Apulia and Basilicata Castles and Wine Tour – 8 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 3
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 28 Miles/day average
Dates: May 15, 29; Sep 4, 2015 (minimum 6 participants)
Tour price: €1300
Start city: Trani, Italy
End city: Matera, Italy
Tour Description
A trip into the silence, light and history of Southern Italy.
Departing from the Alta Murgia plateau, you will visit Trani, with its port and enchanting cathedral, Castel del Monte that boasts a mysterious octagonal-shaped medieval castle, Venosa, an ancient Roman city, and Melfi. After passing through the Vulture vineyards, you will head south, cycling along roads surrounded by golden hills and the final leg of the tour is in Matera with its Sassi.
Every day you will discover local art treasures and sample the cuisine and products of these lands. You will often have the impression of traveling back in time.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Arrival Trani Day 2: Castel del Monte (25miles/40km) Day 3: Venosa (34 miles/55km) Day 4: Rest day or cycle into the Vulture area and the Castles of Federico II (28miles/45km) Day 5: Bradano Valley (25miles/40km) (Van transfer about 40 minutes) Day 6: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera Hills (28 miles/45km) Day 7: The Rock Churches Park (25 miles/40km) Day 8: Departure Included Services: Guided Bike Rentals: Guided Bikes come equipped with the following at no extra cost: Other equipment available to rent: Pedals: Seats: Helmets:
Arrival and get settled in at your hotel in Trani, an old town facing the Adriatic Sea. There is a lovely historical centre, Romanesque Cathedral, castle, gardens and old port where we suggest you to have lunch, choosing from the fish menu at one of the small restaurants.
Overnight in Trani.
The route passes through the olive fields on the A- 170 with a stop-off in Castel del Monte, a UNESCO site and example of medieval architecture as built by the emperor Frederick II. After visiting the castle, which offers a wonderful view of the “Alta Murgia”, you get settled in at a nice hotel with swimming pool.
Overnight in Andria.
From Puglia you will cycle on to Basilicata in Venosa, the town of Horatio, the Latin poet of Carpe Diem. To be visited: the Trinity church with its tombs of Norman kings and valuable frescoes.
Overnight in Venosa.
This is the land of Aglianico wine (known since the Roman Empire) and of top-rated olive oil. In Melfi you can visit the big Norman Castle with its seven towers and museum. A ride through a chestnut wood will bring you to a local wine store where you can stop off for tasting. Back to Venosa across the hills and the wine cellars located around Barile and Ginestra.
Overnight in Venosa.
A gentle ride through the Bradano river valley, surrounded by vineyards and small villages with a typical southern atmosphere: Palazzo S. Gervasio, Banzi, Genzano di Lucania. At times it will feel like you are back in the last century. Once in Genzano you will meet our van to be transferred to Bufalara hill. The colours of the landscape, its silence and the warm welcome from the local people are still able to enchant any visitor.
Overnight in Grottole.
A ride along the wonderful, deserted road around San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful natural oasis, the destination of many migratory birds from Africa. We suggest you take some time to enjoy bird watching, spotting grey herons, cormorants, storks and fish hawks. Continue to Matera and overnight stay in one of the hotel in the Sassi district. (Route has short final climb at the end.)
Overnight in Matera.
Cycle along the valley of the Chiese Rupestri (rock churches) Park, stopping off for a picnic and to use the pool at the Orto di Luciana on the way. After an optional further 5km (3 miles) uphill, you will reach the hill-top town of Montescaglioso, dominated by its enchanting 11th-century Benedictine abbey before returning to Matera. (Route has short final climb at the end.)
Overnight in Matera.
Breakfast and end of tour.
Bikes available for rent on this tour (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it has a universal seat post.
Please plan to bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes. Helmet rental is not available on this tour.
