Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday - Puglia Italy Saddle Skedaddle

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A self-guided cycling holiday discovering the heel of Italy's boot.

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Holiday Highlights

Cycling through lush landscapes of ancient olive groves and vineyards
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alberobello
Discovering the traditional Trulli houses of Puglia
Relaxing each evening in comfortable hotels in authentic towns and villages
Stopping at beautiful, sandy beaches with turquoise seas
Tasting delicious local products, like extra virgin olive oil and Primitivo wine

View Holiday Schedule

Day	Description	Distance	Meals
1	Arrival into Bari Airport - Transfer to Altamura
2	Altamura to Matera	Long 31 Miles / 50 Kms - Short 23 Miles / 37 Kms	B
3	Matera to Alberobello	43 Miles / 70 Kms	B
4	Alberobello Loop	29 Miles / 47 Kms	B
5	Alberobello to Ostuni	29 Miles / 47 Kms	B
6	Rest Day	Non-Cycling Day	B
7	Ostuni to Polignano sul Mare	33 Miles / 53 Kms	B
8	Departure from Polignano - Transfer to Bari Airport		B

Meals: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner | Please keep in mind the distances and ascent information provided are intended to be indicative and may vary from the actuals due to accommodation changes or when compared on different GPS devices and software

For more information download our trip notes

Holiday Information

This is a self-guided cycling holiday exploring the Apulian region of Italy, and dipping into Basilicata to discover Matera. Located in the Southeast, in what is commonly known as the heel of Italy's boot, this lesser-discovered region combines glistening ocean views, authentic Italian towns and lush olive groves, offering a cycling treat!

This interesting and eclectic region is steeped in history and has been governed by the Greeks, Romans and Spaniards over the centuries, each leaving their own distinctive mark, from local dialects and flavoursome cuisine to unique architecture.

Your cycle tour will take you into a region of stunning, unspoilt beauty. Starting in Altamura, located in the Murgia region and famous for its churches that have been carved out of the limestone rock, your first ride will take you to Matera. Crowned as the European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera is famous for its Sassi quarter, now a World Heritage Site. Riding on through ancient olive groves and narrow country lanes, you'll reach Alberobello, a town made up of Trulli houses where you'll stay for two nights.

After exploring this fascinating Trulli region you'll carry on to Ostuni, known as 'La Citta Bianca', thanks to it's pristine, white-washed buildings. Your rest day will offer the opportunity to jump on the train to Lecce, the "Florence of the South", where you'll discover awe-inspiring architecture and vibrant streets filled with wine bars.

Heading north you'll soon reach the Adriatic coast, enjoying stunning coastal views and exploring the idyllic towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. Your final destination, Polignano a Mare, boasts a charming old town, beautiful beaches and culture to boot, making it the ideal spot to reflect on your week of cycling.

For more information download our trip notes

Holiday Feedback

Thank you!

We have never done anything like this before . What an experience and what a great company to do it with. So supportive.

The bikes were excellent. We have very limited cycling experience but they were good quality bikes , well maintained with excellent panniers and front boxes. We had a really thorough briefing from the man who delivered the bikes. Nothing was left unanswered. We had a puncture on day 2 and had to ring the office for a replacement inner tube. Lady on the phone was English so language wasn’t a problem and she arranged a replacement to be delivered . Comforting to know the system for help worked.

Linda, Derbyshire
Very Good

A well planned route to see all the most attractive areas and old towns in Southern Puglia. We expected a lot and were not disappointed. We will always remember the historic centres, the Trulli House and abundance of wild flowers – more than we have ever seen in Spring anywhere.

All the hotels were located close to historical town village centres where there was always a good choice of restaurants for evening dinner. Breakfasts were always good and staff always helpful. The bikes arrived on time and everything was fully explained. We did not have any troubles with bikes or luggage or anything.

Michael, Reading

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