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Home > Jewels of Southern Italy: Matera to Lecce

Jewels of Southern Italy: Matera to Lecce

Empruntez des routes de campagne pratiquement sans circulation pendant cet itinéraire 6
Alborobello: see the iconic trulli, a UNESCO world heritage site Visit rustic villages with ancient architecture Ride through peacefull country roads in Apulia Ostuni, the white town on the hill Riding through typical and paved village streets Spend some time along the Adriatic coast
Empruntez des routes de campagne pratiquement sans circulation pendant cet itinéraire

Jewels of Southern Italy: Matera to Lecce

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 995 euros
  • DAY7 nights / 8 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

If Mediterranean sunshine and flavorful cuisine are what you crave, Italy is the obvious destination choice. Not so visible are the cities of the southeastern peninsula, in Apulia (Puglia in Italian) —Sassi di Matera, Alberobello, Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli — that are off the beaten tourist track (for now!) One of Italy’s best-kept secrets, Apulia is home to an incredible mix of natural beauty and historic relics, plus two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Cyclists in Apulia enjoy virtually traffic-free country roads over mostly flat terrain, some of which follow the coastline while others cover the lush inland plateaus. Whether you want to stop for a swim, enjoy a coffee in the piazza, or visit every castle, church, and museum is up to you!

If your time constraints don't allow you to spend a whole week visiting the Apulia region, keep in mind that we also offer a 3 night/4 day trip from Bari to Brindisi.

 

 For travel and cycling tips to Apulia, visit our "Travel and cycling tips" section.

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Matera

 

Arrive in Matera at the time of your choosing. We recommend an early arrival to give yourself plenty of time to explore the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

D2Matera — Alberobello 76 km / 47 miles, 480 m / 1,575 ft of climbing

 

After your briefing and bike outfitting this morning, set out on a ride over the Murgia plateau, a region littered with interesting caves and rock formations.
You’ll conclude your ride through nature in Alberobello, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Its trulli — huts with conical roofs — are what earns the city its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

D3Alberobello — Ostuni 50 km / 31 miles, 480 m / 1,575 ft of climbing

 

White villagesvineyards, and olive groves will be a recurring theme as you wheel through the Itria ValleyLocorotondo, one of Italy’s ‘most beautiful villages’ is home to more trulli — but it’s best known for its unusual circular city center and the local white wineCisternino, another village, is covered with various piazzas offering unsurpassed views of the countryside. While you’re in town, stop at a local butcher shop for a fresh fornello pronto lunch!

Wheel on to coastal Ostuni, where the hilltop citadel lends more drama to the beautiful white town.

D4Ostuni — Lecce by train

 

Bring your bike aboard the train for free today and head straight to Lecce, where you can enjoy the rustic local cuisine and explore the city’s incredible jewels at your leisure. Reminiscent of Rome or Florence, Lecce is home to Roman ruins (like a half-buried amphitheater), palaces and castles, theatres and opera houses, and monuments to heroes and their heroic deeds.

D5Lecce — Gallipoli 63 km / 39 miles, 230m / 755 ft of climbing

 

Even if you’ve seen many churches along your ride, don’t miss the ones on your route today! In Galatina, don’t miss the baroque Chiesa Madre and the frescoes of the Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria. In Galatone, the
Sanctuary of the Crucifix is worth your while. 
From the island-based old town, you may enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Ionian Sea.

D6 Gallipoli — Otranto 61 km/38 miles, 320m / 1,050 ft of climbing

 

Crossing the Salento — the region that makes up the “heel” of Italy’s boot shape — you’ll encounter a unique subregion called Grecìa Salentina, which is home to an ethnic Greek population. It’s here that people speak Griko and carry on traditions like the taranta and pizzica dances.

You’ll encounter beautiful towns like Corigliano D’Otranto and Melpignano on your way to Otranto, all the way along the west coast of the “heel”. From the island-based old town, you may enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Ionian Sea.

D7Otranto — Lecce 62 km / 39 miles, 240 m / 785 ft of climbing

 

Pack your swimsuit today! Leave Italy’s easternmost town, Otranto, and ride to the Adriatic coast! Gorgeous limestone cliffs rise out of crystal-clear blue water in Torre dell’Orso. Ride along the shores of the beautiful linked Laghi Alimini to Italy's easternmost point. On a clear day, you may be able to spot Albania across the water. Then, take a break at the fortified village of Acaya

The ride brings you back to Lecce with plenty of free time to do as you please.

D8Departure from Lecce

 

After breakfast, depart Lecce at the time of your choice.

Booking & Prices

  • Option A
  • 7 nights in guesthouses and 3-star hotels "of character"

  • 995 euros per person in January through April and October through December. Single supplement is 320 euros
  • 1,160 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 360 euros
  • 1,330 euros per person in July. Single supplement is 395 euros
  • Option A+
  • 7 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels 

  • 1,330 euros per person in January through April and October through December. Single supplement is 425 euros
  • 1,710 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 525 euros
  • 2,060 euros per person in July. Single supplement is 620 euros

These prices include:

  • 7 nights’ accommodation as described above
  • Daily breakfast
  • Meeting with our local representative
  • Luggage transfers
  • Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
  • Tourist information
  • Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability) or navigation app
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
  • Service charges and most taxes

These prices do not include:

  • Nominal city taxes, to be paid in cash directly at each hotel
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Train ticket from Ostuni to Lecce (approx. 6.10 euros per person) – Bikes are free of charge in regional trains
  • Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 150 euros per bike. Gravel bikes are available at the rate of 185 euros per bike. Electric bikes are available at the rate of 270 euros per bike (these prices include the drop-off fee).

Suggested Cycling Trips