Visit Ginosa: the complete guide
Visiting Ginosa means discovering a hidden pearl of Puglia, located at the foot of the Murgia...
19.04.2024
Private tour 
Cycling
Puglia flavours by bike
Murge, Itria valley and Salento - PugliaDifficulty path:Easy - Moderate
Private tour · CyclingDuration: 9 daysCode: bg013
departure on request
Highlights
Someone says that in Puglia you cry three times: “when you arrive, when you leave and when you weigh on the scales!”.
A journey into Apulian food and wine is an unforgettable discovery. That’s because it is impossible to resist to the good oil on freshly baked bread, to the perfume of focaccia and biscuits that comes from every corner, to the fruity and full-bodied wine that warms like the heat of the Salento sun, to the "drop" of fiordilatte mozzarella, or to the simple but inimitable dish of broad beans and chicory.
And so the scales needle hangs … and it hangs on the thought “I can’t wait to taste all this!”. Seven days through selected wineries, restaurants, farmhouses and pastry shops to leave diets and thoughts at home and immerse yourself in one of the sacred place of Italian food and wine: Puglia.
A tour by bike from Polignano a Mare to Lecce, among dry stone walls, characteristic villages, vineyards and lots of good food.
A journey into Apulian food and wine is an unforgettable discovery. That’s because it is impossible to resist to the good oil on freshly baked bread, to the perfume of focaccia and biscuits that comes from every corner, to the fruity and full-bodied wine that warms like the heat of the Salento sun, to the "drop" of fiordilatte mozzarella, or to the simple but inimitable dish of broad beans and chicory.
And so the scales needle hangs … and it hangs on the thought “I can’t wait to taste all this!”. Seven days through selected wineries, restaurants, farmhouses and pastry shops to leave diets and thoughts at home and immerse yourself in one of the sacred place of Italian food and wine: Puglia.
A tour by bike from Polignano a Mare to Lecce, among dry stone walls, characteristic villages, vineyards and lots of good food.
PRIVATE TOUR:
choose your date and travel with your own group, always accompanied by one expert local tour leader.
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The enchanting Matera
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The Treasures of Martina Franca: Gastronomy and Baroque
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The vineyards of the Itria Valley
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The Beautiful Gardens of Pomona: More than 600 Varieties of Fig Trees
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The incredible views from the White Walls of Ostuni
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The blue sea of Salento
Program
Day1
Welcome to Matera!
First evening and overnight stay in the incredible Matera, one of the oldest cities still inhabited in the world.
From here begins the discovery of Puglia flavours by bike.
Day2
From Gioia del Colle to Alberobello - Wine tasting and Dinner
35 km
After breakfast, we will meet the local guide.
A short private transfer takes us to the pretty town of Gioia del Colle with its beautiful castle. The rural area offers excellent products, such as Primitivo di Gioia del Colle wine and the fantastic mozzarella fiordilatte.
The ride continues along quiet streets, until we reach Putignano, famous for the oldest Carnival in Europe. After a short break, the climb that awaits us will be easier! A series of fun ups and downs will take us to the entrance of the fairytale Alberobello: its trulli, white conical stone buildings, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
In one of these picturesque trulli, we will have a wine tasting.
Overnight stay and dinner included in the delightful town of Alberobello.
Day3
From Alberobello to Monopoli - Entrance to the caves
45 km
We take only the essentials with us and saddle up: we will find our luggage directly in Monopoli.
Today we follow a route through oak woods, vineyards and typical olive groves, to cycle to the largest karst caves in Italy. We will visit the magnificent caves of Castellana, which wind underground for over 3 km, in an evocative setting of stalagmites and stalactites with magical reflections.
After the visit, between up and down, crumbling masserias and luxurious historic villas, we will arrive in a gentle descent to the beautiful Monopoli, with its colorful marina overlooking crystal clear waters.
Overnight stay in the beautiful historic center of Monopoli.
Day4
From Monopoli to Martina Franca - Mozzarella and Wine tasting
55 km
After breakfast we "dive" into the lush countryside, mainly cultivated with vines and olive groves, which will take us to the heart of the Itria valley.
The area is characterized by a wooded scrub with intense scents and aromatic mixtures, and we will reach the top of a hill to visit one of the most beautiful villages in Italy: Locorotondo.
Today a tasting of typical dairy products will delight our palate, and we will reach another hill to stop in the town of Martina Franca known for its striking baroque style.
Overnight stay in this enchanting place of medieval origin, where we can taste the typical capocollo and succulent local specialities.
Day5
From Martina Franca to Ostuni - Entrance to the Gardens and EVO Oil Tasting
55 km
Crossing this timeless valley, surrounded by hills and oak forests, we will reach the Pomona Gardens to visit them. Here are exhibited collections of prized Ficus and tree species from all over the world among the most important in Europe, such as the Nagasaki Kaki, symbol of world peace. Biodiversity, conservation and research come together in this paradise.
We go for lunch in Cisternino, a small village with an oriental charm that is reflected in the alleys, arches and ancient courtyards. The scents of the kitchens in the alleys will invite us to another gastronomic experience: here the butcher becomes a cook, and will prepare delicious grilled meat for us!
In the afternoon we arrive at the Dolmen of Montalbano, a megalithic monument dating back some 4000 years, linked to ancient meanings and rituals.
Today's final destination is Ostuni, the city made white by lime since the distant Middle Ages, where we will spend the night.
Day6
From Gallipoli to Leuca - Boat tour
50 km
Today we will cycle towards Finibus Terrae and the cape of Santa Maria di Leuca, after a tour along the bastions of the characteristic historical center of Gallipoli.
From Manduria we will make a transfer and we will find ourselves surrounded by a splendid blue sea.
We will enjoy a ride with a view of dunes and long, white beaches, alternating with a low, fish-filled cliff. We will stop in Torre San Giovanni for a snack and, after a look at the Maldives of Salento, we will reach the extreme edge of the Apulian peninsula, enclosed between Punta Meliso and Punta Ristola that divide and unite the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea in an unforgettable setting.
Let's enjoy the peace and whiteness of Leuca with a boat trip among its caves.
Day7
Cycling the coast from Leuca to Otranto
55 km
One of the most beautiful stages, along the most spectacular stretch of coast in Puglia: up to Otranto it will be a succession of emotions!
High cliffs overlooking the deep blue Adriatic, coastal towers and breathtaking views, with Albania and the Greek islands visible on the horizon. Pedaling with the sea on our right, we will pass the imposing Ciolo bridge, the colorful little port of Tricase and we will stop for a swim in one of the enchanting coves with crystal clear waters.
We will pass through legendary places set in the rock, such as the beautiful Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro, and Porto Badisco, where it is said Aeneas landed. From here Otranto, a meeting place between the West and the East, is just a stone's throw away: it will enchant us with its Castle and its narrow streets, but above all with the Norman Cathedral and the incredible medieval mosaic of Pantaleone.
Overnight stay in Otranto.
Day8
Cycle Otranto > Lecce - Guided visit
55 km
And from the easternmost municipality in Italy, we will cycle through the lush Idro Valley, between the shores of the Alimini Lakes, to discover the typical vine cultivations of the area.
We will once again look out to sea for a final dip in the splendid Adriatic Sea and we will pass through the most renowned locations in this part of Salento: Torre dell’Orso, San Foca, Roca and the legendary Grotta della Poesia. We will cross the very green Natural Reserve and WWF Oasis “Le Cesine”, a destination for migratory birds and sea turtles, to pedal towards the final destination of this journey through the beauties and flavors of the heel of Italy. We will discover Acaya, a small fortified village, with its castle and parade ground, where time seems to have stopped and, once we arrive in Lecce, we will let ourselves be captured by its history with an interesting guided tour.
Overnight stay in Southern Florence.
Day9
Goodbye from Lecce
Greetings and kisses. For a final taste of sweetness, enter a pastry shop to try one of the many Lecce confectionery delicacies!
Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 8 nights with breakfast in double room
- Dinner day 2 and 8
- English Speaking locale guide during excursions and included dinner
- Tastings and visits scheduled
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Bike rental
- Other meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and what's listed as Included
Departures and prices
Departures every day on request01/01/2025 => 31/12/2025
Supplements per person
7 days Trek bike rental with pannier
Superior120 € /p
7 days Gravel bike rental with pannier
Superior180 € /p
7 days E-bike rental with pannier
Superior270 € /p
7 days helmet rental
Superior15 € /p
Transfer Bari Apt-Matera (min 2 pax)
Superior75 € /p
Transfer Brindisi Apt-Matera (min 2 pax)
Superior150 € /p
Transfer Lecce-Brindisi Apt (min 2 pax)
Superior48 € /p
Transfer Lecce-Bari Apt (min 2 pax)
Superior110 € /p
Other Information
Grade
This bike tour among Puglia flavours is suitable to anyone with a good workout to ride a bike.
The daily mileage varies from 35 to 55 daily km, with programmed pause for the visits and the refreshments. The itinerary offers a great combination of cycling and discovering of Puglia food&wine.
The bike will be a way to work off the good food and enjoy the many landscapes offered by this land. There will also be strictly cultural moments and the possibility of a refreshing swim in the clear sea of Puglia.
Accomodations & Meals
En suite rooms in 4* Hotels and charming B&B.
- 1 night in Matera
- 1 night in Alberobello
- 1 night in Monopoli
- 1 night in Martina Franca
- 1 night in Ostuni
- 1 night in Leuca
- 1 night in Otranto
- 1 night in Lecce
8 breakfasts, 2 dinners and scheduled tastings included.
Private Tour
Holiday designed for small prearranged groups of friends, families and colleagues. The presence of an expert local guide is guaranteed during the scheduled excursions.
→ Departures every day on request.
Choose your departure date, who you are going with and ask us for a personalised quote!
Price per person
The price varies according to the services requested and the number of people.
Support
You will be accompanied during the excursions by one of our expert guides, coordinator of the group and passionate about travel, nature and the territory visited. He/she will support you, becoming a travel companion and trying to meet the needs of the group, while being attentive to individual requests.
He/she will help make your vacation authentic, relaxing and fun.
Travel documents
A few days before departure you will receive by email the documentation containing the latest information relating to your holiday.
Getting There
Getting there
Matera is easily reachable by train, car and by air.
BY TRAIN. The train stations close to Matera are Bari, Gioia del Colle, Ferrandina and Metaponto, info on Trenitalia website.
From Bari you can reach Matera on board the trains or buses of the FAL-Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, while from Metaponto and Ferrandina you can go to Matera only by bus (check the times on the SITA sites and FAL). To know deletions or additions of stops, cancellations, delays, detours and many other useful information for those traveling by train with Trenitalia, see viaggiatreno. NB: on Sundays and public holidays there are no trains but only a few buses.
BY AIR. The nearest airports to Matera are those of Bari, Brindisi and Naples.
The Bari Palese airport is located at about 60km and is connected by shuttle services of various companies or, having reached the central station of Bari with the Ferrovie del Nord Barese, you can take the FAL train to central Matera (about 80min). NB: on Sundays and public holidays there are no trains but only a few buses.
Brindisi Casale airport is about 150km away, from here you can reach Matera by bus passing Bari Palese airport. Visit the Aeroporti di Puglia website for more detailed information.
Naples Capodichino airport is about 250km away and is connected to Matera by various bus companies.
BY BUS. Matera is also accessible by bus. Here are the major companies operating the service: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Marozzi, Busmiccolis, Petruzzi autolinee.
BY CAR. The nearest motorway exits are Bari Nord and Gioia del Colle for those taking the A14 or Adriatica highway; exit at Sicignano-Potenza for those coming from the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria. map.google.com can help you with the directions.
Back to Matera
From Lecce you can reach Matera with Trenitalia getting to Bari, in combination with Ferrovie Appulo Lucane from Bari to Matera. The entire trip cost varies from € 16 to € 30 depending on the type of trains; the travel time is about 3.5 hours. NB: on Sundays and public holidays the train service is replaced by bus rides.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.