Cycling in The Heart of Puglia
Discover Bari’s Old Town, a maze of history and flavours
Experience Alberobello’s iconic Trulli and the charm of the Itria Valley
Explore the ancient Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO marvel
Visit Altamura, famed for its bread and imposing cathedral
Cycle through the Alta Murgia National Park’s captivating landscapes
Uncover the coastal jewels of Trani, Bisceglie, and Molfetta
Conclude with the scenic beauty of Giovinazzo
Itinerary
Welcome to Bari, the gateway to your Puglian cycling adventure. Begin your journey with a stroll through the historic Bari Vecchia, where the narrow streets tell tales of bygone eras, and local eateries invite you to taste Puglia’s culinary wonders. Overnight in Bari sets the stage for the journey ahead.
Hotel in Bari
Embark from Bari to Putignano, transitioning quickly into the serene landscapes of the Itria Valley. The day is marked by visits to Alberobello’s enchanting Trulli, the elegant streets of Locorotondo and Martina Franca, culminating in the quaint town of Noci. This ride through olive groves and ancient farms encapsulates the essence of Puglia. Stay in Noci for the night.
62 km
Hotel in Noci
Journey from Noci to the captivating city of Matera. Cross into Basilicata to explore the Sassi of Matera, ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone, recognized by UNESCO for their profound historical significance. The city’s unique architecture and storied past offer a deep dive into the region’s heritage. Overnight in Matera.
60 km
Hotel in Matera
Today’s route leads you to Altamura, famed for its DOP bread and the majestic Cathedral of Frederick II. Venture to the Pulo di Altamura, an impressive natural sinkhole within the National Park, showcasing the region’s karst phenomena. The historic charm of Altamura’s old town awaits exploration before returning to Matera for the night.
25 km
Hotel in Altamura
Set off from Altamura to traverse the Alta Murgia National Park. Discover the underground city of Gravina in Puglia and the medieval Garagnone Castle in Poggiorsini. The park’s captivating landscapes and biodiversity provide a serene backdrop to today’s ride. Stay within the park’s bounds, experiencing true tranquillity.
70 km
Hotel in Alta Murgia National Park
Cycle from the heart of the Murgia to the Adriatic’s northern coast. The day is dotted with historical gems like the Necropolis of San Magno and the octagonal wonder of Castel del Monte. Continue to Ruvo di Puglia and Trani, basking in their coastal charm and historical richness. Overnight in Trani.
50 km
Hotel in Trani
The journey along the coast brings you through Bisceglie, Molfetta, and Giovinazzo. Each town presents a unique blend of history, culture, and maritime beauty, with picturesque ports and authentic local life. The ride is a leisurely celebration of Puglia’s coastal allure. Return to Trani for the night.
25 km
Hotel in Trani
Conclude your Puglian cycling odyssey with a transfer back to Bari. Reflect on a journey that has taken you through the heart of Southern Italy, from ancient streets and olive groves to the sparkling Adriatic Sea, carrying memories of Puglia’s landscapes, culture, and cuisine back home.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
Included in price
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Description
Begin your self-guided cycling adventure in Puglia’s vibrant capital, Bari. Wander through Bari Vecchia, soaking in the rich history and culinary delights that line its storied streets. From Bari, embark on a scenic train ride to Putignano, where your cycling journey truly commences. Pedal through the Itria Valley, visiting Alberobello’s world-famous Trulli, the picturesque streets of Locorotondo and Martina Franca, ending your day in the quaint town of Noci.
Visit Matera, where the Sassi’s ancient cave dwellings offer a glimpse into a bygone era. Marvel at this city’s unique architectural landscape, etched into the ravines and gullies of the region. The next day’s ride to Altamura introduces you to the city’s famous DOP bread and the majestic Cathedral built by Frederick II. Don’t miss the Pulo di Altamura, an impressive sinkhole in the National Park.
Your adventure continues through the Alta Murgia National Park, where Gravina’s underground city and Poggiorsini’s historic castle await.
As you cycle towards Bari’s northern coast, explore the Necropolis of San Magno and the iconic Castel del Monte, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The towns of Ruvo di Puglia and Trani, with their moniker “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” offer a blend of historic intrigue and coastal splendour.
The final leg of your journey takes you through the picturesque coastal towns of Bisceglie, Molfetta, and Giovinazzo. Immerse yourself in their laid-back lifestyle, historic centres, and charming ports. Conclude your tour with a return to Trani and a reflective journey back to Bari, filled with memories of Puglia’s heart and soul.
Map
Average weather forecast
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°F) | 43 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 52 | 43 |
| Low (°F) | 30 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 64 | 57 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
| Rain (in) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°C) | 6 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 6 |
| Low (°C) | -1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain (mm) | 59 | 49 | 65 | 75 | 95 | 67 | 66 | 89 | 93 | 122 | 76 | 61 |
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Things to know
Our priority is to find the ideal accommodation that suits your needs. We collaborate with several lodging providers that meet our criteria, but please note that availability can be limited, particularly during peak seasons. Furthermore, we can tailor your holiday to align with your preferences and budget, and are committed to finding a more suitable alternative that matches your taste.
Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day.
Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels.
Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness.
Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.
Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Italy.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.
If you are not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can certainly arrange that for you. We have a wide selection of bikes at our disposal and we will choose the ones that best fit your tour. All we need from you is your usual bike size and any other relevant information or preferences so we can make sure you will be comfortable throughout your trip.
The availability of food options in Italy depends on the extent of your dietary restrictions. While it is relatively easy to find vegetarian dishes, locating vegan meals can be challenging, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Additionally, the traditional lunch stops we make may have limited ability to accommodate special requests beyond their standard menu. We recommend considering this when planning your meals.
To ensure availability, we advise booking your tour as early as possible. Our tours typically pass through highly popular tourist destinations where lodging options are restricted. Many of these desirable locations become fully booked for the summer season well in advance, often filling up by spring.
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