Cycling in Puglia & Basilicata

You arrive in Matera where the journey begins with a program review, bike fitting and distribution of GPS/navigation materials. Then free time to discover one of the world's oldest cities on your own. Overnight in Matera.

Today's stage takes you out into the countryside around Matera and onwards towards Gioia del Colle, known for its mozzarella fior di latte and creamy burrata, made from the finest cow's milk. After a break you continue cycling towards Putignano, which has become widely known for its colorful carnival. Once there, a walk through the historic city center is recommended, which was once protected by city walls with three gates: Porta Barsento, Porta Nuova and Porta Grande. Overnight in Putignano or the Castellana area.

Today you cycle to some of the coastal towns southeast of Bari. In Polignano a Mare you can try the local specialty with octopus in bread and take a dip in the clear sea. The old town perches on high cliffs above the beach, where breathtaking cliff diving competitions are sometimes held. You also pass Monopoli and Castellana Grotte, where there is an opportunity to visit an impressive cave system with underground halls formed by the karst landscape. Overnight in Putignano or Castellana.

Now you reach Valle d'Itria. Via Noci, one of the valley's least touristy but charming towns, perfect for a coffee stop, you cycle onwards through rolling landscape to Alberobello. The town is UNESCO-listed thanks to its approximately 1,500 trulli houses with cone-shaped stone roofs. Many think the whole thing resembles the Smurfs' village. Overnight in Alberobello, the white town of Locorotondo or Martina Franca.

The journey's longest stage takes you from Valle d'Itria into Salento, with clear changes in the landscape during the day. You pass Martina Franca and cycle a short stretch along the historic aqueduct cycle path that follows Puglia's water pipeline. The journey continues to Ceglie Messapica, known for its bread, and onwards to Francavilla Fontana with Basilica Minore del Rosario and Palazzo Argentina. The next stop is Oria, the so-called "city of witches". Overnight accommodation is at a farm in Avetrana or in B&B.

The day is devoted to the coastal area around Manduria. You cycle towards Torre Colimena and its sand dunes, where Salina dei Monaci offers both natural scenery and opportunities for bird watching. Further along the coast you reach San Pietro in Bevagna, with shallow, crystal-clear beaches that are almost deserted in spring and autumn. Here there is time for swimming before you cycle back to Manduria. In the town you can visit an archaeological area from the Messapian period as well as the Primitivo museum, dedicated to the powerful local red wine. Overnight in Manduria.

The last cycling day goes towards Lecce, often called "The Florence of the South". You cycle through Salice Salentino, a wine region whose DOC wines are known worldwide. The route passes small villages where life goes slowly and the squares are still filled with elderly residents in conversation about agriculture and politics. Towards afternoon you reach Lecce, a magnificent city built in artistic baroque style and golden-yellow tuff stone.

The journey ends after breakfast