Contrasts of Puglia Cycling
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day cycling tour through the heart of Italy's picturesque Valle d'Itria. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, taking you through charming towns, rolling hills, and stunning coastlines. You'll explore the historic town of Relais Corte Altavilla, pedal through the aromatic landscapes of Putignano and Noci, marvel at the unique trulli houses in Alberobello, and soak in the panoramic views from Locorotondo and Martina Franca. The tour also includes a visit to the vibrant fishing village of Polignano a Mare and the archaeological site of Egnazia. With plenty of time for relaxation and exploration, this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Italy's southern region.
Included
In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians! On this trip there will be many opportunities to taste the best local specialities.
Your accommodation is as varied as the landscape, with each place specially chosen for its unique charm and character. In Conversano, your beautiful 12th century former court house, with barrel-vaulted ceilings, is just a stone's throw from the elegant Romanesque cathedral; in Alberobello, you cannot fail to be seduced by the authentic trullo houses (limestone dwellings with conical roofs that are the architectural symbol of Puglia); in Pezze di Greco, you spend two nights in a beautifully restored 17th century masseria (fortified farmhouse) with lovely pool and in Monopoli, you stay in characterful rooms set in various locations just 3 minutes from the beach.
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions and maps
RideWithGPS navigation app
High quality bikes
Luggage transfers between hotels
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival at Relais Corte Altavilla
Day 1: Arrival at Relais Corte Altavilla
Begin your journey in the historic town of Relais Corte Altavilla. Spend the day exploring the town's rich history and culture before enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant (at your own expense).
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Putignano, Noci, and Alberobello
- Putignano
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- Sailor Monument
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Pedal through the rolling hills of the Valle d'Itria, taking in the scent of wild mint and herbs. Visit the quaint towns of Putignano and Noci, known for their whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. Continue to Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses, where you'll be shown to your private trullo house.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Locorotondo and Martina Franca
Day 3: Discovering Locorotondo and Martina Franca
- Busto di Archita
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Explore Alberobello's narrow streets and souvenir shops or visit the Museo del Territorio. Cycle into the Itria Valley to visit Locorotondo, known for its panoramic views across the valley. Continue to Martina Franca, renowned for its beautiful Baroque architecture and stunning palazzi.
Day 4 – Day 4: Cycling to Capitolo
- Castellana Grotte
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Spend the morning cycling along beautiful country lanes lined with weathered stone walls. Enjoy a long downhill run with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. This incredible descent will bring you down towards Capitolo, passing through almond orchards, olive groves, vineyards, and fields of fresh tomatoes and peppers.
Day 5 – Day 5: Relaxation and Exploration in Ostuni
- Castellana Grotte
- Ostuni
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Enjoy a day of relaxation by the hotel's pool or cycle to the nearby beach. For the more adventurous, ride to charming Ostuni, where whitewashed houses are neatly piled on hills rich in olive groves and vineyards.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Savelletri and Monopoli
- Ostuni
- Conversano
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- Ancient Greek Walls Archaeological Park
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Leave the masseria and head back to the Adriatic coast on a gentle flat route. Cycle past the colourful fishing village of Savelletri, a perfect stop for an authentic Italian espresso or a delicious seafood lunch. Continue past the archaeological site of Egnazia, a Greco-Roman town dating back to 4 B.C., before returning to the picturesque coastal town of Monopoli.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Polignano a Mare and San Vito
- Conversano
- Polignano a Mare
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Today's route takes you along the stunning coastline to the beautiful Polignano a Mare. Explore this vibrant fishing village before continuing to the picturesque village of San Vito with its multi-coloured boats. Head back to Monopoli and enjoy an aperitivo in the old town's square, watching the world go by.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell Monopoli
- Conversano - Departure day
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The tour concludes after breakfast in Monopoli. Reflect on the wonderful memories made during your journey through Italy's stunning southern region.
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