TASTE Italy’s South:
Puglia to Amalfi Coast

October 4-October 11, 2025

 A Journey of Coastal Charm and Mountain Majesty

Destination:    Bari to Amalfi- Adriatic Sea to Tyrrhenian Sea
Price: $4,795 per person
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Style/Level: Point to Point, Classic, Intermediate
Average Temperature: High: 70F    Low: 55 F
Arrival Airport: Bari (BRI)
Departure Airport: Naples (NAP)

Daily rides:
Shorter routes of 20-30 miles. 1000-1800 feet elevation
Longer routes of 35-60miles 1800-3900 feet elevation
Extended options are available each day upon request.

A $200.00 deposit is required to secure your spot. Click Book Tour

Have questions or need more details before deciding? Click learn more.

Embark on an unforgettable cycling journey from the Adriatic Sea to the Tyrrhenian Sea, weaving through Italy's most stunning landscapes and towns. Starting in the picturesque whitewashed town of Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses, and passing through Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on cliffs above the Adriatic, you'll savor fresh seafood and Apulian specialties like orecchiette pasta with turnip greens. As you pedal inland towards Matera, the ancient city of stone caves, indulge in hearty southern Italian fare such as pane di Matera and flavorful lamb dishes. Besides visiting UNESCO-listed areas rich in tradition, you’ll taste buffalo mozzarella and robust olive oils. Finally, as we reach the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and Positano, the trip culminates with the flavors of lemon-scented seafood, fresh pasta, and regional desserts like delizia al limone, all enjoyed with views of the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. For non-cyclists, the daily itinerary will feature tailored options such as scenic walks or hikes, historic tours, and engaging activities like cooking and wine classes. Each experience is customized to suit the group’s preferences, ensuring an enriching and memorable adventure for everyone.

Tour Highlights:

Pedal along Italy’s breathtaking coastal and quiet inland roads

• Enjoy wandering in some beautiful and historic villages of Italy including  the UNESCO-town of Alberobello

• Enjoy home-cooked lunches and dinners in both unique restaurants and traditional family homes and farms

• Savor freshly made cheeses, meats and produce typical of the region.  Taste signature breads of the region

• Join our cooking class making orecchiette pasta in a charming boutique hotel

• Stay in hand-picked 4/5 Star hotels and agriturismos.

Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday  October 4:  Welcome to Italy.

Upon your arrival, our guides will be waiting to greet you at Bari Airport (BRI). Two scheduled shuttles will depart beginning at 1:00 PM and last shuttle at 4:00 PM, transporting you to the charming town of Monopoli, Italy. After checking into the hotel, each participant will undergo a bike fitting. In the evening, we’ll gather for our first dinner together, providing an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and guides while savoring delicious local cuisine. We will conduct a safety briefing and discuss the details of our week-long tour and plans for Day 2.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

 Day 2 Sunday October 5, 2025:  Warm Up Ride

Today’s ride brings us to several charming villages including Locorotondo, famous for its labyrinth of whitewashed streets and regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.  We’ll have lunch in a traditional restaurant and enjoy the beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea.   Shuttle vans will transport those who want to spend the afternoon exploring with our guided and non-guided experiences. Those eager can ride back to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring Monopoli.  We will meet in the evening for dinner.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Day 3 Monday, October 6, 2025: to matera

Today's ride will take us further inland as we explore more charming villages and visit local farms along the route. We'll stop for lunch before heading to the historically significant town of Matera, known for its famous ancient cave dwellings, the "sassi." Your unique Sassi Experience begins with check-in at Matera's new 5-star luxury cave hotel, situated in the heart of this historic city. As the sun sets, indulge in an extraordinary dining experience, savoring exquisite cuisine in one of Matera's iconic stone caves—truly magical experience!   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Day 4 Tuesday October 7, 2025: to deep basilicata region

Today's ride leads us westward, taking you through rolling hills and scenic mountain passes, with stops at charming local farms along the way. We'll pause for a delicious lunch at a picturesque spot before offering two options: after a brief 20-minute drive, avid cyclists can embark on an extended route to take in more stunning landscapes. For those looking to relax, a comfortable van will escort you to a welcoming agriturismo, where you'll unwind and enjoy the peaceful charm of a working farm, surrounded by nature’s beauty. It's the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Wednesday October 8, 2025: to montesano

After breakfast, we'll all transfer by van for a 45-minute drive to the town of Caggliano, where our cycling journey begins. This day features the most challenging ride of the week, offering cyclists the chance to conquer 3800 feet of elevation over a 65-mile route. For those seeking a less intense ride, a highly rewarding 30-mile option is available. If you're in the mood for a rest day or a different type of experience, you can choose from scenic hikes, walking tours, or farm-to-table culinary experiences we have curated for the day.

 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (lunch on own)
 

Day 6 Thursday Oct 9, 2025: to cilento

Starting your ride from the charming Agriturismo, you'll weave through the serene countryside of Basilicata, leaving behind lush greenery and rolling hills. As you cross into Campania, the views become even more breathtaking—panoramic stretches of the Tyrrhenian Sea to one side and the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the other. Winding roads lead you through quaint villages where the scent of lemon groves and fresh Mediterranean air fills your senses. Upon reaching the summit, you're greeted by the ancient castle, perched majestically on the hilltop. From this vantage point, the reward is spectacular: sweeping views of the Amalfi Coastline, dotted with colorful villages cascading down the cliffs, and the shimmering expanse of the sea stretching into the horizon.

                 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 

 Day 7 Friday, October 10, 2023:  to amalfi

Today’s ride takes us from Cilento to the stunning Amalfi Coast. The terrain starts with a thrilling descent, winding through switchbacks that offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Approaching the Amalfi Coast, the views become more dramatic. The terrain transitions to cliffside roads that hug the coastline, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the azure waters below. Each bend reveals another postcard-perfect scene—colorful villages like Positano and Ravello perched precariously on the cliffs, their pastel buildings glowing in the Mediterranean sun. The final stretch is a cyclist's dream: a coastal road with the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs. As you roll into Amalfi, the reward is unparalleled—a vibrant seaside town framed by lush mountains and the sparkling sea. Treat yourself to a gelato or a refreshing limoncello at our stops in villages like Acciaroli and Castellabate. Our lunch of course will consist of local delicacies like mozzarella di buffala, handmade pizza, and fresh seafood, paired with Greco di Tufo wine. Arriving in Amalfi, you'll stay in a sea-facing hotel, enjoying evenings filled with fresh seafood, limoncello, and reflection on this unforgettable journey through southern Italy at our farewell dinner.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Farewell Dinner

 Day 8 Saturday October 11, 2025: Bye-bye Italy

After breakfast we will provide complimentary transportation to Naples Airport

Inclusions and Details

Accommodations/Meals:

·         Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the character of the region
·         Airport and Luggage transfers on first day and last day of tour
·         Luggage transfer between hotels
·         Meals: Daily breakfast, snacks at all stops, with lunches and dinners included except on designated "on-your-own" days as listed.
·         Wine is included during the welcome and farewell dinner events.  However, all other alcoholic and specialty beverages are not covered.

Activities:

·         All activities listed in the tour itinerary for cyclists and tours/excursions designed as daily options for non-riders on tour.
·         Entrance fees to historic sites, parks, and exclusive events related to the tour.
·         Gratuities for baggage handling, porters, and hotel services

Bike and Gear:

• The bikes included with the price of the tour will be high-performance carbon road bikes equipped with electronic shifters and hydraulic disc brakes. They feature 30-inch tires, ideal for both comfort and performance on various terrains.

• E-bikes are also available for an additional charge of $200.00 for those who prefer an assisted ride.

• GPS

• 2025 Taste Series Bike Jersey; T-Shirt, Water bottle, Tote Bag
  
  Support:

• Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge. Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts.

• Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points for non-riders

• Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

NOT Included:

• Airfare

• Few Lunches and Dinners listed as “on your own” days

• Travel Protection

• Gratuities for Guides