From Sassi of Matera to Salento (9 days)

A self-guided cycling journey through Apulia and Basilicata, connecting UNESCO treasures, historic villages, wine regions, and coastal gems. From Matera and Alberobello to the White City of Ostuni, the Salento coast, and Baroque Lecce, this…

Programma

Day 1 – Arrival in Matera (UNESCO World Heritage City)

Welcome to Matera, one of the most unique and breathtaking destinations in Southern Italy. Famous worldwide for its ancient Sassi cave districts, Matera offers an extraordinary journey through more than 30,000 years of history. Explore rupestrian churches carved into stone, visit a traditional cave house museum, and enjoy the magical atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed city.
Overnight stay in Matera.

Day 2 – Matera to Alberobello by Bike (78 km / +650 m)

After bike delivery and fitting, your cycling adventure begins through the stunning landscapes of the Murgia plateau. Today’s destination is Alberobello, the famous town of the Trulli, charming white stone houses with conical roofs. With over 1,500 trulli spread across the historic districts of Monti and Aia Piccola, Alberobello is a true icon of Puglia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay in Alberobello.

Day 3 – Alberobello to Ostuni (52 km / +600 m)

Cycle through the rolling hills of the beautiful Itria Valley, a postcard-perfect landscape of olive groves, vineyards, red soil, and white trullo houses under a bright blue sky.
Along the way, we recommend stops in:

  • Locorotondo, for a glass of local white wine

  • Martina Franca, with its elegant historic center

  • Cisternino, ideal for lunch in a traditional butcher shop restaurant

Arrive in Ostuni, the famous White City, shining across three hilltops crowned by its impressive cathedral.
Overnight stay in Ostuni.

Day 4 – Ostuni to Manduria (70 km / +250 m)

Leaving Ostuni behind, ride through peaceful countryside dotted with charming towns such as San Vito dei Normanni, Mesagne, and Oria, each home to fascinating castles from the time of Emperor Frederick II.
Your destination is Manduria, renowned for producing the bold red wine Primitivo di Manduria—a must-taste experience.
Overnight stay in Manduria.

Day 5 – Manduria to Gallipoli (70 km / +350 m)

Today you reach the stunning west coast of Salento. Pedal toward the seaside towns of Campo Marino and Porto Cesareo, before arriving in the beautiful coastal gem of Gallipoli.
The historic island center is filled with Baroque churches, noble palaces, and a maze of charming streets leading to panoramic sea promenades.
Overnight stay in Gallipoli.

Day 6 – Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca (75 km / +520 m)

Optional shorter route available (52 km / +230 m).
Follow the sparkling Ionian coastline toward Torre San Giovanni, where the crystal-clear sea invites a refreshing break.
A scenic inland detour brings you to the lovely towns of Ugento and Specchia, officially among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Arrive in Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Puglia, where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet in an unforgettable landscape of light, silence, and color.
Overnight stay in Santa Maria di Leuca.

Day 7 – Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto (63 km / +650 m)

Ride north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, passing charming marinas such as Tricase Porto and Castro Marina.
Your destination is Otranto, one of the most enchanting towns in Salento, perfect for a seafood dinner and an evening stroll through its lively historic center filled with artisan shops.
Overnight stay in Otranto.

Day 8 – Otranto to Lecce (56 km / +285 m)

Enjoy time in the morning to visit Otranto’s extraordinary cathedral, home to the famous mosaic floor and the relics of the 813 martyrs.
Cycle past the scenic Alimini Lakes and stop at Torre dell’Orso, where you can swim in the magical Grotta della Poesia, one of Italy’s most stunning natural pools.

Before reaching Lecce, take a break in Acaya, perfect for an espresso or an aperitivo at sunset near the castle.
Arrive in Lecce, the Baroque capital of Southern Italy.
Overnight stay in Lecce.

Day 9 – Departure from Lecce

Breakfast and end of services. Time to say goodbye to beautiful Puglia!
Before leaving, don’t forget to try the delicious pasticciotto, Lecce’s traditional shortcrust pastry dessert.

Alloggio

CATEGORY: Economy
B&B/HOTEL 3*

 

CATEGORY: Deluxe
HOTEL 4*/5*

 

  • Central locations for easy exploration

  • Breakfast included

Cosa è incluso

Bicycle Luggage & Optional Transfer Service

For this tour, each bicycle comes equipped with one waterproof pannier bag (10–20 L) to carry your personal belongings. We recommend packing your items in a soft travel bag for easy fitting in the saddlebags.

Optional Luggage Transport

For maximum comfort, you can add luggage transfer to your booking:

  • Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by a private vehicle.

  • It will be delivered directly to your hotel before your arrival.

  • A day pannier bag is provided for essentials you need during your ride (included with bike rental).

  • If you expect to arrive before 5 p.m., we suggest packing an extra set of clothes for convenience.

Pro tip: Based on our experience, we strongly recommend avoiding backpacks during your cycling tour — using the saddlebags makes for a more comfortable ride and better balance.

Bikes & Equipment Provided

On your arrival day, we provide:

  • A touring bike adjusted to your size

  • Fully equipped with: pannier bags (one or two depending on luggage transport), helmet, and a complete repair toolkit

Additional Options for This Trip

  • Electric-assisted bikes (for adults 1.55 m and taller)

  • Children’s bikes tailored to their size

  • Children’s equipment: trailer, bike seat, trailer bike, follow-me system

  • Road bikes

  • Gravel bikes

Info pratiche

Arrival & Departure

  • Recommended Airports (arrival):

    • Bari Airport (BRI) – 50 min from Matera (most convenient)
    • Brindisi Airport (BDS) – ~ 2 hours from Matera (alternative)

  • Recommended Airports (departure):

    • Brindisi Airport (BDS) – 40 min from Lecce (most convenient)
    • Bari Airport (BRI) – ~ 2.5 hours from Lecce (alternative)
  • Tour Start: Matera

  • Tour End: Lecce

Tabella prezzi

CATEGORY LOW SEASON MID SEASON HIGH SEASON
Economy
B&B / Hotel 3*
€ 1.200
€ 1.280
€ 1.400
Deluxe
Hotel 4* / 5*
€ 1.500
€ 1.590
€ 1.750
Please, take note: If you book the tour in the Economy Category, breakfast at the B&B in Ostuni is self-catering.

LOW SEASON
From Jan 7th to Mar 31st
From Apr 7th to May 31st
From Sep 21st to Dec 21st

MID SEASON
From Jun 1st to Jul 13th
From Aug 25th to Sep 20th

HIGH SEASON
From Mar 28th to Apr 6th
From Jul 14th to Aug 24th
From Dec 22nd to Jan 6th

What is included:
  • 8 nights’ accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Touring or gravel bike rental
  • Bike equipment: rear pannier and lock. (​Helmet and water bottle upon request*)
  • Repair kit: spare tube, pump, tire lever 
  • Luggage transfers
  • The access to our mobile navigation app system with preloaded tracks, including the roadbook and the practical and tourist information
  • Luggage / health insurance
  • Telephone assistance​

​*Reduce Waste! Bring Your Helmet and Refill Your Water Bottle!
For a more responsible tourism experience, we encourage you to bring your own helmet and refillable water bottle. If needed, we are happy to provide these items for you. Please inform us in advance if you require them.

Not included:
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Transfer from and to airport
  • ​Minivan assistance
  • Tourist taxes
  • Everything not mentioned in the section “What is included”
Supplements:
SINGLE ROOM:
+ 30 % 
on the base quote

AUGUST SUPPLEMENTS:
From 01st Aug to 23rd AugCategory Economy: € + 255 per pax
Category Deluxe: € +505 per pax ​

E-BIKE RENTAL:
​+180 €
per bike

ROAD BIKE RENTAL:
+85€ per bike

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