Puglia - Cycling the Heel of Italy

Day 1: Arrive in Matera

Make your way to Matera, 2019's European Capital of Culture, and one of the oldest inhabited human settlements in the world.
Breakfast included

Day 2: Matera to Alberobello 70km/44mi

On leaving Matera, ride past its beautiful UNSECO recognised honey-coloured stone houses. Called 'Sassi', these dwellings have been housing residents for the past 9,000 years. From one famous world heritage site to another, head towards Alberobello, where you can admire its distinctive trulli houses made from local limestone.
Breakfast included

Day 3: Alberobello to Ostuni 55km/34.5mi

Cycle through the lush Valle d'Istria, passing more white-tipped trulli houses on the way. Boasting beautiful coastal views, the route takes you through the famous wine town of Locorotondo, regarded as one of Italy's most stunning villages. After sampling some of the local sparkling white wine, continue to the white city of Ostuni - so called for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses.
Breakfast included

Day 4: Ostuni/Lecce to Gallipoli 50km/31.5mi

Take a train to the fascinating Baroque town of Lecce. From here cycle deep into the Salentinian countryside before appraoching the Ionian coast. Here you will reach Gallipolli, known as the 'Ionian Pearl' with its Old Town situated on a rocky island.
Breakfast included

Day 5: Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca 50km/31.5mi

Cycle towards the most southerly point of Salento at Santa Maria di Leuce, where the crystal waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Sea meet. This village is home to one of the most important lighthouses in Italy, as well as numerous villas built at the turn of the century.
Breakfast included

Day 6: Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto 50km/31.5mi

Pedal along the south coast of the Adriatic Sea, stopping off at the famous Grotta Zinzulusa and the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea Terme. Your final destination is Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy with a stunning cathedral and Aragonese castle.
Breakfast included

Day 7: Otranto to Lecce 55km/34.50mi

We follow the shoreline through olive groves to the Baroque metropolis of Lecce. Known as the 'Florence of the South', Lecce is home to over 30 churches, an amphitheatre and a Roman theatre dating back to Emperor Augustus.
Breakfast included

Day 8: Leave Lecce