Highlights of Puglia Cycling

Cycling information

Routes are gently undulating, with the latter stages from Monopoli to Lecce being predominately flat. 95% of the routes are on tarmac. The routes generally keep to quieter, secondary roads although you should expect more traffic in the towns.

Day 1: Arrive at Conversano

Arrive at your hotel for a welcome briefing. There's time to discover the historic town of Conversano befroe choosing one of the many restaurants for dinner (payable locally).
You stay at the Relais Corte Altavilla (breakfast included)

Day 2: Conversano to Alberobello (39km/24.2mi)

Today's pedalling takes you through the rolling hills of the Valle d'Itria where the air is perfumed with wild mint and herbs. Stop off in the little towns of Putignano and Noci, and view their characteristic whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. It's then off to unique Alberobello and its plethora of trulli houses, the architectural symbol of the region. On arrival you'll be met by one of the staff, who will show you to your own private trullo house.
You stay at the Trullidea (breakfast included)

Day 3: At Alberobello

Explore the narrow streets and kitsch souvenir shops, or visit the Museo del Territorio. Alternatively, cycle into the Itria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo, with its panoramic views across the valley. Continue on to Martina Franca, with its beautiful Baroque architechture and stunning palazzi.
You stay at the Trullidea (breakfast included)

Day 4: Alberobello to Pezze di Greco (49km/30.4mi)

You'll spend this morning cycling along beautiful undulating country lanes lined with weathered stone walls, before enjoying 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 and finishes through a patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves, vineyards and gloriously coloured fields of fresh tomatoes and peppers.
You stay at the Masseria San Martino (breakfast and evening meal)

Day 5: At Pezze di Greco

Relax by the hotel's pool, or cycle to the nearby beach. For the more energetic, ride to charming Ostuni whose whitewashed houses are neatly piled on hills rich in olive groves and vineyards.
You stay at the Masseria San Martino (breakfast and evening meal)

Day 6: Pezze di Greco to Monopoli (37km/23.0mi)

This morning you leave the masseria and head back to the Adriatic coast on a gentle flat route. You will cycle past the colourful fishing village of Savelletri, a perfect stop for an authentic Italian espresso or to indulge in a delicious seafood lunch. Your ride will continue past the archaeological site of Egnazia, once the location of a Greco-Roman town, dating as far back as 4BC. You then return to the picturesque coastal town of Monopoli and the 4-star Albergo Diffuso in time for a stroll before choosing your evening restaurant from one of the many eateries in the heart of the old town.
You stay at Albergo Diffuso (Breakfast included)

Day 7: At Monopoli

Today's route takes you along the stunning coastline all the way to the beautiful Polignano a Mare. Take the time to 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 walk past.
You stay at Albergo Diffuso (Breakfast included)

Day 8: Monopoli to Otranto (42km/26.1mi)

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.
You stay at the Hotel San Giuseppe (breakfast included)

Day 9: At Otranto

A free day in Otranto today, or an optional challenging day's cycling (55km/34.5mi) which takes you up and down along the coast south and west of Otranto, where you'll see the easternmost and southernmost point of Puglia - a spectacular sight! You can also visit the Castel di Salve winery on your way to Santa Maria di Leuca, which is known as De Finibus Terrae, 'the end of the earth', before taking a shuttle back to the hotel.
You stay at the Hotel San Giuseppe (breakfast included)

Day 10: Otranto to Lecce (37km/23.0mi)

Today you head to Lecce on mostly flat terrain amidst endless olive orchards and menhirs. Tonight you'll stay at the stylish Risorgimento Resort (5 star) , just a few steps from some of Lecce's Baroque masterpieces.
You stay at the Resort Hotel Risorgimento (breakfast included)

Day 11: Leave Lecce

Please note: This tour has been given a 1 Bike + rating based on ascents/descents and distance; the cycling may feel harder over the hotter months.