The World Heritage Sites of Puglia and Basilicata Regions
This tour is designed to allow you to discover the architectural beauty and the world heritage sites of Puglia and Basilicata: the cathedrals of Trani and Altamura, the octagonal castle of Castel del Monte, the Sassi of Matera, the ”trulli” houses in lberobello.
And not to forget the Basilicata wine and the puglia bread of Altamura!
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Puglia
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrival in Trani
Arrive on your own in Trani and get situated at your hotel. You have time today to visit the city and its beautiful and historic center. Trani Cathedral, built in the Romanesque style, lies on an open area overlooking the sea. Nearby you will find an example of a Swabian castle defending the port. There are many fine restaurants here where we recommend you enjoy some fresh seafood.
Accommodation : Mare Resort Trani - "Trani"
Day 2 : Towards Castel del Monte
Distance 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Your trip begins crossing the Alta Murgia countryside, passing through olive groves and vineyards. Today’s point of interest is Castel del Monte, the Castle of Frederick II. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also features on the reverse of the Italian-issue 1 Euro cent coin.
Accommodation : Torre di Nebbia Masseria - "Castel Del Monte"
Day 3 : Gravina di Puglia
Distance 1 : 29 Miles - 47 Km
Head down to the valley along semi-deserted roads to the town of Gravina di Puglia. The town, which dates back to the 8th century BC, has many stories to tell. There are several churches and another of Frederick II’s castles. Don’t miss a visit to the underground portion of town.
Accommodation : IL Borgo B&B - "Gravina"
Day 4 : Altamura and Matera
Distance 1 : 29 Miles - 46 Km
Cycle to Altamura, famous for its cathedral and its bread, Pane di Altamura. Discover the streets in the historical centre, beneath the cathedral bell-tower and taste some fresh focaccia baked in an old wood-burning oven. Set off again for the countryside towards the town of Matera.
Arrival in the old part of the town called the “Sassi” where you will find your accommodation in a hotel in the historical centre. Don’t miss a visit to the rock churches and city’s museums (ask your local operator for a private guided tour).
Accommodation : Hotel Casino Ridola - "Matera"
Day 5 : Enjoy a rest day or ride around Matera
Option 1 : 18 Miles - 29 Km
Option 2 : 36 Miles - 58 Km
Today you can take a Rest Day, and explore the city of Matera. A leisurely walk will allow you to visit the museums and “rock churches”. If you prefer another day of riding you have the choice of two routes to explore the surrounding area.
Loop 1 : San Giuliano Lake, the Matera hills and the Crypt of Original Sin.
Follow the quiet road around Lago di San Giuliano, a peaceful wildlife reserve for migratory birds from Africa. A picnic at the lake is a good opportunity for bird lovers to spot some herons, cormorants, storks and ospreys. Don’t miss a visit to the Crypt of Original Sin. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cave was only “discovered” in the 1960s. The crypt represents one of the oldest examples of rock art in the South of Italy with it’s extraordinary frescoes earning the nickname “Sistine Chapel of the rock”. Access can be reserved with an online booking.
Loop 2: Matera, the Bradano Valley and Montescaglioso.
Cycle along the valley of the Park of the Rock Churches, stopping off for a picnic break and a dip in the pool of a tourist farm along the way (subject to booking). An additional 5 km climb will take you to Montescaglioso. Historical records indicate the Benedictine Abbey here dates from at least from the late 11th century, though it is believed it could have begun in the 5th century. At the end of the day you will return to your hotel in Matera.
Accommodation : Hotel Casino Ridola - "Matera"
Day 6 : Matera to Alberobello
Distance 1 : 43 Miles - 69 Km
Today you will cycle through the towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci as you make your way to Alberobello. The accommodation tonight is in a “trulli” complex in the historic center of Alberobello. Dating from as early as the mid-14th century, these dwellings are on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Accommodation : Trulli Holiday - "Alberobello"
Day 7 : Ostuni “the White”
Distance 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Riding along the Adriatic coast you will pass through Selva di Fasano on your way to your final destination. Ostuni, commonly referred to as “the White Town”, is known for its white walls and its white-painted architecture. Interestingly, for a place inhabited since the Stone Age, the name Ostuni is derived from Greek and means “new town”. Of course for a town with such a long history there is an “old town” in Ostuni. Be sure to visit this citadel on top of the hill and its fortification walls.
Accommodation : Ostuni Palace - "Ostuni"
Day 8 : Departure from Ostuni
Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
Imagine the Charm of the harbor of Trani and the enchantment of its Cathedral. Add the pureness of the lines of CULTI style. Welcome to the Marè Resort SPA. The Marè Resort SPA is an historical lodge realized inside Palazzo Telesio, a building dated back to the end of 18th century situated nearby the harbor of Trani, in Apulia. White, beige and brown design and an absolute sobriety bearing the sign of the concept CULTI. On the terrace, with the wonderful view of the harbor and the Cathedral, queen of the Romanesque churches of Apulia, the Restaurant, Lounge Bar, Brasserie and the Solarium. The Marè is the ideal place for your charming holiday in the most trendy region of the moment.
Day : 2
Torre di Nebbia is an old farmhouse built entirely of stones at the beginning of 1800 and located in the Alta Murgia National Park. Restored to its original glory thanks to an accurate work of restoration followed personally by its two owners. Today Masseria Torre di Nebbia is an elegant charming residence set in the suggestive countryside of the Murgia at the foot of Castel del Monte and surrounded by a natural landscape between delicate almond trees and golden wheat fields.
Day : 3
B&B "Il Borgo" is situated in a sixteenth-century palace, in the very heart of the old town centre of Gravina in Puglia, in the notable square called Piazza Plebiscito with a short distance from the beautiful attractions in this area. It provides comfortable, enchanting and eclectic rooms with a story behind every detail. A brand new experience, unusual and unique.
Day : 4, 5
The Hotel Ridola in Matera is a location rich in history. The hotel enjoys a strategic position with an easy, walking distance, access to the historical city center. This location is perfect for to avoid traffic and parking problems. You’ll enjoy free parking, daily breakfast, and in summer time you will be able to lounge in a refreshing outdoor pool surrounded by relaxing green spaces.
Day : 6
Nestled in the magic scenery of Trulli, Trulli Holiday offers the opportunity to stay in historic homes, unique in the world, Unesco World Heritage Site, an alternative to the classic Hotel in Alberobello. Our Trulli are carefully restored and furnished according to tradition without neglecting the comfort and refinement. Trulli Holiday is happy to welcome you among the Pinnacles and the living stone of Alberobello magical Trulli, a town located in the hills of Valle d'Itria, small and unique, with the helpfulness and hospitality, being a precious trademark of ours.
Day : 7
With its impressive façade, Ostuni Palace fits in perfectly in the White City of Ostuni. It offers a spa, an elegant piano bar, and an Italian restaurant. All rooms are air-conditioned and have free wired internet. Offering panoramic views across the town's whitewashed buildings, the Ostuni Palace is 10 minutes' walk from the main square.
Bikes available for your tour |
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To enable our guests to go on our tours with a peace of mind all our bicycles are equipped with: a cycle-computer, signal lamps, rear pack frame with side bags and an emergency pack (universal tools for small repairs — spare tube). The bicycles we provide come in different sizes so as to satisfy our clients’demands.
Hybrid bike - Standard
VELO DE VILLE - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
We have a wide range of e-bike. Most of them have a Bosch engine with 400W and 500W battery. We also have Shimano and Yamaha engine bikes, all equipped with disc brakes, Schwalbe tires and comfortable saddles. Using the right assistance you can ride up to 150 km a day.
Electric assist bike - Standard
VELO DE VILLE - ( or equivalent) with supplement (100€) 
The BH fusion has a reactive and comfortable carbon frame thanks in part to short bases and a top steering sleeve. Lightweight and reliable thanks to BH components and an 11-speed Shimano 105 transmission that gives it a smooth and durable gear shift.
Road bike - Standard
BH FUSION DISC - ( or equivalent) with supplement (100€) 
You're looking for a bike with a comfortable geometry that allows you to ride long distances over a variety of terrains. Suitable for different types of ground: gravel, asphalt, earth, paths and wide tracks
Gravel bike - Standard
BH GRAVEL ROAD BIKE - ( or equivalent) with supplement (100€) 
To enable our guests to go on our tours with a peace of mind our tandem is equipped with: a cycle-computer, signal lamps, rear pack frame with side bags and an emergency pack (universal tools for small repairs — spare tube).
Tandem bike - Standard
CHIORDA CREW - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
VELO DE VILLE - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
To enable our guests to go on our tours with a peace of mind all our bicycles are equipped with: a cycle-computer, signal lamps, rear pack frame with side bags and an emergency pack (universal tools for small repairs — spare tube). The bicycles we provide come in different sizes so as to satisfy our clients’demands.
- Gears Shimano 27 speed Deore
- Wheels/Tube 28” Schwalbe
- Weight 13,6 Kg
- Brakes V-Brakes (or disc)
- Frame Aluminium
- Fork Rigid (or suspension forks on demand)
- Saddle Royal gel – Comfortable
- Handlebar Comfortable adjustable v-zoom
- Light LED (front/rear)
- Mud Guard Plastic
- Rear pack frame Aluminium until 20 kgs
- 1 new bottle
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
- Pump frame
- 1 Handlebar bag with rain cover containing : Tire levers / 2 Spare tubes / Toolkit
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request. If you want to use your bike shoes, you should bring your own pedals + pedal wrench : we will be happy to install them on your bike.
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Hotel city taxes
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) |
| Standard | 1535 € | 270 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 100 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 100 € |
| Gravel Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 100 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions