Internationale groepsreis Cycling Puglia & Matera

MATERA TO PUGLIA RIDE

Perfect spring cycling, beautiful scenery, wonderful food

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the caves (sassi) in Matera, cycling through the countryside around Alberobello with fields of red poppies surrounding white trullis and groves of olive trees, the coast ride north of Leuca

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele is a really great guide: tireless and always cheerful, he couldn't do enough for us and even went to the trouble of preparing a local dish himself for our lunch at a bar on the beach on the last day. He knew the best places for views along the route and performed a dive from the cliffs into the sea - very impressive! He was also very flexible so we were able to stop at a beach and swim one very hot afternoon instead of continuing to ride. You can't go to Puglia and not try the local foods and he always had recommendations for us. Thanks to his thoughtfulness settling individual bills after meals was also very simple and quick. If anyone didn't want to carry on riding he and the driver Antonio were always ready to load the bike on the roof and never made anyone feel they were being difficult.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The bikes are good touring bikes with computer, pannier and a bag with map holder for the handlebars so no need to bring bike backpacks etc. Exodus also provided waterbottles. Bring padded shorts - the roads can be bumpy:-) Try to stay an extra night in Matera at the start - it is well worth it. I also stayed an exta night in Lecce and took the train back to Bari for just €18. You need good sun protection!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'd wanted to visit this area for a while and it certainly lived up to my expectations. Cycling was really enjoyable - with the long winter here some of us were concerned about stamina for the long first day but it was all doable. The most uphill stretches were on day 5 but none were too hard and Italian car drivers are much more considerate of cyclists than British ones.

Cycling Puglia and Matera

Wonderful scenery, historic towns, lovely food food and wine and a great tour leader.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling along the Adriatic coast

What did you think of your group leader?

Mariella was fantastic - very knowledgeable about the area, had a great sense of humour, and went out of her way to make the trip special for everyone. She even organised a toast for our anniversary. The guided tours were also a bonus.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Watch out for loose gravel and potholes

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The terrain is not too challenging and should be suitable for cyclists of most levels

Cycling Puglia and Matera

It was with some trepidation that my wife and I joined this guided tour. Not only was it the first time we have participated in an organised group tour, it also involved some serious cycling. We need not have worried. Our tour guide, Marinella, was superb in ensuring that everyone had the best possible time throughout the week's tour. Puglia was a gorgeous region to tour, with many beaches and a variety of sights. The accommodation was very good with the highlight being the overnight stay at the renovated monastery near Avantrana. Our group was a mix of nationalities and a significant bonus was the opportunity to engage with these people and learn a little about them and their home countries. The cycling varied from 45 to 70+ km each day, which both my wife and I found manageable. We had both done a reasonable amount of preparation, which was extremely helpful.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We encountered some heavy rain on day 2 of the tour. It really belted down during the last hour of the ride. When we arrived at our overnight stay I was having a bit of a grizzle about the wet weather to one of the other riders, Chris, from New Zealand. She said that when the rain was at its heaviest she was having a laugh! She was participating doing something she enjoyed, and yes, the conditions weren't ideal, but she had many friends back home who would be tucked up in front of the fire, but she was getting out and about. An inspirational moment for me!

What did you think of your group leader?

Marinella fulfilled her group leader role with flying colours. She loves Puglia, knows it well, and was passionate about sharing her knowledge. She worked extremely hard at making everyone feel part of the group by suggesting places to eat at night, and also through organising our lunch each day. The group was a large one, and I felt that she should have had an extra support person who could have ridden with the group. We had a back up vehicle but it was not always possible for it to follow the group. If there was a mechanical issue, (and there were a few), Marinella would have to back track and attempt to remedy it.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do your preparation on the bike. The distances are not huge, but it's constant each day. Although the route is mainly flat there are some hilly sections.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

September was a very good time to do the tour. Overall the weather was very good. Hot enough to stop for a swim most days, but not too hot to ride.

Cycling Puglia and Matera

This was a hugely enjoyable trip made by our delightful and knowledgeable guide, Marinella Bozzetti . The tour took us through beautiful countryside and fascinating historic towns and the distances and hills were reasonable for regular cyclists with a good level of fitness. I would rate the trip as excellent but felt our tour guide could have done with more back up - at the very least there should be a spare bike of equivalent standard so that bikes could easily be replaced if necessary.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We especially loved the farm house and beautiful rooms in the monastery. In better weather the luxurious pool would have been a highlight but despite the storm we enjoyed the comfort and wonderful setting. Swimming in the Ionian Sea one day and the Adriatic the next was also memorable as was the stunning coastal road between Gallipoli and Ortranto.

What did you think of your group leader?

We all loved Marinella - she was a constant delight. Funny, charming and unfailingly good humoured despite the many " trrrragedies" of our trip ie thunder, lightening and torrential rain. We were all soaked to the skin but thanks to Marinella we came through smiling. She went well beyond her duties to provide informative guided tours at every stopping point and made sure that we were well looked after in a variety of traditional restaurants. She dealt diplomatically and with admirable patience with the one difficult member of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you do have a reasonable level of fitness because 6 consecutive days in the saddle are quite demanding and this tour does include a number of longish hills. Heat or bad weather both increase the difficulty but the rewards are worth it. A number in our group were in our 60s and this tour was well within our capabilities but we were all reasonably experienced cyclists. A spare pair of shoes would have been welcome.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We enjoyed the variety of accommodation and also the mix of nationalities in our group. This holiday is about much more than just the cycling - this is a little known but fascinating and beautiful part of Italy but it was the bonding within the group and the personality of our leader that made it so special.

Cycling in Pugia

We had 6 fabulous days of cycling through amazing sceneries and villages . Always changing , never the same always exciting to get to a new place discovering different foods, wines , gelatto flavours!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I think of what stands out the most of this trip is how our tour guide Marinella embraced each and everyone of the group and we felt like a big family gathering and had a blast! All because of Marinella's attention to our well being.

What did you think of your group leader?

The most professional guide ever.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you train for hills . Even if only few of them they are still hills!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Welcome to the heel of Italy

This was a great, relaxing cycle holiday to the heel of Italy, with a good mix of people. We had quite a large group and exceptional weather of 35-40 degrees in September, which was a little higher than the expected temperature for that time of year. What a beautiful part of Italy to visit and cycling was a fantastic way to explore it. I loved having the time to indulge in the cafe/gelato culture at lunch or after the day cycling and the freedom to chill before the optional group dinner or doing something by yourself. In some of towns, where we experienced an increase in traffic, it was still relatively ‘cycle friendly’. There were many locals who cycle, regardless of age and others self-touring - so it was a very positive cycling experience.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The towns/villages that we stayed in were really beautiful, but I think the Trulli house in Alberobello and the stay at the Masseria, made the trip a little more special.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leaders were Marinella and Emanuele and their individual skills complemented the trip perfectly as Marinella was an excellent organizer, a special mention has to be for the recommendations for dinner and the arranging of lunches each day – no small task. Emanuele was our cycle leader who negotiated the route and pace for us and sorted out any mechanical issues that arose (very few) and was keen to invest time in a brief cultural highlights tour after the cycling had finished for the day for those who were interested. I have always maintained that an Exodus trip can be made/broken by the quality of the group leaders – I would say that both Marinella and Emanuele enhanced my experience of this trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Puglia is considered to be the flattest part of Italy – but that means the land is undulating rather than ‘alpine’ hilly. For anyone considering this trip who may be a tiny bit worried about hill climbing – don’t be, the pace ranged from 15-20 kph, a speed which suited our group well. Whilst I didn’t do it myself, a day before the trip in Matera and after the trip finishes in Lecce looks really worthwhile, I’ll just have to come back at some point. As with any cycle trip, if you have your own seat/pedals – do take them, the bikes available on this trip were sturdy but basic. For organizing the daily lunches, the leaders ask for 50 euro per person at the beginning of the trip. This then allows them to organize a really good lunch each day and any balance paid back at the end of the trip – this is a good option and one less thing to worry about. Given the quality of the lunches on offer, the money was well spent.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Even though we had a couple of beach stops, it would be nice if one of the days could finish at the beach and allow people to spend the afternoon there (the water is so nice) although I appreciate that cost/accommodation availability may be an issue.

A great Italian cycling experience

Whilst this trip was our first Exodus experience we were unsure of what to expect in terms of cycling difficulty, organisation, hotels and group dynamics. We need not have worried!! This guided trip was maybe very slightly more challenging than we expected due to hotter weather than normal in September, however the leadership dealt with these conditions well allowing the whole group to complete a rewarding week. The over night stays allowed us to experience a range of accommodation including a night in a Trulli house and all were clean and tidy. For us, one of the highlights was the group we met and spent time with. We got to know some great people along the way - chatting on route and over evening meals (although this is not compulsory!)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Having experienced some fantastic places along the route, for us the finale in Lecce with a group of people we'd got to know was very special and a stunning end to a great week.

What did you think of your group leader?

We were fortunate enough to have two leaders and both did all they could to make the trip a special week. They had the local knowledge, great organisational skills and above all a great sense of humour!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If we were to help inform anyone considering this trip, we'd definately recommend this for anyone wanting to see southern Italy and who has done some cycling leading up to the week. We decided to add an extra day at the start in Matera and at the end in Lecce which we'd reccommend to discover these beautiful places. The bikes were good however we decided to take our own saddle and pedals which we'd suggest if you want a little more "touch point" familiarity.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If it helps make your mind up....we are already looking into our next holiday with Exodus!

Published & Matera Cycling

Sara was an outstanding guide who enhanced our trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling through the trellis.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara was capable, caring, warm, funny, and she made the extra effort to tell us the history of various locations and sites.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A heel of a trip!

Lovely part of Italy, attractive towns and villages, relatively easy cycling and wonderful food and wine - what's not to like?

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Would describe as highlights rather than inspirational:- Matera - quite stunning and well worth the additional day we added - good advice from Exodus Alberobello - touristy but photogenic and pretty and a great opportunity to stay in a trullo - wonderful! The Masseria was also a beautiful setting - lovely accommodation, great food and wine, lovely pool a great place to relax.

What did you think of your group leader?

Not a natural guide but Sara was very keen to ensure we had a good trip and worked extremely hard to achieve that - with very little help from her colleagues. She did a good job.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take Exodus' advice and spend an extra day in Matera - well worth the visit This isn't a challenging ride so if you enjoy a relaxed cycle trip in a beautiful part of Italy with time to relax and explore each of the places you visit then this is a perfect holiday.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We knew very little about this part of Italy before our visit but it's a hidden gem. Would certainly recommend a trip there - and cycling through vineyards, olive groves, past the trulli houses, eating gelati and the freshest local fruit was delightful. Accommodation generally better than expected especially first 3 nights. Bikes awful - in this day and age am sure it's possible to provide better quality bikes - sadly similar to other parts of Italy I've visited.

Get away from it all and enjoy the ride....

Great trip. Great places to visit. Great group leader. A different taste of Italy.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We went a day early to see Matera properly. This is an extraordinary and attractive place that has been transformed from being Italy's national disgrace in the 1960s to be named as the European City of Culture for 2019 while we were on the trip. Not to be missed.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was Michaele. He was professional, knowledgable, organised, hard working and personable while also being great fun and spontaneous at the same time. He made sure that everyone had a fantastic holiday. It's hard to imagine anyone doing the job as well as him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip was a combination of interesting medieval towns and villages, great climate and a taste of of Italy far away from the usual tourist sites. The cycling was through countryside and by the coast, but not always beautiful - we understand that the route is to be 'tuned' in the near future. Some days were quite tiring but really shouldn't be a problem for anyone who has prepared for the holiday. The opportunity for a dip in the turquoise sea during October is not to be missed.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We are smitten. This was our first cycling holiday and we are keen to try another next year. Especially if Michaele is the leader. We had read the less favourable reviews of this trip even before we booked; our experience was enduringly positive.

CYCLING PUGLIA

I have mixed feelings about my trip to Puglia with Exodus. The hotels were excellent and the breakfasts were first class in all places that we visited and the staff and locals were all very friendly and helpful. However, the local tour operator used by Exodus did not provide the group with good customer service - i.e. Neither the group leader or the van driver knew anything about bikes and would not have been able to change a tyre if there had been a puncture - fortunately myself and another member of the group were more mechanically minded and would have been able to assist. The tool kit consisted of a tube, tyre levers and a small pump, there was no high pressure pump, no spare bikes or wheels on the so called back up van. There was no cool box in the van to keep the picnic lunches cool. The group leader had no first aid experience and carried no first aid kit which became very apparent after I fell off my bike and had a badly grazed hand and elbow. 2 bikes were badly damaged so the group (not the guide) managed to get one bike on the road after canabalising parts off the damaged bikes, and only then did it become apparent to the tour operator that spare bikes were required to be carried in the van - 2 spare bikes appeared that afternoon so fortunately I was able to continue with the trip. There was also a distinct lack of communication between the van driver and the group leader - the van driver was inexperienced driving from one place to the other and he kept getting lost - no sign of a map anywhere. The above points are surely prerequisite if a tour operator is to provide a good holiday experience for Exodus customers.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It was a fantastic group of people and I enjoyed their company throughout the tour, and the weather was mainly sunny with the occasional shower of rain. Unfortunately I didn't find the scenery inspiring nor the cycling, however the sea at the coast was picturesque the turquoise water shimmering in the sunlight. Matera was extremely unusual with it's caves and layers of houses. Lecce the last town we visited was very pretty with lots of churches, a cathedral and an old roman ampitheater, but neither I would call inspirational.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara was a very pleasant young woman who came from the North of Italy and did her best to try to please the group and give us assistance with translation where necessary. Unfortunately I feel that she was rather nervous at the beginning of the tour of being with a group of more mature people however, as the week progressed she became more relaxed and we laughed and joked more with her. Sara was unprepared for the unexpected when I had a bad fall from the bike and badly grazed my hand and elbow, she had no first aid kit it was in the van with the driver who was in Ostuni a few miles away. I was badly shocked and in a lot of pain after the accident, however, it was the people in the group who were of assistance to me washing my grazes with water and making sure I was ok - Sara was on the phone and was unsure as to whether the driver would find us as he had no map. So she had no first aid experience and when the first aid kit did appear it was useless having a few plasters and some gel - no dressings and no antiseptic. I can't blame Sara for the first aid kit but the tour organiser should ensure that his group leader is well prepared for accidents which do happen. The driver eventually took me to the local hospital in Ostuni where my grazes were cleaned up and my elbow stitched. He kept getting lost and asking for directions, no sign of a map. I also thought that her knowledge of the area was limited and she was rather unprepared with regards to relaying the history of each area we visited reading from a printed sheet and at times was difficult to understand as her English could have been better. Most days she had difficulty finding the hotels although she did have her Garmin Sat Nav. Sara also had limited knowledge of most of the towns and at times we walked and walked till we found a good restaurant and the food and wine in these were very good so we landed lucky. Sara should have perhaps had the foresight to google the area and find out where the decent restaurants were to be found. On the last night Sara asked us how the trip could be improved so a few of us relayed many of the above points to her which she will feed back to the tour operator. Although Sara wasn't the most experienced tour guide she remained professional at all times and did her best to help individuals with any problems that occurred.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ensure you take your own first aid kit and tool kit if you wish to have a more enjoyable trip than I had A road map of the area will be beneficial so you can direct the driver and the guide in the right direction. Try not to get sick in Southern Italy as the hospital was filthy and the treatment was rough and basic, however, that is perhaps a sign of the economic situation in Italy and is out with the control of any tour operator. If you want decent cycling and scenery don't go.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The tour operator should ensure that his tour guides are more prepared for the unexpected. On a cycling trip the injuries which will be sustained in any cycling accident usually involve bad cuts and grazes, fractured arms and shoulders and in the worst case scenario head and neck injuries. Every adventure activity holiday has an element of risk, however, to be unprepared for such events is unacceptable as it puts the health and safety of Exodus customers at risk.

Get away from it all and enjoy the ride....

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cycling Puglia and Matera

As a novice to cycling the group could not have been more supportive and helpful in getting me to learn the joy of gears. Thank you one and all. Matera and the Puglia region are fabulous if you get the chance to visit SE Italy do. Matera and Leece are candidates for European Capital of Culture 2019 and both would be worthy winners. Leece would pip it for me because of the architectural ruins. The Adriatic coast is beautiful and the smell of liquorice on the wind is amazing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not sure I can pinpoint "the most" inspirational moment the whole trip was fab even the going slightly off course and getting up all those hills character building.

What did you think of your group leader?

Being a group leader is not an easy task and I have the utmost respect for anyone who gives up their time and energy to do so. For me a bit more information at the start of the day in regard to the route we were taking would have been helpful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Keep the group leaders mobile number on your person just in case you do go a bit off course so the leader can find you.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take a leap of faith and try something new

Cycling Puglia & Matera

After having completed the Bolzano to Venice tour in 2013 and having enjoyed it immensely with our tour guide (Michele Quaresimin) who was professional and competent) I was disappointed with the local operator and guide on this tour. There were issues when an accident occurred during the tour which highlighted several problems that could easily have been avoided had the local operator had properly trained staff and an action plan in place that included carrying spare bikes and an adequate repair kit and first aid equipment. I also found the tour price quite expensive given that it was the accommodation and breakfast only.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The sense of achievement for me to complete the tour as I am a not a skilled bike rider.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara was kind and lovely although a little shy. As the days went on she became more relaxed within our company. What Sara lacked was inexperience and a knowledge of the towns we were visiting. I have a strong interest in Italy and history, so for someone to read limited information on the towns from her typed up notes, was neither professional nor interesting. I have much higher expectations of a tour leader and when you are paying AUD1700 (approx) I think everyone would agree that a tour guide needs to be professional and have a sound level of local knowledge of the towns the tour is travelling through. Otherwise why have a guide?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Carry your own first aid kit.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would have preferred to have stayed in Alberobello township not outside of the village, as we had such limited time there to explore at the days end. A scheduled wine tour at the end of Day 4 (which turned out to be a very long day) my suggestion is that when everyone is very tired and sweaty it would be kinder to all to have an english speaking tour guide so the tour is not twice as long and lost in the translation when we are all worn out and eager to shower and rest.

MATERA TO PUGLIA RIDE

Perfect spring cycling, beautiful scenery, wonderful food

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the caves (sassi) in Matera, cycling through the countryside around Alberobello with fields of red poppies surrounding white trullis and groves of olive trees, the coast ride north of Leuca

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele is a really great guide: tireless and always cheerful, he couldn't do enough for us and even went to the trouble of preparing a local dish himself for our lunch at a bar on the beach on the last day. He knew the best places for views along the route and performed a dive from the cliffs into the sea - very impressive! He was also very flexible so we were able to stop at a beach and swim one very hot afternoon instead of continuing to ride. You can't go to Puglia and not try the local foods and he always had recommendations for us. Thanks to his thoughtfulness settling individual bills after meals was also very simple and quick. If anyone didn't want to carry on riding he and the driver Antonio were always ready to load the bike on the roof and never made anyone feel they were being difficult.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The bikes are good touring bikes with computer, pannier and a bag with map holder for the handlebars so no need to bring bike backpacks etc. Exodus also provided waterbottles. Bring padded shorts - the roads can be bumpy:-) Try to stay an extra night in Matera at the start - it is well worth it. I also stayed an exta night in Lecce and took the train back to Bari for just €18. You need good sun protection!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'd wanted to visit this area for a while and it certainly lived up to my expectations. Cycling was really enjoyable - with the long winter here some of us were concerned about stamina for the long first day but it was all doable. The most uphill stretches were on day 5 but none were too hard and Italian car drivers are much more considerate of cyclists than British ones.

MATERA TO PUGLIA RIDE

This was a really enjoyable cycling holiday:  the roads chosen were predominatly little trafficked by cars, the countryside was a lush green, with roadsides and fields covered in masses of wildflowers, the villages and towns presenting aspects ranging from rural tranquility to urban liveliness and architectural interest. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not a moment, but a few inspirational hours: the spectacular scenery of the Adriatic coast from Santa Maria de Leuca towards Otranto. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Michele did everything possible - and always with a smile and good humour - to make the holiday a good experience for everyone in the group.  He also ensured that we sampled the special/traditonal dishes of each region.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure to take with you a good guide book for the region!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MATERA TO PUGLIA RIDE

This was a fabulous trip that really exceeded my expectations. I knew that the region would be very nice but it was just stunning and the countryside was beautiful to cycle through. The accommodation was really lovely also...especially in Matera

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views mainly...The lovely little towns we visited were great but the real delight was the contrast between the countryside and the coastal paths

What did you think of your group leader?

we had an Italian guide Michele who was wonderful....very helpful (especially sorting out bills at the end of meals etc) and really organised to ensure we made the most of our trip

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

April/May was a wonderful time to visit....hardly any tourists.....I would just say Go before this region gets too busy

Is there anything else you would like to add?

missed my little orange bike at the end of the trip.......

CYCLING PUGLIA AND MATERA

Generally good trip with excellent and thoughtful guide. However due to the size of the group two guides may have been more appropriate, considering the rather expensive cost of the trip in total. beautiful scenery good company and the right level of cycling for a relative novice like me (possibly with the exception of the 70 km first day.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CYCLING PUGLIA AND MATERA

Lovely villages especially Matera and Otranto.  It was an expensive holiday as there were no lunches/dinners provided.  According to the Exodus write-up you would only need approximately €170 extra to cover the food and drink.  That is ridiculous!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Quite dreading the second last day which had a lot of hills, but found it the most enjoyable.  The views cycling along the coast were breathtaking.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was extremely nice.  Previous cycle tours we have been on the leader pointed out historical points of interest but this didn't happen on this trip.  Having been on a lot of cycling tours with other companies with a group of around 18 there have been 2 guides.  Not everyone has the same pace so it would have been better for the slower group to have a back-up leader.  Also the last cycling day a few of us wanted to stop for lunch but the others wanted to press on to Lecce.  A vote was taken and we lost so had to press on.  It would have been different with 2 leaders. One other criticism re paying for the meals on one occasion approximately half the group left after a meal leaving what they thought they owed.  There was quite a shortfall and the rest of us had to put in a lot of extra money to cover this.  It was brought to the leader's attention the next day but nothing was done about it.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Say at extra day beforehand in Matera as it is such a lovely town.  Get a private transfer from the airport and you will arrive much quicker than getting a bus/train.  Have plenty of cash for meals/drinks etc.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Tulli accommodation in Alberobello was about a 15 minute walk from the centre and was very hard to find. Everyone else was accommodated in Alberobello centre.