Ride Coordinator Comments

One male is looking for a roommate for this tour. If there is anyone interesting in a roommate please contact ride leader.

Ride Description

Overview:

An exciting road cycling journey through Southern Italy from Castellana Grotte to Praia a Mare, blending history and nature. Starting in the Apulia region, amidst olive groves, trulli, and whitewashed villages, the route traverses the Matera region, famed for its Sassi, and continues along the Ionian coast of Basilicata, featuring golden beaches and archaeological sites of Magna Graecia. The itinerary crosses Pollino National Park and arrives on Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets. This 10-day tour spans 8 stages, covering about 650 km (~400 miles) with 9,300 meters (~31,000 ft) of elevation gain. It combines stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and authentic flavors, such as Altamura bread, Matera’s crispy peppers, and Calabrian specialties. An unforgettable adventure on two wheels!

Ride Rating 4B

The trip is rated 4B averaging about 50 miles a day with 3 days over the B rating where one is ~60 miles and the other 2 are under 55. That said the difficulty of this tour is the climbing where the average daily climbing is ~1200 m or 3900 feet a day. Find below the daily details.

The ride is fully supported by the tour provider, who provides luggage transfer and emergency rider transport, but each rider is expected to ride all the required riding unless ill or seriously injured. Riders must be able to handle roadside mechanicals (flat tires etc.) and must be able to follow a cue sheet and map and/or use their navigation devices.

 Weather

April is generally a mild month. The average temperature is 57 °F, with a minimum of 48 °F and a maximum of 66 °F.

• On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 39 °F. However, it dropped to 30 °F in April 2003.
• On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 79 °F. However, it reached 90 °F in April 2016.
• Precipitation amounts to 1.6 inches, distributed over 6 days.

Lodging & Meals

Nine nights of lodging in 3/4-star hotels with 6 dinners included.

Logistics

The first official activity with be happy hour at 6:00 PM in the start hotel in Castellana Grotte.

Arrive at Bari or Brindisi airport and depart from Lamezia Terme Airport or Naples airport.

The bike cases will be transported from the beginning to the end of the tour.

Tandems and E-bikes are welcome on this tour. Ride leaders will be riding this tour on their tandem.

Included:

• 8 Riding days with a qualified bilingual bike guide (Italian and English).
• 4 nights in 3/4-star Hotel / Agriturismo. Double or twin room. Demi-pension (Breakfast and dinner included) accommodation. Beverages outside water are not included.
• 5 nights in 3/4-star hotels. Double or twin room. B&B accommodation.
• 6 Group dinners
• 9 Breakfasts
• 8 Happy hours
• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
• Van support for emergency sag
• Transfer from Bari/Brindisi airport at the arrival and to Naples/Lamezia Terme airport at the departure

Extras:  Rentals to be aranged with Etna Bike Tours directly

• Road bike rental (or e-bike):
  • Giant TCR carbon road bikes at 250 € for the tour
  • Hybrid / Gravel e-Bikes at 290 € for the tour
  • Garmin GPS at 40 € for the tour

Daily Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival at Bari or Brindisi airport and transfer to the hotel in Castellana Grotte.
• Day 2: Stage 1: Castellana Grotte Loop with Alberobello 47 miles / 2625 ft (approx. 75 km with 800 m elevation gain) The first day offers a captivating loop starting and ending in Castellana Grotte, exploring the Trulli region and the renowned Alberobello. You’ll cycle through countryside dotted with trulli, dry-stone walls, and centuries-old olive trees, traversing authentic villages and breathtaking landscapes. Alberobello greets us with its unique trulli and the charm of the Itria Valley. This rolling terrain is perfect for warming up for the upcoming stages. Upon return, a visit to the Castellana Caves, with their extraordinary limestone formations, is a fitting conclusion to the day.
• Day 3: Stage 2: From Castellana Grotte to Matera 62 miles / 2950 ft (100 km with 900 m elevation gain) This epic stage takes us from Castellana Grotte to historic Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, we pass through Altamura, famous for its DOP bread and stunning cathedral, and Gravina in Puglia, with its charming historic center and aqueduct bridge. The route combines hilly and flat sections, providing a varied and rewarding ride. Arriving in Matera is an unforgettable experience: its famed Sassi and ancient caves create a unique spectacle, best explored through a guided tour.
• Day 4: Stage 3: Matera Loop to Lake San Giuliano 53 miles / 4600 ft (85 km with 1,400 m elevation gain) The third stage is a loop from Matera to the San Giuliano Lake Nature Reserve, a peaceful oasis surrounded by nature. You’ll cycle through gentle hills, golden fields, and rural landscapes, enjoying stunning views and encounters with local wildlife. This is a perfect day to immerse yourself in tranquility, followed by relaxation in Matera’s historic ambiance. Conclude the day with a traditional dinner in one of its rock-carved restaurants.
• Day 5: Stage 4: From Matera to Metaponto 52 miles 4100 ft (83 km with 1,250 m elevation gain) Leaving Matera, this stage takes us toward the Ionian coast, blending history and nature. You’ll traverse plains filled with olive groves and cultivated fields, transitioning from hilly to coastal scenery. Metaponto, an ancient Magna Graecia colony, welcomes us with its archaeological treasures, such as the Temple of Hera, and golden Ionian beaches. After a day of cycling, unwind with a sunset over the sea and savor local specialties like fresh seafood and regional wines.
• Day 6: Stage 5: From Policoro to Oriolo via Rocca Imperiale 43 miles / 3300 ft (70 km with 1,000 m elevation gain) This stage takes us inland, from Policoro to Oriolo, with a stop in Rocca Imperiale, renowned for its medieval castle and fragrant IGP lemons. The route winds through hills and valleys, offering spectacular views of the coast and Lucanian hinterland. Oriolo, a hilltop village with a charming historic center, welcomes us at the end of the day. This stage combines enchanting landscapes, history, and unique flavors, providing a full cultural and sensory immersion. 
• Day 7: Stage 6: From Oriolo to Morano Calabro via Civita 50 miles / 4600 ft (78 km with 1,400 m elevation gain) This day takes us through some of Calabria’s most picturesque villages. Starting from Oriolo, you’ll cycle to Civita, famous for its views of Pollino National Park and the Devil’s Bridge. The route continues to Morano Calabro, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, with its maze of alleys and imposing castle. The climbs and descents along the way challenge your legs, but the stunning landscapes and warm welcomes of the villages make every effort worthwhile.
• Day 8: Stage 7: Pollino Loop 37 miles / 3940 ft (60 km with 1.200 m elevation gain)
• Day 9: Stage 8: From Morano Calabro to Praia a Mare via Arcomagno Beach 47 miles / 4900 ft (75 km with 1,500 m elevation gain) The final stage leads from the heart of Pollino National Park to the Tyrrhenian coast, with a stop at the stunning Arcomagno Beach, a hidden natural gem nestled among cliffs. The route alternates between hilly terrain and exhilarating descents toward the sea, offering unforgettable views. Arriving in Praia a Mare, with its beaches and Dino Island, is the perfect finale to the Magna Grecia Tour. After an exhilarating week of cycling, relax on the Tyrrhenian coast and celebrate the conclusion of an unforgettable adventure.
• Day 10: Departure: Transfer to Naples Airport (or Naples city) or Lamezia Terme Airport.

Cost & Administration

In addition to the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee of $100, the estimated tour cost is $3850 based on an anticipated exchange rate of $1.15 = 1 € (Euro) and a minimum of 16 participants. The estimated cost includes: 9 nights lodging with full breakfast; daily BAC social hour with beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages; four group dinners; luggage van & emergency sag support; storage of bike boxes; GPS files; and tip for the guide. It does not include lunches or beverages with dinner. A deposit of $1650 assures your place on the tour and due when signing up for ride. The BAC fee of $100 is also due when signing up for the ride. Final payment of $2200 is due by Jan 15, 2026.  This final payment may be adjusted to reflect significant currency exchange rate changes.

HEALTH AND SAFETY: Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone’s health become compromised, and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leaders and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

SOLO & SINGLES POLICY
Since the hotels have very limited number of rooms, singles will only be taking on an exceptional basis at the ride leader’s discretion.

It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own.  However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until Jan 1, 2026 to find a roommate.  If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the Solo Supplement of $1200 and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.

The solo supplement payment of $1200 is due by Jan.1, 2026 and can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle:

• In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org 
  • Initiate a payment 
  • In the Message block, enter the name of your ride.

If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org or Ernie Coose erniecoose.bac@gmail.com. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

EU EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM (ETIAS) TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION: ETIAS will not be implemented until about 6 months after the EU completes its Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals. The EES is anticipated to be functional sometime in 2025, but that is also uncertain. The ETIAS process will require short-term travelers to apply online, pay a small fee (€7 – roughly $7.40) and then wait up to 96 hours for applications to be approved. The authorization is good for a three-year period or until the traveler’s passport expires – whichever comes first. Unlike the ETA, ETIAS will not be required for a layover as long as you remain within the airport's international transit area and do not leave to enter the country itself. For all of these programs, airlines will be required to notify passengers of requirements in enough time in advance of their flights to complete the process. BAC will continue to update members as the things change.

Cancellation Policy: 

The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Ride Participant Responsibility: 

Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Insurance Statements:
Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible.

Sign-up: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is an $85.00 domestic ride fee and $150.00 international ride fee. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.