If you do not want a cycling holiday in the summer heat, choose the spring or the fall season: for those who want to learn more about local customs in southern Italy there is always something to do!
If you enjoy the fresh air and the long days that reactivate tempers, leave in April and the typical folklore will not disappoint during Easter holidays: the streets of Alberobello on good Friday draws believers and curious from far beyond the province to attend the Passion of Christ simulation.
In May, the city of Bari is celebrating the Patron San Nicola, where parades in period costumes, historical re-enactment, theatre performances take place throughout the whole festivities week.
If the summer draws you in July in Matera you can attend the traditional “destruction” of the big chariot carrying the statue of Madonna della Bruna by the “village people”, next to armored horses and shepherds, confusing the sacred and the profane in this centennial celebration.
In September the evocative Gravina will celebrate for 4 days the Arcangelo Michele who protected the town from the assault of the Austrian troops.
Self guided 
Cycling
Cycling holidays in Puglia: Unesco tour
Puglia & BasilicataDifficulty path:Highlights
A unique cycling itinerary linking three UNESCO masterpieces: Alberobello, Matera and Castel del Monte.
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3 Unesco sites: Matera, Castel del Monte and Alberobello
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Alta Murgia National Park
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The coast of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli
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Enchanting villages and nature as far as the eye can see
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DOP bread of Altamura and great typical food
Program
Welcome to Polignano a Mare
Individual arrival in Polignano a Mare.
Let yourself be captivated by this spectacular village overlooking the Adriatic, birthplace of Domenico Modugno. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a briefing and bike delivery.
From Polignano a Mare to Ostuni
about 56km
Begin your cycling journey through Puglia, immersed in nature and UNESCO wonders, pedaling along the coast south of Bari.
Departure from Polignano a Mare: you will discover this stretch of coastline passing through Monopoli, with its charming harbor filled with colorful boats, the natural landscapes of the Coastal Dunes Park, the evocative Route of the Ancient Olive Trees, and the Archaeological Park of Egnazia.
Arrival in Ostuni, the famous “White City,” glowing with its limewashed walls.
Along the way we recommend a gourmet stop for seafood and sea breezes at one of the small restaurants in Forcatella.
Overnight in Ostuni.
Cycling through the Itria Valley: from Ostuni to Noci
about 56km
Leaving Ostuni, you will ride through a landscape dotted with trulli, ancient fortified farmhouses (masserie), and evocative rural villages: you are in the heart of the beautiful Itria Valley.
You will reach Ceglie Messapica, renowned for its gastronomic tradition, and then continue toward the Apulian Aqueduct Cycle Path, the longest in Europe, winding through gentle hills and enchanting valley scenery. Along the route it is possible to stop at the Ashram of Cisternino, a highly evocative spiritual place founded in the late 1970s and still active today for the practice of Hinduism, open to visitors.
The next stop is Locorotondo, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Here you will wander through flower-filled alleys and picturesque views overlooking the characteristic terraced vineyards surrounding the town.
The day continues toward Alberobello, famous for its iconic trulli, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for their uniqueness.
Final ride to Noci, a town of white houses and “gnostre,” small courtyards that preserve an authentic atmosphere where children still play outdoors.
Overnight in Noci.
Between Puglia and Basilicata: cycling to Matera
about 62km
Stage after stage, the journey takes you beyond the border between Puglia and Basilicata. The final destination of the day is Matera, the extraordinary city of the Sassi, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Matera is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, from prehistoric times to the present day. Today this fascinating city boasts a vibrant cultural scene and, despite gaining international fame thanks to major film productions, it has preserved its authenticity. You will experience a genuine atmosphere made of tradition, simplicity and warm hospitality.
Overnight in Matera.
Through the canyons of the Murge: Matera, Altamura and Gravina in Puglia
about 48km
Leaving Matera, you will return to Puglia by crossing the Alta Murgia National Park, the largest pseudo-steppe in Italy, a unique territory characterized by vast horizons and striking landscapes.
The first stop is Altamura, a city with a charming historic center dominated by the majestic Frederick II Cathedral. Altamura is famous worldwide for its DOP bread, still produced according to ancient traditions in the city’s historic bakeries. Just outside the town you can reach the Pulo di Altamura, one of the most important geosites in the National Park—an exciting discovery to experience in person.
Continuing by bike, you will arrive in Gravina in Puglia, a town rich in underground remains that you may choose to explore. The historic center, with its ancient palaces and monumental churches, overlooks a deep canyon carved by the Gravina stream.
Overnight in Gravina in Puglia.
From Gravina in Puglia to Poggiorsini
about 56km
Cycling through rural landscapes and the deep silence of the Murge plateau, you will reach the smallest village in the province of Bari: Poggiorsini.
Here you will discover the mysterious “invisible” Castle of Garagnone. Why this name? It is a place steeped in history and spirituality: the story we will share with you will help you imagine—and almost “see”—what time has erased.
The stage then continues to the agriturismo, where a generous dinner featuring local products awaits you, followed by a well-deserved night’s rest.
Overnight at an agriturismo in the Castel del Monte area.
Cycling to Castel del Monte, Ruvo di Puglia and Trani
about 55km
Today, the final ride of the journey leads first to the ancient necropolis of San Magno, before reaching one of Puglia’s most iconic landmarks: Castel del Monte, the extraordinary fortress declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After leaving the castle, you will enjoy a pleasant descent toward the sea, crossing the Premurgia, an agricultural area characterized by vineyards and orchards. Along the way you will pass through Ruvo di Puglia, with its charming historic center rich in tradition and character.
The final destination is Trani, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” with its evocative marina and magnificent Romanesque cathedral overlooking the sea, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Overnight in Trani.
Bye-bye Puglia!
After breakfast end of services.
→ Take a look at our Travel tips ↓↓
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.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each biker can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 7 nights with breakfast in double room
- Welcome briefing and bike fitting
- Beer and dairy tasting day 5
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
- Phone assistance 08:00-20:00
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Bike rental
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and what's not listed as Included
Departures and prices
Supplements per person
Other Information
Mainly wavy.
This bike tour among the Unesco beauties is suitable to anyone with a good training to the bicycle. The daily mileage goes from 48 to 62 daily kilometers, and you can stop at your leisure, or according to our advice, for visits and refreshments.
The bike will be a way to work off the good food and enjoy the many landscapes offered by this land. There will also be strictly cultural moments and the possibility of a refreshing swim in the clear sea of Puglia.
This tour offers accommodation in charming B&B and 4* hotels.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 night in Bari
- 1 night in Ostuni
- 1 night in Noci
- 1 night in Matera
- 1 night in Gravina in Puglia
- 1 night in the Alta Murgia National park
- 1 night in Trani
7 breakfasts and 1 tasting included. All other meals are not included.
On the day of your arrival, you will have a Welcome briefing with Bike fitting.
→ We will take care of your luggage while you are cycling.
For the whole duration of the tour, you can contact our assistance numbers.
A few days before departure you will receive by email the Service List with instructions for using the Travel App.
During your Welcome briefing you will receive:
- updated Service List;
- luggage Labels;
- requested rental bikes.
Getting there
Reaching Bari is very easy. It is inserted in all the best circuits and roads between North and South of Italy.
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.
Back to Bari
Trenitalia connects Trani to Bari by direct line. The journey takes about 40 minutes; the ticket price is € 4 approx.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.
Ask for a quote
Travel tips
When do you fancy leaving?
Why choose this tour for your next holidays?
You will ride to get to know some of the most scenic locations in the world that Unesco has decided to preserve and among which bike distances are incredibly reasonable!!! Charming towns and incredible rocky landscapes, spectacular mansions and fairy trulli along the way, underground caves and coastal villages where the daily routine is never boring.
This tour will amaze you.
A value holiday!
Quality services at the right value for cycling holidays for everyone. This brand new route has been studied to enhance the territorial peculiarities.
Local specialties
Even the most demanding gourmets will be satisfied during this vacation between these two regions rich in authentic goodness. In Matera you will find an amazing local durum wheat bread, and in all places we recommend you try the baked goods, as well as cheeses and dairy products in the Bari area or the good meat cooked masterfully by the butchers of the Itria Valley. The fish soups in Polignano are famous, and for vegetarians many traditional peasant recipes everywhere.
Are you looking for an All inclusive holiday?
Our packages typically include enough to make your holiday safe and serene, and you will feel free to choose where to stop and when walking again, where and what to eat. If you prefer that we book every meal or other services just tell us!
