DEPARTURES 24/4 -19/6 - 25/9

Cycling southwards between Matera (European Capital of Culture 2019) and Lecce (capital of the Baroque). A journey between Basilicata and Puglia that tells the story through the landscape, between nature and villages that accompany our itinerary, merging with local tradition and folklore. Hilly cycle paths that take us to the white beaches of Salento.

1st day: Individual arrival in Matera

Individual arrival in Matera, known for its characteristic houses leaning against the rock, "the Sassi", once almost abandoned, today in full recovery with tourist destinations. The Sassi were recognized in 1993 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the first site in southern Italy to receive this recognition. Free visit of the EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2019. If you arrive late in the evening, we suggest an extra night in this wonderful and unique city.

2nd day: Matera - Alberobello

Meeting with guide, briefing and bike delivery. Today we will leave by bike for Alberobello, famous for its trulli. Alberobello stands on two hills: to the east the new city, to the west the trulli, a UNESCO heritage site. We are in the southern part of Murgia and we will cycle until we reach one of the most unique cities in Italy, ALBEROBELLO, known throughout the world for its typical cone-shaped houses, the trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

KM stage: 75

Difference in altitude: 650

3rd day: Alberobello - Manduria

Crossing the countryside, you cycle towards Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica, The territory is characterized by trulli, farms, centuries-old olive groves and karst caves and is the land of the Messapians. We will travel part of the Apulian Aqueduct Cycle Route. Walk on water. Better yet, pedal! Never was this approach more daring. Nothing divine, let it be clear and no sacrilegious intent. It just happens. In Puglia. Specifically in the Itria Valley, between Cisternino, Martina Franca and then Ceglie Messapica, a city of art and a land of gastronomy. From here you will continue to discover the Upper Salento through Francavilla Fontana and Oria, a medieval village dominated by one of the most important Frederick's castles. The stage ends in MANDURIA, where you can relax with a good glass of primitivo, the local red wine known all over the world.

KM stage: 75

Difference in altitude: 500

4th Day: Manduria - Gallipoli

Stage with destination Gallipoli, an authentic pearl of the Ionian. Its historic center is a rare example of an "island city" protected by the sea. We will reach the dunes of San Pietro in Bevagna to get to Punta Prosciutto, a wonderful stretch of the Salento coast, part of the Municipality of Porto Cesareo, on the extreme border between Taranto and Lecce. The unspoiled nature, the long beaches (80% free) and the crystal clear waters, make Punta Prosciutto a corner of paradise in the heart of Salento. We will skirt the coast that will allow us to visit Torre Lapillo, Porto Cesareo, Sant’Isidoro, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria al Bagno and then head towards Gallipoli, which we will reach with its fortified city on the Ionian Sea.

KM stage: 70

Difference in altitude: 400

5th Day: Gallipoli-Santa Maria di Leuca

You cycle along the coast to Santa Maria di Leuca, whose name derives from the Greek “leukos”, which means white. We would continue towards Presicce to then descend towards the coast at Torre Pali, Pescoluse, (the Maldives of Salento with the characteristic dunes) Torre Vado and Santa Maria di Leuca, the extreme edge of Puglia, also called "finibus terrae" or at the borders of the land, in fact looking out from the promontory of the sanctuary you have a privileged observatory of an extraordinary spectacle: in front of you there is only the sea, infinite, teeming with boats under the sun. Here we will meet the end of the Apulian aqueduct with the monumental staircase.

KM stage: 65

Difference in altitude: 200

6th day: Santa Maria di Leuca - Otranto

You cycle north along the Adriatic coast to Otranto, the easternmost city in Italy. To see the cathedral and the famous Aragonese castle. We leave towards Tricase porto, Castro and from here we will descend towards Santa Cesarea Terme, Porto Badisco. The splendid plateau of Punta Palascia or Capo D'Otranto, with Torre Minervino, represent the easternmost part of Italy. Continue towards the beaches with crystal clear water on the Adriatic side of Baia delle Orte and Otranto.

KM stage: 60

Difference in altitude: 680

7th day: Otranto - Lecce

Having discovered the enchantment of the stone paved streets of the ancient village, go up by bike along the Adriatic coast, crossing the Alimini lakes and their particular Mediterranean scrub, to reach Lecce. The Apulian city, which more than any other preserves its historical and cultural identity, is the natural capital of Salento. Conca Specchiulla, Torre Saracena. We go along the coast road and in Sant'Andrea we will visit the Faraglioni up to Torre dell'Orso, one of the most beautiful beaches in Salento. Continuing towards Lecce, the last stop is in ACAYA, where you can admire the castle and the wonderful square. Arrival in LECCE in the afternoon.

KM stage: 60

Difference in altitude: 300

Day 8: Departure from Lecce

After breakfast at the hotel, departure for the respective destinations. End of services

 
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