Puglia by Bike: The Sassi of Matera, the Trulli of Alberobello, and Salento Region

Best for Intermediate to good cyclists. No technical difficulty but it is preferable to have prior experience of cycling for several days in a row, you also must be in good physical shape. For more comfort, it is possible to rent an electrically assisted bike. Without this option, the difficulty level of this trip is rated at 3 out of 5. The route mainly follows small secondary roads, offering spectacular landscapes, especially along the coast. As you approach big cities, and especially in the summer, the roads can be a little busier. Note that there are no bike paths in this area, but the charm and beauty of the routes more than make up for it.

Nothing to carry, only a small bag with your belongings for the day. We advise you to take a change of clothes in your bags, because it is sometimes possible in rare and unforeseen cases for example: traffic jams, that your luggage is delivered late. Luggage can arrive until 6pm.

Bookable from 2 people. Solo travelers are possible with a single room supplement and solo traveler fee.

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days of cycling.

We provide you with a digital travel packet that includes a list of your accommodations, any vouchers needed and all the information you need to make your stay run smoothly. You have access to a mobile device app that includes up to date maps and GPX tracks.

This is a self-guided trip without a guide, so you will be completely independent throughout your stay.

You can choose between 2 categories of comfort:
Classic Comfort: mainly B&Bs and 3* hotels.
Superior Comfort: mainly 4* and 5* hotels.

In Alberobello, you could be accommodated in the famous "trulli", for both categories of comfort. The trulli are not equipped with air conditioning. Installation in a double room with bathroom; Possibility to book a single room (with supplement).

Hotel Dimora San Giuseppe Otranto, Category - Superior Comfort 4*

Hotel Torretta Matera, Category - Classic Comfort 3*

Please Note: Photos of accommodations are not contractual. Accommodations may change. Depending on availability, we may book other hotels of equivalent comfort and standard.

Breakfasts included at accommodations. For lunch: you can order picnics from your accommodation or eat along rides in an inn or at the typical restaurants in the region. For dinner: you will have lots of restaurant choices near your accommodations.

*Please let us know at the time of registration if you have any food allergies or special diets; we will do our best to adapt your breakfasts.

Start

Day 1, in the afternoon at your hotel in Matera.

End

Day 8 after breakfast at your hotel in Lecce.

Pre-trip Extension in Matera
We offer a pre-trip extension in Matera (1 or 2 nights) before the cycling tour. This extension includes:

• 1 or 2 nights in a 3* hotel in the center of Matera, in a double room with breakfast
• Transfer from Bari airport to the hotel in Matera upon arrival
• Transfer from the hotel in Matera to Alberobello on Day 1 of the cycling tour

Price upon request. Please contact us for groups larger than 2 people.

Bike rental

The bikes we offer are of different models: unisex/women's or men's.

Hybrid Bike

Crossway aluminum frame 21-30 speed (subject to availability). Men's or women's model.
Fork: SR Suntour NCX Lite D-RL 63
Brakes: Shimano M445 disc brakes, 160mm

E-Bike

Frame: Aluminum Unisex
Battery: 418 Wh
Brakes: Tektro Auriga hydraulic, 180mm
Wheels: Merida Big 7 comp D
Display: STePS SC-E6010

Bike rentals include the following accessories:

• Bike bag - pannier
• Helmet
• Repair kit / 1 per person
• Water bottle
• Bike lock
• Snacks

Important: the stages of the stay are integrated into an application to be downloaded to your mobile phone or GPS device (the application can be used offline). We therefore advise you to bring a phone holder to hang on the handlebars of the bike. We also advise you to bring your own reusable water bottle.

Matera is about 65km / 40 mi from Bari Airport.
Lecce is about 45km / 28 mi from Brindisi Airport.

Bari Wojtyla Airport (BRI) to/from Matera

Direct bus connection: From Bari Airport to Matera, about 1.5 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or on site at the airport. Information: Aeroporti di Puglia - Bari - Puglia Airbus

Train + Train: From Bari Airport to Bari Central Station, there are trains every hour (about €5.30, 20 minutes). Information: Aeroporti di Puglia - Bari - FROM AND FOR THE AIRPORTS
Once at Bari Central Station, you can reach Matera by train. Information: Ferrovie Appulo Lucane - Official site (about €6, 1.5 to 2 hours).

Shuttle + Train: From Bari Airport to Bari Central Station with a shuttle bus, about 30 minutes with departures every hour. Information: Tempesta Autoservizi - Station-Airport Shuttle Bus.
Once at Bari Centrale, you can reach Matera by train with Ferrovie Appulo Lucane - Official site.

Train + Bus: Take a train from Bari Airport to Bari Central Station (about €5.30, 20 minutes). Information: Aeroporti di Puglia - Bari - FROM AND FOR THE AIRPORTS.
Then take a regular bus connecting Bari to Matera (1.5 to 2 hours).

Brindisi Casale Airport (BDS) to/from Lecce

A direct bus connects Brindisi Airport to Lecce. The Lecce bus stop, the City Terminal, is located at the northern entrance of the city, close to the historic center. Depending on your accommodation location in Lecce, you can get around on foot or by bus. Line 21 "Navetta Foro Boario" is a shuttle connecting the large parking near the City Terminal to the castle, near Piazza Sant'Oronzo.

Brindisi Airport - Lecce runs 9 times a day, about 40 minutes. Information: Marozzi VT

Swimming

Several of our trips lend themselves to swimming, during the stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it. However, we would like to point out that you are the only judges of the advisability of a swim; These swims are therefore under your responsibility and at your own risk.

Acting for Responsible Tourism - ATR label

Since 2012, Grand Angle has been a member of ATR, the leading association for more responsible tourism. We design our trips—on foot, by bike, or on snow—to invite everyone to discover the world differently: with curiosity, respect, and kindness.

Active on the board of directors since 2018, we contribute to advancing industry practices toward greater purpose. Specifically, we ensure:

• Transparency in our practices and pricing
• Respect for our partners and local communities
• Environmental preservation on each of our trips

We also share the values of the Traveler’s Ethical Charter, which encourages simple actions to protect the places visited and foster meaningful encounters.

For more information on the ATR association: www.tourisme-responsable.org

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management—both within our company and with our partners, as well as in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, confirms our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our Sustainable Development Policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Clothing checklist

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling in.
• Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Cycling Gloves – padded gloves used specifically for cycling.
• Cycling Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Cycling Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Windbreaker Layer – a light jacket or pullover
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (may not be needed in summer months)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

Gear checklist

• Saddlebag – If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a saddlebag is included with rental
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra items and casual clothes
• Cycling Helmet – (Mandatory for this trip) comfortable fitting, with rain cover. If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a helmet is included with the rental.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system (if planning to wear a backpack during cycling) and an additional water bottle
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Map or Phone Holder – for handlebars, NOT included with bike rentals
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

Optional items

• Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover. Taking a backpack is useful as it makes it easy to carry your belongings when you go on a short walking trip along the way. If your bike has a rack system this bag can be easily attached or even packed within a saddlebag.
• 2-3 Face Masks; 1-2 Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage Italy is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F & L type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

First aid kit suggestions

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/”KT Tape”, Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

Packing for travel

It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

“Carry-on Bag(s)” - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

“Checked Bag(s)” - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed).

Luggage management during trip

During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & ”Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity at hotels, but not throughout the day. Luggage transfers are limited to 1 bag/item per person, 20kg/44lbs maximum weight.

Extra luggage is not allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement and is not easily stored due to different starting and ending destinations.

Saddlebags/bike bag (not provided unless adding bike rental): All guests will need a bike saddle bag, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.)

To Transport Your Belongings: If you don’t have a saddlebag & rack on your bike, bring a 30-40L backpack with a waist strap to carry what you need for the day (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.) as you cycle. If you have a rack on your bike, you can attach your bag with the help of bungee ropes or paracord. Rented bikes are equipped with a saddlebag where you can store your belongings. You should still bring a small backpack with you, so that you can easily take your belongings with you when you are visiting attractions along the route.

Italy
Capital: Rome

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

Italian. Tourist area employees almost always speak some English.

European Emergency Number: 112

Italian tourist information office phone number: +390142660366.

See https://www.italia.it/en

Calling Italy: +39

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

Italy is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro €. Italy, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Italian banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies. Italy more than other EU destinations, still prefer cash in most settings, but credit card use is becoming more and more available.

You can go to Italy almost all year round. Continental climate inland, with high temperatures in summer (hence the desertion of cities), but winters that can be harsh; Mediterranean climate on the coasts, with very hot and dry summers; in the extreme south, Mediterranean-African climate, especially in summer.

When to go to Italy? The best seasons are spring and autumn: the coasts and tourist regions are quieter, and the cities livelier. If you can't escape the summer, when the temperature reaches almost 40°C (104°F) in some places, take a nap (like a local!) between 2pm and 5pm and visit in the morning and evening, in the cooler weather.

Source: The Thinking Traveller