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Cycle from the UNESCO town of Matera through Italy's heel to Lecce
The trip starts in the town of Matera, a real jewel of Southern Italy. The hotel is located within walking distance to the historic centre. There is usually time in the afternoon to wander through the narrow alleys of the town’s famous UNESCO cave-dwelling district and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city.
On leaving Matera we pedal through the area that makes this town so special. For millenia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwelling directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-colored soft stone. These houses are called 'Sassi' and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago. Today's ride is mostly hilly with gentle ascents to be expected throughout, as we cycle on quiet rural roads amongst the picturesque Apulian countryside towards Alberobello. En route we pass the lovely towns of Noci and Gioia del Colle as well as some famous fairy-tale trulli houses that have also made the historic centre of Alberobello a recognised UNESCO world heritage site. Overnight in Alberobello. Cycle approx. 70km (ascent +659m; descent -648m).
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
Altitude Gain: 659
Altitude Loss: 648
Today we cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria, one of the prettiest cultural and natural landscapes of southern Italy, to the hilltop village of Ostuni. The route is undulating throughout but much shorter than yesterday's ride. This allows us to enjoy the views at a more leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities for rest stops. Along the way we pass the famous wine town of Locorotondo and Cisternino, both known for their historic centres filled with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, churches and elegant piazzas. In the afternoon we reach the city of Ostuni, known as the 'white city' thanks to the dazzling effect of its white buildings. Overnight in Ostuni.
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 27
Altitude Gain: 341
Altitude Loss: 547
We continue pedalling through tranquil country lanes to the town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria. A popular destination among Apulians, Oria is famous for its 13th century castle and delightful historic centre of cobbled streets, whitewashed walls and beautiful architecture. We continue through the countryside to a masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse and our accommodation for the night. The masseria is still a working farm and most of the produce grown here, from vegetables to olives and wheat, is used daily for the preparation of local dishes. Before dinner we will have the opportunity to taste some organic olive oil produced by the family that runs the farm and accommodation. Overnight in Avetrana.
Distance in Km: 56
Distance in Miles: 34
Altitude Gain: 170
Altitude Loss: 314
From the masseria we cycle towards the Ionian Coast and the beautiful town of Gallipoli, known as the 'Ionian Pearl' with its old town situated on a rocky island offering fantastic views both to the north and the south. The town itself has many churches and narrow alleys and was the largest exporter of lamp oil made from olives in the 17th and 18th centuries. Weather permitting, today there are plenty of opportunities for swimming in the Ionian sea near the popular seaside resort of Porto Cesareo. Overnight in Gallipoli.
Distance in Km: 65
Distance in Miles: 40
Altitude Gain: 213
Altitude Loss: 270
Our route continues along the south of the peninsula and the impressive stretch of coastline leading to the ancient Messapian town of Otranto, the easternmost point in Italy. Before dinner there will be time at leisure to explore the town’s mediaeval centre. Here the interesting architecture, views, sea-front restaurants and white sandy beaches make it one of Puglia's most picturesque towns. Overnight in Otranto.
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 45
Altitude Gain: 506
Altitude Loss: 495
Today we follow the shoreline through innumerable olive groves to Lecce, the Baroque masterpiece of southern Italy, in the heart of Puglia. Sometimes described as the 'Florence of the South', the city is an architectural gem, boasting sumptuous palazzi and churches. Today's ride is relatively short and easy, giving us time to stop en route for a last swim (seasonal) in Torre dell'Orso, a lovely bay surrounded by limestone cliffs with many ancient caves to discover. In Lecce there will be some free time to explore the historic centre before an optional farewell dinner. Overnight in Lecce.
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
Altitude Gain: 234
Altitude Loss: 188
The trip ends in the morning of day 8. We recommend spending an extra day in Lecce to soak up the atmosphere of this elegant Baroque city, home to outstanding architecture. Exodus can arrange post tour accommodation for you if needed; please contact our Sales or Operations team for a quote. **
* 6 nights comfortable hotels and 1 night 'masseria' (converted farmhouse)
* 8 days land only / flight inclusive
* 6 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
* 99% tarmac and some short sections of gravel
* Quiet rural undulating roads
* Local bike hire included
* E-bike hire available on request
7 breakfasts are included and usually consist of a continental-style
buffet. A typical hotel breakfast consists of: toast/bread with jam, cereal,
cheese and ham (occasionally), served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice,
fruit, cake and yoghurt. Lunches are normally arranged as picnics or taken in
small cafes' along the route. Vegetarians and people with special dietary
requirements can be catered for but please inform us of your requests prior
travel.
In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the
land and the sea. Some of the types of food on offer in Puglia: bread from
the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta delicacy Orecchiette served
with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese,
Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood,
burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus excellent wines. This region
is a paradise for food lovers!
* 6 nights comfortable hotels and 1 night 'masseria' (converted farmhouse)
* 8 days land only / flight inclusive
* 6 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
* 99% tarmac and some short sections of gravel
* Quiet rural undulating roads
* Local bike hire included
* E-bike hire available on request
This trip is classified Road, Activity Level: 3/Moderate.
6 days cycling, average 60 km/day (37 miles) Terrain and route: 99% tarmac,
with a couple of very short sections of gravel.
Most of the cycling is along flat to hilly tarmac roads (mainly
traffic-free), with a few steady ascents and descents along the way, so a
reasonable level of fitness is required. Road conditions are generally good,
but tarmac may be pot-holed in places.
A support vehicle (with only two passengers seats) is available throughout
the trip, it will not be able to follow the group at all times but it will
meet you at the end of cycle paths and at junctions to give route directions
and allow access to any items you don’t wish to carry on the bike.
Please see the introductory pages of the cycling brochure or our website for
more important information on classification and grading. If you have any
queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us.
3 and 4-star hotels
We use a mix of comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels and renovated traditional
buildings. Most hotels are high quality and have been selected for their
location, comfort and character, some representing the characteristic
Apullian architecture. We also spend one night in a typical Masseria (a
traditional converted farmhouse ) surrounded by olive groves. All rooms are
en suite and some hotels have a swimming pool.
*Examples of hotels used:*
Matera: *Hotel Belvedere and Residence Casalnuovo.* Please note that due to
the limited capacity of hotels in Matera we are not able to confirm the
definite start hotel for each departure far in advance, and the group may
occasionally be split in different accommodation of similar standards.
Alberobello: *Trulli e Puglia*
Ostuni: *Relais Sant'Eligio or Masseria Tutuosa* (approx. 10km from Ostuni)
Avetrana: *Masseria Bosco*
Gallipoli: *Hotel 33 Baroni*
Otranto: *Hotel Albania*
Lecce: *Hotel Eos*
Please contact our Customer Operations team two weeks prior departure if you
wish to receive the up-to-date hotels list for your trip.
Pool at Masseria 
There will be one cycling leader and one support person driving the support
vehicle.
7 breakfasts are included and usually consist of a continental-style
buffet. A typical hotel breakfast consists of: toast/bread with jam, cereal,
cheese and ham (occasionally), served with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice,
fruit, cake and yoghurt. Lunches are normally arranged as picnics or taken in
small cafes' along the route. Vegetarians and people with special dietary
requirements can be catered for but please inform us of your requests prior
travel.
In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the
land and the sea. Some of the types of food on offer in Puglia: bread from
the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta delicacy Orecchiette served
with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese,
Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood,
burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus excellent wines. This region
is a paradise for food lovers!
Transfers to and from the airport are by private vehicle. Your luggage is
transported from hotel to hotel for you. The vehicle will be on hand with
assistance during the rides.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or Alitalia
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly
we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Matera and ending in Lecce*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Matera in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
It is relatively straightforward to make your own way to Matera from Bari
airport. If you are not planning to join our group transfer, the cheapest
option to reach the start point of this trip is by public transport. There is
a bus service running from Bari airport to Matera, called Pugliairbus.
(transfer 60 min. - ticket: €6 www.pugliairbus.aeroportidipuglia.it [1]).
It is also possible to travel to Matera by train although it is not
recommended as connections are limited.
Exodus can arrange a private arrival transfer prior departure for a price of
approx. £70-90 for the vehicle. Please contact us if you wish to book this
service.
[1] http://www.pugliairbus.aeroportidipuglia.it
Puglia enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with year round sunshine and
just enough rainfall to ensure a lush landscape Although Puglia covers a
large area it is long and narrow. In fact it is never more than 30km across,
which allows the sea breeze to have a moderating effect on the weather.
Gloves and shorts, spare inner tube (unless hiring a bike), waterproof
jacket, sun cream and lip salve, sunglasses/eye protection, warm jacket for
evenings, small daysack, favourite energy snacks, mosquito repellent, cycling
helmet (compulsory on this trip).
Beach towel and swimwear. Panniers are provided with the bikes. If you want
to carry more with you during the day we recommend a large bum-bag or small
close-fitting daysack
*Local Bike Details:** *Velo de Ville L200 Disc touring bikes with front
suspension.
*Discount for bringing your own bike:** *£90.
For lunches and dinners not included allow about €200-250 (for the week)
depending on the standard of restaurant chosen.
LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for
non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will
be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee
varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of
stay. It is usually between 1 and 4 euros per person per night.
For this trip, please allow approx. €10 for the week.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus, however
most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and in appreciation of
their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and
depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip,
as a guide we would suggest a total of approximately €30 per person (€20
for the leader and €10 shared between the other staff where appropriate).
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Local city taxes (approx. €10)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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