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Basilicata and Apulia: the "Sassi" and "Trulli" tour
Matera-Alberobello-Bradano Valley-Montescaglioso
An 8-day cycling journey through Puglia and Basilicata: trulli, history and authentic flavors
Cycling through Puglia and Basilicata means crossing two regions that embody the most authentic soul of Southern Italy, where ancient history blends seamlessly with timeless rural landscapes. This 8-day cycling tour is a slow and immersive experience, designed for travelers who wish to explore the territory at nature’s pace, among trulli houses, rock-cut cities, historic villages and breathtaking scenery.
The itinerary includes iconic destinations such as Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of rock civilization, where homes carved into stone tell a story of resilience and human ingenuity. The journey continues to Alberobello, the capital of the trulli, unique dry-stone constructions that are found nowhere else in the world and have become an international symbol of Puglia. The Itria Valley, with its dry-stone walls, whitewashed farmhouses and centuries-old olive groves, offers one of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes, perfect to explore by bike.
The route also crosses the evocative Land of the Gravine, a lesser-known yet extraordinary area characterized by deep natural canyons that host rock churches, medieval settlements and remarkable biodiversity. Here, nature and history coexist in a fascinating balance, offering unexpected views and moments of profound silence.
Beyond landscapes, this itinerary is a journey into Puglian and Lucanian food and wine culture. Along the way, travelers can enjoy authentic flavors such as Matera bread, renowned for its traditional preparation, local cheeses, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, handmade orecchiette pasta, and full-bodied wines from the southern hills. Each stop becomes an opportunity to discover culinary traditions passed down through generations.
This cycling tour through Puglia and Basilicata is more than a journey—it is a story made of quiet roads, genuine encounters and widespread beauty. An ideal experience for those seeking sustainable tourism, cultural cycling routes and authentic itineraries in Southern Italy, far from mass tourism and close to the true essence of the land.
The daily program of the 8- day tour
Arrival in Matera and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, a recommended optional guided tour (not included) offers the opportunity to explore the famous Sassi of Matera, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. A captivating maze of narrow alleys, scenic squares, rock-carved dwellings, rupestrian churches and ancient wine cellars, bearing witness to more than two thousand years of history and making Matera one of Italy’s most evocative cities.
For dinner, we recommend dining in one of the traditional restaurants located within the Sassi, where you can enjoy authentic Lucanian cuisine, rooted in local ingredients and time-honored recipes. Overnight stay in Matera.
Overnight with breakfast in Matera
Bike fitting, route briefing and departure towards Alberobello. The ride unfolds through gentle rural landscapes, crossing the charming towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci, surrounded by traditional farmhouses, olive groves and dry-stone walls.
Arrival in Alberobello, world-famous as the capital of the trulli and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation in the historic center, staying in an authentic 17th-century trullo, for a truly unique experience at the heart of Puglia’s heritage.
Overnight with breakfast in Alberobello
Distance: 69 km / 42,8 miles
Level: from easy to moderate difficulty
A full day of cycling in the Itria Valley, immersed in one of Puglia’s most iconic rural landscapes, surrounded by trulli houses, dry-stone walls, vineyards, vegetable gardens and livestock farms that reflect the region’s traditional way of life. The route leads to the discovery of some of southern Italy’s most charming villages: Locorotondo, with its flower-filled historic center, Cisternino, lively and authentic, and Martina Franca, an elegant example of Baroque architecture.
The experience is enriched by moments of pure enjoyment: a picnic beneath a centuries-old oak tree, a panoramic aperitif overlooking the valley, and a wine tasting at a local winery, offering a true taste of the area’s outstanding food and wine heritage.
Overnight with breakfast in Alberobello
Distance: 50 km / 31 miles
Level: easy difficulty
Heading south, in the province of Taranto, the ride follows quiet, almost deserted roads, surrounded by vineyards and open fields. We are in the evocative Land of the Gravine, a unique area between the towns of Mottola and Palagianello, characterized by deep natural cliffs, often over 100 meters high, resembling true canyons.
A landscape that combines pristine nature and spectacular geology, ideal for a day of slow, immersive cycling tourism. Overnight stay at a farmhouse, just a short distance from the Bradano River, offering peace, local flavors, and authentic regional cuisine.
Overnight with breakfast near Bradano river
Distance: 65 km / 40 miles
Level: easy
The day begins with a ride along quiet country roads, passing fragrant citrus groves and centuries-old olive trees, heading towards the majestic Tavole Palatine, the famous Doric temple dedicated to Hera, beautifully preserved and a striking symbol of Magna Grecia. After a short visit, the ride continues to the sandy beaches of Metaponto, where the turquoise, crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea provide a refreshing and invigorating break.
Enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere before returning to the farmhouse, ending the day in comfort and tranquility, immersed in the beauty of the southern Italian landscape.
Overnight with breakfast in Montescaglioso
Distance: 37 km / 23 miles
Level: easy
Today’s ride follows the peaceful banks of the Bradano River, surrounded by vineyards and citrus groves that reflect the agricultural richness of the area. After a short but scenic climb to the hill of Montescaglioso, a visit to the impressive Benedictine Abbey is highly recommended, a jewel of art and spirituality overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Returning to the valley, the route leads to Miglionico, a medieval hilltop village renowned for the historic Castello del Malconsiglio, a symbol of centuries of history and local legends. A day combining nature, culture, and the charm of ancient villages.
Overnight with breakfast in Montescaglioso
Distance 49 km /30,4 miles
Level: moderate difficulty
From Miglionico, the route continues through gentle hills leading to the medieval village of Grottole, surrounded by woodlands, clay hills, and charming rural landscapes. The ride continues along scenic country roads until reaching Lake San Giuliano, a protected natural oasis and a haven for migratory bird species.
Back in Matera, the afternoon is free to visit museums, explore the winding alleys of the Sassi, and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere. The day concludes with an unforgettable dinner in a traditional restaurant carved into the rock, allowing a full immersion into Lucanian flavors and traditions.
Overnight with breakfast in Matera
Distance: 54 km / 33,5 miles
Level: moderate difficulty
Breakfast and end of tour.
Sassi & Trulli cycling tour
Matera-Alberobello-Bradano Valley-Montescaglioso
LEVEL 2,5
A hilly landscape. The steeper climbs are short and the longer ones not too steep. Cycle experience is needed. The daily distances are restricted to between 37 km / 23 miles and 70 km/ 43,5 miles.
Total km: from 310km / 192,6 miles
DEPARTURES:
Every day from March till October. July and August can be very hot to cycle
(only on request)
PARTICIPANTS:
2 or more people.
START / FINISH:
Matera / Matera
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