Prices
Basilicata and Apulia: the "Sassi" and "Trulli" tour
Matera-Alberobello-Bradano Valley-Montescaglioso
The Sassi & Trulli tour is a lovely 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 Trulli 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 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.
The daily program of the 8- day tour
Matera has gained international fame for its ancient town, the “Sassi di Matera” (meaning stones of Matera”). The Sassi originate from a prehistoric (troglodyte) settlement, and are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. The Sassi are houses dug into the tuff rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Apulia. Many of these “houses” are really only caverns, and the streets in some parts of the Sassi often are located on the rooftops of other houses.
In the afternoon: possibility to book a 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 with breakfast in Matera
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 “Trulli”, an UNESCO world heritage site. A Trullo is a traditional Apulian stone dwelling with a conical roof. The style of construction is specific for the Itria Valley (in Italian: Valle d’Itria ), in the Murge area of the Italian region of Apulia (in Italian: Puglia). Trulli were generally constructed as dwellings or storehouses. Traditionally they were built without any cement or mortar, thus avoiding taxation. Accommodation in the historical centre in a Trullo dating from 1600.
Overnight with breakfast in Alberobello
Distance: 69 km / 42,8 miles
Today you can choose between two tours:
1.Alberobello – Cisternino – Locorotondo
Departure in the direction of the Itria Valley. Valley is an inaccurate term, because Itria Valley has not the typical conformation of mountain area valleys: it is just a depression due to karstic phenomena. The Itria valley is filled with thousands of olive trees. You will pass through Cisternino. The architecture of Cisternino is typical of the region with an old historical centre containing white washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. A climb over the hill dominating the Itria Valley will bring you to Locorotondo, a real Baroque gem. Back to Alberobello and overnight stay in your trullo.
Overnight with breakfast in Alberobello
Distance: 45 km / 28 miles
2.A ring tour from Alberobello to Castellana to visit the underground caves.
A nice ride through a sunny landscape brings to the CASTELLANA CAVES a very important attraction in Apulia. The caves form a network of 3 km and every cave is a new stunning discovery with stalactites and stalagmites. A nice route brings you back to Alberobello.
Overnight with breakfast in Alberobello
Distance: 40 km / 25 miles
Level: easy
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 with breakfast near Bradano river
Distance: 70 km / 43,5 miles
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.
Overnight with breakfast in Montescaglioso
Distance: 55 km / 34,1 miles
Today you have time to enjoy a circular cycle in the valley or relax in the swimming pool.
Cycle option : The Ancient Via Appia
Riding along the ancient “Via Appia” (an old Roman road), you will pass through the charming village of Miglionico, with a nice view on the valley. Back to your holiday farm for relax and dinner.
Overnight with breakfast in Montescaglioso
Distance 35 km /21,7 miles
The route will take you back to Matera skirting again the Park of Rock Churches. After 12 km. you’ll leave your bikes to reach the Gravina canyon walking. Picnic in the caves of Cristo La Selva, an amazing Rupestrian village in the hearth of the Park. Head on to Matera and get situated at your hotel. Free afternoon.
Overnight with breakfast in Matera
Distance: 25 km / 15,5 miles
Breakfast and end of tour.
Sassi & Trulli cycling tour
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 25 km / 15,5 miles and 70 km/ 43,5 miles.
Total km: from 259 km / 161 miles
DEPARTURES:
Self guided: 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
Sicily, the infinite island
An amazing cycle tour through Southeast of Sicily, an infinite island: mythical and real, sunny and magnificent, rich in nuances and particularities.
The heel of the boot
Enjoy a week of cycling in the heel of the Italian boot, surrounded by rolling hills covered with olive groves, vineyards, and oak forests.