Highlights of Puglia Cycling
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 11-day journey through the heart of Puglia, Italy. This multi-day tour is a feast for the senses, offering a blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the historic town of Conversano to the vibrant fishing village of Polignano a Mare, you'll explore charming towns, cycle through rolling hills, and marvel at the region's architectural symbol - the trulli houses. Discover the Baroque masterpieces of Lecce, relax by the Adriatic coastline, and indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
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.
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers Alitalia Heathrow to Bari via Milan Linate 07:25/14:45, (transfer to hotel, 55 mins, provided). Return: Brindisi to Heathrow via Milan Linate 12:05/18:00 (transfer to the airport, 35 mins, provided).
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.
hotel: 10 night(s);
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions and maps
RideWithGPS navigation app
Destinations
Otranto
LecceMap
Attractions
Santuario di Santa Maria de Finibus TerraeDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Conversano
- Conversano - Arrival day
- More
Begin your journey in the historic town of Conversano. After a welcome briefing at your hotel, spend the day exploring the town's rich history. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant (at your own expense).
Day 2 – Day 2: Cycling through Valle d'Itria
- Conversano
- Putignano
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Today, pedal through the scenic Valle d'Itria, known for its wild mint and herbs. Visit the quaint towns of Putignano and Noci, famous for their whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. End your day in Alberobello, where you'll be introduced to the iconic trulli houses.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Itria Valley
Day 3: Exploring Itria Valley
Spend the day exploring Alberobello's narrow streets and souvenir shops, or visit the Museo del Territorio. Alternatively, cycle into the Itria Valley and visit the stunning towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca, known for their panoramic views and beautiful Baroque architecture.
Day 4 – Day 4: Cycling to Capitolo
- Castellana Grotte
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Start your day cycling along beautiful country lanes lined with weathered stone walls. Enjoy a downhill run with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. Your journey ends in Capitolo, amidst a patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves, vineyards, and colourful fields.
Day 5 – Day 5: Relaxation 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 the charming town of Ostuni, known for its whitewashed houses nestled on hills rich in olive groves and vineyards.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Monopoli
- Ostuni
- Conversano
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Leave the masseria and head back to the Adriatic coast. Cycle past the colourful fishing village of Savelletri, a perfect stop for an authentic Italian espresso or a delicious seafood lunch. Continue your ride past the archaeological site of Egnazia before returning to the picturesque coastal town of Monopoli.
Day 7 – Day 7: Coastal Ride to Polignano a Mare
- Conversano
- Polignano a Mare
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Today's route takes you along the stunning coastline to the beautiful town of Polignano a Mare. Explore this vibrant fishing village before continuing to the picturesque village of San Vito. Return to Monopoli and enjoy an aperitivo in the old town's square.
Day 8 – Day 8: Cycling to Otranto
- Conversano
- Otranto
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We transfer you and your bike to Acaya, from where you'll cycle along the stunning Salento coast to Otranto, taking in ancient olive groves and fishing villages en route.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Otranto
- Otranto
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- Santuario di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae
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Enjoy a free day in Otranto or opt for a challenging cycling route along the coast. Visit the easternmost and southernmost point of Puglia and the Castel di Salve winery on your way to Santa Maria di Leuca, known as 'the end of the earth', before taking a shuttle back to the hotel.
Day 10 – Day 10: Journey to Lecce
- Otranto
- Lecce
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Today, head to Lecce, cycling through endless olive orchards and menhirs on mostly flat terrain. Spend the night at the stylish 5-star Risorgimento Resort (or similar), located just steps away from some of Lecce's Baroque masterpieces.
Day 11 – Day 11: Farewell Lecce
- Lecce - Departure day
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Your tour ends after breakfast in Lecce. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've made during your journey through Puglia.
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