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This trip will take you through the heel of Italy, between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Starting from Matera discover the trulli houses of Alberobello and the towns of Ostuni, Gallipoli, Otranto, and Lecce. Includes 6 days cycling with partial vehicel support, bike hire and accommodation with breakfast..

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• 6 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night ‘masseria’ (converted farmhouse)
• All breakfasts
• 6 days cycling with partial vehicle support
• Local bike hire included (E-bikes available at extra cost)

Day 1 Start Matera

• Take time to wander through the narrow streets of this enchanting town. Discover the Sassi cave-dwellings, carved directly into ravines in this Unesco World Heritage site. Meet the group and your tour leader at a welcome briefing.

Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 2 Matera to Alberobello

• The ride from Matera is mostly hilly with gentle ascents on quiet rural roads through the Apulian. Pass the lovely towns of Noci and Gioia del Colle and see the fairytale trulli houses that have made the historic centre of Alberobello another Unesco World Heritage site. Ascent: 630m; Descent: 610m; Total: 69km.

Accommodation: Traditional trulli houses, Grand Hotel Olimpo (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 Valle d'Itria to Ostuni

• The lush Valle d’Itria is one of the prettiest cultural and natural landscapes in southern Italy, with rolling hills to take in the views. Pass by the towns of Locorotondo and Cisternino, with their historic centres filled with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, churches and elegant piazzas. There will be time for rest stops along the way to Ostuni, known as the White City thanks to the dazzling effect of its white buildings. Ascent: 430m; Descent: 2085m; Total: 45km.

Accommodation: Relais Sant’Eligio (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 Ostuni to a country masseria in Avetrana

• Cycle along peaceful country lanes to the town of Francavilla Fontana and on to Oria, famous for its 13th-century castle and historic centre with cobbled streets, whitewashed walls and beautiful architecture. Continue through the countryside to a masseria, a typical Apulian converted farmhouse for an overnight stay on this working farm. Ascent: 205m; Descent: 3455m; Total: 56km.

Accommodation: Masseria Bosco (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 Cycle to the coast and Gallipoli

• Cycle towards the Ionian Coast and the beautiful town of Gallipoli, with its old town on a rocky island offering fantastic views. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming in the Ionian sea along the way (weather permitting). Ascent: 655m; Descent: 260m; Total: 57km.

Accommodation: Hotel 33 Baroni (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 Gallipoli to Otranto

• Cross the heel of Italy from the Ionian Sea to the Adriatic sea and the ancient Messapian town of Otranto. Take time to explore the medieval town centre. The interesting architecture, views, sea-front restaurants and white sandy beaches make it one of the most picturesque towns in Puglia. Ascent: 505m; Descent: 485m; Total: 71km.

Accommodation: Hotel Albània (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 Coastal route from Otranto to Lecce

• Cycle along the shoreline and through olive groves to Lecce, in the heart of Puglia. Sometimes described as the Florence of the South, the city is a baroque masterpiece with sumptuous palazzi and churches. There is time to stop for a last swim (seasonal) in Torre dell’Orso, a lovely bay surrounded by limestone cliffs. In Lecce, there will be free time to explore the historic centre before an optional farewell dinner. Ascent: 235m; Descent: 190m; Total: 54km.

Accommodation: Hotel Eos (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 8 End Lecce

• Enjoy your final breakfast with the group before departure. If you’d like an extra day in Lecce ask us for details.

Meals included: Breakfast