Puglia's Salento to Matera Easygoing E-bike Tour
Dolce Tempo Journey amid Coastlines, Hill Towns & World Heritage Sites
Whitewashed towns. Sweeping sea views. Prehistoric cave dwellings. Explore the lesser-traveled roads of Puglia by e-bike, moving at just the right pace to take in the sights, sounds and flavors of Southern Italy.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Drink in dramatic views of the Adriatic Sea as you ride along the coast, pausing along the way for coffee and gelato
- Delve into Puglia’s history with expert locals on visits to the World Heritage sites of Matera and Alberobello
- Sample classic Pugliese dishes, sip the region’s mineral-forward white wines and watch as an artisan makes fresh mozzarella
- E-bike along rolling country roads lined with ancient olive trees and weathered stone walls as you pedal between towns
- Relax and unwind in restored palaces, seaside boutique properties and a unique Matera cave hotel
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Lecce Airport & Travel Details
- Wind through quiet country lanes between beaches on your e-bike before stopping for lunch at a masseria (fortified farmhouse)
- At our hotel, luxuriate by the pool or head into Otranto for some shopping and gelato
- Soak up panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and perhaps even dip your toes in the water
- Take an epic ride on your e-bike along the eastern coast of Salento
- Enjoy some of the region’s finest wines and Pugliese specialties at a local winery.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
Set within a 16th-century aristocratic palace in the heart of Salento, Palazzo Ducale Venturi pairs historic architecture with a calm, contemporary atmosphere. Interiors feature Lecce stone vaults and original chianche stone floors, balanced with modern comforts throughout. A pool and spa provide a restorative place to unwind. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- After a peaceful cycling route through acres of sunlit olive groves, take a break to enjoy local specialties at a favorite trattoria in the “White City” of Ostuni
- Ride an ancient Roman road on your e-bike, taking a break to visit the historical site of Egnazia
- Immerse yourself in the local history of Alberobello and its 1,500 trulli (round, stone buildings) on a walking tour
- At your own pace, stroll the winding medieval streets of Monopoli.
Nights 3-4
Luxury Hotel
This small, contemporary waterfront property is set directly on the Adriatic Sea. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed, with a design that emphasizes natural light, sea views and a sense of privacy. The hotel features seven pools and a private sandy beach, along with a sauna and in-room massage services. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- E-bike across the Murgia plateau en route to Basilicata’s open countryside
- Pause at a working agriturismo for a farm-style meal of homemade cheeses, meats and breads
- Learn traditional mozzarella-making techniques from a local artisan
- Explore Matera’s prehistoric sassi, cave dwellings with a remarkable history
- Settle into an elegant cave-style retreat where minimalist design meets modern comfort.
Night 5
Luxury Hotel
Sant’Angelo Resort occupies an entire restored neighborhood within the Sassi di Matera, weaving together traditional cave houses, charming courtyards and a historic palazzo. Individually designed rooms blend original architectural features with contemporary comforts. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a Michelin Guide-recommended property, the hotel offers sweeping views of the Sassi and Gravina Canyon.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Bari Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-2
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
