The winter sea by bike
«We're almost going to the seaside!» and so, in the middle of winter we decide to cross a small...
01.07.2024
Private tour 
Cycling
On the Bourbons Way: from Bari to Naples
Puglia, Basilicata & CampaniaDifficulty path:Challenging
Private tour · CyclingDuration: 8 daysCode: bg014
departure on request
Highlights
An itinerary to pedal among Puglia, Basilicata and Campania, made for those with an explorer’s spirit, willing to have fun and face the daily climbs.
After every curve we will meet enchanted landscapes, rolling green meadows which are often tinged pinkish colour of gorgeous and unexpected sunsets. All this is the cycle route of the Bourbons, itinerary studied to lead lovers of two wheels from Bari to Naples.
After every curve we will meet enchanted landscapes, rolling green meadows which are often tinged pinkish colour of gorgeous and unexpected sunsets. All this is the cycle route of the Bourbons, itinerary studied to lead lovers of two wheels from Bari to Naples.
PRIVATE TOUR:
choose your date and travel with your own group, always accompanied by one expert local tour leader.
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The Old Town of Bari
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The Unesco site of Castel del Monte and great Views from Murge Hills
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The Historic village of Melfi
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The Medieval Village of Castelvetere
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Avellino and the Picentini Regional Park
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Naples
Program
Day1
Welcome to Bari
Welcome to Bari, the charming capital of Puglia.
With its enchanting Old Town, “Bari Vecchia”, has enjoyed in recent years restoration and renewal, deservedly proving it an important cultural centre. With its history and daily life, this district has a lot to offer in terms of cultural sights and local folklore: take a stroll through picturesque squares and ancient buildings, the fish market and the many churches. Among the religious buildings, stands out the Basilica of San Nicola, one of the main destinations of medieval pilgrimage, innovative and masterful example of the Romanesque style.
Individual arrival in Bari and hotel accommodation. Meeting with the tour guide for a brief presentation of the trip and some hints about the city.
Day2
Bari - Castel del Monte
about 65km
Leaving Bari, we will head to the National Park of Alta Murgia, a natural reserve that still encloses a unique biodiversity, full of sheep tracks and trails to discover.
We will take a break in Ruvo di Puglia, a small farming town of peuceta origin, the pre-Roman population who inhabited these lands. Destroyed by the Goths, Ruvo was brought back to life by the Normans, who enriched it with important monuments, including the original Romanesque Cathedral, known for its unique facade with slanted slopes. Another stop which worth taking is a visit to Castel del Monte, inscribed in the Unesco World Heritage List and world-renowned for its distinctive octagonal shape.
Day3
Castel del Monte - Venosa
about 65km
Cycling towards west, we will leave the Alta Murgia plateau, but not before a visit to one of its most beautiful villages, Minervino Murge, the so-called balcony of the Murgia for the panoramic view offered at the top of its historical centre.
Through the narrow, winding alleys of Scesciola we will reach the cave-church of San Michele, located near the Matitani channel. A few more kilometers before we get to Basilicata: welcoming us from a distance, the proud profile of the Vulture massif. Passed Montemiglione, we will stop in Venosa, an ancient Roman Venusis built on one of the central streets of the empire, the ancient Via Appia, hence acquiring great strategic and economic importance.
Day4
Venosa - Calitri
50km by bike + 25km with transfer Venosa-Melfi
We will not miss the chance to visit Melfi, at the foot of the Vulture. In this town five Vatican Councils took place and the Constitutiones Augustales, strongly supported by Frederick II, were written. The crypt of Santa Margherita, the Castle of the constitutions, the Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum are just some of the many attractions of the city.
We will then cycle around the Vulture massif and cross small villages until getting over the border between Basilicata and Campania: we will enter the lush and bucolic province of Irpinia to spend the night in the quiet Calitri, with its medieval old town enriched by coats of arms and stony gargoyles.
Day5
Calitri - Castelvetere
45km by bike + 25km with transfer Calitri-Teora
After breakfast we will continue our journey along the border between Basilicata and Campania with the background of the WWF reserve Conza Lake, a vast wetland reserve and place of transit for many species along the Tyrrhenian-Adriatic route. From Teora, we will cycle slightly downhill following the SS7, which in some places coincides with the ancient Via Appia. After passing Lioni, we will be surrounded by the lush green of forests, surprising peculiarity of this region. We will cross the river Calore and end the day in Castelvetere, another charming medieval town, where every year, on April 28th, a tribute to Madonna delle Grazie is payed: the whole town celebrates in a superb mix of art and religion.
Day6
Castelvetere - Nola
about 65km
After breakfast we will cycle on the edge of the Plain of Dragone, a reclaimed basin which floods during the rainy season, creating a spectacular landscape. Passed the Picentini Regional Park, we will reach Avellino, the capital of Irpinia, which sums up the distinctive character of this area. Generous and friendly, Avellino was the sad protagonist of a tragic earthquake in 1980, which proved the city and its people to be strong enough to face the aftermaths of a natural, yet huge, catastrophe.
We will then continue our journey towards the Tyrrhenian sea ending up in Nola; Naples is not far away and some of you may seem to feel the salty air of the sea rising on the heights of Nola.
Day7
Nola - Napoli
about 30km
The few kilometres that separate us from Naples will run slightly downhill. Once we reach the city, we will leave the bicycles on a side to spend the afternoon visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world, unique and full of contradictions, by feet.
It will be an intense encounter with a wonderful city, kissed by the sea, between the Vesuvio vulcan and the Campi Flegrei, a perfect place to end an equally unique journey.
Day8
Arrivederci da Napoli
After breakfast, end of services. Goodbye from Naples!
Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 7 nights with breakfast
- Welcome Dinner
- Local English speaking guide
- Support Van during the excursions
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Bike rental
- Other meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and what's listed as Included
Departures and prices
Departures every day on request01/01/2024 => 31/12/2024
Supplements per person
6 days Trek bike rental
Standard110 € /p
6 days Gravel bike rental
Standard160 € /p
6 days E-bike rental
Standard240 € /p
Other Information
Grade
Challenging. The proposed routes are suitable for who is well trained to face hills, long and challenging at times. The mileage varies from 30 to 65 kilometres a day, with scheduled stops for visits and refreshments.
Accomodations & Meals
Accommodation in simple B&B and selected 3* hotel.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 night in Bari
- 1 night near Castel del Monte
- 1 night in Venosa
- 1 night in Calitri
- 1 night in Castelvetere
- 1 night in Nola
- 1 night in Naples
7 breakfasts and 1 dinner included. All other meals are not included.
Private Tour
Holiday designed for small prearranged groups of friends, families and colleagues. The presence of an expert local guide is guaranteed during the scheduled excursions.
→ Departures every day on request.
Choose your departure date, who you are going with and ask us for a personalised quote!
Price per person
The price varies according to the services requested and the number of people.
Support
You will be accompanied during the excursions and dinners by one of our expert guides, coordinator of the group and passionate about travel, nature and the territory visited. He/she will support you, becoming a travel companion and trying to meet the needs of the group, while being attentive to individual requests.
He/she will help make your vacation authentic, relaxing and fun.
→ This trip also includes a total assistance with the support of a vehicle for the luggage transport at your disposal during the days.
Travel documents
A few days before departure you will receive by email the documentation containing the latest information relating to your holiday.
Arrival and Departure
Getting there
Reaching Bari is very easy. Being a provincial capital, it is connected in all the best circuits and communication routes, both towards the North of Italy and towards the South.
BY TRAIN. Trenitalia connects the main Italian cities with Bari. On www.viaggiatreno.it you can find update informations about train routes.
BY AIR. Bari Palese airport is connected with the most important Italian and foreign cities by the main airlines and the low cost ones.
It is well connected with many flights, to the city centre by Metro and train approximately every 20 minutes. More info on the website Aeroporti di Puglia.
BY BUS. Bari is also accessible by bus. Here some links to the major operating companies: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Busmiccolis, Buscenter.
BY CAR. The main highways are the A14 Bologna-Taranto and the A16 Napoli-Canosa. maps.google.com can help you with the directions.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.