Matera to Lecce Bike Tour
Discover southern Italy’s sun-drenched beauty on a journey from Matera to the Salento Peninsula. This guided bike tour combines the ancient charm of Matera’s stone dwellings with the whitewashed villages, olive groves, and crystal waters of Puglia. Ride through history, taste world-class cuisine, and experience the warm spirit of southern Italy from the saddle.
What to Expect
This unforgettable route explores two of Italy’s most distinctive regions - Basilicata and Puglia - blending culture, coastlines, and cuisine in one seamless cycling adventure.
- Begin in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage city carved from stone
- Ride through the Trulli villages of Alberobello and Ostuni’s whitewashed lanes
- Cycle between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas through centuries-old olive groves
- Swim in turquoise waters at Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli
- Enjoy fine dining and stay in historic masserie and boutique hotels
Arrive in Bari and transfer to Matera. After your bike fitting, take a guided tour through the legendary Sassi districts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Welcome dinner included.
Leave the stone dwellings of Matera and head into Puglia, stopping in Alberobello to explore its famous Trulli. Continue along winding country roads bordered by stone walls before arriving in Ostuni, known as “The White City.” Distance: 106 km, elevation: 1032 m.
Enjoy a mostly flat ride surrounded by centuries-old olive trees. Pass through quiet Baroque villages, visit the Curtipitrizzi wood and Al Bano estate, and continue to Lecce — the “Lady of the Baroque.” Distance: 91 km, elevation: 297 m.
Ride south through the Salento countryside to the tip of the Italian heel. Stop along the way in seaside towns and enjoy panoramic coastal views before arriving at Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Distance: 107 km, elevation: 835 m.
Cycle north along the coast toward Gallipoli, famous for its island old town. Continue through the stunning waters of Marina di Nardò and the “Four Gems” beaches. Distance: 115 km, elevation: 395 m.
Enjoy an easier final stage through the countryside back to Lecce. With a shorter ride today, there’s time to explore the city’s historical center before your farewell dinner. Distance: 53 km, elevation: 150 m.
Transfer to Matere Train Station
What’s Included
The Cost Includes
- 7 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels and historic masserie
- 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners
- Van support, guides, snacks, and refreshments
- Luggage transport between hotels
- Keepsake Bikeriding Tuscany water bottle
- Keepsake Bikeriding Tuscany jersey
The Cost Excludes
- Airfare to Italy
- Bike rental (see Bike Rental Options below)
- Wine tastings and meals unless specified
- lunches, alcoholic non-alcoholic beverages, gratuities, travel insurance,
- laundry expenses and items of a personal nature.
Bike Rental Option
Our tours do not include the price of a bike rental. You are welcome to bring your own bike, or we have the following options for the duration of the tour:
- Hybrid bicycle rental €240
- Carbon road bike rental €270
- E-bike rental €300
Payable at checkout.
Map
Ready to Ride?
From the ancient caves of Matera to the turquoise waters of Puglia’s southern coast, this tour is a celebration of southern Italy’s culture, cuisine, and coastline. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to email or message us on WhatsApp.
