Hike, E-Bike and Feast in Italy's Puglia and Matera

This trip is designed to showcase some of the best spots in Puglia and Basilicata, offering a perfect balance of sightseeing, culinary experiences and active adventure. While the region has gained popularity in recent years, it remains less crowded than destinations like the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast – especially if you visit during the low season (March, October, or November). Although it's hard to guarantee a completely crowd-free experience in towns like Matera, Polignano, and Alberobello, these locations are still must-sees of the region and fully merit their inclusion in the itinerary.

To make the most of your journey, we've crafted an itinerary that minimizes time spent in busier areas, allowing you to cycle along peaceful country roads, away from the urban bustle. You'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the serene countryside with three overnight stays in an authentic masseria. In addition, you'll discover hidden gems like Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and the stunning natural oasis of San Giuliano Lake.

If bad weather affects any of the activities, your local guide may decide to swap around the order of the program. If cycling or hiking is not possible due to safety reasons, alternative activities will be offered.

A certified, English-speaking local guide will be with the group throughout the trip and will join all activities. In addition, for groups of nine or more people, you'll have an additional cycling guide to support you during the e-bike rides on Day 2 and Day 4.

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

The tap water is safe to drink in Matera as it is connected to the mains water system, but not in Ostuni where water is drawn up from a well. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle(s) to fill up along the way to avoid buying single use plastic bottles wherever possible.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Puglia (also known as Apulia) and Basilicata are located in the south of Italy and as such are some of the driest, sunniest regions of Italy. The best time for hiking, cycling and exploring is usually spring (from March to June) and autumn (from September to early November), when temperatures are milder and usually ranging from around 15°C to the high 20°Cs. Some rain and chilly evenings are possible at any time of year, so the best you can do is to come prepared for varied weather conditions and bring some layers and rainproof gear.