Welcome to Hooked on Cycling holidays and our cycling holidays in Italy. This particular biking vacation in Italy is situated in Bascilicata a region little explored at the “bottom” of Italy between the “heal and toe!” On this cycling holiday you will explore around Matera and the Magna Grecia. This cycle tour is an easy level 1-2 self guided tour. This is a tour through the hills of Matera with round trips starting from the Sassi of Matera (the amazing historical part of the town) up to Montescaglioso, with its Benedictine Abbey dating back to the 12th century, San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful nature reserve and the destination of migratory species from Africa, and the Park of Rupestrian Churches.

DAY 1 Arrival in Matera
Arrival to Matera best reached via Bari airport. In the late afternoon a welcome drink with our local guide to introduce the tour and fit the bikes. Tonight dinner is included in one of the typical restaurants in the Sassi. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in the historical part of the town.
Our standard hotel is the Le Monacelle.

DAY 2 Matera loop ride. 16 miles 25km.
After visiting a wood-burning bakery where you can taste the special bread and focaccia made with local hard grain, you will start to pedal with a light loop around Matera. You can stop at the Park of Rupestrian Churches, with its beautiful view over the Sassi and relax before returning to Matera.

DAY 3 The Bradano Valley 28 miles , 45km
Today you cycle following the road that skirts the Park of Rupestrian Churches. Pedaling through the beautiful Bradano valley you come to Bernalda, a village surrounded by orchards and olive groves. Tonight our standard hotel is hotel La Corte.

DAY 4  Relax in the Magna Graecia, loop 22 miles , 35km
Today you can pedal to the sea to visit the Archaeological Park of Metaponto, an ancient Greek Colony established in the 7th century BC. set among vineyards and orange trees. Pythagoras founded one of his schools in this rich and important town. After the visit you will spend the rest of the day at the seaside, perfect for a picnic on the beach. Then it is time to cycle back to your hotel.

Day 5 The Bradano River 26 miles 42km.
Back cycling along the Bradano River you will reach the Montescaglioso hill. The beautiful Benedictine Abbey dating back to medieval times is well worth a visit. Dinner and overnight stay at a holiday farm located at the foot of Montescaglioso. Relax in the swimming pool of the farm Di Lucania. Dinner at the farm.

Day 6 Free day or optional cycle rides 21-25 miles , 35-40km
Today you have time to enjoy a circular cycle in the valley or relax in the swimming pool.
Cycle ride option 1: The Ancient Via Appia
Riding along the ancient "Via Appia" (an old Roman road), you will pass through the charming village of Miglionico, with a nice view on the valley. Then Back to your holiday farm for relaxing and dinner.

Cycle ride option 2: San Giuliano Lake and the Matera hills
This route will take you along the wonderful, deserted road around the San Giuliano Lake, a peaceful natural oasis, the destination of many migratory birds from Africa. We suggest you take some time to enjoy bird watching, spotting grey herons, cormorants, storks and fish hawks. Optional stop to the Crypt of Original Sin (with the oldest frescoes in the area). Then back to your holiday farm for relaxing and dinner.

Day 7 Back to Matera 16 miles 25km
The route will take you back to Matera skirting again the Park of Rock Churches. After 12 km. you’ll leave your bikes to reach the Gravina canyon walking. The rupestrian village in the hearth of the Park is another perfect location for a picnic, after which head on to Matera. Dinner and same hotel as night 1 and 2.

Day 8
Breakfast and end of tour.

Tariff 2009

How to get there
By Plane
By plane to Bari airport ( British airways and Ryanair ) and then by train to Matera via Altamura. Travel time 1.5-2 hours.

To View our other cycling holidays in Italy

Click below to view our
Walking Holidays in Italy

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