Sassi and Trulli Cycling Tour in Basilicata and Puglia Puglia/Basilicata Italy 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 color, 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 Italy’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. Biking Tour Meeting: Matera Airport:   Lamezia Terme, Salerno, Bari, Naples Transfer: train to Matera (not included) Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Self-guided: Any day from Mar-Oct
Guided: Any Saturday in May, Sept, or Oct with min 2 pax.
Please inquire for departures in July and August

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Matera
Arrival in Matera and transfer to your hotel. Dinner is not included but we suggest you have dinner at one of the Sassi’s typical restaurants.
Trip suggestion (not included in self-guided option): 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.
Meals included: none (if you choose half-board option: dinner)
Overnight in Matera

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 center in a trullo dating from 1600.
By bike: approximately 69 kms. Grade: Easy to moderate
Meals included: Breakfast (if you choose half-board option: dinner)
Overnight in Alberobello

Day 3: Alberobello Loops
Today, you can choose to do either the Itria Valley loop to Locorotondo and Cisternino (option 1) OR a cycling trip to the underground world of the Castellana Caves (option 2).
By bike (option 1): approximately 45 kms. Grade: Easy
By bike (option 2): approximately 40 kms. Grade: Easy
Meals included: Breakfast (if you choose half-board option: dinner)
Overnight in Alberobello

Day 4: The land of ravines
Heading south into the Taranto province, you will pedal through deserted roads and vineyards. You will cross 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.
By bike: approximately 70 kms. Grade: Easy to moderate
Meals included: Breakfast (if you choose half-board option: dinner)
Overnight in Farm not far from the Bradano River

Day 5: The Bradano Valley
Today you will continue pedaling along the Bradano River through 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.
By bike: approximately 55 kms. Grade: Easy to moderate
Meals included: Breakfast (if you choose half-board option: dinner)
Overnight in Farm not far from the Bradano River

Day 6: Rest day or Via Appia
Today you can enjoy cycling loop in the valley or relax by the swimming pool.
Cycling along the ancient “Via Appia” (an old Roman road), you will pass through the charming medieval village of Miglionico, with a nice view of the valley.
By bike: approximately 35 kms. Grade: Easy to moderate
Meals included: Breakfast (if you choose half-board option: dinner)
Overnight in Farm not far from the Bradano River

Day 7: Back to Matera
Back to Matera with a climb skirting the Park of Rock Churches again. Free afternoon for visiting museums, walking in the Sassi and enjoy your dinner in a cave restaurant.
By bike: approximately 25 kms. Grade: Moderate
Meals included: Breakfast (if you choose half-board option: dinner)
Overnight in Matera

Day 8: Departure day
Breakfast and end of tour.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                Matera area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	49	50	55	61	71	80	85	85	76	67	57	50
Average Low Temperature (°F)	35	36	39	43	50	58	63	63	57	51	44	38
Average High Temperature (°C)	9	10	13	16	21	26	30	29	25	19	14	10
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	4	6	10	14	17	17	14	10	6	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	4	3	3	3	1	0	1	2	4	4	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Weather conditions are changeable, especially at the start and end of the season (March to October).

Basilicata has a varied climate due to the diverse terrain and altitudes found across the region. Consequently temperatures can vary by up to 10 degrees during a tour which takes both the coast and the mountains.

Watch: Video 1 / Video 2

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Accommodations: cave hotels, trullo houses, and holiday farms



Meals:  Breakfast is included every day. We can also pre-arrange all dinners for you on request. In the guided ride, dinners are included.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:		6 days by bicycle on hilly terrain of easy to medium difficulty. Total length: 280 km. Legs of 25 to 65 km to be done in 3 - 8 hrs daily.
Level:		(2 to 2 out of 5)    Easy to Moderate
Riders:		Min 4	Max 16

Total length: 280 km, with stages from 25 to 64 km to be done in 3 – 8 hours within the day.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No