At a Glance
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Witness nature in its authentic and untouched form as you bike through the peaceful country roads of picturesque Italy. Discover beautiful prehistoric caves and ancient olive groves, taste exquisite cuisine and delve into the alluring culture as you voyage from Puglia to Basilicata on this 6-day biking tour.
Your adventure begins in Bari in Italy and journey to explore Masseria Brigantino, a fortified farmhouse nestled in an ancient olive orchard. Climb up to Polignano a Mare, a picture-perfect whitewashed village. A walking adventure takes you to Alberobello, a World Heritage site. Gain insight into its intriguing and unique structures and engage in mozzarella making. Uncover the white city of Ostuni, a historic settlement, and take a stroll to Monopoli. You’ll peddle your way to the World Heritage Site of Matera, an ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- 5 nights of accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers transfers
- Biking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- 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
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
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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. |
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
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FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
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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. |
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TFOUR BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
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At noon, you will be shuttling back to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation time. Soothe your muscles with a refreshing dip in the pool or a restorative spa treatment. Or, cover some more distance on your bike through the olive groves back to the hotel. Tonight, we will take a stroll to Monopoli, a stunning seaside town graced with charming narrow streets, a magnificent cathedral, and interesting local restaurants to choose from for dinner on your own. Take your taste buds on an Italian adventure as you relish varieties of dishes such as Mediterranean cuisine, the burrata, and tomato dish, the duck & Langoustine Ravioli with langoustine broth, and many more.
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THREE BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
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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. |
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: 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. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Bari, Puglia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Palermo. The nearest international airport is Bari Airport which is 8.9 km away. Other nearby airports include Brindisi Airport, 103.6 km and Naples International Airport 262km.
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.
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.