Sassi and Trulli

Introduction
Puglia/Basilicata Italy

A week of cycling around the two wonderful UNESCO sites of Alberobello and Matera.
Leaving from Matera’s “Sassi”and the rock caves and stone houses, you will reach the Itria Valley, a karstic land also called the Valley of the Trulloes due to the thousands of “trulli”, limestone dwellings that are remarkable examples of drywall constructions offering a prehistoric building technique which is still in use in Apulia. All around you there is an explosion of colour, olive trees and ancient farmhouses. Back to the mysterious land of Basilicata, a slow ride from the rolling hills of the Bradano Valley, to the natural oasis of San Giuliano Lake and back to Matera.
The South of Itay s natural beauty, ancient culture, deeply-rooted local traditions, genuine Mediterranean food and above all the warmth and hospitality of its people, will capture you and leave you with an unforgettable feeling.

Duration: 7 nights
Grade: Easy

Accomodation

Lodgings are arranged - 3 nights in a 3* hotel, 4 nights at holiday farms (Agriturismos)
Meals:  Breakfast is included every day. We can also pre-arrange all dinners for you on request.

Riding

Itinerary

Day 1  Arrival in Matera and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon: guided tour around the Sassi – a UNESCO world heritage site since 1993 - with its small streets and squares, caves, rock churches and cellars. Two districts built from the Medieval age through to the last century. We suggest you have dinner at one of the Sassi’s typical restaurants. Overnight stay.
Day 2 – From Matera to Alberobello
Distribution of bicycles, briefing and departure for Alberobello. You will pass through the small villages of Gioia del Colle and Noci and on to Alberobello, the capital town of “trulloes” and a UNESCO world heritage site. Accommodation in the historical centre in a trullo dating from 1600. Visit of the city and overnight stay.
Length: Approx. 64 km   Grade: Easy
Day 3 - Alberobello - Cisternino – Martina Franca
Departure in the direction of the Itria Valley, a karstic depression filled with thousands of olive trees. You will pass through Cisternino, one of the whitewashed villages in the valley. A climb over the hill dominating the Itria Valley will bring you to Martina Franca , a real Baroque gem. Back to Alberobello and overnight stay in your trullo.
Length: Approx. 45 km    Grade: Easy 



Day 4 - The Land of the Ravines
Heading south into the Taranto province, you will cycle along deserted roads and among vineyards. You will pass through the Land of the Ravines and the villages of Mottola and Palagianello. The Ravines are deep precipices, often more than 100 metres deep, similar to canyons. Overnight stay in Castellaneta Marina, on the Ionian Sea.
Length: Approx. 66 km    Grade: Easy
Day 5 – Fruit gardens
Today you will continue to cycle along the Bradano River among vineyards and orange trees. After a light ascent on the Montescaglioso hill (a visit to the Benedictine Abbey is a must), back to the valley again and overnight stay at a holiday farm specialized in producing vegetables. Relax in the swimming pool.
Length: Approx. 40 km    Grade: Easy
Day 6 - The Ancient Via Appia
Riding along the ancient "Via Appia" (an old Roman road), you will pass through the charming villages of Miglionico and Grottole. Down to the Bradano valley and overnight stay at a holiday farm set on a hill of grain.
Length: Approx. 45 km    Grade: Easy
Day 7 – San Giuliano Lake and the Matera hills
A ride along the wonderful, deserted road around San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful natural oasis, the destination of many migratory birds from Africa. We suggest you take some time to enjoy birdwatching, spotting grey herons, cormorants, storks and fish hawks. Back to Matera and overnight stay.
Length: Approx. 45 km with a short final climb.    Grade: Easy
Day 8    Breakfast and end of tour.

Level: 6 days by bicycle on hilly terrain of easy to medium difficulty
Total length: 330 km
Legs of 40 to 65 km to be done in 4 – 8 hours within the day

Bikes:  Hybrid bike rental with 24/27 speed (Stimano Alivio/Deore gear ) with rear pack frames and side bags

Rates and Dates for Sassi and Trulli

Dates Note: Every Saturday during Spring and Fall
Guided Tours for 2012: March 17, April 7, May 12, Aug 25, Sept 1 and Oct 7

Other Info
Meeting: Matera
Airport: Lamezia Terme, Salerno, Bari, Naples
Transfer: train to Matera (not included)

Climate: