Short Escape Puglia
Self-guided | 5 Days
🇬🇧 English-speaking staff
Intermediate
164 km
Climb 1,600 m
approx. ¥249,920~
5 days
A 4-night cycling holiday through Puglia. Visit UNESCO-listed Matera and Alberobello, Ostuni the white city, and Polignano a Mare above the deep blue sea. A trip to taste the essence of southern Italy, its food and wine.
A luxury short-escape bike tour in Puglia and Basilicata, in southern Italy. The 4-night, 5-day trip starts in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and continues to Alberobello with its unique conical trulli, Ostuni the white city, and Polignano a Mare, a seaside jewel perched on the cliffs.
The route through gentle hills and olive groves is easy to intermediate, with comfortable rides of about 50 km a day. Along the way you visit monastery wineries, ancient Roman ruins and fishing villages, and enjoy fresh seafood, handmade orecchiette, burrata and Puglia's famous red wines, Primitivo and Negroamaro.
At the finish in Polignano a Mare, explore the balconies and sea caves above the blue water and enjoy a local cornetto. A short escape that captures the beauty, food and culture of southern Italy: the essence of Puglia.
Our local staff assist you in English. If you live in Japan, our Japan office helps you with planning, booking and questions on LINE before departure.
Cycling in Puglia | 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Matera, welcome ride
Arrive in Matera by bus or train and check in to your hotel, followed by a briefing, orientation and bike fitting. This UNESCO World Heritage city is thought to have been inhabited for about 9,000 years and is considered the finest cave-dwelling settlement in the Mediterranean. Enjoy its unique atmosphere of ancient history and dreamlike scenery. On request, we can arrange a guided walk of the ancient "Sassi" districts and the rock church park. For dinner, enjoy local dishes in a typical restaurant carved into the rock.
Day 2: Alberobello, town of the trulli
From Matera, ride through Gioia del Colle and Noci to Alberobello, the capital of the trulli. This UNESCO-listed town has about 1,500 trulli, stone houses with conical roofs. Their origins are still a mystery, but they are one of Puglia's most iconic sights. Of course, you spend a special night in a restored, authentic trullo.
Distance: approx. 69 km | Level: intermediate, with hills
Day 3: Ostuni, the white city
Ride through the Itria Valley, stopping at Locorotondo and Cisternino, to Ostuni, the "white city". Its white walls and whitewashed buildings, maze of Greek-looking alleys and bougainvillea make it unforgettable. Explore the 15th-century late Gothic and Renaissance cathedral and streets full of colourful doors and windows.
Distance: approx. 45 km | Level: easy to intermediate
Day 4: The Adriatic coast and Polignano a Mare
A day of stunning views. From Ostuni, a pleasant descent takes you to the Adriatic, riding through olive groves and along the sea. Visit Torre a Canne, Savelletri and the Roman ruins of Egnazia, where you can see wheel ruts from the ancient Via Traiana. After the Aragonese castle in Monopoli, your final destination is Polignano a Mare, a white town on the cliffs above a deep blue sea. Don't miss the maze of the old town and the sea caves carved by the waves.
Distance: approx. 50 km | Level: easy
Day 5: Arrivederci Puglia
End of tour after breakfast. Before you leave, enjoy a last moment on the beach or in a café in Polignano a Mare.
Hotels across Puglia
Matera | Palazzo Gattini
A historic palazzo that still carries its ancient grandeur, with refined design and elegant spaces. Respecting tradition while adding modern comfort, it is a place for a special stay.
Alberobello | Le Alcove
Le Alcove makes a unique experience possible: sleeping in a trullo. White conical roofs and centuries-old stone walls create spaces that feel like a scene from a story. Enjoy the timeless charm of its suites, with quiet, understated luxury.
Ostuni | Casa d'Autore
Casa d'Autore is a converted 18th-century residence in the centre of Ostuni. Classic rooms with antique furniture and a quiet private garden make for peaceful moments.
Polignano a Mare | Giovi Relais
Just 100 metres from the Adriatic, Giovi Relais offers elegant rooms and excellent wellness facilities. Relax body and mind in the salt room, Turkish hammam, chromotherapy showers and hot tub.
Tour price and what's included
Price
*The yen price shown is an estimate and varies with the exchange rate.
Payment is made in euros.
€1,420 per person (sharing a double room) | Single supplement: €540
Included
4 nights (4-star superior and luxury hotels) | 4 breakfasts | Luggage transfers | RideWithGPS app (tracks, route notes, offline navigation) | Tour notes with sightseeing and food tips | Maps with elevation data | Bike delivery and fitting in Matera | Bike collection in Polignano | Cicloposse water bottle | Taxes
Not included
Bike rental (whole tour): hybrid €150 | E-bike, road or gravel €180 | E-gravel €250
Local city tax in each town (€1 to €4 per day)
Options
Bari airport transfers
Today's price in yen
Support from Japan
Our local staff speak Italian and English. Our Japan office helps you on LINE with questions, bookings and travel documents, in your time zone (not on site).
Even on your first cycling trip abroad, you can join with peace of mind.
What our Japan office offers
• LINE support, reply usually within 24 hours
• In emergencies, our local staff help in English
• Allergies and diets sent to restaurants in advance
• Travel documents also available in Japanese
Ride and taste Italy to the full, with support from Japan.
First cycling tour? Start here
Fitness, bike choice, what to pack: everything first-timers ask about, in one place.
Have you checked the packing list?
Have you chosen your rental bike?
Questions about the tour? Just ask us!
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