La Bella Puglia
Photo Gallery:
La Bella Puglia
Upcoming Dates
- October 2, 2010
Ability Level
Athletic beginner
Terrain
Lightly Rolling
Distance
131 mo
Arriving
Alberobello
Departing
Matera
Price
- $3,095
Single Supplement
$700
Bike Rental
Included
Fairytale Dwellings, Hearty Cuisine, and Welcoming People
NEW for 2010!
Highlights
- Captivating clusters of conical trulli structures
- Spectacular fields of huge, ancient olive trees
- Hands-on cooking lessons
- Savory cuisine: grilled vegetables, handmade pasta,
- dense bread, crisp white wines
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.
Special departure for Solo Travelers: June 6, 2010.
Itinerary
Day 1—2 – Alberobello
The region’s rolling hills are 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. On Day 2, 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
We leave Alberobello passing through a beautiful landscape with farmhouses and riding through stunning country roads. We stop for lunch at the Notaristefano family, who run an olive press.
Day 4—5 – Matera
We spin along the Murgia plain through a bucolic terrain of manicured farmlands and shady oak groves to Matera, the city of caves and one of the most extraordinary spots on Earth. On Day 5, we have an interesting visit to the town, then a ride to the countryside where we stop in an organic press.
Day 6 – Arrivederci!
Around 9am, we have a shuttle to Bari, for your international connections