuglia.it/




Day 4: Altamura and Matera UNESCO World Heritage Site

Highlights: Altamura’s old town and famous pane di Altamura bread;

Matera’s sassi dwellings and UNESCO world-heritage site

You will enjoy gentle cycling through valleys to the town of Altamura, famous

for the cathedral and old town, as well as the local pane de Altamura and

focaccia breads made in wood ovens (great for a lunch stop). From there,

beautiful countryside cycling takes you to Matera, the capital of the Basilicata

region and home to the famous sassi rock dwellings, inhabited since prehistoric

times. As with many other southern Italian cities, Matera has been influenced

by the presence of various Mediterranean cultures and kingdoms. The ancient

and primeval aspect of the old town has also made it a fabulous spot for films,

like The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson. We recommend hiring a local

guide for a visit of the town’s important sights and rich history. You will sleep

the next two nights in a sassi hotel with a magnificent view of the old town.

Mileage: 45 km (28

miles)

Accommodation:

Comfort - Locanda S.

Martino (or similar)

Deluxe - Palazzo Gattini (or

similar)

http://www.locandadisanmartino.it/


https://www.palazzogattini.it/it/home/




Day 5: Enjoy a rest day or explore on a loop ride

Highlights: Matera old town and surroundings

As Matera has so much to experience, you can use the entire day to explore the

town at your leisure, or start your day with a loop-ride and continue your visit

of Matera in the evening.

Optional loop-ride: this ride will take you the Murgia Timone, which lies across

the Sassi district gorge, up to an amazing panoramic view of the old town of

Matera and its sassi. A small park atop protects an amazing collection of

Neolithic cave dwellings and small churches carved out of rock. The visitor’s

center provides interpretation and good spot for a picnic lunch.

More loops rides around Matera available upon request.

Optional Mileage: 32 km

(20 miles)

Accommodation:

Comfort- Locanda S.

Martino (or similar)

Deluxe - Palazzo Gattini (or

similar)

Day 6: Ride to Alberobello

Highlights: towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci; the trulli of Alberobello,

More easy riding with some gentle rolling hills and short climbs takes us closer

to the “heel of the boot”. On the way, you’ll ride through two beautiful and

easygoing towns, Gioia del Colle and Noci, where you can stop for lunch or

coffee, stroll the town centers or simply watch local life and people. Today’s

destination of Alberobello is another trip highlight – its amazing trulli dwellings

are also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mileage: 69 km (43

miles)

Accommodation:

Comfort- Tipico Resort in

Trulli

Deluxe- La Corte

dell’Astore (or similar)



https://www.palazzogattini.it/it/home/

https://www.tipicoresort.it/it-it

https://www.tipicoresort.it/it-it

http://lacortedellastore.com/it/

http://lacortedellastore.com/it/




Day 7: Cycle to Ostuni

Highlights: Ostuni “the white”

Cycling over gentle backroads, rolling hills and some short climbs, you will

reach Ostuni. This architectural jewel is commonly referred to as the “white

town”, as the buildings of its old town are completely covered in whitewashed

walls. Perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic, the white buildings contrast

against the blue sea, creating a magnificent sight. This is another great town

for strolling its cobblestone streets, photographing the coastal scenery and

picture-perfect white buildings, and lazing away over dinner.

Mileage: 44 km (28

miles)

Accommodation:

Comfort- Hotel La Terra

Deluxe- Ostuni Palace

(or masseria in the

surrounding area)

Day 8: Tour ends in Ostuni

Your bike tour ends in Ostuni today. Spend more time getting to know this city, or if your travel plans allow

it, continue on to Bari or Lecce (the baroque Florence of southern Italy) to continue exploring the heel of

Italy. If you are interested in more cycling, ask us about possibilities for additional days.

NOTE: This hotel itinerary is subjected to changes according to availability. City taxes are not included.

http://www.laterrahotel.it/

https://www.ostunipalace.com/?lang=en




GTA: How to get there and away

Starting point:

Hotel San Paolo al Convento or Marè Resort

Via Statuti Marittimi 111, Trani Piazza Quercia, 8, Trani

Tel: +39 0883 482 949 Tel: +39 0883.486411

We recommend flying into Bari (Bari’s airport is connected by bus to Bari train station)

We offer a private transfer from Bari’s Airport to your hotel (see next page for prices)

Ending point:

B&B Casa d’Autore or Ostuni Palace

Corso Mazzini 134, Ostuni Corso Vittorio Emanuele 218, Ostuni

Tel: +39 349 127 6629 Terl.: +39 0831 338885

We recommend flying out from Bari.

We offer a private transfer to the airport (see next page for prices)

Once you book the tour we will send you detailed information and different options on how to get to the

starting point and away from the ending point of the tour.

Luggage Transfers

Luggage transfers are included in your package. Normally, the luggage is collected from 09.00 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 16.30. Every luggage must be marked with a visible luggage tag (provided by Cycle Europe). Please make sure yours have correct tags. If your luggage is not ready by the time the driver comes to collect it, you may need to have to pay directly a local taxi for the service. Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. Normally you cannot use the luggage transport service to skip the stage. In case you need help to skip the stage, please contact our emergency number.

tel:+390883486411

tel:+390831338885




Services available at an additional cost (ask for availability)

Private transfers from and to the airport: Bari airport – hotel in Trani: 40€ per person (min 2 pax). Hotel in Ostuni – Bari airport: 50€ per person (min 2 pax).

Extra nights – prices per room per night - Trani: € 120 (comfort hotel), € 210 (deluxe hotel) - Ostuni: € 120 (comfort hotel), € 210 (deluxe hotel) - Alberobello: € 140 (comfort hotel), € 230 (deluxe hotel)




Bicycle Specifications

All bikes come with a water bottle, a small pump, a lock, and an under-seat pack that contains a spare tube,

tire irons and patch kit. We can provide flat pedals or pedals with toe cage; we don't provide clipless pedals as

there are different kinds, so you'll have to bring your own pedals with you and we'll mount them on your rented

bike.

ROAD

Frame Fork Crankset Chain Derailleur Shifters Brakeset Saddle Seat Post

Gravel X Alloy 7005 Hydroforming Carbon F04 UDC 1 1/8’’ Gravel X Full Carbon 1.5" FSA Omega 50/34 FSA 11sp Shimano 105 PROMAX Aluminium Shimano Disc Flat Mount Prologo Kappa BH Lite 27,2 X350




HYBRID

Frame: Aluminum

Fork: Rigid aluminum (or suspension forks on demand)

Gears: Shimano 27 speed Deore

Saddle: Royal gel

Weight: 13,6 kg

Tires: 28’’ Schwalbe

Rear rack: aluminum (max 20 kgs)

Lights: LED (front and rear)

Brakes: V-Brakes

Mudguard: Plastic, matte black




FULL CARBON ROADS You can rent a full carbon road bike for an extra price of 50€ for your tour.

Frame Fork Crankset Chain Derailleur Shifters Brakeset Saddle Seat Post

Quartz Carbon Monocoque Quartz Evo Integrated Tapered Full Carbon 1.5" FSA Omega 386 FSA 11sp Shimano 105 11x32 Shimano 105 Shimano 105 San Marco Monza BH Lite 27,2 X350




E-BIKE You can rent an electric assisted bike for an extra price of 50€ for your tour.




Frame: Aluminum Trekking Frame

Fork: SR Suntour suspension

Gears: Shimano 10 speed Deore

Saddle: Selle Royal

Tires: Schwalbe Big Apple 28”x2.0

Rear rack: Available on all bikes

Brakes: Shimano/Magura hydraulic disc

Engine: Bosch 400 Watt/Yamaha 500wh




Accessories provided:

GPS Garmin Edge 810

Accessories on request:

Helmet

Pannier




Trailer for child

Tag Along

Child seat

Self-Guided Bicycle Tours in Italy: Puglia and Basilicata Best of … · 2020. 2. 12. · Deluxe -...

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