UNESCO Sites of Puglia and Basilicata

This self-guided hotel-to-hotel tour links three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Castel del Monte, the Sassi of Matera and the trulli of Alberobello. Starting at Trani on the Adriatic coast, it crosses the Alta Murgia National Park, the Bradano Valley and the Itria Valley to finish in Ostuni, mostly on quiet sealed secondary roads with short, easy climbs.

From Trani's harbour and cathedral, the route climbs onto the Alta Murgia to Frederick II's octagonal castle, then visits Gravina in Puglia and its underground town, and Altamura, famous for its cathedral and wood-fired focaccia, before crossing into Basilicata. A rest day in Matera allows a guided tour of the Sassi and rock churches, or one of two optional loops over the Murgia plateau or around Lake San Giuliano.

Back in Puglia, a night in a 17th-century trulli complex in Alberobello precedes the final ride through the forest near Fasano to Ostuni, the White Town.

Highlights

• Trani cathedral and Castel del Monte
• Gravina in Puglia's stone bridge and Altamura's cathedral
• The Sassi of Matera and the rock churches
• A night in a trullo in Alberobello
• Cycling in the Itria Valley
• Ostuni, with views over the olive groves and the sea

Surface and Terrain
Mostly quiet secondary roads on asphalt suitable for road bikes. Hilly, with short, easy climbs near some towns. Stages of 40 to 69 km take 4 to 6 hours.

Weather
Mediterranean climate. Ideal in spring and pleasant in autumn, with mild to warm days. Not recommended in August, when heat can be intense.

Suitable for
Riders comfortable with 40 to 69 km days on easy to medium hilly terrain, with a strong interest in history and heritage. Rated Easy to Moderate by the operator.