TASTE Italy South:
Puglia to Amalfi Coast

October 4-October 11

 A Journey of Coastal Charm and Mountain Majesty

Destination:    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)

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. Continuing west to the coast, including a UNESCO-listed area rich in tradition, you’ll taste buffalo mozzarella and robust olive oils. Finally, as we reach the breathtaking Amalfi Coast in 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 the non-cyclists in the group, a daily itinerary will include options for scenic hikes, historic tours, and farm-to-table culinary adventures, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone.

Tour Highlights:

• Pedal along Italy’s breathtaking coastal and quiet inland roads

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

• Enjoy a 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 shuttles will depart at 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM, transporting you to the charming town of Alborello. After checking into the hotel, each participant will undergo a bike fitting to ensure a comfortable riding experience. In the evening, we’ll gather for our first dinner together, providing an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and guides and enjoy the typical cuisine. We will also conduct a safety briefing and discuss the details of our week-long tour, including an overview of the 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 will have lunch in a traditional restaurant in Polignaro a Mare and enjoy the beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea.   Shuttle vans will transport those who want to spend the afternoon exploring Alborello. For those of you that are eager can ride back to the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring.  We will meet in the evening for dinner.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Tipico Trulli Resort 
Shorter Route: 25 miles, 725 ft elevation  
Extended Route:     45 miles, 2100 ft elevation

 Day 3 Monday, October 5, 2025: Alberobello to Materna

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." In the evening, you'll enjoy a unique dining experience in one of these stone caves.    

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shorter Route: 32 miles, 1400 ft elevation
Extended Route: 46 miles, 2217 ft elevation

 Day 4 Tuesday October 7, 2025:  Materna to Potenza

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
Shorter Route: 33 miles, 2100 feet elevation
Extended Route: 47 miles, 3600 Feet elevation

Day 5 Wednesday October 8, 2025: Potenza to Celiento

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 5,000 feet of elevation over a 65-mile route. For those seeking a less intense ride, a highly rewarding 30-mile option is available, with 2,700 feet of elevation gain. If you're in the mood for a rest day or a different type of adventure, you can choose from scenic hikes, historic tours, or farm-to-table culinary experiences we have curated for the day.

 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (lunch on own)
Shorter Route: 30 miles 2700 feet elevation
Extended Route: 55 miles 5100 feet elevation   

Day 6 Thursday Oct 9, 2025: Cilento to Positano

Today’s ride takes us from Cilento to the stunning Amalfi Coast, ending in Positano. You’ll cycle through olive groves, past coastal watchtowers, and along cliffside roads with breathtaking Mediterranean views. Stops in villages like Acciaroli or Castellabate offer local delicacies like mozzarella di bufala, handmade pasta, and fresh seafood, paired with Greco di Tufo wine. Arriving in Positano, you'll stay in a sea-facing hotel, enjoying evenings filled with fresh seafood, limoncello, and reflection on this unforgettable journey through southern Italy.

                 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Dinner on own
Shorter Route: 35 miles, 739 feet elevation
Extended Route: 55 miles, 3900 feet elevation          

 Day 7 Friday, October 10, 2023:  Positano Loop

We start our day with a scenic, leisurely bike ride along the coast, ideal for soaking in the views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.  We will arrive in Sorrento where you can enjoy free time to explore local markets, visit landmarks, or simply relax. In the afternoon, join our scheduled cultural food tour, sampling authentic dishes, meeting local artisans, and discovering the rich culinary traditions that define the region.

 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Lunch on own)
Shorter Route: 25 miles,  700 ft elevation
Extended Route: 33 miles, 1100 ft elevation

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

After breakfast we will provide complimentary transportation back 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 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. The bikes are lightweight, ensuring an efficient ride, and are designed for all-day comfort on long-distance rides.

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

• GPS

• Complimentary 2025 Taste Series Jersey; T-Shirt, Water bottle

  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