• Positive Elevation gain: 1224 m

• Daily Stage: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli – Ostuni – Locorotondo – Alberobello - Noci (112 km)

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Transfer

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You’ll take a train to the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare, where our cycling journey will begin. During this first day you will also explore the southern coast of Bari and the Itria Valley:

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• Polignano a Mare is the birthplace of the famous singer Domenico Modugno. This village is built on a high cliff overlooking the sea. It has a very ancient historic center with Byzantine, Spanish, and Norman influences.

• Monopoli, a village inhabited since the Bronze Age, was fortified by the Messapi with mighty and huge walls. The Romans turned it into a military port, and in the 1500s, a fascinating castle was built.

• The “Coastal Dunes Park,” which includes the “Path of the Ancient Olive Trees.”

• Ostuni is known as the “White City” for the dazzling whiteness of its lime-washed houses.

• From Ostuni, you will start cycling among trulli, ancient fortified farmhouses, and wonderful villages: you will be in the fascinating Itria Valley.

• Locorotondo, awarded the Orange Flag by the Touring Club, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, a maze of alleyways adorned with colorful flowers, with a terraced vineyard right on the edge of the old town.

• Alberobello, the capital of “Trulli,” the famous limestone houses with conical roofs. Due to its uniqueness, it became a UNESCO site in 1996.

• The final stop will be the town of Noci, with its distinctive white houses and “gnostre,” the courtyards where it won’t be difficult to encounter children playing.

• Arrival at your accommodation in Noci and dinner on your own

• Positive Elevation gain: 1070 m

• Daily stage: Noci – Laterza – Ginosa - Matera (90 km)

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You will pedal through rolling countryside and ancient olive groves, gradually entering the breathtaking landscape of the Terra delle Gravine Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque towns of Laterza and Ginosa, both rich in history and culture.

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The park is a natural marvel, home to the largest canyon in Europe (The Laterza Canyon), with dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and a variety of wildlife. Take a moment to marvel at the grandeur of this unique geological formation, shaped over millennia by natural forces.

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The route continues to Matera, the UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its ancient Sassi districts, carved into the rock.

End your journey exploring Matera’s unique blend of history, architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable cycling day.

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Arrival at your accommodation in Matera and dinner on your own
 

• Positive Elevation gain: 982 m

• Daily Stage: Matera – Altamura – Gravina in Puglia – Alta Murgia National Park (116 km)

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From Matera, we will return to Puglia to visit the Alta Murgia National Park, the largest pseudo-steppe in Italy, unique with its views of endless landscapes and a UNESCO GeoPark for the global importance of its geological sites.

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The first city we will encounter will be Altamura, with its historic center made up of a labyrinth of narrow streets and “claustri” (small squares), embellished by the imposing Frederick II Cathedral. Altamura is famous for the renowned “Altamura Bread” and for the ovens that have been producing it since ancient times.

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Leaving the urban center, we will plunge back into the wild nature of the Park to reach the Pulo di Altamura, one of the most important geosites in the National Park. You might be wondering: what is the Pulo? When you see it, you will immediately think of the huge crater of a meteorite, but it’s not! But we won’t spoil it for you, where’s the fun in that… after the pit-stop, we will pedal towards the fascinating city of Gravina in Puglia.

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Arriving in Gravina, we will visit its ancient center, dotted with ancient palaces and beautiful churches, overlooking a canyon inside which the Gravina stream flows.

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From Gravina, the ride will continue to the center of the Alta Murgia National Park, where we will relax, enjoy a splendid sun set and spend the night in our accommodation soaked in the nature of the Park.

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We will spend the night and have dinner here, in this beautiful and authentic Apulian Masseria (farmhouse).

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Arrival at your accommodation in the Alta Murgia National Park and dinner on your own

• Positive Elevation gain: 863 m

• Daily Loop: Castel del Monte – Minervino Murge – Bauxite Mines (78 km)

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This day of your cycling journey is designed as a rest day, offering a more leisurely pace and lower mileage compared to other stages. Departing from your charming  accommodation, you’ll enjoy a short ride to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castel del Monte, an architectural masterpiece of the Middle Ages. Take time to explore this enigmatic octagonal castle, renowned for its unique design and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

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From there, pedal to the quaint town of Minervino Murge, known as the "Balcony of Puglia" for its panoramic vistas. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through its narrow streets or a refreshing break in one of its cozy cafes.

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On the way back to the accommodation, the route passes by the Bauxite Mines Geo-Site, a fascinating natural landmark with striking red hues contrasting against the greenery of the Alta Murgia National Park.

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For those seeking complete relaxation, there’s no need to cycle at all today. Instead, unwind at the masseria, savoring its peaceful atmosphere, or take a gentle walk in the pristine nature of the Alta Murgia National Park. This flexible day ensures everyone can recharge in their own way, preparing for the adventures ahead.

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Back to your accommodation

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We will spend the night and have dinner here, in this beautiful and authentic Apulian Masseria (farmhouse).