Carved out of the impressive white cliffs of the ‘Torrent Gravina’ gorge, Matera piles history high, making for an awesome introduction to the mysteries of Puglia and a wonderful brief cycling encounter which includes not just one, but two designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Delve deep to discover more about the Sassi cave-dwellings and churches, then follow the timeless rocky landscapes across to Alberobello, a settlement of 1,500 unique ‘trulli’ houses in the verdant Valle d’Itria. Stay over in style in your own little lime-washed ‘trullo’ before steering your two wheels towards Ostuni, Puglia’s mighty, medieval ‘Città Bianca’.