Puglia & Basilicata Family Bike Tour
From Ancient Matera to Salento
In a land that celebrates family, find adventure with yours. From the aquamarine Adriatic to the ancient caves of Matera, there’s plenty of magic in the heel of Italy’s boot.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $4,599 - $4,899/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Ride sunlit routes through olive groves and along shimmering coastal horizons
- Wander Matera and Alberobello, where ancient sassi cave dwellings and storybook trulli tell the stories of history shaped over millennia
- Dive into Pugliese culinary culture with a mozzarella making demonstration, hands-on pasta making and relaxed meals
- Spin into Ostuni’s whitewashed maze and along cliffside roads where glittering grottoes invite a refreshing dip
- Unwind at countryside farmhouses and seaside retreats that balance comfort, style and character
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Bari Airport & Travel Details
- Ride Basilicata’s undulating landscape dotted with fields of swaying wheat
- Ascend into Matera, where caves carved into limestone cliffs reveal one of the world’s oldest settlements
- Wander narrow lanes and stairways for views of sassi cave homes
- Gather for a lively welcome dinner, sharing regional dishes and stories that set the tone for the days ahead.
Night 1
Deluxe Hotel
Set within a restored 18th-century palace in the historic center of Matera, Palazzo Viceconte overlooks the city's famous Sassi districts. Antique furnishings and frescoed ceilings reflect the building's noble past. And a panoramic rooftop terrace offers views across the ancient cave dwellings that define this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Pedal scenic backroads toward Alberobello, its iconic trulli rising like a fairy-tale village in the hills
- See how mozzarella is made for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s signature flavors
- Ride through ancient olive groves toward Ostuni, the luminous "White City" perched across three hilltops
- Climb into its maze of bright alleys and hidden courtyards crowned by a Gothic cathedral
- Cool off with a sweet espressino freddo before continuing along quiet scenic roads
- Join a local cook for a pasta-making experience, then share a relaxed farmhouse dinner rooted in generations of tradition.
Nights 2-3
Luxury Hotel
Set in the countryside outside Ostuni, Masseria Le Carrube is a restored white-stone farm estate surrounded by olive groves and Mediterranean gardens. Open courtyards framed by bougainvillea and citrus trees reflect the simple elegance of traditional Puglian architecture. A pool set among the gardens offers a tranquil place to relax. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Bike along the Adriatic coastline to the easternmost tip of Italy
- Stop for a fresh, seasonal lunch at a working agriturismo
- Opt into downtime at our stylish retreat or hop back on your bike for extra miles into Otranto
- Get ready for the trip’s most spectacular ride along cliffside roads, seaside towns and hidden grottoes perfect for a refreshing swim break
- Celebrate the journey with an evening of local music and dancing
- End the trip in Lecce, famed for its intricate baroque architecture carved from warm golden stone.
Nights 4-5
Deluxe Hotel
Set in the countryside outside Otranto, Tenuta Centoporte is designed like a traditional Salento borgo (village), with white-stone buildings inspired by historic rural farmsteads and surrounded by olive groves and Mediterranean gardens. Simple, elegant rooms reflect the understated style of Puglia's countryside estates. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Lecce Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 4 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
