Cycling Puglia & Matera

Experience Overview

Cycle the captivating region of Puglia, riding through olive groves and along the winding coast to stay in some of the most spectacular cities and towns in Italy. The adventure begins in the cave town of Matera, officially in the Basilicata region and beloved by film directors for its ancient beauty, before progressing to the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello, the White City of Ostuni, and seaside Gallipoli. It ends in Lecce, known as the Florence of the South for its extraordinary collection of baroque landmarks.  
Trip For You
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. Six days of cyclingAverage 37mi (60km) per dayTerrain and route: 99 percent paved road, with a couple of very short sections of gravel Most of the cycling is along flat to hilly paved roads with a few steady ascents and descents along the way, so a reasonably good fitness level is required. Road conditions are generally good, but the roads may be pot-holed in places. A support vehicle (with only two passenger seats) is available throughout the trip, it can’t follow the group at all times but it will meet you at the end of cycle paths and at junctions to give route directions and allow access to any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike. Some roads on the trip will be busy, particularly in June to September when Italians traditionally take their holidays and drive to the seaside. The most challenging cycling is on Day 2, when we cover approximately 43mi (69km) and there is an ascent of 2,162ft (659m). Be prepared for high temperatures during the summer months, when 30C (86F) in the daytime can be expected.
Group Description
There will be one cycling leader and one support person driving the support vehicle.
Eating Drinking
The included breakfasts usually consist of a continental-style buffet. A typical hotel breakfast consists of toast/bread with jam, cereal, cheese and ham (occasionally), served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, fruit, cake and yoghurt. Lunches are normally arranged as picnics or taken in small cafes along the route. You may opt in to a lunch kitty (€50-€80, depending on the weather/season) to cover the cost of these lunches. The tour leader will collect cash at the welcome meeting and the kitty also covers local city taxes. If you choose not to opt in, the local city taxes should be paid directly to each hotel on check-in. Vegetarians and people with special dietary requirements can be catered for but please inform us of your requests prior to travel. In Puglia, you will find authentic regional cooking with strong links to the land and sea – think orecchiette pasta served with a turnip-tops sauce or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta cheese, cavatelli with pulses, grilled fish and seafood, burrata, and excellent wines. This region is a paradise for food lovers.
Transportation
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. The vehicle will be available with assistance during the rides.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Hotel Il Belvedere, Via Casalnuovo, 133, 75100 Matera MT Phone: +39 0835 311702 Recommended arrival time: There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm at the start hotel. Airport: Bari (BRI) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: Take a group transfer We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.  Make your own way You can reach the start hotel relatively easily on public transport. From Bari Aiport, catch the Pugliairbus bus service to the stop in Matera. The journey takes 1hr 15min and tickets cost €6 from www.aeroportidipuglia.it/en/bus-pugliairbus-/. The hotel is then a 20-minute walk or 10-minute cab away. Catching your return flight There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.  Consider taking the train Reach this trip by train from the UK or across Europe and lower your carbon footprint. Our partner, Byway, can take care of the planning and booking.
Weather Information
Puglia enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with year-round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure a lush landscape. Although Puglia covers a large area it is long and narrow, never more than 19mi (30km) across, which allows the sea breeze to have a moderating effect on the weather.
Spending Money
For lunches and dinners not included allow about €200-€250 (for the week) depending on the standard of the restaurant chosen. Local taxes: many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1 and €4 per person per night. For this trip, please allow €10-15 for the week. If you opt into the lunch kitty at the beginning of the week, this also covers the local taxes.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work with Exodus, however most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip, as a guide we would suggest approximately €20 for the leader and €10-€15 shared between the other staff, such as private bus drivers, where appropriate.

Highlights