Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Optional
tandem hire
This seven-night self-guided cycling holiday takes in some of the highlights of Basilicata and Puglia in Southern Italy. Starting in the UNESCO-listed Matera, known for its rock churches and Sassi houses, you'll have a free day here to explore before setting off on your bike to head to the neighbouring region of Puglia. You'll ride to Gravina, one of the most important Roman cities along the Appian Way and continue on through the Alta Murgia National Park (the largest natural park in Italy) with a stop at Castel del Monte with its iconic castle. Your cycle route then heads to the Adriatic coast, to Trani, one of the oldest and liveliest cities along this stretch of coastline. Follow the coastline for the last two days stopping in Bari and Monopoli.
Arrive in Matera, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, with an overnight stay at Palazzo Viceconte.
You stay at Palazzo Viceconte.
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TV
Minibar
Aircon
Palazzo Viceconte is a historical building set in the Matera Sassi UNESCO site area. It offers free WiFi throughout.
The Viceconte's rooms feature antique furnishings, free wired internet access, digital TV, and air conditioning. Most rooms boast panoramic views, while some overlook the Palazzo's quiet internal 17th-century courtyard.
The Palace features beautiful frescoed halls that come with original furniture, and a collection of paintings ranging from the 17th to the 20th century.
Room upgrades and extra nights: Contact us for details.
Enjoy the stone city of Matera, named the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Situated in the Basilicata Region, stroll through its beautiful Palaeolithic cave dwellings, intricate cathedrals and museums.
You stay at Il Borgo Relais.
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B&B 'Il Borgo' is situated in a sixteenth-century palace, in the very heart of the old town centre of Gravina in Puglia. Completely restored it maintains the classic style of its time but with modern and contemporary details. The rooms overlook the historical and characteristic Piazza Plebiscito square and all have free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, underfloor heating, satellite TV, safe and minibar.
Leave Matera and cycle a few kilometres to enter the beautiful region of Puglia. Ride on gentle slopes towards Gravina, one of the most important Roman cities along the Appian Way, and Altamura, located on the hills of the Murge plateau.
You stay at Agriturismo Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli.
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Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli is an elegantly restored structure which dates from the 17th century, and which preserves the architectural features typical of the bourgeois farms of the Alta Murgia. It offers pleasant and comfortable independent rooms, all of which are characterized by pitched roofs with wooden beams and white stones walls. The rooms, which are all named for flowers typical of the National Park of the Alta Murgia, overlook a grove of ancient oaks. A restaurant has been created in the nineteenth-century wine cellar.
Today, our route winds across the largest natural park in Italy - the Alta Murgia National Park. Our final destination is an iconic castle in the southern region, commissioned by Frederick II, with its unique octagonal structure making it worthy of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
You stay at Palazzo Filisio.
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Set in an ancient 18th century palace, the Palazzo Filisio is located in the historic centre of Trani, near the peaceful pedestrian area and just a short walk from famous monuments. The elegantly decorated rooms overlook the Duomo, the centre, the harbour or the Adriatic Sea. The hotel has a nice restaurant, just 50m from the sea or take a stroll and choose one of the many eateries available in this bustling town.
Today's ride continues though the Alta Murgia National Park, with a pleasant descent towards the Adriatic Sea and Trani, one of the oldest and liveliest cities on the Apulian coast. Known as the 'Pearl of Pugila', the city is characterised by its breath-taking cathedral that sits right on the water's edge. Afterwards, wander around its Jewish quarter, hidden between its glossy limestone streets.
You stay at Hotel Excelsior.
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The Hotel Excelsior has large and bright rooms. There is also a bar and restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes.
Explore the historic town centres of Bisceglie, Molfetta and Giovinazzo, admiring their Romanesque style architecture. Arrive in Bari, a bustling, coral-fringed port town, and ride along one of the longest promenades in the Mediterranean to the old city.
You stay at Albergo Diffuso Monopoli.
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This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. Set in various locations around the historical centre, just a stroll from Monopoli's seafront and its beautiful beaches, Albergo Diffuso Monopoli offers elegant, air-conditioned rooms.
Accommodation has exposed Tuffo-stone walls and quality furniture. There is free WiFi, flat screen TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom with bath or shower.
Breakfast in the hotel's central cafe and dinner will be in a good local restaurant.
Local tourist tax not included (pay hotel locally)
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Ride towards the metropolitan city of Mola and continue on a narrow path between its towering fortified castle and the Adriatic Sea. Reaching the turquoise shores of Polignano a Mare, you move on through the historical centre towards Monopoli's picturesque harbour.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Optional
tandem hire
