Transmurgiana, 3-days Self-guided road bike trip in Puglia

DAY 1
Matera – Altamura – Gravina in Puglia

What you will see

• Starting from Matera you will jump to the city of Altamura, one of the most important centers of the National Park, with its imposing Apulian Roman Cathedral built by Emperor Federico II. The historic center is made up of an intricate maze of alleys and “claustri” (small squares);
• Leaving the urban center you will continue towards the Pulo di Altamura, one of the most important geo-sites of the National Park. You may be wondering: what is Pulo? When you see it, you will immediately think of the huge crater of a meteorite, but no! We don’t anticipate anything, you will enjoy the discovery!
• Next, you will arrive in one of the oldest and most significant cities: Gravina in Puglia. Characterized entirely by the presence of calcarenite, a local light yellow stone, the houses overlook a canyon, forming a spectacular combination of human work and nature. This urban center boasts remarkable historical buildings, was the birthplace of a Pope, and hides under the surface another city carved into the rock, the Underground Ravine.

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 old bakery 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 Gravina in Puglia

Technical details on the first day’s ride.
Distance 43.37 km
Positive difference in height 390 m

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!

Technical details on the second-day ride.
Length: 40 km
Positive difference in height: 515 meters

DAY 3
Castel del Monte – Corato – Trani

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.

From the Castle, you will move downhill through the countryside, between vineyards and orchards, arriving at the city of Corato and continuing the ride to the coast, reach the city of Trani Trani, better known as “the Pearl of the Adriatic”, embellished by its Romanesque cathedral on the sea, one of the most beautiful in Europe!

(Trani is very well connected with Bari).

Technical details on the third-day ride.
Length: 74 km
Positive difference in height: 310 meters