EuroVelo 5 Via Romea (Francigena) Title: Overview Country: Region: Short description: Matera, Brindisi, Alberobello, Ostuni and the Via Francigena in Apulia Italy Basilicata, Puglia 8-day self-guided itinerary to visit Matera, European Capital of Culture in 2019, and the beautiful towns of Apulia along this stretch of Via Francigena, among which Alberobello, Ostuni and Brindisi. Folklore is deeply rooted in the culture of this land, as this nurtures a deep bond with its people; moreover, a variety of peculiar dwelling solutions evolved here. From the hypogeums and the cave churches in Gravina to the famous Sassi in Matera, the trulli of Alberobello, the cummerse in Locorotondo and then liame and pajare, present across all the Apulian countryside. We aimed at designing an itinerary that would combine the sections of the Eurovelo5 which are already rideable in this area (Murgia from Spinazzola to Gravina, Oria, Mesagne, Brindisi) with some of the most known local touristic destinations, such as Matera, Alberobello and Ostuni, without forgetting to have a pick at the sea. Objectives The itinerary enables the visitors to get to know deeply the land and territory they cross, with its wide network of small businesses specialized in the production of wine and food specialties, its folklore, its peculiar dwelling solutions and its tradition of craftsmen and art. The bicycle is the most suitable means of transportation to grasp details and to get to know these small businesses. Target groups The itinerary includes some sections which are suitable for cyclists with a good training background. The tour is designed to appeal both Italian tourists coming from other areas of the country, and foreign tourists. The starting point of the itinerary is accessible via national railways (Bari) and then bus transfer to Gravina; the finishing destination is Brindisi and is served by the national railways service, too. The whole area is also served by two airports, in Bari and Brindisi. Being the focus of the tour on traditions and food, it can also be appealing for visitors coming from oversea. The second focus of the tour is local historical dwelling solutions and craftsmanship along this stretch of the Via
Francigena. This itinerary is designed in order to take advantage of public transportation, thus there is no need to use the car. Operator, contact Verde Natura Tour Operator http://www.verde-natura.it info@verde-natura.com
Title: Product - detailed description of the services Matera, Brindisi, Alberobello, Ostuni and the Via Francigena in Apulia Basic package (mileage is approximated): Day1 : arrive a Gravina di Puglia Day2: Gravina di Puglia Parco della Murgia- Gravina 60km. Day 3: Gravina Altamura - Matera 40 km Day 4: Matera Alberobello 70 km Day 5: Alberobello Martinafranca - Ostuni 50 km Day 6: Ostuni - Oria - Mesagne 50 km Day 7: Mesagne Torre Guaceto Brindisi 40 km Day 8: Brindisi Route infrastructures: the itinerary runs on secondary asphalted roads except for a few stretches on unpaved secondary country roads Place market analysis Hotels and Accommodation: hotel** and ***, agriturismo and B&B, all bike-friendly and with strong local flavor ; BB basis or HB basis. Other services: luggage transportation every day; insurance travel 24/24 medical and luggage; road book and maps of the itinerary; pilgrim passport: information about visits and tastings at local producers and farms; dedicated over-the-phone assistance. Services on request: bike rental, E-bike rental. According to what we register thanks to our activity of tour operator in Italy, for a few years already there has been a growing positive trend regarding tours focusing on food and rediscovery of a territory, tours focusing on easily accessible cycling holidays and historical-centered routes. This trend is spread not only among Italian travelers, but it also involves Norther European and Northern American visitors. Overview of the itinerary
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