Luxury Italy Puglia To Basilicata Cycle 6D5N (Culture & Cuisine from il Mare to Matera), Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 27 km (17 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 39 km (24 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)

Today being the first day, you meet with your tour leaders at 11 a.m. in front of the main entrance of the Bari Centrale train station in Bari, Italy. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations).

Following our meeting, we shuttle from the vibrant city of Bari to Masseria Brigantino, a fortified farmhouse nestled in an ancient olive orchard. Getting more familiar over a delicious picnic, the tour guides fit your bike and give a brief lecture on the various biking techniques and safety measures. Then set out on a warm-up ride along the Adriatic Coast, passing through fishing villages and spinning past the historic city of Egnazia, first settled during the Bronze Age. Bike back into a rural landscape with views of colourful fields of strawberries and fennel and groves of huge old olive trees-a proof of Puglia’s being the leading producer of Italian olive oil.

Our destination and home for the next two nights is Il Melograno, originally a 17th-century farm estate and now a Relais & Châteaux-member hotel. The unmatched 5-star luxury Il Melograno is located in Puglia and situated in between the beautiful lush hills and the blue of the Adriatic Sea. With its typical Apulian white stone wall on sight painted with white lime, charming rooms, and plush amenities, not to mention a serene locale in an olive grove, you are guaranteed a terrific time while staying here.

Go for a stroll through the beautiful gardens, take a dip in the pool or treat yourself to a relaxing time at the spa before dinner. We gather tonight for a reception followed by an artfully prepared dinner of Pugliese specialties at the hotel's renowned restaurant.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 37 km (23 miles), Elevation gain: 427 m (1400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 50 km (31 miles), Elevation gain: 549 m (1800 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 72 km (45 miles), Elevation gain: 823 m (2700 ft)

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast for your first full day of biking. Today, you will be going into hillier terrain, so be prepared to attempt some steep nut not long climbs. Encounter a few mild climbs before curling downhill along the coast to Polignano a Mare, a picture-perfect whitewashed village with streets lined with flowering plants. The town, although blessed with incredible views over the Adriatic, is arguably best known for the inlets, coves, and caves carved into its shoreline by the constant scouring of wind and waves. There are abundant attractive spots to explore after a lunch of fresh seafood.

A lot of activities are available to choose from this afternoon: you can head back to Il Melograno on a gentle ride through the olive groves, you can take the shuttle back to the hotel and relax by the pool, or go on a tough climb back up the Murgia.

Our adventure for the day comes to an end with a quick shuttle to a nearby Masseria (fortified farmhouse) for dinner, learn about the varieties of local wine and regional cuisine there is, and also learn how to make pasta with an expert sommelier and chef.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 18 km (11 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 23 km (14 miles), Elevation gain: 518 m (1700 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 60 km (37 miles), Elevation gain: 671 m (2200 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 87 km (54 miles), Elevation gain: 884 m (2900 ft)

After a classic breakfast at the hotel, we begin the day with a big climb to the top of the Murgia, a plateau composed largely of limestone. Bike along rolling country roads lined with weathered stone walls to Alberobello, a World Heritage site. While here, we would go on a walking tour with a local friend Mimmo, who expounds on Trulli, round stone buildings constructed without mortar and topped with 1500 conical grey slate roofs.

Done with our walking tour, learn about mozzarella making – a long-practiced art of making unique Italian cheese, traditionally made from the milk of the water buffalo. Enjoy lunch on your own at any of Alberobello’s many quaint restaurants.

After lunch, ride through the hilly farmland of the Valle d'Itria and back toward the seaside with a steep descent to our resort for the next two nights, Borgo Egnazia. A 21st-century creation with its characterful buttresses located in Puglia Southern Italy, 5 minutes from the local fishing village of Savelletri and a stroll from the Adriatic Sea, Borgo Egnazia is a neighbourhood of dreams hewn in beautiful white Tufo stone of the region.

Take a swim in one of the property's pools, relax under a cabana at the hotel's own Cala Masciola beach, or treat yourself to a spa treatment at the award-winning Vair Spa. Tonight, we gather to savour a delightful dinner of regional fare at one of the hotel's fantastic restaurants.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 29 km (18 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 42 km (26 miles), Elevation gain: 701 m (2300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 66 km (41 miles), Elevation gain: 762 m (2500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 98 km (61 miles), Elevation gain: 914 m (3000 ft)

This morning, you will be riding along peaceful country roads lined with fine low stone walls and surrounded by the now familiar and welcome sight of acres of olive groves. You will be climbing the Murgia plateau into the quiet 7th-century town of Cisternino, where you will be taking a break from exploring to enjoy a refreshing Espressino Freddo, a cold sweet coffee that's a Pugliese specialty. Venture to the white city of Ostuni, a historical settlement spanning across three hilltops and is crowned by a Spanish-influenced Gothic cathedral. Delve into the cobblestone streets after a delightful lunch at our beautiful restaurant tucked into the terraced alleyways of the historic center.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 43 km (27 miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 53 km (33 miles), Elevation gain: 732 m (2400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 93 km (58 miles), Elevation gain: 914 m (3000 ft)

Today's adventure begins with a ride through the colorful countryside as you tackle the challenging climb (or a shuttle for a boost over the hills) onto the plateau en route to Basilicata. Pedal across long stretches of the open road past dairy farms to a quintessential agriturismo (country retreat and working farm) where we are treated to a farm-style meal featuring homemade cheeses, meats, and bread made from wheat grown and ground on the property.

Done with lunch, ride in the shuttle, or go on your bike to the World Heritage Site of Matera, an ideal representation of a Mediterranean troglodyte settlement. Learn about the ancient cave dwellings known as Sassi (stones) and the people who lived in them, while soaking up the otherworldly feel of this magnificent city.

Later you'll settle into a cliff cave of your own for the night at Sextantio le Grotte Della Civita. Located in the Sassi di Matera - UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Basilicata region. The 5-star hotel maintains a minimalist design using original and recycled materials with seamlessly integrated modern amenities, rooms featuring stone floors and antique furniture. The panoramic terrace overlooks Murgia National Park.

Tonight we gather at a favourite local restaurant—also in a cave! Partake in a traditional Italian aperitivo toast to a wonderful week followed by dinner featuring Basilicata specialties at Ristorante Baccanti.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 18 km (11 miles), Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 37 km (23 miles), Elevation gain: 671 m (2200 ft)

After a leisurely breakfast, go for a tour of Matera with our local guide who tells you about its fascinating and captivating history. Up for one last challenge? Set off on a formidable hike and bike route to the top of Montescaglioso town for some soul-stirring views of Basilicata’s countryside, before bidding farewell and catching a ride to Bari, where our trip ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.