Included: 9-day self-guided bike tour in Puglia Accommodation for 8 nights in B&Bs (double occupancy) Luggage transfers between each overnight stop GPS tracks and detailed trip notes Briefing on arrival Emergency assistance throughout the tour Add-ons (leave a note at checkout if interested): Bike rental (road bike or e-bike) Helmet rental Private airport transfers (arrival and/or departure) Support van Wine tasting Cooking class Single occupancy room Extra nights in Matera or at any other stop along the route Not included: Flights Lunches and dinners Entrance fees City taxes Personal expenses Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

How fit do I need to be?

To go on this self guided Puglia bike tour, a good fitness level is all that’s needed. Daily distances range from 45 to 69 km (28–43 mi) on mostly flat or gently rolling terrain , with no significant climbing. Luggage transfers are included , so you’ll never be carrying more than a small daypack. Prior multi-day cycling experience is helpful but no specific skill level is required. 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: A small day bag pack for rides Bike — rental available Bike helmet — rental available Cycling shoes Cycling trousers Eye protection (riding goggles/sunglasses) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Light jacket for riding Insulation layers for cooler conditions Personal toiletries Sunscreen Sunglasses 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.

What is a self-guided tour?

Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided bike tour in Puglia , we take care of: Accommodation for 8 nights in B&Bs (double occupancy) Luggage transfers between each overnight stop GPS tracks and detailed trip notes Briefing on arrival Emergency assistance throughout the tour Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option! As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed .

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this self-guided bike tour in Puglia , it takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants . Self-guided bike tours in Puglia 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. Minors above the age of 16 may be permitted to join the self-guided bike tour in Puglia on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. 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 self-guided bike tour in Puglia is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . Leave a note upon booking at checkout if interested.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your self guided Puglia bike tour is Matera . To get there, most people fly into Bari Airport (BRI) , roughly 65 km (40 mi) away. From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, taxi, or rent a car to reach Matera. You will meet your tour operators on Day 1 at your hotel in Matera for briefing and bicycle handover. The tour ends in Lecce . The nearest airport is Brindisi Airport (BDS) , approximately 30 km (19 mi) away.

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.

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PUGLIA | ITALY

Self-Guided Bike Tour in Puglia: 9 Days in Southern Italy

9 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $2,941 ()

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There’s a corner of southern Italy that most people fly over on the way somewhere else, but it might just be the best part of the country. Puglia is all olive groves, whitewashed hilltop towns, turquoise coastline, and food that makes you rethink your departure date. This 9-day self-guided cycling journey takes you through it at your own pace, from Matera all the way to Lecce, with GPX tracks, luggage transfers, and 4-star accommodation sorted for every night. The logistics are handled, the rest is all yours to enjoy.

Adventure Highlights

Ancient cities, whitewashed towns, coastal roads: Ride from UNESCO-listed Matera through Alberobello’s trulli villages, past Ostuni’s white-painted hilltop, all the way to the dramatic southern tip at Santa Maria di Leuca
Italian food, wine, and slow evenings: Puglia might be Italy’s best-kept culinary secret—burrata, orecchiette, fresh seafood, and Primitivo wine, with long dinners in masseria courtyards and baroque piazzas to match
Self-guided freedom: Navigate on your own terms with GPX tracks and detailed trip notes, then wind down each evening in 4-star boutique hotels, masserias, and coastal retreats

Duration

9 days

Season

March through July, August through October

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

A self-guided cycling journey through the heart of southern Italy, from Matera's ancient cave city to Lecce's baroque center. Covering 9 days and some 360 km (224 mi) of mostly easy, rolling terrain, this route takes you through trulli villages, along the Ionian coast, to the very tip of Italy's heel, and back up the Adriatic side to finish in one of Puglia's most beautiful cities. Your tour operators handle accommodation, luggage transfers, route notes, and more.

Day 1: Arrive in Matera

You arrive independently in Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, where ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs form a landscape unlike anywhere else in Italy. After checking into your accommodation in the heart of the old town, you receive your bicycle, briefing, and route materials. The evening is yours—a walk through the UNESCO-listed Sassi districts is a strong recommendation before dinner out on your own.

Accommodation: B&B, Matera

Day 2: Matera to Alberobello

You leave Matera’s canyon landscapes behind and head toward Puglia, rolling through the towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci as the terrain opens up into farmland and olive groves. As you enter the Valle d’Itria, the trulli start appearing alongside the road—the iconic cone-roofed stone houses that make this corner of Puglia so distinctive. You finish in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you spend the night in a genuine trullo complex dating back to the 1600s, right in the historic center.

Accommodation: Historic trulli complex, Alberobello
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 69 km (43 mi), rolling terrain

Day 3: Alberobello to Ostuni

Today’s route takes you through the Selva di Fasano, a dense Mediterranean forest just inland from the coast, before dropping down toward the Adriatic. You ride into Ostuni—known as the White City for its whitewashed medieval architecture and hilltop defensive walls, all glowing against the blue of the distant sea. Dinner and the evening are on your own to explore.

Accommodation: B&B, Ostuni
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 45 km (28 mi), rolling terrain

Day 4: Ostuni to a countryside masseria

You head south through quiet country lanes today, passing the town of Francavilla Fontana before reaching Oria, home to a well-preserved 13th-century castle and a compact, charming historic center. The stage finishes deep in the rural countryside at a traditional masseria—a fortified Apulian farmhouse that typifies this part of the south.

Accommodation: Traditional countryside masseria, Apulian countryside
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 55 km (34 mi), flat to easy rolling terrain

Day 5: To Gallipoli and the Ionian coast

The route crosses to the Ionian side of the peninsula today, passing through the protected landscapes of the Porto Selvaggio nature reserve and skirting the coast before arriving in Gallipoli. The name comes from the ancient Greek Kalépolis—”Beautiful City”—and the old town, built on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, more than earns it. Your hotel is right near the seafront.

Accommodation: Seafront hotel, Gallipoli
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 60 km (37 mi), flat terrain

Day 6: Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca

You ride south along gorgeous sandy beaches facing the turquoise Ionian Sea, all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca—the very tip of the heel of Italy’s boot, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. In ancient Roman times this point was called Finibus Terrae, “the end of the earth,” and standing here at the edge of the peninsula, it’s not hard to see why.

Accommodation: Coastal hotel, Santa Maria di Leuca
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 45 km (28 mi), flat terrain

Day 7: Leuca to Otranto

Turning north, you ride up the wild eastern coastline of Salento—the Adriatic side, rocky and dramatic, with a different character entirely from the sandy Ionian shore you left behind. The atmosphere here is unique, shaped by centuries of Greek and Turkish influence. You arrive in Otranto, one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns, with its fortified walls, castle, and a remarkable Romanesque cathedral housing a breathtaking 12th-century mosaic floor covering the entire nave.

Accommodation: B&B, Otranto
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 45 km (28 mi), easy with a few short climbs near the end

Day 8: Otranto to Lecce

Your final riding day takes you inland to Lecce, a city that stops people in their tracks. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is renowned across Italy for the extravagance of its baroque architecture—elaborately sculpted facades, ornate churches, and golden sandstone buildings filling the historic center in every direction. Spend the evening exploring and celebrating the end of the journey on your own.

Accommodation: Elegant city hotel, Lecce
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 45 km (28 mi), flat terrain

Day 9: Departure from Lecce

After a final breakfast at the hotel, your Puglia cycling adventure officially comes to an end. Lecce is well connected by train and has easy access to Brindisi Airport (BDS), roughly 30 km (19 mi) away.

Meals: Breakfast

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Lodging & food

Boutique hotels, masserias, B&Bs, and coastal hotels

Eight nights of carefully selected accommodation, ranging from a historic trulli complex in Alberobello to traditional countryside masserias, a seafront hotel in Gallipoli, and an elegant city hotel in Lecce to finish. The properties change character as the landscape does ld town boutique stays in Matera and Otranto, rural farmhouses deep in the Puglian countryside, coastal hotels along the Ionian shore.

Local Apulian food

Breakfast is included every morning at your accommodation—fresh pastries, local cheeses, cured meats, and strong espresso to get you going. The rest of the day is yours to eat as Puglia intended: whenever you’re hungry, wherever looks good.

And in Puglia, that’s never a bad situation to be in. This is the region that gave the world burrata, orecchiette with cime di rapa, and focaccia barese so good it barely makes it out of the bakery. Lunch might be a quick stop at a roadside trattoria, a slice of something from a village bakery, or a seafood spread on the Ionian coast. Dinners stretch long in masseria courtyards and baroque piazzas, with a glass of local Primitivo or Negroamaro to close them out. Your trip notes include local recommendations for each stop.

Adventure, packed to go

Self-Guided Bike Tour in Puglia: 9 Days in Southern Italy

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

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What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Ameriga Fanigliulo

Experienced incoming tour operator with deeply rooted knowledge of Matera specifically, and beyond (rest of Basilicata region as well as Puglia). Great professionalism, flexibility and creativity of the owner and founder Dora – fluent in so many languages that I cannot name them all… Thanks Dora for having us discover the hidden treasures of Matera: memorable experience for our multi-national group from München!

Paulo 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 the team of Ferula Viaggi cycling in Basilicata and Puglia. It is a pleasure to discover with them new and amazing places.

Show all reviews

Ameriga Fanigliulo

Paulo Maragliulo

Carlo Magni

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

Things to know

Included:
- - 9-day self-guided bike tour in Puglia
  - Accommodation for 8 nights in B&Bs (double occupancy)
  - Luggage transfers between each overnight stop
  - GPS tracks and detailed trip notes
  - Briefing on arrival
  - Emergency assistance throughout the tour
Add-ons (leave a note at checkout if interested):
- - Bike rental (road bike or e-bike)
  - Helmet rental
  - Private airport transfers (arrival and/or departure)
  - Support van
  - Wine tasting
  - Cooking class
  - Single occupancy room
  - Extra nights in Matera or at any other stop along the route
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Lunches and dinners
  - Entrance fees
  - City taxes
  - Personal expenses
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
To go on this self guided Puglia bike tour, a good fitness level is all that’s needed. Daily distances range from 45 to 69 km (28–43 mi) on mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, with no significant climbing.

Luggage transfers are included, so you’ll never be carrying more than a small daypack. Prior multi-day cycling experience is helpful but no specific skill level is required.

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:
- - A small day bag pack for rides
  - Bike — rental available
  - Bike helmet — rental available
  - Cycling shoes
  - Cycling trousers
  - Eye protection (riding goggles/sunglasses)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Light jacket for riding
  - Insulation layers for cooler conditions
  - Personal toiletries
  - Sunscreen
  - Sunglasses
  - 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.

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Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided bike tour in Puglia, we take care of:
- - Accommodation for 8 nights in B&Bs (double occupancy)
  - Luggage transfers between each overnight stop
  - GPS tracks and detailed trip notes
  - Briefing on arrival
  - Emergency assistance throughout the tour
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this self-guided bike tour in Puglia, it takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
Self-guided bike tours in Puglia 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.
  - Minors above the age of 16 may be permitted to join the self-guided bike tour in Puglia on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this self-guided bike tour in Puglia is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. Leave a note upon booking at checkout if interested.
The starting point of your self guided Puglia bike tour is Matera. To get there, most people fly into Bari Airport (BRI), roughly 65 km (40 mi) away. From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, taxi, or rent a car to reach Matera.

You will meet your tour operators on Day 1 at your hotel in Matera for briefing and bicycle handover.

The tour ends in Lecce. The nearest airport is Brindisi Airport (BDS), approximately 30 km (19 mi) away.
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.

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