OVERVIEW:  Italy's Puglia region, better known as the "heel" of the country's boot, is celebrated for its spectacular Mediterranean coastline, whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland, and endless vineyards and olive groves.

This popular BAC tour is operated in partnership with Hike and Bike Italy, a company that has supported BAC tours throughout the region for many years. Over 15 days and 14 nights, the thoughtfully designed itinerary balances active cycling with opportunities to relax and immerse yourself in the culture, featuring two-night stays in five carefully selected locations.

Our journey winds through the diverse landscapes of Puglia and neighboring Basilicata, visiting the enchanting towns of Matera (2 nights), Locorotondo (2), Polignano a Mare (1), Pezze di Greco/Fasano (2), Mesagne (1), Gallipoli (1), Santa Maria di Leuca (1), Otranto (2), and concludes with two nights in the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce (2). 

Beginning in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary Sassi cave dwellings, we’ll spend two nights in one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Carved into dramatic limestone cliffs, the ancient stone homes and churches glow with a warm golden light at sunset, creating an unforgettable first impression.

After our first Happy Hour gathering, settle into Matera's seductive evening atmosphere. The following morning is time to explore this ancient city at your own pace, assemble your bike or be fitted to your rental. In the afternoon, join our guided walking tour through Matera's labyrinth of winding stone streets, ancient cave dwellings, and hidden passageways. The day concludes with a welcome dinner featuring a lively musical performance celebrating the rich culture and traditions of southern Italy.

Leaving Matera behind, we ride into the enchanting Puglian landscape of rolling countryside, ancient olive groves, and endless open skies. A pause at a rustic, family-run farm for a hands-on cheese-making demonstration followed by a delicious local lunch breaks up the longer-distance day as we head to the captivating hill town of Locorotondo. 

Locotorondo with its whitewashed homes, flower-filled balconies, and maze of narrow cobblestone lanes, creates a great base to explore nearby Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cycling through these renowned fairy-tale trulli houses (traditional stone dwellings topped with distinctive conical roofs) provides views of one of Puglia’s most iconic sights. 

The route then carries us to the Adriatic coast and the dramatic setting of Polignano a Mare. Perched high above turquoise waters, this cliffside village offers unforgettable views, and hidden coves.

Retreating inland, a two-night stay at a traditional masseria awaits us. Surrounded by ancient olive trees and dry-stone walls, this beautifully restored farmhouse offers an authentic glimpse into rural Puglian life—complete with delicious farm-fresh cuisine.

Leaving the Masseria behind, we continue our journey south, cycling through a series of charming towns with single-night stays along the way. Highlights include Gallipoli, where a sea-sprayed old town sits atop a limestone island connected to the mainland by a historic bridge, and Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Puglia where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet in a spectacular coastal setting. 

Following the Adriatic coastline north, we arrive in Otranto for a two-night stay. Steeped in history, this seaside town invites exploration with its imposing coastal fortress, magnificent cathedral, and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the beauty of the Salento coast.

The tour concludes in the Baroque masterpiece of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South.” Here, ornate stone facades glow in the afternoon light, revealing the city’s architectural elegance.  A final bonus day includes a guided tour, providing time to appreciate Lecce’s magnificent history and vibrant street life. 

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 Leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate the spread of infection or illness to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

RIDE RATING: This itinerary is rated 1B! Mandatory riding days average approximately 38 miles with 1,225 feet of elevation gain. Days that exceed the standard 1B rating are highlighted in bold: D2–52 mi/2,263 ft; D4–30 mi/836 ft; D5–25 mi/765 ft; D7–42 mi/1,356 ft; D8–55 mi/1,330 ft; D9–35 mi/813ft; D10–35 mi/1,740 ft; and D12–33 mi/1,065 ft. Optional rides will also be available on all layover days.

The “!” designation reflects the need for riders to be comfortable cycling in traffic, as approaches into some towns involve busier roads. It is recommended all bikes have a minimum of 28mm tires as pavement quality can vary in this part of Italy.  A few routes include short gravel sections. Hybrid and touring bikes are especially well suited for the tour. Riders wishing to bring a tandem bicycle should check with the Ride Leader in advance.
 

CUE SHEETS, MAPS, GPS files:  Before the tour, Hike and Bike Italy will provide links to the GPX files of our cycling routes.  Cue sheets are not provided. Participants are encouraged to use the Ride with GPS (RWGPS) app or a compatible GPS device such as a Garmin or Wahoo, and should arrive familiar with its operation. Please download the routes to your device before travel. RWGPS (free or paid versions) offers turn-by-turn navigation with audio guidance. 

WEATHER: Puglia in late September, early October averages in the low 70’s and is ideal for cycling.  The summer heat of the southern Italian sun means the sea remains warm for swimming even into October. Still, one should pack a rain jacket in case of an occasional shower.

LODGINGS AND MEALS:  This tour includes 10 nights in 4-star hotels, 2 nights at a Masseria (farm-stay) and 2 nights at an Albergo diffuso. Meals include all breakfasts, one lunch, and seven 3-course dinners.  There will be 10 Happy Hours, due to hotel restrictions, some Happy Hours will be a cash bar with limited snacks. Where allowed drinks and snacks will be brought in by the Ride Coordinator.

LOGISTICS: The tour begins at Alvino Relais in Matera at 6 pm on September 24, 2027.  The most convenient airport is Bari (BRI), from which you can take an airport bus to Bari Centrale Station and take an FAL train to Matera (journey time approx. 1 hour).  There are good train connections to Bari from Rome and Naples. It is possible to take a direct bus from Naples to Matera.

The tour ends at Pollicastro Boutique Hotel in Lecce after breakfast on October 8, 2027.  The most convenient airport is Brindisi (BDS).  There are frequent trains from Lecce to Brindisi, from where you can catch an airport bus (15 minutes journey time – every 30 minutes). There are good train connections from Lecce to Rome, Naples, and Matera.

Rental bikes will be available through Hike and Bike Italy directly. Email: info@hikeandbikeitaly.com Hybrid or Touring bike (250 Euro); Road bike (350 Euro); Electric bike (450 Euro). For those bringing their own bikes, bike boxes will be collected for storage in Matera and transferred to our hotel in Lecce on the afternoon of October 7, 2027.

COST AND ADMINISTRATION: The cost of the tour is based on an exchange rate of $1.19 = 1 Euro. Included in the tour price are 15 days/14 nights lodging, all breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 7 three-course meals, luggage transport, gpx routes, two city tours, gratuity for guides, and a contingency. The initial deposit of $2300  plus the $150 BAC tour fee is due immediately.  The second payment of $2300 is due on March 1, 2027. The final payment of $275 is due May 15, 2027 and is subject to adjust based on the exchange rate.

SOLO & SINGLES POLICY: A “solo” is a member who signs up and does not wish to share a room. A “single” is someone who shares a room with someone not on their BAC membership.  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 March 1, 2027 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 fee and payment processing fee) or pay the solo supplement $1100 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, but singles must ultimately make their own rooming decision.  

Solo supplement payments need to be received in the BAC office by March 1, 2027 by one of the methods below:  
1.   A check made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.
2.  Zelle payment transfer using the following instructions: a) In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient with the email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org b) Initiate a payment c) In the message block, enter the name of the ride. NOTE: Only solo supplement payments may be paid via Zelle. All other tour payments must be made by credit card through the BAC website.

ETIAS: The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is anticipated to launch in late 2026.  ETIAS clearance will be required for US citizens to enter Schengen/EU and some associated countries.  The online application collects identity (name, gender, date/place of birth, contact info, etc), travel (passport, travel plan, purpose of travel), and security-related information (health and criminal record).  The application fee is anticipated to be €22 unless you are 70+, in which case it's free. Authorization is for three years. ETIAS implementation has been delayed several times.  Official ETIAS website: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) - ETIAS

CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration and payment processing fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled due to participation below stated minimum requirements.  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 cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the cancelling 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 cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.     

For cancellations for which a replacement is not found, the Hike and Bike Italy cancellation fee policy is as follows and are additional to any BAC cancellation costs:
90+ days – 10% of Tour fee  
30-90 days – 30% of Tour fee
0-30 days – 100% of Tour fee
The above fees will be deducted before any refund is calculated.

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 Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader.   Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

INSURANCE: BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.

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.. 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.