At a Glance
Experience and relish la dolce vita on this spectacular 6-day Italy biking escapade from Puglia’s Salento to Matera. Cycle along mesmerising coastlines, rich historic towns and seaside villages as you combine your journey with mouth-watering cuisine and learning the enhancing culture.
Your exciting adventure begins in Lecce with a shuttle to the vibrant Le Stanzie. Pedal through peaceful country lanes around lakes and beaches. Savour a delicious lunch at a Masseria with a coastal view before basking by the pool or visiting the spa. Relish a thrilling bike ride along the eastern coast of Salento, and enjoy some of the region's finest wines and cuisine at a local winery. Enjoy local specialties at the "White City" of Ostuni. Witness the technique of making mozzarella, ride an ancient Roman road, and behold ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals: 6x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner
- 5 nights accommodation in premiere hotels on a twin-share basis
- Luggage and airport transfer
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 10 a.m. in front of the main entrance of the Stanzione di Lecce train station in Lecce, Italy. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your biking clothes and come with your luggage, a daypack with your rain gear, passport (for hotel check-in), and anything else you may want for today's ride (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodation). We shuttle from Lecce's lively city centre to Le Stanzie, a farmhouse, and ancient olive mill, once an important stop on the trade route to Gallipoli. We tour the property and get better acquainted over a rustic lunch before your tour leaders fit your bike and enlighten you briefly on biking techniques and safety. Then, embark on a warm-up ride through the olive groves to the coast. Board the shuttle or continue cycling down the scenic road to Baglioni Masseria Muzza, a recently renovated 17th-century farmhouse complex and our home for the next two nights. This charming hotel is a 10-minute drive from Otranto's centre and a few minutes from enchanting Adriatic beaches. Feel free to traverse the grounds, take a dip in the large infinity pool, or pamper yourself with a visit to the spa before dinner. (Spa at own expense). In the evening, we convene for a welcome reception followed by an artfully prepared dinner of authentic Pugliese specialties made with fresh, local ingredients at the hotel's restaurant. |
Baglioni Masseria Muzza, Otranto
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before beginning your first full day of biking. Unlike yesterday's leisurely ride, today's ride takes you into hillier terrain. Be prepared to tackle some steep and short climbs as we head south down the jagged coast, welcomed with fascinating views over the Adriatic. You'll pass deteriorating watchtowers balanced above the sea, a testament to Puglia's strategic position during the Crusades. Stop for an espresso on a turquoise boat port and take a dip in the deep blue cove, where we convene for a fresh seafood lunch. Later in the day, do more pedalling and explore the area by bike. There is also the option of joining the shuttle back to our hotel and basking by the pool. Otherwise, pamper yourself with a spa treatment this afternoon. We end the day with a short walk to the winery, where we learn about local wine varieties. Finally, we settled for a delectable dinner before returning for the evening. |
Baglioni Masseria Muzza, OtrantoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Wake up to a mouth-watering breakfast and the ambiance of your hotel. Post-breakfast, we shuttle to the Itria Valley, a part of Puglia decorated with whitewashed villages, ancient olive groves, and a gentle coastline. Pedal along rolling country roads characterised by weathered stone walls and centuries-old olive trees to the La Citta Bianca Ostuni, also known as "The White City." |
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Savour lunch at our favourite trattoria in the old town's terraced alleyways. This afternoon, you may want to set out on a peaceful ride past the stretch of gnarled olive trees along the seaside, tracing the route of the ancient Via Traiana, or join a shuttle directly to our luxurious retreat. Pedal or shuttle through the farmland before descending toward the sea and Masseria San Domenico, This 100-hectare estate used to be a 15th-century stronghold of the Knights of Malta but is now a five-star hotel and our home for the next two nights. In the evening, we gather in our hotel's sophisticated dining room for a dinner inspired by the Adriatic Sea and featuring ingredients from the hotel's vegetable garden. |
Masseria San Domenico, SavelletriBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before setting out for a ride through the hills of the Murgia limestone plateau and along secluded country roads to the land of the trulli - round stone buildings with conical limestone roofs and built without mortar—journey to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alberobello, which boasts 1,500 trulli cones. Here, you can bike on peaceful roads through oak forests and past dairy farms or take a walking tour with our local friend, who enlightens you on his town's architecture and unique history. Next, we witness how fresh mozzarella is made during a demonstration by a local artisan. Enjoy lunch on your own in Alberobello, where you have your pick of various quaint restaurants. If you’re feeling more adventurous, hop in the saddle to bike back to our hotel or join the shuttle. Regardless of your choice, this afternoon is perfect for some well-deserved R&R. |
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Tonight, you have the chance to head into Monopoli, a spectacular seaside town complete with gorgeous narrow streets, a magnificent cathedral, and several enticing restaurants to choose from for dinner on your own. |
Masseria San Domenico, SavelletriBreakfast |
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: We begin the day with another breathtaking ride through the stunning countryside as you tackle the demanding climb (or shuttle for a boost over the hills) en route to Puglia's neighbouring region, Basilicata. Cycle across long expanses of the open road amid acres of traditional dairy farms to a quintessential agriturismo (country retreat and working farm), where we relish a meal featuring homemade cheeses, meats, and bread made from wheat grown and ground on the property. Get back on the road, board the shuttle, or reunite with your bike and go to the World Heritage Site of Matera, an ideal representation of a Mediterranean troglodyte settlement. Take some time to learn about these prehistoric cave dwellings—known as sassi (stones)---which give this city an otherworldly feel. Monks hiding from foreign invaders inhabited these dwellings in the Middle Ages, and in 1952, there were still 15,000 people living in the Sassi! |
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Later, settle into a cliff cave of your own for the night at Sextantio le Grotte della Civita. Harkening back to the Middle Ages when simple pastoral farmers lived here, the hotel maintains a minimalist design using original and recycled materials with seamlessly integrated modern facilities. At night, we convene at a favourite local restaurant in the cave! Indulge in a traditional Italian aperitivo and toast to a wonderful week before digging into our final dinner of Basilicata specialties. |
Sextantio le Grotte della Civita, MateraBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before joining our informative local guide for a walking tour of Matera to learn about its fascinating history. However, if you would prefer one final challenge, rise up early this morning and set off on a route to the crested town of Montescaglioso for inspirational vistas of Basilicata's countryside. Regardless of how you decide to cap off this week's adventure, you'll have time to bid your leaders farewell before hopping in the shuttle bound for Bari, where our trip ends. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Lecce
- The finish point is Bari
- We recommend flying into Rome or Milan and then catching a flight to Bari's Karol Wojtyła Airport. Then train to Lecce. Flights to Bari depart Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport several times daily. There are limited flights available from Milan's Linate Airport. There are no direct flights from Florence to Bari. If you don't mind the longer travel time and the possibility of delays, instead of flying, you can take the train to Lecce from any of the mentioned cities above.
Southern Italy has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot dry summers and mild winters. During the spring and fall, daytime temperatures are usually pleasant and warm, while evenings tend to be cool. Although Puglia receives little rain, we highly recommend bringing lightweight breathable rain gear—just in case!
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Performance Road Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
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Carbon Bike The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
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Tandem Bike Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
