Puglia cycling holiday in Italy

Planet

Cycling holidays are a relatively sustainable way to travel as they have less negative impact on the local infrastructure, environment and people while encouraging positive interaction with local people. We cycle on routes that are removed from mass tourism, creating less pollution, noise and traffic. When using motorised transport we work with small, locally owned transport companies.

As part of our Responsible Travel policy, we advise customers to take reusable water bottles with them on tour. Our local leaders actively do not distribute single-use plastic water bottles and encourage customers to refill their bottles from taps throughout the trip. The tap water in Italy is completely safe to drink, and bottles can be refilled at hotels and at various rest stops. Another way to reduce unnecessary waste is through advising customers to bring lunch boxes and cutlery for picnics.

This trip stays in a cave hotel in Matera's troglodyte Sassi quarter which has been populated for thousands of years. This UNESCO protected site, where dwellings have been cut into the limestone rock, had become a slum quarter by the 1950s and the inhabitants were forcibly evicted by the Italian government. Today it is being rejuvenated. By staying in this traditional accommodation we are helping to preserve these ancient and unique buildings.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

We use local tour leaders, who know the country very well and who will help to give us a unique insight into its history, customs and culture and get us that bit closer to the local people. Guests are encouraged to learn and use a little Italian along the way which always helps. They also ensure that our customers are aware of the cultural norms that should be observed, dress code, gestures, etc. Our tour leaders are trained by us in the importance of responsible tourism with guidance given on how they can make a difference.

Most of the accommodation we use on this trip is locally owned. In Alberobello we stay in traditional trulli houses and in Matera in historic sassi cave dwellings. By staying here we are ensuring that money is helping towards their upkeep and ensuring these unique places are preserved for future generations.

Throughout this trip we eat out at local family-run restaurants which is both an opportunity to experience the traditional cuisine and specialities of Puglia and also helps support the local economy. Our tour leaders will offer advice about what is in season and what has been produced locally.

This trip also visits a number of small-scale producers where guests can learn about the local product and will have the chance to sample it. These visits include a wine producer, a local caseficio (cheese maker) and a family-run which is still made using age-old methods and thus helping to keep this tradition alive.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.