landscapes of matera and puglia cycling trip notes of... · at matera enjoy the stone cit y of...

Landscapes of Matera and Puglia Cycling Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays

Destinations: Italy

Programmes: Cycling

Trip Code:

C14PM Leisurely /Moderate

15 Days Land only

Min age: 12

Trip Overview

This fourteen night, self-guided cycling holiday takes in some of the highlights of Basilicata and Puglia in Southern Italy. Starting in

the UNESCO-listed Matera, known for its rock churches and Sassi houses, you'll have a free day here to explore before setting off

on your bike to head to the neighbouring region of Puglia. Firmly tucked away 'on the heel of Italy's boot', Puglia offers

extraordinary variety and beauty with a dramatically rugged coast, providing a total contrast to the lush green interior.

You'll ride to Gravina, one of the most important Roman cities along the Appian Way and continue on through the Alta Murgia

National Park (the largest natural park in Italy) with a stop at Castel del Montewith its iconic castle. Your cycle route then heads to

the Adriatic coast, to Trani, one of the oldest and liveliest cities along this stretch of coastline. Follow the coastline for the last two

days stopping in Bari before heading inland.

Here, you'll be intoxicated by the rich colours of the landscape, olive groves, fruit orchards, vineyards and ruby-red �elds, all

intensi�ed by the wonderful limpid light of the Adriatic. Highlights include staying in unique Alberobello, a UNESCO World

Heritage Site, and visiting the postcard-pretty white village of Ostuni as you wind your way back towards the sea.

At a Glance

14 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation

11 days cycling

All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals

Current as of: November 8, 2019 - 15:16

Valid for departures: From September 17, 2019 to December 31, 2030

Trip Highlights

Is This Trip for You?

This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and

planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace,

while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you

will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and

in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at

the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your

luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone

number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to

charge for this service.

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

GPS route directions and maps

RideWithGPS navigation app

High quality bikes

Luggage transfers between hotels

Two nights in the UNESCO town of Matera

Cycling through the Alta Murgia National Park, the largest natural park in Italy

Hand-picked hotels including two nights in a unique trullo house in UNESCO Alberobello

Traditional Mediterranean cuisine and excellent wines

Land Only

Start City: Matera

End City: Monopoli

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Matera

Arrive in Matera, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

Day 2

At Matera

Enjoy the stone city of Matera, named the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Situated in the Basilicata Region, stroll

through its beautiful Palaeolithic cave dwellings, intricate cathedrals and museums.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Matera to Gravina

Leave Matera and cycle a few kilometres to enter the beautiful region of Puglia. Ride on gentle slopes towards Gravina, one

of the most important Roman cities along the Appian Way, and Altamura, located on the hills of the Murge plateau.


Distance covered: 43 km / 26.5 miles

Day 4

Gravina to Castel del Monte

Today, our route winds across the largest natural park in Italy - the Alta Murgia National Park. Our �nal destination is an

iconic castle in the southern region, commissioned by Frederick II, with its unique octagonal structure making it worthy of the

UNESCO World Heritage list.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 42 km / 26 miles

Day 5

Castel del Monte to Trani

Today's ride continues though the Alta Murgia National Park, with a pleasant descent towards the adriatic Sea and Trani,

one of the oldest and liveliest cities on the Apulian coast. Known as the 'Pearl of Pugila', the city is characterised by its breath-

taking cathedral that sits right on the water's edge. Afterwards, wander around its Jewish quarter, hidden between it's glossy

limestone streets.


Distance covered: 43 km / 26.5 miles

Day 6

Train to Bari

Explore the historic town centres of Bisceglie, Molfetta and Giovinazzo, admiring their Romanesque style architecture. Arrive

in Bari, a bustling, coral-fringed port town and ride along one of the longest promenades in the Mediterranean to the old

city.



Day 7

At Bari

Spend the day exploring the capital of the region Puglia, walking the narrow lanes of the Vecchia Bari (Old town), admiring

the 11th century Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola (also know as Santa Claus) which was specially built to house his

remains. Or head to the old port for a stroll along the seafront, where in the mornings you can see �shermen landing in small

wooden boats with their catch - and then selling it directly on the waterfront.


Day 8

Bari to Conversano

Leave Bari pedalling for several kilometres on the southern side of the sea, up to Baia San Giorgio, where San Nicola (Santa

Klaus) landed in Europe, the black Saint bridge between Eastern and Western Christianity. Then follow the coast and up to

Torre a mare and then go a few kilometres inland, to Rutigliano, a beautiful town known for the manufacture of terracotta

artefacts, and from there you cross peaceful countryside planted with grapes and cherries to Conversano.



Day 9

Conversano to Alberobello

Today's cycling takes you through the rolling hills of the Itria Valley where the air is perfumed with wild mint and herbs. Stop in

the little towns of Putignano and Noci, and their characteristic whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. It's then off to

unique Alberobello and its plethora of trulli houses, the architectural symbol of the region. On arrival you'll be met by the

staff, will show you to your own private trullo house.



Day 10

At Alberobello

Spend today roaming around the historic centre, navigating your way through narrow streets, kitsch souvenir shops and

tasting local delicacies. Or maybe visit the Museum of the Territory to discover the history of this unique UNESCO World

Heritage Site. Alternatively, a circular cycle route (45km / 29mi - route directions provided) takes you deep into the Itria

Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo, with wonderful panoramic views across the valley. Continue on to Martina Franca, a

must-see town given its marvellously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning palaces.



Day 11

Alberobello - Pezze di Greco

You'll spend a long downhill run with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. This incredible

descent will bring you down towards. Chapter and �nishes through a patchwork of almond orchards, olives groves,

vineyards and gloriously coloured �elds of fresh tomatoes and peppers.



Day 12

At Pezze di Greco

Today you could just relax by the hotel pool, or cycle to the nearby beach. For the more energetic, a circular cycle ride

(48km / 30mi route directions provided) - taking notes to charming Ostuni whose whitewashed arches and houses are neatly

piled like sugar cubes on hills rich in olive groves and vineyards!



Day 13

Pezze di Greco - Monopoli

This morning you leave the farm and head to the Adriatic coast on a gentle �at route. You will cycle past the colourful �shing

village of Savelletri, a perfect stop for an authentic Italian espresso or indulge in a delicious seafood lunch. Your ride will

continue past the archaeological site of Egnazia, once the location of a Greek-Roman town, dating as far back as 4 B.C. You

then return to the picturesque coastal town of Monopoli and your 4 star hotel in time for a stroll before choosing your evening

restaurant from one of the many eateries in the heart of the old town.



Accommodation

Hotels

Your accommodation is as varied as the landscape, with each place specially chosen for its unique charm and character. In

Matera you will stay in a historical building set in the Matera Sassi UNESCO site area featuring beautiful frescoed halls that come

with original furniture, and a collection of paintings ranging from the 17th to the 20th century.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single will only guarantee a room for single use. It does not necessarily mean

a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Please note that a member of the group may be allocated a single room by default if the make-up of the group means there isn’t

anyone for them to share with. Paying the supplement in advance is the only way to guarantee a single room.

Day 14

At Monopoli

At the end of the tour we still explore a stretch of the Adriatic coast, perhaps the most beautiful of all. To the north of

Monopoli, coming out of the port and after a few coves and a beautiful medieval tower overlooking the cliff, we arrive at

Polignano. Its hamlet, which can be reached by bike through a spectacular bike path, in some places almost suspended over

the sea, is positioned on the edge of a high cliff (from here the daring athletes who participate in the world diving

championship also plunge from great heights). Polignano is then the city of ice cream and the country that gave birth to

Domenico Modugno (mister “Volare”). A few kilometres further along the coast we come to the village, the marina and the

abbey of San Vito: an imposing and spectacular medieval building overlooking the sea. From here you go back, pedalling

inland, through vegetable gardens and olive trees



Day 15

Leave MonopoliMeals included: Breakfast

Single supplements cannot be refunded retrospectively.

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All continental breakfasts and 3 dinners included.

In Puglia you will �nd genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the land and the sea. To give you just a small list 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 �sh and

seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the

abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians! On this trip there will be many opportunities to

taste the best local specialities.

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information

Matera and Puglia enjoy a wonderful Mediterranean climate with all year round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure that

the green is never too far off. You're never far from the sea which has a moderating effect on the weather. Please note that the area

can be very hot, reaching high 30s in the summer.

Joining Instructions

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not

receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our of�ce or your travel agent.

Transfers Details

Airport transfers are note included in the tour price. If you are booking a land only package then we can usually arrange

transfers for you for an additional charge.

Location start: Matera

Location end: Monopoli

What to Take

Essential Equipment

We recommend you bring the following items:

Normal daily clothes

Padded cycling shorts

Cycling gloves

Water bottles

Breathable cycling top

Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)

A couple of warm layers

Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat

Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling

Waterproofs and long cycling trousers

For earlier departures you may need some warmer layers

Mobile phone with roaming capabilities

Local Bike Details

A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in

order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insuf�cient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to �nd

suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are

available.

Conditions

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.

2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted).

The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.

3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you

may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment

4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the in�uence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the

event of breakdown or loss.

Bringing Your Own Bike

If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you

will receive a discount off the price of the holiday, as speci�ed above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges,

please speak to our Sales team for individual airline fees. You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike

as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools speci�c to it. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire �eet.

Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home

contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Breakaway is con�dent that we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of

your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.

Extra Bike Bits

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to �t to the hire bikes. We

encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your

saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Breakaway Policy on Cycling Helmets

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Breakaway cycling holiday. Group members must bring their

own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Breakaway.

For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so

entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that

in some countries we travel to wearing a helmet is already a legal requirement.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for

the riding you are going to undertake.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight

waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long

distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag

or small close-�tting daysack.

E-Bikes Available

Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference - power! A tiny electric motor

(capped at 25mph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more

fun. They are just perfect if you want to try a trip with companions of differing �tness level - or a trip at a slightly harder grade - and

want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.

Practical InformationPassport

Italy

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the

correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you

are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local

immigration and customs of cials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa

Italy

No visa required for US passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination

Italy

There are no speci c health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a

long way to help you stay t and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we

strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-

date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not

considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include

repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you

will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically

designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that

are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to

the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CET (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.

Money

Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural

understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely

partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some

circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our

leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered

alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional

costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be con�dent in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have

any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway of�ce and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you

approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier

please contact our of�ce or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure

or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to

enjoy them you should be prepared to be �exible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible

to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances

we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE – STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

Version 1

landscapes of matera and puglia cycling trip notes of... · at matera enjoy the stone cit y of...

Documents