Pedalling in Puglia Bike Tour

Captivating scenery, world class cuisine and roads less discovered. Puglia is the choice of guests in search the ‘real’ Italy. The ideal destination to explore in the low season.

Cycling through the picturesque landscapes of Puglia in southern Italy, is an unmissable experience that promises an enchanting journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. The region’s flat terrain and well-maintained cycling routes make it the perfect destination for guests of all abilities. As you pedal through the sun-soaked countryside, you'll encounter iconic Trulli houses, rustic vineyards, and the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic coast. Puglia's rich culinary scene is an special treat, with ample opportunities to indulge in local olive oils, wines, and traditional dishes. Indeed our off-bike program is as inspiring as the riding during the trip. The warmth of the locals, coupled with the area's timeless charm, makes cycling in Puglia an immersive and unforgettable adventure, providing an intimate connection with Italy's captivating southern soul.

  • START LINE: Bari
  • FINISH LINE: Matera
  • TOTAL DISTANCE: 260km
  • TOTAL ASCENT: 600m
Boat Trip
Albero Bello UNESCO Site
Walking tour of Matera
Olive Oil Tasting
Guided Rides
Gift Bundle
Mechanical support
Wine Tasting
  • Activity level:         Level 2 Gentilissimo– .
    - I ride my bike most weeks back home. - I enjoy chatting and stoping to take in the view when riding. - The best part of my ride is the coffee stop. - I can’t do a wheelie yet.
  • Duration: 7 days | 6 nights
  • Dates 2025: 12 - 18 Apr | 19 - 25 Apr | 26 Apr - 02 May | 03 - 09 May | 31 May - 06 Jun | 06 - 12 Sep | 13 - 19 Sep | 20 - 26 Sep | 27 Sep - 03 Oct | 04 - 10 Oct | 11 - 17 Oct | 18 - 24 Oct | 25 Oct - 31 Oct | 01 - 07 Nov | 08 - 14 Nov
  • Can't see the perfect one? Request dates here.
  • Price from: €3999
  • Single supplement €875
  • Room upgrade available: Yes
  • What's included?
Book Now
 

The Perfect Cycling Holiday

Is this what I’m looking for?  

  • Are you searching for cycling holiday discovering Puglia on two wheels hosted by amazing local staff?
  • Would you like to enjoy a holiday combining great riding with a full off-bike program of activities guaranteed to will excite even the most experienced traveller?
  • Have you travelled to Italy before and now wanting to discover a ‘new’ region that has largely been untouched by mass tourism?
  • Have you spied the James Bond movie “No Time to Die” and fallen in love with Matera? A place that has to be seen to be believed.
  • Are you looking for a holiday where you can be active enough to 'earn' your post meal gelato?
  • This is a holiday that we all deserve! It's time to live, laugh and fall in love with Puglia.

Magical & Unforgettable

What to look forward to…….

  • Experience for yourself how the world's best Mozzerella is made in a tour of a family cheese making factor. Yes - tasting is included!
  • Pedal through Alberobello set amid the iconic Trulli houses, unique to this UNESCO World Heritage site. A once in a lifetime opportunity to discover Puglia untouched.
  • Embark on an enlightening walking tour that delves into the heart of our city's rich history and cultural tapestry. As you amble through the cobblestone streets, our knowledgeable guides will unravel the stories behind iconic landmarks, revealing the fascinating tales that shaped Matera. .
  • Delve into the world of olive oil production with a hands-on tour, where skilled artisans share their expertise on pressing techniques and the nuances of creating the region's famed extra virgin olive oil - included tasting.

Stages of your Tour

  1. polignano a mare

    leg loosener 15 km

    Our friendly team will meet you in Bari and transfer you the short distance to Polignano a Mare. The town is amongst the most beautiful in Italy and  known for beaches like the white-pebble Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, which is bordered by a stunning Roman bridge. On arrival to the hotel or mechanics will be on hand to fit your bikes and explain how they work so you feel safe riding them. In the late afternoon we will enjoy a short ride along the coast to stretch the legs and enjoy our first fresh coffee of the week.

    Hotel Covo dei Saraceni | Polignano

  2. Alberobello

    55 kM, 300 m Elevation

    After a stunning breakfast overlooking the sea we hope on the bikes and head inland in the direction of Alberobello. A place you have to see with your own eyes to believe your eye - a journey back in to another time, another way of life and a far cry for the chaotic world we live in today. We will also explore Castellana Grotte and the many caves that are widely considered Italy’s most beautiful. This afternoon we are set to embark on a unique experience with the producers of Mozzarella. Our destination is Gioia del Colle, a charming town in the province of Bari, renowned for its traditional and high-quality Mozzarella di Bufala
    Hotel Covo dei Saraceni | Polignano

  3. Brindisi

    52km | Rolling

    This morning we leave on the bikes and head south from Monopoli in the direction of Brindisi. The road today is along the coast and you can expect beautiful views of the crystal clear Adriatic Sea. As is tradition we will stop in Torre Canne for a great coffee stop and for those that wish to dip there toe in the sea. The ride continues south towards Brindisi - the 13th century port a jewell in the Puglia town. A short transfer to Gallipoli completes our journey today.This evening we will enjoy dinner in the old city centre in one of favourite fish restaurants.

    Hotel Hotel La Baronessa | Gallipoli

  4. Santa Maria di Leuca

    45km, 175m elevation

    We know you will love Gallipoli as much as we do. Many of our clients take a stroll pre breakfast to enjoy the sunrise - absolutely magic. Or late morning ride starts from the hotel and again heads south, the direction Santa Maria di Leuca which is Italy’s most Southern Easterly point. On arrival we will enjoy a boat trip to see the caves (weather dependent). The ride back to the hotel is optional. Todays dinner is served in the hotels beautiful restaurant.

    Hotel La Baronessa | Gallipoli

  5. Manduria

    60 km, flat

    The perfect cycling holiday continues with a ride heading North West to Manduria. Along the way we pass km’s of Olive Oil factories. Indeed we will stop at one and learn the process of making the worlds finest olive oil. Yes - of course we will also enjoy some Oil tasting followed by a beautiful lunch alfresco style. Our final pedal stroke today take us to Maduria, hear you will enjoy free time to explore by foot this small but pretty town and it’s 8 churches! The final leg of today will be the transfer to Matera. Dinner this evening will be in Giorgios Pizzeria.

    Hotel Masseria Fontana di Vite | Matera

  6. Altamura

    62 km, mostly flat

    Our final ride of the week takes us away from Matera and through the rolling landscape that surrounds the hill top town. Todays ride is a little shorter than previous and we aim to be back at the hotel by lunchtime. Post lunch we invite you to join us on a walking tour of Matera with your guide Francesca. The tour is optional but gives you a fascinating insight in to Matera’s history both ancient and modern. Our final dinner of the week will be enjoyed in town centre main piazza (town square)

     Hotel Hotel Masseria Fontana di Vite | Matera

  7. Arrivederci & GOODBYES

    nO RIDE TODAY

    All good things must come to an end and sadly it is time to bid you farewell. Our staff will happily assist you with planning your onward travel.

BIKE HIRE

The perfect cycling holiday requires pedaling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire us an email and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!


Colnago V3 - the perfect road bike to hire on our more challenging cycling holidays. As you’d expect it’s lightweight, aerodynamic with great handling.

Colnago G4-X - one of the finest gravel bikes in the world from one of the most famous and respected brands in the world. A dream to ride on the gravel and the road!

Guerciotti Brera Touring ION - the ideal bike for guests looking for a little assistance when riding. The flat handle bars are perfect for clients looking for maximum comfort.

Guerciotti Navir ION - loved by clients that enjoy the challenge of riding some of our more challenging tours. Assistant road bikes are a real ‘game changer’.

 
X

COLNAGO V3

COMPONENTS:

  • Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
  • Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
  • Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
  • Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
  • (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))
X

COLNAGO G4-X

COMPONENTS:

  • Shimano GRX 822 1x - 42T 1x Chainset, 12 Speed 10-51T Cassette
  • Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
  • Shimano GRX Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Prologo Kappa BK saddle
  • Sizes: 46s - 58s
X

GUERCIOTTI BRERA TOURING ION

COMPONENTS:

  • SRAM NX Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (40T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette) URSUS Orion Disc Wheelset
  • Challenge Gravel Grinder 42mm Tyres
  • SRAM Guide Rival Hydraulic Levers and SRAM Rival Caliper Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
  • 500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
  • DPV Touring saddle
  • (Sizes: S, M)

What’s included?

  • 6-nights' 4* accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Transfers (from specified airport/train location)
  • 5 dinners
  • Guided rides
  • Support van
  • Bike washing service
  • Matera walking tour
  • Boat trip
  • Olive oil tasting
  • IBT cycling jersey
  • IBT water bottle
  • City taxes

What’s not included?

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Bike hire
  • All beverages at mealtimes (water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package)
  • Lunches
  • Tips and gratuities
 
 

The nuts and Bolts

Useful information about your holiday

Still Undecided?

Here is what our clients say about this tour………

Excellent service levels and flexibility and a willingness to accommodate individual requirements within the group. Given the age range, mid 20’s to late 60’s, and the varied abilities, the team managed to keep the group together throughout the trip, which was pitched perfectly, being challenging enough for the good riders but not too tough to leave the novices gasping for breath, well not too often anyway.
All the Italy Bike Tours guys were helpful, on hand when required and great company, a thoroughly enjoyable week gents, many thanks, Brian.

Brain | Wellness on two wheels

Where to meet

Please arrange to meet us at Bari Airport at 14:00 - Day 1. We will contact you via WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur an additional cost.

Drop off location

Following the conclusion of the tour we will assist you with planning and booking of onward travel. We will run one transfer to Bari airports leaving in the late morning.

Transfer time

Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Bari Airport. The transfer time from Bari Airport to the Polignano a Mare is 40 mins. Transfer time from Matera to Bari is 60 minutes.
Riding in Puglia

The general road conditions in Puglia are good. During rides we may go through tunnels, they are well lit but for safety we will provide you with lights. Much of the riding will be enjoyed on cycle paths.
Cuisine

The food is excellent in Puglia. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. There a lot of traditional food, Olive Oil (Puglia is one of the largest producers of olive oil in Italy), "Pugliese" bread, Orecchiette, a small, ear-shaped pasta, Burrata and Mozzarella, Pasticciotto (a famous Puglian dessert) and wine (Primitivo and Negroamaro are two red grape varieties that thrive in the region, producing robust and flavourful wines).
Hotel facilities

The hotels on this tour have spas and we recommend bringing swimming costumes. The hotels also have laundry service, good wifi and bar service. Hotels may charge extra for the use of these facilities.
Private tours & groups

We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you a private tour, should you be in a group of more than six people. The private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements.

Weather

Our highly experienced local guides check the weather on a daily basis and amend rides accordingly - should there be a need. The average summer temperature in Puglia can range from 25°C to 33° (77°F-91°F).

What happens next?

Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page.

 

Hotels

CORTE ALTAVILLA

HOTEL LA BARONESSA

HOTEL MASSERIA FONTANA DI VITE

 

Get In Touch

If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.

ITA: +39 320 638 4713

Or you can chat to us online by clicking the button at bottom right of the page.

Drop us a direct email to: info@italybiketours.com