Contrasts of Puglia Cycling

Beautifully unspoilt region, full of contrasts: white sand beaches, crystal clear seas, ancient olive orchards, flourishing vineyards Interest-packed cycling routes: historic wine towns, colourful fishing villages, tiny white hamlets unchanged over the years Hand-picked hotels including 2 nights in a unique trullo house; Traditional cuisine, excellent wines, lovely friendly people

Loyal Headwater customers have long been asking us to include Puglia in our programme, so we are delighted to be launching, with the help of our local agent, Southern Visions Travel, this independent, 8-day cycling holiday.

Firmly tucked away 'on the heel of Italy's boot', Puglia is a region of extraordinary variety and beauty with a dramatically rugged coast providing total contrast to the fertile plains, hidden valleys and tiny white villages of the lush interior. Your holiday starts just ouside the historic town of Monopoli where you spend the first 2 nights. You then pedal north up the coast, passing hidden coves and gold sand beaches, where you have the chance to lunch in colourful fishing villages before heading inland. Here, you’ll be intoxicated by the rich colours of the landscape – olive groves, fruit orchards, vineyards and ruby-red fields – all intensified by the wonderful limpid light of the Adriatic. Highlights include staying in unique Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and visiting the postcard-pretty white village of Ostuni as you wind your way back towards the sea.

Your accommodation is as varied as the landscape, with each place having been specially chosen for its unique charm and character. In Monopoli, you stay in a lovingly restored 7-room agriturismo just 15 minutes by bike from the sea; in Conversano, your beautiful C12 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 - and, in Pezzi di Grecco, you end your holiday with 2 nights in a beautifully restored C17 masseria (fortified farmhouse) with lovely pool, open courtyard and 200 hectares of ancient palms and olive trees.