Included: An experienced, local cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area 7-day Basilicata bike tour (5 days of cycling) Accommodation for 6 nights in hotels, masserias, and mountain inns (double occupancy) Most meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 light lunches, 6 dinners Airport transfers Van support and luggage transfers Technical and emergency assistance GPX tracks Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Gravel, road, or e-bike rental Hybrid bike rental Helmet hire Not included: Flights Beverages Entrance fees Medical/luggage insurance Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Good fitness is required for this Basilicata bike tour. Daily distances reach up to 85 km (53 mi) , with a demanding 10 km (6 mi) climb on day 4 and a full mountain stage through Pollino National Park on day 5. The route works for road, gravel, or e-bikes, and while a few days are easier rolling terrain, the climbing days ask for real stamina on the bike. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Italy bike tours here!

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Cycling trousers — mandatory Comfortable cycling clothes for warm and cooler conditions Spare clothes for layering Lightweight cycling shoes Cycling gloves Waterproof rain jacket Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) A small day bag for essentials (luggage transfer takes care of the rest) Sunhat and sunglasses Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.) Camera — optional, but recommended Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Basilicata bike tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10 :1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants . A Basilicata bike tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this Basilicata bike tour is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Basilicata bike tour is Matera . To get there, most people fly into Bari Airport (BRI) . From there, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Matera. You will meet your guide in Matera on Day 1.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Check out Early bird options for best sellers here

BASILICATA | ITALY

Coast to Coast Basilicata Bike Tour in Italy

7 days | Moderate to Challenging | 5.00

From $3,130 ()

Book a call

We start in Matera’s cave-carved Sassi and finish with our wheels dipped in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and everything in between is Basilicata doing its best impression of Italy nobody talks about. On this 7-day Basilicata bike tour, we climb out of the Murgia plateau, roll through clay badlands that look lifted from another planet, and grind up into Pollino National Park before dropping into Maratea’s cliffside finish. It’s remote, it’s quiet, and the climbs earn every descent. Bring good legs and low expectations for crowds. Let’s cycle coast to coast.

Paolo

Adventure Highlights

Coast to coast: Cycle coast to coast from Matera's ancient cave city to the cliffs of Maratea
Badlands and backroads: Pass through the surreal Calanchi clay formations and Pollino's wild forest peaks
Comfy nights: Rest and relax in hotels, countryside masserias, and cozy mountain inns

Duration

7 days

Season

May through October

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This week-long Basilicata bike tour crosses southern Italy from sea to sea, starting in Matera's UNESCO-listed Sassi and ending on the cliffs of Maratea. Along the way, we descend into the Lucanian countryside, pass the clay badlands of the Calanchi, and trace the ancient route of Magna Graecia toward the Ionian coast. The real test comes in Pollino National Park, Italy's largest, where forested climbs lead through small mountain villages before the road finally drops toward the Tyrrhenian Sea. Let’s cycle Basilicata coast to coast together.

Day 1: Arrival

We arrive in Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, known for its Sassi, ancient dwellings carved directly into limestone cliffs. After settling in, we spend the afternoon on bike fitting and a technical briefing to get ready for the days ahead. The evening is free to explore Matera’s historic center and try local Lucanian cuisine on our own.

Accommodation: Hotel in Matera

Day 2: Into the Calanchi badlands

We leave the rugged Murgia plateau behind and ride into the heart of the Lucanian countryside, where stony highlands slowly give way to greener terrain. The highlight of the day is the Calanchi, vast clay badlands with a lunar, otherworldly look and a silence unlike anywhere else in the region. We spend the night in a masseria, a traditional local farmhouse.

Meals: Breakfast, light lunch, dinner
Cycling: 64 km (40 mi)
Accommodation: Masseria in the countryside

Day 3: A pioneer's route to the Ionian

Biker on a road on a cloudy day in Italy

Today’s ride traces the ancient history of Magna Graecia as we descend toward the coast, reaching Policoro, once the Greek colony of Heraclea in the 5th century B.C. We recommend a stop at the Archaeological Museum of the Siritide to see artifacts from this ancient past. We finish the day at a seaside hotel, with the golden sands and open horizon of the Ionian Sea marking the end of this first leg.

Meals: Breakfast, light lunch, dinner
Cycling: 56 km (35 mi)
Accommodation: Seaside hotel

Day 4: Toward Pollino National Park

Leaving Policoro, we cycle through the orchards of the Ionian coast before starting the climb toward the forests and peaks of Pollino, the largest national park in Italy. It’s a moderately difficult stage that ends with a strenuous 10 km (6 mi) climb. Dinner is on our own this evening.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 85 km (53 mi)
Accommodation: Hotel in Terranova

Day 5: On the peaks of the massif

Widely considered the most fascinating stage of the tour, today is also its biggest challenge. After a difficult climb, we enter the woods of the massif, passing through small villages and wide valleys en route to the towns of San Severino Lucano and Viggianello. Dinner is on our own tonight, and we settle into a warm, cozy mountain inn.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 48 km (30 mi)
Accommodation: Mountain inn

Day 6: Maratea village

From Rotonda, we follow a scenic cycle path built along an abandoned railway line, passing Lago Sirino before crossing the Valle del Noce toward the Tyrrhenian coast. We settle into our accommodation in the historic village of Maratea, known as the “Goddess of the Sea” for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Dinner is on our own this evening.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 80 km (50 mi)
Accommodation: Hotel or B&B in Maratea

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, we transfer back to Matera, marking the end of our Basilicata bike tour. Airport transfers are arranged for the departure back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Adventure Architect

Let’s build something unique. Design your own adventure from the ground up and let us handle the rest.

Start Designing

Photo gallery

Lodging & food

Hotels, masserias, and mountain inns

Accommodation on this Basilicata bike tour changes with the terrain. In Matera, we settle into a comfortable hotel before the riding begins. As the route heads into the countryside, we spend a night in a traditional masseria, a working farmhouse turned cozy retreat, followed by a seaside hotel on the Ionian coast.

Deeper into Pollino National Park, a warm mountain inn awaits after the toughest climbing days, and the trip wraps up with a stay in the historic village of Maratea, where cliffside views make for a well-earned finish.

Food

Breakfast is included every morning from Day 2 through Day 7, giving us a solid start before each ride. Beyond that, this Basilicata bike tour includes 6 dinners and 2 light lunches across the week, with the remaining meals left open for us to explore Basilicata’s food scene at our own pace, from Lucanian specialties in Matera to whatever each town serves up along the coast and in the mountains.

Adventure, packed to go

Coast to Coast Basilicata Bike Tour in Italy

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

Download now

Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Paolo

Paolo grew up in Lecce, studied art history, and has been racing bikes ever since, which makes him exactly the kind of guide you want leading you through southern Italy. When he's not on the bike, he's finding the best road, the best local wine, and the best reason to stop for lunch.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Ronald Jan Koning

Very nice people helping us with the route we wanted to take. The bikes are of super quality. I really recommend them.

Paolo Maragliulo

Simply the best travel organizer you can find in Basilicata and possibly in Southern Italy! They are focused on outdoor adventures especially hiking and cycling, but run also walking cultural tours! You can book from them from the equipment you need (including all sorts of bikes and e-bikes) to a trip fully organised.

Carlo Magni

Always very nice experiences with cycling in Basilicata and Puglia. It is a pleasure to discover with them new and amazing places.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7-day Basilicata bike tour (5 days of cycling)
  - Accommodation for 6 nights in hotels, masserias, and mountain inns (double occupancy)
  - Most meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 light lunches, 6 dinners
  - Airport transfers
  - Van support and luggage transfers
  - Technical and emergency assistance
  - GPX tracks
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
  - Gravel, road, or e-bike rental
  - Hybrid bike rental
  - Helmet hire
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Beverages
  - Entrance fees
  - Medical/luggage insurance
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Good fitness is required for this Basilicata bike tour. Daily distances reach up to 85 km (53 mi), with a demanding 10 km (6 mi) climb on day 4 and a full mountain stage through Pollino National Park on day 5.

The route works for road, gravel, or e-bikes, and while a few days are easier rolling terrain, the climbing days ask for real stamina on the bike.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Italy bike tours here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Cycling trousers — mandatory
  - Comfortable cycling clothes for warm and cooler conditions
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Lightweight cycling shoes
  - Cycling gloves
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - A small day bag for essentials (luggage transfer takes care of the rest)
  - Sunhat and sunglasses
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.)
  - Camera — optional, but recommended
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Basilicata bike tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
A Basilicata bike tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Basilicata bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your Basilicata bike tour is Matera. To get there, most people fly into Bari Airport (BRI). From there, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Matera.

You will meet your guide in Matera on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

Book a call

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.

Talk to an Adventure Planner