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Italy : Puglia

Highlights of Puglia Cycling

Trip code: C10PU 4.9 (10 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

16.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

SUMMARY

  • Sun-drenched, unspoilt region; contrasting cycling routes taking in the rugged coast and lush green countryside
  • Vibrant fishing villages, white-sand beaches, historic wine towns and ancient olive orchards
  • Stunning Salento coast - visit Otranto and Baroque Lecce
  • Hand-picked accommodation including a unique trullo house in UNESCO Alberobello
  • Excellent regional wines and Mediterranean cuisine

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals included
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

This self-guided, ten-night cycling holiday explores Italy's beautiful, sun-drenched Puglia region with its vibrant fishing villages, sandy beaches and beautiful, rolling hills, all above the mesmerising blue of the Adriatic Sea.

Puglia offers a wonderful contrast of landscapes, from the fertile farming hamlets, vineyards and orchards of its interior to its dramatic, rocky coastline. Your holiday starts in Conversano and heads inland where you'll be blown away by a rich landscape of vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and fields of tomatoes and peppers alive with colour. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello with its unique trulli houses - emblematic of the region - and the glistening, whitewashed village of Ostuni. After a transfer to San Cataldo you'll discover the delights of the stunning Salento coast, taking in Puglia's easternmost and southernmost point - an amazing sight - and the Baroque masterpiece that is Lecce, renowned for its stunning 18th century architecture and known as the 'Florence of the South'.

You'll stay in an excellent variety of accommodation on this holiday, including four star or five star hotels! In Conversano your elegant boutique hotel is just a short walk from the medieval streets and Romanesque cathedral of this historic town; and an authentic trullo house in Alberobello. While in Lecce you stay in the heart of the beautiful old town in sumptuous five star hotel, close to the Roman amphitheatre and Baroque palazzi, with the hotel's roof garden offering one of the best views there is over the city.

Terrain

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.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

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 Relais Corte Altavilla.

hotel details

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Relais Corte Altavilla, Conversano

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
Hairdryer
WiFi


The 4-star hotel Corte Altavilla Relais & Charme is located right in the historic centre of Conversano, just off one of the main squares - Piazza Conciliazione. The hotel is in an old medieval building with inner courtyard that once served as an old medieval courthouse for the town.

Following major renovation works in 2002 the hotel opened as an elegant four-star boutique hotel with 32 elegant rooms and appartments, each with its own personality and charm, with white stone walls, wrought iron furnishings, wooden-beams and vaulted ceilings.

All rooms are equipped with modern amenities including: air-conditioning, satellite-TV, direct-dial telephone, safe, Internet and mini-bar/fridge.

Local tourist tax not included (pay hotel locally)

Room upgrades: Junior Suite .
The Junior Suite has charming furniture with a living room and panoramic view.

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.

elevation

You stay at Trullidea.

hotel details

 equivalent

Trullidea, Alberobello

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


A unique and authentic experience staying in a trulli, a traditional 15th century Apulian stone building with conical roof.

Each trulli house is made up of a double bedroom, small bathroom with shower and living area with sofa and small kitchenette.

The trullis are located in the centre of historic Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site, within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and shops.

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.

elevation

You stay at Trullidea.

hotel details

 equivalent

Trullidea, Alberobello

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


A unique and authentic experience staying in a trulli, a traditional 15th century Apulian stone building with conical roof.

Each trulli house is made up of a double bedroom, small bathroom with shower and living area with sofa and small kitchenette.

The trullis are located in the centre of historic Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site, within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and shops.

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.

elevation

You stay at Masseria San Martino.

hotel details



Masseria San Martino, Pezze di Greco

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


Masseria San Martino is a restored manor dating back to the 17th Century. It is surrounded by olive groves. The rooms have a rustic traditional style and are equipped with all comforts. These rooms were once the living spaces of the Masseria where farmers used to live. Rooms have been remodeled and refurnished in perfect Mediterranean style, maintaining the original features.

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.

elevation

You stay at Masseria San Martino.

hotel details



Masseria San Martino, Pezze di Greco

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


Masseria San Martino is a restored manor dating back to the 17th Century. It is surrounded by olive groves. The rooms have a rustic traditional style and are equipped with all comforts. These rooms were once the living spaces of the Masseria where farmers used to live. Rooms have been remodeled and refurnished in perfect Mediterranean style, maintaining the original features.

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.

elevation

You stay at Albergo Diffuso Monopoli.

hotel details



Albergo Diffuso Monopoli, Monopoli

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. Set in various locations around the historical centre, just a stroll from Monopoli's seafront and its beautiful beaches, Albergo Diffuso Monopoli offers elegant, air-conditioned rooms.

Accommodation has exposed Tuffo-stone walls and quality furniture. There is free WiFi, flat screen TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom with bath or shower.

Breakfast in the hotel's central cafe and dinner will be in a good local restaurant.

Local tourist tax not included (pay hotel locally)

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

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.

elevation

You stay at Albergo Diffuso Monopoli.

hotel details



Albergo Diffuso Monopoli, Monopoli

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. Set in various locations around the historical centre, just a stroll from Monopoli's seafront and its beautiful beaches, Albergo Diffuso Monopoli offers elegant, air-conditioned rooms.

Accommodation has exposed Tuffo-stone walls and quality furniture. There is free WiFi, flat screen TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom with bath or shower.

Breakfast in the hotel's central cafe and dinner will be in a good local restaurant.

Local tourist tax not included (pay hotel locally)

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel San Giuseppe.

hotel details

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Hotel San Giuseppe, Otranto

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Hotel San Giuseppe is set in a 16th-century farmhouse typical of the Puglia region, only 350 yards from the sea in Otranto's historic centre. It offers air-conditioned rooms and which have been restored in a modern style that preserves the flavour of the old farm.They feature high ceilings and tiled floors, and are equipped with a minibar and satellite TV featuring free Sky channels including sports, cinema and entertainment.

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel San Giuseppe.

hotel details



Hotel San Giuseppe, Otranto

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Hotel San Giuseppe is set in a 16th-century farmhouse typical of the Puglia region, only 350 yards from the sea in Otranto's historic centre. It offers air-conditioned rooms and which have been restored in a modern style that preserves the flavour of the old farm.They feature high ceilings and tiled floors, and are equipped with a minibar and satellite TV featuring free Sky channels including sports, cinema and entertainment.

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.

elevation

You stay at Resort Hotel Risorgimento.

hotel details



Resort Hotel Risorgimento, Lecce

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Featuring a roof-top restaurant with panoramic views, the Risorgimento Resort is located in Lecce's Baroque historic centre. It offers free WiFi throughout, large modern rooms, and a relaxing spa.

Rooms are air conditioned and come with a minibar and satellite TV. Each has a marble bathroom with bathrobes and slippers. The attentive staff provide a continental buffet breakfast. The 3 restaurants offer both Salento flavours and classic Italian cooking. Alternatively there are plenty of good restaurants nearby. Drinks and snacks are available all day at the Janet Ross Bar.

The health club offers a Turkish bath and multisensory shower. Massage and beauty treatments are also available.The hotel doesn't have a pool but there's everything else! Its even got it's own golf course (3km away)!

Piazza Sant'Oronzo is just 100 yards from Risorgimento Resort . The Cathedral is a 5-minute walk away.

Room upgrades: Deluxe Double, Executive, Junior Suite or Garden Suite.

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.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £373.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

Airport transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Bari airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Electric bikes
  • Room upgrades and extra nights at selected hotels

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Headwater were excellent and organised things exactly as we requested despite it all being very "last minute".

Megan was always very helpful and patient with us - despite us having to put things on hold at one point.

The local bike team (Puglia cycles) were very good. The initial briefing was excellent (the best we have had on our numerous cycling holidays). The Electric bikes were of good quality.

When a chain came off and got stuck in the pedal hub they sent someone out to help within 30 minutes. The same day we had a puncture that we repaired ourselves despite there being only one spare inner tube (wrong size) between 2 bikes - they did offer to send help but it wasn't required.

All accommodation was of very high quality and very welcoming (apart from Santa Maria 24). Breakfast were very good and always tried to provide Gluten Free for my wife.

The App is excellent - 99% accurate. Gives really good directions and clear route information as well as showing interesting sites en - route







David Leinhardt, 20 May 2024

 

Very enjoyable well organised . Description of rides were ot always accurate in terms of challenge

Jane Moyse, 27 Apr 2024

 

All in all an excellent and well organised holiday. Only small critisism was our first nights accomodation which after a very long day travelling did not provide a coffee or tea or the facillity to make one in our room also their breakfast was not up to the standard of the rest of the hotels.

We did have a delay on our first morning because they brought ordinary bikes instead of electric bikes and it took most of the morning to get these changed over. However Peter who was dealing with it was a very pleasant and helpful guy

Thomas Brown, 24 Apr 2024

 

Such a great way to experience a destination. The routes allow you to soak up the landscape and the culture at a leisurely pace. It actually covering significant areas over the course of the holiday. The optional routes make for a great opportunity to delve deeper and widen your experience.

Hotels are well selected and in great locations to allow you dip in to the local food scene - always well deserved at the end of days cycling. We always feel recharged at the end of holiday with a stack full of great memories

Michael John Wilson-maccormack, 23 Oct 2023

 

This cycling trip in Puglia was wonderful. All accommodations and locations were excellent. This area of Italy was new to us and it didn’t disappoint. The range of areas and experiences was excellent from staying in Trulli to Masserias and quirky auberges. The support of the local agent was excellent and they were so supportive when one of our party had an injury. There was probably more road cycling than compared with other cycling trips we have done but mostly they were quiet. We would definitely recommend this as a trip and hope to visit other parts of Puglia.

HELPS, 20 May 2023

 

The trip went like clockwork.Headwater delivered the entire y like clockwork .

Mrs Hope, 24 Sep 2022

 

This was an amazing holiday. From the time of booking to the completion of the tour all ran smoothly. The app for navigation was brilliant - would only go on trips like this in future if this app was used. Puglia Cycling who did our transfers were always on time and very pleasant. Luggage was delivered by 4 pm each day, often earlier and usually waiting in room for us.

The weather was hot but a breeze kept it comfortable. Plenty of water is essential. It is worth noting that in some towns the public toilets are locked during siesta time but restaurants/bars were still open. There are many beaches and swimming holes along the way to stop and have a dip.

Unforgettable. Thank you to Headwater and Puglia Cycling.

Mrs Mccartney, 22 Aug 2022

 

This seemed much harder than the other 1+ Dolomites to Lake Garda cycling holiday we have done despite our fitness being better. However this was probably largely due to an Italian heatwave in late May/early June when we travelled with the thermometer at 30C in the shade each day by 9am. Thoroughly enjoyed it though and were very glad we chose the 10 rather than 7 night option. The extra nights further south contrasted well and it was good to cycle by the sea. Hotels all of good quality and each had its own special qualities. Not being tecchies and with basic phone contracts had some concerns re the GPS app pre travel but after a few minutes on the first morning we coped fine with it. Much easier than the old paper instructions. Had taken a battery charger pack but never used more than half a phones battery whilst out. Amazed how cheap prices were when stopping for drinks in small rural villages eg 1 euro for usual menu of coffees

Mrs Blease, 30 May 2022

 

excellent itinerary with lots of variety .

excellent local support when we needed it

Dr Taylor, 5 Sep 2020

 

Puglia is a super place to visit, the scenery is stunning, the towns so beautiful and interesting, the routes well planned and the assistance wonderful.

Mrs Rodely, 1 Jun 2019

 


Self-guided cycling

10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

16.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

10 nights from £1809

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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