Arrival at Masseria Torre Coccaro

After a great visit in Matera (in Basilicata region), we were shuttled to Puglia region for the start of the biking portion of the trip.  We are staying at a Masseria, which is basically a walled farm estate.  Today, many of these masserias are being converted into high end lodging for tourists.

Upon arrival at the masseria, we decided to use their bikes to ride a short distance through the olive groves and to the beach club that is associated with our masseria.

The bikes were in pretty rough shape but it was fun to finally get out on a bike and explore the rural area.

We stumbled upon this ancient Roman amphitheater that dated back to the 3rd or 4th century BC!!!!!!  Simply mind boggling. Little did we know that we would be visiting here tomorrow during the start of our VBT bike tour.

The next morning, Jim, Ann and I played golf at the masseria's 9-hole, par-3 course.  It was a really interesting course.  The holes were short but difficult!!  Most of the holes are lines with ancient olive trees and it was very picturesque.  We didn't play all that well but it was worth every penny for a couple of hours on a very unique course.

Ann tees off:

The very scenic, maybe signature hole of the course, hole #7:

The grounds of the sister property, Masseria Torre Maizza, were beautiful.  Take a look at the pool area:

My lovely wife on the first afternoon of bike riding:

All six of us at the ancient Roman ruins:

Today, Saturday 5/18, we rode to Monopoli along the scenic Adriatic Sea (the east side of the heel of Italy's boot).  Here I am at the entrance to the town.  Perfect weather as you can see.

The Cathedral in Monopoli.  It dates back to the 11th century but the current chuch was restored in the 1700s sometime.

The inside of th church is adorned with dozens of types of marble: