From Sassi to Salento - Extended Tour

Arrive at the hotel on your own schedule. Use the time at your disposal for visiting the city of the Sassi (suspected to be among the earliest human settlements in Italy) a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay. (If you will arrive late in the evening, we suggest an extra night in this wonderful and unique city).

Upon request: guided walking visit of the Sassi (ancient Matera districts) and the Park of Rupestrian Churches. We suggest a dinner (on your own) in a typical Sassi restaurant carved out in the Rock.

Note: Arrive to the Bari Airport. From the airport you have a few options to get to the start of the tour.

• Direct bus connection from Bari Airport to Matera (about 75m) - Bus Pugliairbus.
• From the airport of Bari to the Central station of Bari: There is a local train every 30m that connects the airport to the Central Station (about 15m); then you can take a train from the Central Station of Bari to Matera (about 90m) - Ferrovie Appulo Lucane
• From Bari Airport to Bari Central Station with Shuttle Bus Tempesta (About 30m, departures every hour) Shuttle Bus Tempesta; then train from Bari Central Station to Matera.

Bike and road map delivery, route description. Today you will cycle through the southern part of the Murgia to reach one of the most peculiar city in Italy, ALBEROBELLO, universally-known as the capital of the Trulli, distinctive, small, dry-stone buildings with a conical roof. There are about 1500 trulli scattered in Monti and Aia Piccola districts, both listed as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996.

Distance : 76 Km (46 mi).

Elevation: 625m.

Cycling trough the Selva (forest) near Fasano, you follow the Adriatic coast and reach Ostuni, which is reputed an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture.

Distance: 45 km (28mi)

Leaving Ostuni and pedaling through its beautiful countryside, you'll pass through small towns like Francavilla-Fontana and then the tour will take you to your final destination of the day: MANDURIA. Don't miss the chance to taste the red wine produced in this region: Primitivo.

Distance: 42km (27mi)

Elevation: 100m

This stage is dedicated to the west coast of Salento, where you'll cycle to Porto Cesareo, then on to GALLIPOLI. The island heart of Gallipoli is home to many impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palaces, testimony to the city's former wealth as a trading port. A labyrinth of narrow streets eventually leads to the grand seafront promenade with its magnificent views.

Distance: 64km (40mi)

Denivele: 270m

Leaving behind Gallipoli you'll cycle along the Ionian coast headed to Torre San Giovanni. Here the crystal clear sea will tempt you…but it’s time to get back on your bike! A short detour will take you inland to see the small towns of UGENTO and SPECCHIA, one of the most beautiful 'BORGHI' of Italy. Then you will continue your ride for another 35 km reaching SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA, where the Ionian and the Adriatic Sea meet; this is the southernmost point in Salento, striking the visitor’s eye for its colors and unreal silence.

Distance : 57km (35mi)

Denivelé : 370m

Today you'll start riding northward along the beautiful coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Crossing the marinas of Tricase Porto and Castro Marina, you'll finally get to one of the most amazing city of Salento: OTRANTO. If you want you can have a delicious seafood dinner and take a walk throughout the historic centre and maybe buy some souvenirs from the local little shops.

Distance : 49km (30mi)

Elevation : 370m

Last stage will take you to Lecce, the Baroque town with wonderful façade of buildings and churches. Taste a puccia (local bread filled with salami or vegetables) or a pasticciotto (delicious pastry), and enjoy shopping and walking in the city centre.

Distance: 54 km (33mi)

Elevation 300m

Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure. (Depart on your own).