LA BELLA PUGLIA 2018 La Bella Puglia Discover the charms of Italy s rustic southern region Rolling through this farmland rich in Greek, Norman and Arab influences feels like a mystical odyssey through time. Start in Otranto, a picturesque town whose complicated yet intriguing history make it one of Puglia s most soughtafter places to be. We then pedal to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Baroque capital of Salento area, Lecce. Heading north, we ride through one of the enological gems of the south of Italy: the Salice Salentino. In Alberobello, the trulli region, spin by clusters of fantastic conical dwellings surrounded by enormous, gnarled olive trees. We end our journey in Matera, a city in the Basilicata region that s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and world renowned for its sassi (cave dwellings). Spicy handmade orecchiette, bruschetta covered with juicy tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and grilled calamari satisfy our palates, and warm hospitality and friendly conversation greet us at every turn! Ciclismo Classico P E D A L Y O U R P A S S I O N ITINERARY OUTLINE Trip Essence / Page 2 Daily Itinerary / Page 3-5 Arrival & Departure / Page 6 Bike Information / Page 6 Terms & Conditions / Page 7 Reserve Your Space! / Page 7 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 1
TRIP ESSENCE One-night stay and a walking tour of Matera, The City of Stone Captivating clusters of conical trulli structures Exploration of the whitewashed town of Ostuni and the beaches of Savelletri Spectacular fields of ancient olive trees and crispy white wine Savory cuisine and tastings of local products Earthy reds of Salento and elegant Locorotondo whites Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lecce, Alberobello and Matera WHAT S INCLUDED Carbon road bike rental (see page 6 for details) Service of at least 2 bilingual and professional guides throughout the program Ciclismo jersey and water bottle Van support All accommodations All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 picnic lunch, and 6 dinners TRIP DETAILS 2018 Trip Dates Apr 23-May 1 May 7-15 May 17-25 Jun 4-12 Sep 10-18 Sep 20-28 Oct 1-9 Oct 11-19 Check website for departure dates Ability Level Athletic Beginner Summary of Daily Distances Day 1: 14 miles Day 2: 33/47 miles Day 3: 34/43 miles Day 4: 44 miles Day 5: 32/44 miles Day 6: 23 miles Day 7: 32/45 miles Day 8: 26/33 miles Day 9: Arrivederci! Total: 238 miles (without extra loops) Trip Price $5,195 Single Supplement: $800 Guided walking tours of Matera and Lecce 1 wine tasting 1 olive oil tasting Traditional Pugliese music Shuttle from Alberobello to Matera on Day 8 Group shuttles at the beginning and end of the tour Have something else in mind? Itinerary available as a private tour or... Create a custom itinerary with help from our experienced travel consultants! Contact Us 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 2
DAY 1 OTRANTO Daily Mileage - 23 km/14 mi Riding Terrain - Gently rolling; 183 m/600 ft. elevation gain Hotel - Palazzo Papaleo Location: Salento Duration: 2 Nights Website: http://www. hotelpalazzopapaleo.com/ Welcome to Italy! We meet at Brindisi Airport at 11 am to shuttle you to the first hotel. Then at 1 pm, we have a light lunch, bike fitting and a warm-up ride through the countryside of Otranto and to the Bauxite lakes. On this bike tour, our guides will help you uncover all the charm and beauty that this town and region have to offer. You can just relax and have fun and they will take care of all the rest. Andiamo, andiamo! In the historic center of Otranto, the 5-star Hotel Palazzo Papaleo is the charming hotel that you ve dreamed of for your vacation in Salento, a historic residence near the sea, carefully renovated with splendid rooms with every comfort. Meals - L, D DAY 2 OTRANTO Daily Mileage - 52 km/33 mi; extra loop: 24 km/14 mi Today we embark on one of the most panoramic coastal roads in Italy. Albania is to the east of our route as we cycle south towards the heel of Italy and the marvelous Grotta Zinzulusa. This cave is divided into three sections and is home to crustacea and other ancient fossils that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world! Riding Terrain - Rolling with climbs; 597 m/1,958 ft. elevation gain; extra loop: 190 m/623 ft. Hotel - See Day 1 Meals - B, D DAY 3 LECCE Daily Mileage - 55 km/34 mi extra loop: 15 km/9 mi Riding Terrain - Flat; 311 m/1,020 ft. elevation gain; extra loop: 100 m/328 ft. Hotel - Hotel Risorgimento Location: Lecce Website: www. risorgimentoresort.it Today we pedal from Otranto along the coast to the park of the Cesine before veering inland to the heart of Salento and Lecce. The Baroque capital of Southern Italy, Lecce is full of history and one can tell this simply by admiring its unique 17th-century architecture. It s also steeped in tradition and is known for its papier-mâché making. To get better acquainted with the town, we ll have a guided walking tour with a local guide. The 5-star Risorgimento Resort has 47 rooms and suites and has been in existence since 1400. It s the perfect welcome to your stay in Puglia. Meals - B Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 3
DAY 4 MESAGNE Daily Mileage - 71 km/44 mi Riding Terrain - Flat; 303 m/994 ft. elevation gain Hotel - Tenuta Moreno Location: Mesagne Website: www.tenutamoreno. it/en/home/ Today we cycle through olive groves and small villages of the Salice Salentino wine production area. Puglia is Italy s main olive oil producer, making almost 50% of the country s olive oil each year. Before we reach our hotel in Mesagne, we ll have the opportunity to ride among Negramaro vineyards the grapes that Salentino wine is made from for miles! Each room in the Tenuta Moreno is equipped for comfort. Here, you can appreciate the beauty of Apulia and its rich history. You can also enjoy the swimming pool and exclusive solarium. Meals - B, L, D DAY 5 OSTUNI Daily Mileage - 51 km/32 mi; extra loop: 20 km/12 mi Riding Terrain - Gently rolling; 341 m/1,118 ft. elevation gain; extra loop: 120 m/393 ft. Hotel - La Sommità Relais Location: Ostuni Duration: 2 Nights Website: http://www. lasommita.it/en/index.html Meals - B, D DAY 6 OSTUNI Daily Mileage - 38 km/23 mi Riding Terrain - Descent and gradual climb; 267 m/875 ft. elevation gain Our ride today is to Ostuni, an area that has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Perched elegantly on top of a natural plateau with its whitewashed buildings, Ostuni is a unique town whose architecture and characteristic colorful window frames will, at times, make you feel like you re in Greece. We ll witness fantastic views of the Mediterranean as the ancient olive groves run until the sea. La Sommità Relais, a 5-star boutique hotel within a 16 th -century residence, is right in the historic center of Ostuni. All rooms have their own history and peculiarities that make it the ideal relay for those seeking tranquility, breathtaking views and exquisite service. Today is an optional rest day to relax or discover and wander around the small streets of Ostuni. If you opt to ride, the route descends from Ostuni down to Savelletri and the coast. The brightness of Savelletri s whitewashed houses, set against a sea of olive trees, provides a spectacular perspective of this rich seaside farmland. We ll enjoy a relaxing ride along the coast before a gradual climb back to town. Hotel - See Day 5 Meals - B Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 4
DAY 7 ALBEROBELLO Daily Mileage - 51 km/32 mi; extra loop: 22 km/13 mi Riding Terrain - Rolling with short easy climbs; 738 m/2,421 ft. elevation gain; extra loop: 260 m/853 ft. Hotel - La Corte dell Astore Location: Alberobello Website: http://www. lacortedellastore.com/ Meals - B, L, D We enter Itria Valley with its lush fertile land, which produces fresh fruit and vegetables in abundance and elegant, crisp white wines, like Il Fiano and Locorotondo Bianco. The ride will be continuously rolling through the valley. Alberobello is known for its cone-shaped, whitewashed trulli houses and takes its name from the forests that once covered the area. Nowadays, this is where more than 1,000 trulli can be found. This is a must-see and one of the most emblematic sights in Puglia! La Corte dell Astore reflects a new kind of hospitality that makes guests the main character of a fairytale with a happy ending, and whose story unfolds in a mixture of creativity, passion and emotion. DAY 8 MATERA LOOP Daily Mileage - 43 km/26 mi; extra loop: 11 km/7 mi Riding Terrain - Gently rolling; 555 m/1,820 ft. elevation gain; extra loop: 266 m/872 ft. Hotel - Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita Location: Matera Website: http:// legrottedellacivita.sextantio. it/en/ Meals - B, D DAY 9 ARRIVEDERCI! This morning we take a 1.5-hour shuttle to Matera. We then hop on our bikes for a ride into the countryside. We pedal downhill from Matera and we immerse ourselves in the rolling, golden wheat fields and the agricultural plains of the Basilicata region. We have a steady climb back to the sassi, followed by a guided walking tour through the old part of Matera with a local guide. And finally, we have a final celebration dinner of typical Lucanian food: the ancient name of Basilicata was Lucania. Le Grotte della Civita is placed in the oldest part of the Sassi, the Civita, facing the spectacular Murgia park and its rock-hewn churches. It s comprised of 18 rooms and an ancient church the Cripta della Civita, now used as a common area all renovated to retain their original features. After breakfast, we offer a 1.5-hour group shuttle to Bari Airport to make your flights back home. Meals - B Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 5
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE GETTING TO OTRANTO Fly to Rome Da Vinci Airport (FCO). From there, take a one-way domestic flight to Brindisi* Airport (BDS). There will be a group shuttle** at 11 am from Brindisi Airport to Hotel Palazzo Papaleo, the first hotel. DEPARTING FROM MATERA There will be a 1.5-hour group shuttle after breakfast to Bari* Airport (BRI). From Bari, you can book a one-way domestic flight to Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP) through Rome. * Please note that these are different airports. ** Please inform the office if you plan on taking this scheduled group shuttle at least one month in advance via this form: www.ciclismoclassico.com/travel-plans BIKE INFORMATION Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Bianchi carbon fork, Shimano 105 triple groupset, an adjustable stem, and a wheel set laced with 32 spokes and 25mm tires. Included on all tours. Aluminum Hybrid More relaxed riding at a look-around-you pace, this is our custom-built, high-performance aluminum hybrid bicycles with straight handlebars. We also have a woman-specific frame. Included on all tours. Bianchi Intenso and Vertigo The carbon frame guarantees maximum performance with minimum stress for the riders, thanks to Bianchi s special C2C (Coast to Coast) frame design/ geometry and different material combination. Carbon bikes are equipped with compact crank and 11/32 cassette. Available for $250. Bianchi Intenso or Vertigo with Shimano included on all intermediate and advanced tours at no extra charge. Tandems Cannondale road or hybrid: racing posture with 700c wheels, or a more straight up position and 26 inch wheels. Available for $400. Co-motion Periscope: accommodates smaller team or even children. Available for $400. Honey tandem: light and responsive and perfect for experienced tandem riders. Available for $400. ebikes Available on all easy and athletic beginner tours, some intermediate and advanced tours. Please contact us for more information. Available for $400. OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations Valerie Wilson Travel Call: 1-855-780-2022 or E-mail: ciclismoair@vwti.com Travel Insurance MH Ross Call: 1-800-423-3632 http://bit.ly/mhross_insurance Transportation Rome2rio http://www.rome2rio.com ON THE BIKE Included Ciclismo Classico water bottle Two water bottle holders Map holder on handlebars and Garmin Edge GPS Handlebar bag Tire pump Combination bike lock Gel-padded saddle Choice of pedals Card with your tour leaders mobile phone numbers Garmin Edge GPS Included on all bikes Pedal Options Flat pedals Half-toe pedals (without straps) Toe cage pedals Things to Bring Helmet Optional: clipless pedals with shoes Optional: your own saddle Bike type outside of Europe may vary, please contact us at 800-866-7314 for more information. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 6
INSURANCE, TERMS & CONDITIONS Insurance Ciclismo Classico will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. Information on travel insurance will be sent to you via email once trip deposit is received. We recommend MH Ross, but travelers may choose the insurance carrier of their choice. Cancellations and Refunds All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing as soon as possible to Ciclismo Classico. Exceptions to their cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. There is no refund for unexpectedly leaving a trip early or arriving late. The purchase of short-term travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Cancellation fees are determined as follows: Days before departure Cancellation fee 121+ days - 50% of the deposit* 91-120 days - 100% of the deposit* 61-90 days - 30% of the trip price 31-60 days - 60% of the trip price 0-30 days - 100% of the trip price *You may transfer your trip deposit to another departure in the same tour season up to 90 days before your original departure with payment of a $100 per person transfer fee. Prices quoted are subject to adjustment without prior notification. OR your deposit (currently $600) may be carried forward to the following year as a credit toward the final balance of a tour. At the time of booking, we will ask for another $600 deposit to secure your spot. Carried-forward credits expire at the end of the year to which they are applied. Alterations to the tour itinerary Sometimes modifications may be made to the itinerary. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging. Any changes to the program are made in the best interest and safety of the group. To review our policies, please visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/plan-your-trip/policies/. RESERVE YOUR SPACE! To reserve a space, call Ciclismo Classico at 800-866-7314. Or, mail your deposit and contact information to: Ciclismo Classico attn: Rosa 30 Marathon St Arlington, MA 02474 At the time of registration, a deposit of $600 per person is due, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check, made payable to Ciclismo Classico, along with your full name, mailing address, phone number(s) and email address. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure payable by check, credit card, wire transfer or money order. All travelers must review and sign a terms and conditions statement and a waiver form. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 7