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Only with us, you can cycle through the Alta Murgia National Park (Puglia), the only pseudo-steppe in the Italian mainland and aspiring UNESCO Global GeoPark!
Fill your eyes with the dazzling colors of the blooms and smell the sweet scents of the thousands of wild plants that find a welcoming home in these places… if you love nature, unspoiled itineraries, and are looking for dreamy natural landscapes, this is the trip for you!
Self-guided mode
Length of daily itineraries: 50 km
Ask for an e-bike.
Technical organization: AuthenticPugliaTours.
For travel terms & conditions click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SELF-GUIDED VERSION
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE SELF-GUIDED VERSION:
If you are alone and want book the SELF-GUIDED VERSION this are the supplements on the price:
Single Room Supplement: € 30 per night
Single Traveler Supplement: € 60 total
OPTIONS:
• First day overnight in Bari or Matera (€ 50 more on the travel fee, in a double or triple room)
• Additional final overnight in Ruvo di Puglia or Trani (€ 50 more on the travel fee, in a double or triple room)
If you are interested in one or all the options, specify it in the Special request section, in the registration form, accessible by clicking on BOOK NOW!
WHAT TO DO IN THE OPTIONAL DAY in Bari or Matera
Independent arrival in Matera (you can easily take a train from Bari that will take you to Matera in 1 hour and a half), or you can decide to spend the first night in Bari.
Accommodation and relax. If you want you can ask us for a guided tour of the Sassi or of the Bari historic center
MATERA: Did you know that Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world? It has been constantly inhabited from prehistoric times to the present day. Today this small center of Basilicata region is rich in cultural ferment and, despite the world media prominence derived by the Hollywood productions that have chosen it as a location, it remains a sincere city, inhabited by simple people who know how to welcome visitors with incredible generosity.
BARI: Walking around the historic center of Bari you will immediately connect with the “Apulian”, their ways of doing things and gesturing their gastronomic habits, and the historic charm of their origins.
DAY 1
Gravina in Puglia – Altamura
What you will see
You will leave from one of the most important and ancient cities of the Park: Gravina in Puglia. Entirely built in Calcarenite, a local light yellow stone, its houses overlook the edge of a canyon, a spectacular combination of civilization and nature. This town is full of prestigious palaces, it was the birthplace of a Pope and guards a second city dug into the rock below the surface, the Underground Gravina.
From Gravina you will move on an easy hilly path towards the city of Altamura, famous for its Cathedral re-built by Frederick II and for the historic center characterized by Claustri, small closed courtyards, an architectural symbol of close community life.
Near Altamura you can decide to reach the Pulo di Altamura, the largest karst sinkhole in the National Park, a huge crater dug by water over millions of years.
On the same road, you can stop at the Centro Visita L’uomo di Altamura which highlights one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world, a complete skeleton of a Neanderthal Man. The locals have affectionately renamed: Ciccillo!
But the Altamura area is also famous for the Cava dei Dinosauri, one of the most famous paleontological sites in the world which houses over 20,000 dinosaur footprints dating back to 70 million years ago.
What you can taste
Altamura is famous for the ancient ovens that produce the DOP bread appreciated all over the world.
We will recommend the best places to have an itinerant lunch moving through the alleys of the old city passing from the salty of the best oven, to the sweet of the best pastry to end the meal with a local digestive liqueur: Padre Peppe!!
Where you will stay
B&B or Hotel in Altamura
DAY 2
Altamura – Poggiorsini
What you will see
On the second day, you will cross most of the protected area from south to north.
You will reach the small town of Poggiorsini along a scenic road at the bottom of the Bradano Valley, right at the foot of the imposing Costone Murgiano, a huge limestone step that stretches for kilometers.
Right on the edge of the Costone the Norman built the Garagnone Castle, what today is called “The Invisible Castle” because its remains are made of the same limestone rock of the plateau.
This is a mystical place!
Go up on foot with a short walk to enjoy a breathtaking view that goes up to the high mountains of the Lucanian Apennines.
What you can taste
Before starting with the daily ride and along the way, we will tell you where to buy the best local products to pack your packed lunch.
In addition, in Poggiorsini you can refresh yourself with a good craft beer at the Ostuni Craft Brewery.
Where you will stay
The accommodation that will host you for the night is an ancient Masseria in the center of the protected area. Nothing better than fully immersing yourself in the Park atmosphere and having a delicious local dinner!
DAY 3
Castel del Monte – Ruvo di Puglia
What you will see
On the last day of traveling, you will discover the most visited monumental site in Puglia, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Castel del Monte. Although inland, its position makes it visible, from the coast, from miles away. The Castle represents one of the most mystical and enigmatic places in Italy.
After the visit, you will swoop down towards the small town of Ruvo di Puglia, enriched by a Romanesque-style Cathedral among the most beautiful in Puglia.
What you can taste
In Ruvo, you can end your pedaling weekend with an unforgettable lunch based on local cuisine prepared with wild herbs from the area.
On Friday in April, May, June, September, and October (in March and November on demand).
You can find upcoming dates or request a tour for your preferred dates in the registration form.
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