Apulia by bike from Matera to Lecce

Name: Apulia by bike from Matera to Lecce
Brand: Cyclando
Price: 844 EUR
Availability: InStock

Puglia

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Tour

Bike Tours, E-bike tours, Road cycling holidays

Duration

8 days

Distance

379Km

Self-guided

The beauty of this package is in the freedom it offers: without a guide, you are free to decide the timing, pace, and stops of your journey. Travel freely, travel your way!

3/5 Medium

Moderate, between 35 and 85 kilometers per day with an elevation gain between 300 and 1000 meters.

Linear

The starting point is different from the ending point, with overnight stays in different hotels and daily stages.

Description

Day 1: Matera
Individual arrival in Matera. After settling into your luggage, take the opportunity to explore this incredible city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Matera – Alberobello (76 km; +/-650 m)
After breakfast, retrieve your bicycles with road maps and route descriptions, and attend the briefing before embarking on the tour! The first cycling stage is a peaceful route through the countryside between Basilicata and Puglia. The final destination of the day: Alberobello, the city of trulli; there are about 1500 trulli in the Monti and Aia Piccola districts, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Day 3: Alberobello – Locorotondo – Ostuni (52 km; +/-600 m)
Today's route will take you through the Itria Valley, the so-called green buffer separating the Adriatic from the Ionian Sea; a bright landscape dotted with vineyards, ancient olive trees and broad, gentle slopes that seem made for cycling . We suggest a stop in Locorotondo, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, where you can taste the excellent white wine (DOC) produced in this area. The day concludes in Ostuni, the White City of Salento, which will appear out of the blue like a dazzling mirage. Once in the city, do not miss the opportunity to stroll through the alleys of the old town, squeezed between houses whitewashed with lime, in addition to, of course, visiting the beautiful fifteenth-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Overnight in hotel in Ostuni.

Day 4: Ostuni – Lecce by train | Lecce – Gallipoli (60 km, +/-245 m)
In the morning, transfer by train to Lecce for approximately 55 minutes (not included). If you wish, you can take a walk in the city before starting your cycling stage (remember that you'll have time for a second visit at the end of the tour). Today's stage will be all about the Salento Baroque, which reaches its maximum expression in the centres of Galatina, Galatone, and of course, Lecce. The final destination of the day: the blue sea of Gallipoli, whose name means beautiful city in Greek. An ancient fishing port on the west coast of Salento, it is today a fascinating and vibrant vacation destination. Don't miss a walk along the walls of the old town, which run along the beautiful golden beach, and visit the castle, from which we suggest you enjoy the spectacle of the sunset. Overnight in hotel in Gallipoli.

Day 5: Gallipoli – Ugento – Santa Maria di Leuca (71 km; +/-490 m)
Leaving Gallipoli, you'll cycle along the Ionian coast towards Torre San Giovanni, where you'll be tempted by the crystal-clear waters. At this point, you can choose the shorter route, which will take you directly to Santa Maria di Leuca, hence giving yourself time for a dip in the sea and some relaxation on the beach, or continue inland (longer version), to visit Ugento and Specchia, the latter one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Another 35 km will then lead you to the final destination of the day: Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet, the southernmost point of all Salento. You will fall in love with its colours and almost unreal silence. Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.

Day 6: Santa Maria di Leuca – Castro – Santa Cesarea Terme – Otranto (60 km; +680 m)
Today's stage will take you back north, along the Adriatic coast and up to the medieval village of Castro, known for the cliffs that plunge into a crystal-clear sea. Here you can enjoy the magical atmosphere of the old village and the Zinzulusa Cave, one of the ten most important caves in the world; a small marine paradise of pools of water, nooks, stalactites, and stalagmites. After the visit, don't miss the opportunity to make a brief stop to taste delicious freshly caught fried fish, framing it with a breathtaking view. The bike route continues along the rocky coast of Santa Cesarea Terme, in a triumph of light and colours. The stage ends in Otranto, a bridge between East and West, a meeting point of different cultures throughout the centuries, a city rich in history, art, and culture, surrounded by Caribbean beaches. Among the many jewels of the historic centre, we recommend visiting the Aragonese Castle and the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata with its evocative Chapel of the Martyrs and the wonderful mosaic of the Tree of Life. Overnight in hotel in Otranto.

Day 7: Otranto – Torre dell’Orso – Acaya – Lecce (60 km; +300 m)
The last cycling stage will first take you to Torre dell'Orso, a pearl of the Adriatic coast, offering crystal clear waters and golden sand. Half-way you will find Acaya, a unique example of a fortified city in Southern Italy. Once you cross the Sant'Oronzo Gate, it will be like diving into the past and finding yourself in the seventeenth century, the period in which, with the consent of Charles V, the city walls were raised to defend against Turkish attacks. At the end of your journey, a splendid and lively Lecce will welcome you. Take this opportunity to wander around the masterpieces of Lecce Baroque again, which reaches its highest expression in Piazza del Duomo and the alleyways of the historic centre, where you can admire the beautiful balconies and decorated terraces of the buildings. At the end of the day, don't forget to reward yourself with a typical Puccia Lecce and a Pasticciotto. Overnight in hotel in Lecce.

Day 8: Lecce
After breakfast, the services end. You will have the option to request a transfer to Bari or Brindisi airport.

By choosing to travel by bike with us, you help us make the world a better place: we plant a tree for every trip sold

Why book online on Cyclando?

Because we guarantee you the lowest price and if your tour is not available or confirmed, you can always opt for the refund of the amount paid, or choose another tripfrom the over 800 on the platform.

Our cancellation insurance is the most advantageous you will find around!

Cancel for any reason

Trip cancellation for any documentable reason: pregnancy, illness, work and more, guaranteed.

Coverage of all costs

Full insurance covers all travel costs and penalties from companies, without worries.

Refund in 7 days

With Smart Claims, we guarantee fast refunds in just 7 days for complete peace of mind.

✅ What is included in the trip?

Travel/Medical Insurance 24/24
Overnight stay and breakfast
Luggage transfer
Local telephone assistance 7/7
Welcome briefing
Detailed description and maps of the itinerary
GPS or navigation APP

❌ What is not included?

Transfers not listed as "Included"
City tax
Tips
Journey to/from the starting point of the tour
Meals and drinks not listed as "Included"
Bike rental
Extras
Entrance fees, ferries and anything not listed as "Included"

💸 Cancellation fees

Time Range
Full refund
More 29 days of departure
75%
From 29 to 13 days before departure
50%
Up to 7 days before departure
Not refundable

Apulia by bike from Matera to Lecce

For the beauty of cycling among ancient olive trees and prickly pears, but also along the Salentine coast
To discover the wonders of Salento and get to know Matera, gem of Basilicata and Capital of Culture 2019
To taste the many delicious Apulian specialties, from taralli to olive oil, from friselle to orecchiette and then the puccia, the pasticciotto, the Primitivo and Negramaro wines, just to name a few
For the wonderful hospitality of the local people that will make you feel at home immediately
To experience the emotions that only a Apulia by bike tour can offer

🙋 Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my own bike?
Of course! You can participate in any tour with your own bicycle or rent one. However, we recommend renting because not all spare parts are the same, and only with our bikes can we guarantee the best mechanical assistance.
What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?
You will always have an emergency phone number to refer to. In self-guided trips, you should be able to perform minor repairs, like replacing a tube in case of a puncture, or fixing a dropped chain, but you can always count on local assistance for more serious breakdowns.
How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?
We classify tours on a scale from 1 to 5 based on length, elevation, and complexity of the itinerary, but if you have doubts, contact us and we will help you find the most suitable journey for you.
What is the cost of renting bicycles?
The rental cost varies depending on the bicycle model and the duration of the tour. For some tours, we offer the possibility to rent different types of bicycles. During the purchase process for each route, you will be asked to indicate your preferred bike type and the corresponding price will be shown, so you can choose freely and without surprises.
Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?
Yes, rented bicycles are equipped with all necessary accessories to comply with road traffic regulations (lights, bell, etc.). A lock, repair kit, and a bag to carry everything you need for a day in the saddle are always included in the rental. Additionally, we offer the option to request extra accessories based on your needs.