Your Journey

Day 1 Arrive Matera:

Around 4pm join a 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.

Day 2 From Matera to Alberobello (64 km):

Cycle 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. Your accommodation is in the historical centre in a trullo dating from 1600.

Day 3 Alberobello circuits (45 km & 40 Km):

Option 1: The Itria Valley loop will take you through a karst depression filled with thousands of olive trees, passing through the two whitewashed villages of Locorotondo and Cisternino. Locorotondo, is famous for its D.O.C white wine.

Option 2: A trip to the underground world of the Castellana Caves.

Day 4 Land of the Ravines to Castellaneta Marina (69 km):

Heading south into Taranto province, you will cycle along deserted roads and among vineyards. Pass through the Land of the Ravines, some 100m deep, and the villages of Mottola and Palagianello. Overnight in Castellaneta Marina, on the Ionian Sea.

Day 5 – Castellaneta Marina to Montescaglioso (55 km):

Continue to cycle along the Bradano River, through vineyards and orange trees. After a light ascent up the Montescaglioso hill, a visit to the Benedictine Abbey is a must. Return to the valley to stay at an ‘agriturismo’ (working farm). Relax in the swimming pool after your ride.

Day 6 The Ancient Via Appia or San Giulio Lake and the Matera Hills (25 km & 40 km):

Today you can take a rest day, and relax by the pool or explore by bike.

Option 1: Ride along the ancient "Via Appia" (an old Roman road). Pass through the charming village of Miglionico with a nice view of the valley then return to the Bradano Valley, and another night staying at the’agriturismo’.

Option 2: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera Hills: 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. Make a stop at the Crypt of Original Sin to see the oldest frescoes in the area before returning to the ‘agriturismo’.

Day 7 Montescaglioso to Matera (25 km):

The route back to Matera skirts the Park of Rock Churches. After 12 km, you have the option to leave your bikes to reach the Gravina canyon on foot. Here you can visit the caves of Cristo La Selva, an amazing Rupestrian village in the heart of the Park. Head on to Matera.

Day 8:

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Terrain

East to Moderate: Some biking on hilly terrain. Daily distances are between 40 to 65 km and can be done in 4 – 8 hours at a relaxed pace.