Cycling the Appian Way: ​from Venosa to Brindisi

Day 1 – Arrival in Barletta

Welcome to Barletta, a charming seaside city on the Adriatic coast of Puglia. Known for the famous medieval “Challenge of Barletta” between Italian and French knights, this elegant town offers a rich mix of history and art. Don’t miss the impressive castle, the Palatine Basilica, and its renowned cultural heritage.
Overnight stay in Barletta.

Day 2 – Cycling from Barletta to Venosa

70 km | Elevation gain: +850 m

After bike delivery and a short briefing, your cycling adventure begins. Leaving the Adriatic coastline behind, you will ride inland towards the rolling hills of Basilicata. Along the way, you will pass through Canosa di Puglia before reaching Venosa, the birthplace of the Roman poet Horace.
Overnight stay in Venosa.

Day 3 – Venosa to Gravina in Puglia via the Appian Way

67 km | Elevation gain: +870 m

Today you will cycle along sections of the legendary Appian Way, one of the most important Roman roads in Italy. After visiting Palazzo San Gervasio, you will continue towards the Serra del Corvo dam, marking the border between Basilicata and Puglia. The stage ends in Gravina in Puglia, a spectacular town built above a deep ravine, famous for its underground tunnels, rock churches, and ancient caves.
Overnight stay in Gravina in Puglia.

Day 4 – Gravina in Puglia to Castellaneta

55 km | Elevation gain: +350 m

This stage takes you through the wide open landscapes of the Murgia plateau, with peaceful fields and low hills stretching as far as the eye can see. Your destination is Castellaneta, a picturesque town overlooking a dramatic ravine.
Overnight stay in Castellaneta.

Day 5 – Castellaneta to Taranto, City of Two Seas

40 km | Elevation gain: +120 m

Enjoy a scenic bike ride along quiet paths leading to Palagianello and Palagiano, surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees. You will arrive in Taranto, the famous “City of Two Seas,” rich in Greek and Roman history. Once a powerful colony of Magna Graecia, Taranto remains a key stop along the historic Appian Way route.
Overnight stay in Taranto.

Day 6 – Taranto to Oria, Medieval Treasure of Puglia

47 km | Elevation gain: +270 m

Leaving the Ionian coast, you will cycle east through small traditional villages such as San Giorgio Jonico and Carosino. The day ends in Oria, one of the oldest towns in southern Italy. As you approach, you’ll see the impressive Swabian Castle commissioned by Emperor Frederick II, towering above the medieval historic centre.
Overnight stay in Oria.

Day 7 – Oria to Brindisi, End of the Appian Way

35 km | Elevation gain: +50 m

Your final ride is short and easy, crossing the lovely town of Mesagne before reaching Brindisi on the Adriatic Sea. Here, two ancient Roman columns symbolically mark the end of the Appian Way. Thanks to its natural harbour and strategic Mediterranean location, Brindisi has long been a meeting point of cultures and civilizations.
Overnight stay in Brindisi.

Day 8 – Departure from Brindisi

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Puglia.
Arrivederci and safe travels!