An easy tour through the Heel of the Boot.From Basilicata with round trips starting from the Sassi of Matera and the Park of Rupestrian Churches, you will head on to the Apulian land.

Cycling through the Murge plateau (a territory that encloses an astonishing variety of landscapes: caves, sanctuaries, defensive strongholds, churches and rock settlements, small towns and big cities), you will stay in the Itria valley, characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand. These are cultivated in masserie lands, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations, rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques.

In the last days you will head south to the Salento. Sun, sea, wind. Nature strikes in the first place, when one gets to this land stretch in balance between two seas. The cities and inland towns expressions of the unique Lecce Baroque with Messapi and Salento Grecìa can still be seen. Its language, songs and feasts still show the culture of Magna Graecia.


Day 1 – Welcome to Basilicata
Independent arrival in Matera and get settled in at your hotel. Upon request: guided walking visit of the Sassi (ancient Matera districts) and the Park of Rupestrian Churches. Dinner (on your own) in a typical Sassi restaurant carved out in the Rock. Overnight stay.

Day 2 – From Matera to Alberobello
You will pass through the small villages of Gioia del Colle and Noci and on to Alberobello, the capital town of Trulloes and a UNESCO’s world heritage site. Accommodation in a Trullo house or a restored farmhouse. Dinner on your own and overnight stay. Distance: about Km. 69 Grade: Hilly route on stretches that are almost flat with brief climbs

Day 3 – Ostuni “the White”
Cycling trough the Selva (forest) near Fasano, you follow the Adriatic coast and reach Ostuni, which is reputed an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture. Get situated at your Hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight stay. Distance: about 45 km Grade: easy

Day 4 – Castles and farmhouses
Cycling south through the quiet country lanes to the charming town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria, famous for its 13th Century’s Castle and delightful historic centre. We continue through the countryside to a Masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse and our accommodation for the night. Distance: about 55 km Grade: easy

Day 5 – Gallipoli and the Ionian Coast
Today your route will pass through Porto Selvaggio and skirt the Ionian coast to reach Gallipoli, derived from the Greek word kalépolis meaning “beautiful city.” Get situated at your Hotel near the seaside. Dinner on your own and overnight stay. Distance: about 60 km Grade: easy

Day 6 – Far East
Cycling to Otranto, the route will take you to the wildest and eastern rocky coast of Southern Italy. The sun and the atmosphere is unique in a place where Turkish and Greeks landed centuries ago. Otranto has a wonderful centre with walls and a castle. A masterpiece is the mysterious mosaic, in the Romanesque Cathedral. Dinner on your own. Back to your hotel and overnight stay. Distance: about 71 km Grade: easy to moderate

Day 7 – Lecce, the Baroque gem
Last stage will take you to Lecce, the Baroque town with wonderful façade of buildings and churches. Taste a puccia (local bread filled with salami or vegetables) or a pasticciotto (delicious pastry), and enjoy shopping and walking in the city centre. Get situated at your Hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight stay. Distance: about 45 km Grade: easy

Day 8 – Breakfast and end of services