Grande Puglia Cycling Holiday

Name: Grande Puglia Cycling Holiday
Brand: Cyclando
Price: 1670 EUR
Availability: InStock

Puglia

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Half

Bike Tours, E-bike tours, Road cycling holidays, Gravel bike tour

Duration

13 days

Duration

512Km

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: Trani
Independent arrival in Trani and check in at your hotel. Trani is an old town facing the Adriatic Sea. There is a lovely historical centre, the Romanesque Cathedral, the castle, gardens and an old port. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 2: Trani – Castel del Monte (45 km)
The route passes through olive groves and stops in Castel del Monte, UNESCO Site and example of medieval architecture as built by the emperor Frederick II. After visiting the castle, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Alta Murgia, you get settled in at a nice hotel in the country. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 3: Castel del Monte – Gravina di Puglia (57 km)
Leave the marvelous grasslands of the Alta Murgia Natural Park and cycle through the valley until you come to the town of Gravina in Puglia, through semi-deserted roads where time seems to stand still. The town, which dates back to the 8th century B.C., unfolds over the centuries with amazing evidence of the various civilizations. Don’t miss a visit to the underground town and historical Centre. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 4: Gravina di Puglia – Altamura – Matera (46 km)
First stop is Altamura, famous for its splendid cathedral and local bread. Don’t miss a ride through the streets of 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 “Sassi” and accommodation in a hotel in the historical centre. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 5: Matera
Enjoy a relaxing day visiting the city of Matera, or choose one of the two following routes that will give you the chance to explore the surrounding area by bike.

Loop 1: San Giuliano Lake, the Matera hills and the Crypt of Original Sin (40 km)
Follow the beautiful, quiet road surrounding San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful wildlife Reserve for migratory bird species from Africa. Stop and watch the herons, cormorants, storks and ospreys. A stop-off at the lake is recommended for a picnic. Don’t miss a visit to the Crypt of Original Sin. This fascinating rock oratory represents one of the oldest examples of rock art in the South of Italy, with its extraordinary cycle of frescoes painted five hundred years before Giotto.

Loop 2: Matera, the Bradano Valley and Montescaglioso (40 km)
Cycle along the valley of the Rock Church Park, stopping off for a picnic break and a dip in the pool of a tourist farm along the way (subject to booking). If you still have enough energy, a 5 km climb will take you to the city centre of Montescaglioso, which is dominated by the impressive 11th century Benedictine Abbey. Ride back to Matera and overnight stay.

Day 6: Matera – Alberobello (69 km)
Breakfast and departure for Alberobello cycling through the towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci. Accommodation in a Trulli complex dating back to 1600, in the historical Centre of Alberobello, which is included among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Visit the old quarters. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 7: Alberobello – Ostuni (45 km)
Cycling through the Selva (meaning forest) near Fasano, you follow the Adriatic Coast and reach Ostuni, an architectural jewel with its typically white washed houses enclosed in medieval walls. Arrival at the hotel, dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 8: Castles and Agritourisms (55 km)
Cycling south through the quiet country lanes to the charming town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria, famous for its 13th Century’s Castle and delightful historic city centre. Cycling through the countryside you will reach the Masseria, a typical Apulian farm converted into a hotel, where you will spend the night.

Day 9: Gallipoli and the Ionian Coast (60 km)
Today your cycling route will pass through Porto Selvaggio and following the Ionian Coast will reach Gallipoli. The name come from the Greek word kalépolis meaning “beautiful city.” Arrival at the hotel near the seaside, dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 10: Gallipoli – Leuca (45 km)
Reach the Heel of the Boot cycling near sandy beaches facing the Ionian Sea. Santa Maria di Leuca was called in Latin Finibus Terrae, the end of the land.

Day 11: Leuca – Otranto (45 km)
Cycling to Otranto, the route will take you to the wildest and eastern rocky coast of Southern Italy. The sun and the atmosphere is unique in a place where Turkish and Greeks landed centuries ago. Otranto has a wonderful city centre with ancient walls and a castle. A local masterpiece are the mysterious mosaics hosted in the Romanesque Cathedral. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 12: Otranto – Lecce (45 km)
This last cycling stage will take you to Lecce, Baroque town with wonderful façades of buildings and churches. Try a Puccia (local bread filled with any kind of local products) or a Pasticciotto (delicious pastry filled with custard) and enjoy some shopping and strolling in the city centre. Arrival at your hotel, dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 13: Lecce
End of services after breakfast.

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
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"
Welcome briefing

💸 Cancellation fees

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

Grande Puglia Cycling Holiday

To treat yourself to a epic cycling holiday exploring Puglia by bike from the Alta Murgia to Otranto, the easternmost Italian city
To discover Trani and its Romanesque Cathedral with its three underground crypts
To visit the mysterious Castel del Monte
To cycle the streets of Gravina di Puglia, the city of water and stone
To be enchanted by the Sassi of Matera with their rupestrian houses and churches
To visit Altamura and try its delicious local bread
To jump into a fairy tale in Alberobello, the city of Trulli
To walk among the white washed houses of Ostuni, The White City
To reach Leuca, the very end of the heel of the boot
To immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Lecce, capital of Salento and Baroque gem
To fall in love little by little with this beautiful region exploring it at a slow pace and discovering even the most hidden corners of the area

🙋 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.