Alta Murgia: E-Bike Tour with Panoramic Aperitivo in Nature

If you’re dreaming of exploring southern Italy’s unspoiled landscapes, this Alta Murgia e-bike tour offers a chance to pedal through rugged terrain, discover ancient caves, and enjoy a relaxing countryside aperitivo. While it’s not the longest or most intense activity, it hits the sweet spot for travelers who love quiet natural beauty and authentic regional flavors.

What we particularly like about this experience is the stunning panorama from the ridges and the chance to see rock caves and historical jazzi—traditional sheep shelters that speak to the area’s pastoral past. Plus, the small group size makes for a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. One potential consideration: some guests found the bikes a bit off in size and noted the experience is best suited for those comfortable on an e-bike, as the terrain can be uneven.

This tour really suits travelers who want a gentle adventure away from crowded tourist spots, those eager to learn about local flora and fauna, and anyone craving a scenic break with tasty regional snacks. If you’re after a day in nature that combines light activity with cultural discovery and good food, this is worth considering.

Key Points

• Unspoiled Natural Beauty: Ride through the wild and rugged landscapes of Alta Murgia National Park.
• Historical and Geological Features: Discover caves, rocky ridges, and old jazzi sheep shelters.
• Scenic Rest Stop: Enjoy an authentic Apulian aperitivo with local wine, cheese, olives, and taralli.
• Eco-Friendly and Accessible: The e-bike makes the tour suitable for most levels, with a low difficulty.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personal attention and a friendly vibe.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later for greater flexibility.

This 2.5-hour adventure takes you through some of Italy’s most remarkable natural scenery, with a focus on unspoiled landscapes and cultural touches. It’s designed to be gentle enough for most, but still rich in sights and stories.

Starting at Agriturismo Parco di Mesola, your tour begins with the familiar comfort of a farmhouse setting. From here, you’ll hop on an electric bicycle, which smooths out the ride over gravel trails and rocky paths. The use of e-bikes is a boon if you’re not an experienced cyclist or want to conserve energy for sightseeing rather than pedaling.

The trail itself winds through the Alta Murgia National Park, an area known as the stone heart of Puglia. Here, you’ll encounter karst caves, ancient oaks, and panoramic ridges that offer sweeping views over the vast plateau. The route is designed to be easy and accessible, so you don’t need to be a seasoned cyclist—just comfortable on a bike and ready to enjoy the scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Route and Highlights

The tour’s first stop is the starting point at the farmhouse, where your guide, dressed in a bright yellow shirt, gathers the group and shares some introductory info about the park’s geology and land use. Once on the bikes, the adventure begins with a ride through gravel trails, where you’ll see rock formations and caves—some of which are carved into limestone. Mariella’s review highlights how accepting guidance on using pedal-assist bikes made the experience much more enjoyable, allowing her to soak in the beautiful countryside without tiring excessively.

As you crest a ridge, expect breathtaking views of the plateau—imagine wide horizons, gentle breezes, and the silence of nature. The guide will point out flora and fauna, making the ride both scenic and educational.

The route includes a stop at one of the ancient jazzi, traditional stone shelters that tell stories of pastoral life in the region. These jazzi add an authentic touch and give you a glimpse into the historic land use of this area.

The Scenic Aperitivo

After about 1.5 hours of riding, you’ll arrive at a scenic resting point—a perfect spot for a well-earned break. Here, you’ll enjoy a rustic aperitivo featuring local wines, cheeses, olives, and taralli, all from small producers. This moment of relaxation, surrounded by peace and nature, is often highlighted as a favorite part of the tour. It’s a genuine taste of regional hospitality, with plenty of time to chat with your guide or fellow travelers.

One reviewer, Mariella, appreciated how the extra cost for a pedal-assisted bike made the experience very pleasant, especially through the beautiful landscapes of Acquaviva delle Fonti countryside and Mercadante Forest. She noted how the route was much less tiring with the e-bike, allowing her to focus on the scenery.

Ending the Tour

After the aperitivo, the group heads back along the same or similar trails to the starting point. The entire experience lasts around 2.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day outing—enough time to enjoy nature without feeling rushed. The small group size maximizes comfort, and the activity concludes back at Agriturismo Parco di Mesola.

Availability and Timing: Tours last approximately 2.5 hours, with starting times varying based on the day. It’s essential to check availability in advance to plan accordingly.

Price and Value: The activity includes e-bike rental and helmet, a local guide, and the aperitivo. While pricing isn’t specified here, the focus on local snacks and intimate group size suggests good value for those seeking an authentic, light adventure.

Group Size and Language: Limited to 10 participants, the small group ensures personalized attention. Guides speak both Italian and English, making it accessible for international travelers.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for cycling and outdoor activity, bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. You’ll want to be prepared for the sunny, open landscapes.

Restrictions and Accessibility: The tour isn’t recommended for people with mobility impairments, and alcohol or drugs are not allowed. Also, since the terrain is unpaved but manageable on e-bikes, the activity is best suited for those comfortable with light cycling.

Weather and Cancellations: If bad weather appears, the provider will contact you to reschedule or suggest alternatives. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind when booking.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of natural beauty and cultural authenticity. The rugged scenery of Alta Murgia is unlike anything you’ll find in more crowded parts of Italy. The wide horizons, rock caves, and ancient jazzi feel like a step back in time, yet the whole experience is modernized with the comfort of electric bikes.

We loved the ease of riding—the e-bikes make the terrain accessible and enjoyable, even for those who aren’t regular cyclists. The low difficulty level means you can focus on soaking in the scenery rather than struggling uphill or across rocky patches.

The scenic aperitivo is a lovely touch, turning a simple outdoor break into a genuine taste of Puglia’s regional specialties. Sampling cheese, olives, taralli, and local wine in the middle of peaceful nature balances activity with leisure perfectly.

One of the most recognized aspects from reviews is the breathtaking views from the ridges. These vistas, coupled with the chance to see caves and traditional land-use structures, make this tour especially memorable.

Addressing the Downsides

A few guests, like the reviewer who mentioned the bikes were “not our size,” noted some issues with equipment. This highlights the importance of confirming bike sizes when booking. Since the terrain is uneven, comfortable and well-fitting bikes are key to enjoying the ride. Also, the experience is tailored for those who are comfortable on an e-bike and in outdoor settings—it’s not ideal if you’re seeking a highly strenuous or fully guided tour with extensive historical commentary.

This Alta Murgia e-bike tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy light physical activity combined with scenic views and authentic regional experiences. It suits those who appreciate the outdoors, are curious about local land use and geography, and want a relaxed, small-group environment.

It’s ideal for families with older children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a mix of adventure and leisure. The gentle pace and unspoiled natural setting make it a good choice for anyone not seeking rigorous cycling but eager to see some of Italy’s most striking landscapes.

This tour offers a unique blend of scenery, culture, and good eats in the heart of Puglia’s wild landscapes. The scenic ridges, caves, and jazzi give a sense of stepping into a different era, all while riding an easy-to-handle e-bike. The small group size makes it personal and informal, with plenty of time to enjoy the views and the local flavors.

If you’re after a relaxed outdoor experience in untouched nature—away from crowds and noise—this trip hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for curious travelers who want more than just a ride; they want a taste of the land, its stories, and its flavors.

For those who value authentic scenery and regional food, without a heavy physical toll, this Alta Murgia tour offers memorable moments and a chance to see a side of Italy that’s often overlooked. Just remember to confirm bike sizes and come prepared for the outdoors.

Is this tour suitable for children or small kids?
The tour is generally suitable for most people comfortable on an e-bike, but very young children or those with mobility issues might find it challenging. Check with the provider if you’re unsure about age limits.

What should I wear for the tour?
Wear comfortable, breathable clothes suitable for outdoor activity, along with closed shoes. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable for protection from the sun.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including riding and the aperitivo break.

Are the bikes appropriate for all sizes?
Most bikes are suitable for a range of sizes, but some reviews suggest confirming the size in advance. If you need a specific size, communicate your requirements before booking.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changes.

Is the tour difficult?
It’s considered easy to moderate with low difficulty, ideal for outdoor lovers of all levels, especially those who prefer scenic, relaxed rides.

What if the weather is bad?
In case of poor weather, the provider will contact you to reschedule or suggest alternatives, ensuring your experience remains positive.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers e-bike and helmet rental, a local bilingual guide, and the apertivo with regional wines and snacks.

In summary, if you’re looking to combine a scenic ride through Italy’s unique landscape with a taste of regional flavors, this Alta Murgia e-bike excursion offers a relaxed, memorable, and authentic experience. It’s a chance to enjoy Italy’s natural beauty away from the crowds, with plenty of opportunities for great photos and good conversation along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: