La Bella Puglia
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La Bella Puglia
Fairytale Dwellings, Hearty Cuisine, and Welcoming People
Highlights
- Two night stay and a walking tour of Matera, “the city of stone”
- Captivating clusters of conical trulli structures
- Spectacular fields of ancient olive trees
- Hands-on cooking lesson
- Savory cuisine: grilled vegetables, handmade pasta, dense bread, crisp
- white wines
- Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alberobello & Matera
Description
Rolling through this farmland rich in Greek, Norman and Arab influences feels like a mystical odyssey through time!
In the Trulli region, spin by clusters of fantastic conical dwellings surrounded by enormous, gnarled olive trees. As we pedal toward the coast, fig trees, blooming cacti, and herb gardens fill our paths with delightful fragrances. Spicy handmade orecchiette, bruschetta covered with juicy tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and grilled calamari satisfy our palates. Warm hospitality and friendly conversation greet us at every turn.
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Price
$3,295
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Single Supplement
$700
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Ability Level
Athletic beginner
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Terrain
Lightly Rolling
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Distance
131 miles - 26 average
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Departing
Matera
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Arriving
Alberobello
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Bike Rental
Included
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- May 27, 2012
- June 11, 2012
- July 22, 2012
- July 30, 2012
- August 7, 2012
- August 18, 2012
- September 3, 2012
- September 17, 2012
- October 8, 2012
Day 1–2: Alberobello and Locorotondo
Day 1: The region is flat with some hills and is an ideal place for cycling. Its fertile land allows for a greater production of wine than in any other region of Italy, and it is among Italy's main olive oil producer.
Day 2: Today we ride through a strange fantasyland of conical-shaped houses called Trulli,
where archaic-looking figures peer down from many roofs. Via tiny roads, stroll through Valle D’Itria to arrive in Locorotondo, a whitewashed, circular town known for its white wine.
Day 3: San Basilio, Mottola
Mottola is located on a hill above sea level, where the view ranges from the plains and sight of the gulf of Taranto to the green mountains of the high Sila: for this reason the town is also called “the balcony of southern Apulia.” In the evening, enjoy a charming mozzarella making demo and an exquisite dinner at the hotel with music entertainment which sets the mood for our tomorrow’s exciting arrival in Matera.
Day 4–5: Matera
Day 4: We spin along the Murgia plain through a bucolic terrain of manicured farmlands and shady oak groves to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of caves and one of the most extraordinary spots on Earth.
Day 5: In the morning we have an interesting visit to the town, then a ride to the countryside where we stop in an organic farm. There, our friends Cinzia and Fulvio will prepare a vegetarian lunch.
Day 6: Arrivederci!
Around 9am, we have a 1.5-hour shuttle to Bari, for your international connections
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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Amy C., New York NY had this to say about La Bella Puglia:
I loved everything about Puglia! The food, the people, the architecture.... it was "trulli" a life-changing experience! -
Phylis F., Graham NC had this to say about La Bella Puglia:
The two picnics really gave us a feel for the local cultures. The landscapes were unbelievable. -
Marisa M., Boston MA had this to say about La Bella Puglia:
One of my best trips ever-I'm already planning my next one. Members of the group were very friendly and inclusive. By the end of the tour, my fellow cyclists felt like an extended family.
