6 Days / 5 Nights | Rating: Intermediate | Start : Bari | End: Lecce/Brindisi
- E-bikes Available
Welcome to Italy’s Puglia- the heel of the boot, along the sun-drenched Adriatic Sea. The luxurious six-day bike trip travels through an agricultural region acclaimed for its exceptional cuisine, stellar landscape, and superfriendly locals. Spend a week biking through the rolling fields of the Itria Valley, perfumed by the Macchia Mediterranea—rosemary, oregano, juniper, through the unspoiled hilltop Medieval towns, ancient archeological sites and along the glittering Adriatic sea. Soak in the hospitality of 5-star resorts and properties, and enjoy stateof-the-art Sojourn support with our team of local leaders. Ride through fishing villages, country lanes, ancient olive groves, vineyards, hidden coves, golden beaches, and the unparalleled Itria Valley. Take a walking tour of Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of Italy’s most photogenic neighborhoods with the distinctive Trulli homes. Join a hands-on cooking class at a local farmhouse. From Bari, where we pick you up, to Lecce train station, where we drop you off at the end of the trip, discover Puglia in style.
Travel the Sojourn Style
EXPERIENCES, NOT BIKE TOURS
While we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true Sojourn trip entails. We believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world.
REGIONAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS
From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. We personally design and operate each of our trips.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS
We carefully select from some of World’s renowned hotels. From highly reviewed and acclaimed Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, Spain or the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam, one of the leading hotels in the World.
UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO SERVICE
Our commitment to provide you with unwavering service starts from the moment you first interact with the Sojourn team. We believe the little details matter and make the Sojourn vacation a life-list worthy experience for our guests.
PROFESSIONAL TRIP LEADERS
Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches.
YOUR VACATION, YOUR PACE
We believe that at the end of the day, you are at the helm of your own vacation. We offer an array of day-to-day options to enable you to approach each day at your own pace.
Point-to-Point Tour
Starts: Bari
Ends: Lecce/Brindisi
Incoming flights: Bari International Airport(BRI)
Outgoing flights: Papola Casale Airport(BDS)
Day 1
We will meet Bari and shuttle you to the striking cliff top town of Polignano a Mare for your custom bike fit and first ride along the beautiful coastline to the tiny bay of San Vito. Bike to Conversano, the city of artists, which features a magnifiscent medieval castle overlooking the town.
GOOD TO KNOW
Every Sojourn trip is different in their own unique ways. We want you to be aware of them so that you can only have the best experiences possible. Please know, whichever trip you choose we are committed to make it the trip of a lifetime!
We continue our ride into Polignano for a delicious seafood lunch. Later that day, we check into Borgo Bianco Resort Spa, your stunning five star home for the next two nights. The white architecture of the hotel, the whiteness of the limestone, its architectural lines and the refined and luxurious spaces, form a stunning contrast with the natural surrounding landscape. Rooms and suites recreate the atmosphere of old country houses, at the same time offering the elegance and comforts of a modern hotel. From the windows, there are majestic olive trees as far as the eye can see, contrasting the sapphire blue sky. You will have time to settle into your sublimely appointed room before indulging in a well deserved dinner at the hotel’s elegant restaurant.
LODGING:
Borgo Bianco Resort, Polignano
www.borgobianco.it/
CYCLING OPTIONS:
16 Miles
Day 2
Today’s ride will take us into the northern reaches of the Itria Valley, filled with ancient olive groves and distinctive trulli houses hidden among nut and cherry trees. Originally constructed as temporary field shelters and storehouses or as permanent dwellings by small proprietors or agricultural labourers, these iconic features of the landscape can date as far back as the 14th century. There are many theories behind the origin of the design. One of the more popular theories is that due to high taxation on property, the people of Apulia built dry stone wall constructions so that they could be dismantled quickly when tax inspectors were in the area.
KEEPING YOU POSTED
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our trips. We’ll do our best to notify you of any changes in this itinerary. Other changes may be communicated to you on the trip by your leaders.
Next, we descend to the coastal town of Monopoli with its seawalls, castle and picturesque cobbled streets. Lunch is on your own in one of the town’s many local eateries. Cruise back to Borgo Bianco for a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. Early in the evening, we will transfer you to the countryside farmhouse of talented local cooks Mara & Marina for a hands-on lesson in traditional Pugliese cooking, followed by dinner and local wine tasting.
LODGING:
Borgo Bianco Resort, Polignano
www.borgobianco.it/
CYCLING OPTIONS:
37 Miles
Day 3
After breakfast and check out, we head inland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, the postcard capital of the region. Here, we meet with our local expert, who will walk us through the region’s history, culture, and artisanal products. Post lunch, soak in sweeping views of the Itria Valley as we ride past olive groves and rock strewn fields to the stunning città bianca or “white city” of Ostuni, a remarkable citadel perched on the hill with stunning views of the plains and the Adriatic sea.
Here we go for a walking tour of the town before we transferring to Lecce “the Florence of the South.” Once you check in at your next hotel, the Patrria Palace, you can enjoy an evening in Lecce and choose one of the many restaurants in town for dinner on your own.
LODGING:
Patria Palace, Lecce
https://patriapalace.com/
CYCLING OPTIONS:
38 Miles
50 Miles
Day 4
Check out of Lecce this morning for a short shuttle to the beautiful Masseria Melcarne to start our ride to the Salento area, home to Puglia’s best wines! Along the way, you can stop for a swing on of the acclaimed beaches of the Adriatic sea. We will stop at the 16th-century castle city of Acaya for a walking tour and lunch. The town’s medieval street pattern divides it into rectangular islands designed to thwart marauding invaders. Our destination today is Otranto on the Adriatic coastline of Salento in Southern Apulia- one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal towns. After checking into our hotel, we will bring you into Otranto for a stroll by the sea and dinner on your own.
LODGING:
Hotel Furnirussi, Otranto
https://www.furnirussi.it/
CYCLING OPTIONS:
43 Miles
Day 5
After breakfast, we will ride down to Santa Maria di Leuca. The name Leuca derives from the greek “leukos”, meaning white city kissed by the shining sun. Breathtaking sea views, natural hot springs, hills, and pine forests make this one of the most memorable rides on this trip. You can stand on the southernmost point of Puglia and gaze out to the inviting sea. On our way back, we will stop for a exciting cave tour. These caves are located right above sea level, and are man made prehistoric temples dedicated to pagan divinities. Wine tastings and beach visits are also options for today. The serious rider who wants a challenge can cycle back to Otranto and bask in the glory of completing a metric century (100 km)! Tonight at the farewell dinner, we will toast to a week of life-list worthy experiences!
MULTIPLE ROUTE OPTIONS
Itching for that EPIC (Extra Pedal if Crazy) ride? No problem, we’ll show you our favorite hills. Looking for more downtime? Your trip leaders will tell you the best days to take a break. All Sojourn tours have multiple route options to accommodate your riding skill or desires!
LODGING:
Hotel Furnirussi, Otranto
https://www.furnirussi.it/
CYCLING OPTIONS:
31 Miles
65 Miles
Day 6
On our last bike ride of the trip, we head to the capital of Salento Lecce, known as the Florence of the South. The terrain here is mostly flat, passing among endless olive orchards. So, be sure to stop and smell the olives! Alternatively, take our shuttle to Lecce. Along the way, make sure you explore the artisan boutiques, stop for a coffee and try the amazing pastry known as Pasticciotto Leccese (filled with custard cream). The trip ends at the Lecce train station, or we can offer a shuttle you to the Brindisi airport. We hope your time in Puglia will have changed your life for the better, as it has all of ours. Ci vediamo presto!
CYCLING OPTIONS:
23 Miles
Tour Accommodations
Borgo Bianco, Polignano A Mare
Borgo Bianco is an exclusive five star resort situated in typical Puglia countryside just outside the picturesque coastal town of Polignano a Mare, perched on top of a rocky promontory. Its architectural lines and the refined and luxurious spaces form a stunning contrast with the surrounding landscape. (2 nights)
C. da Casello Cavuzzi
70044, Polignano a Mare
https://borgobianco.it/en/
Patria Palace, Lecce
This majestic property is an elegant 18th century noble residence which preserves all its original Baroque charm. (1 nights)
Piazzetta Riccardi 13
73100, Lecce
https://patriapalace.com/
Tenuta Furnirussi, Otranto
A 5 star hotel dedicated to wellness, outstanding cuisine and relaxation. Located in the peaceful silence of the countryside in the heart of the Grecìa Salentina, this hotel is surrounded by the 4500 fig trees of Europe’s biggest organic fig plantation.
29 Strada Comunale Scine
73020, Serrano di Carpignano Salentino
https://www.furnirussi.it/?lang=en
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TOUR START | Day 1 in Bari, at 8:30 AM at Salvatore Petriella |
| TOUR CONCLUSION | Day 6 at either 3 or 4 PM to shuttle to the Lecce Train Station or 4:30 PM to shuttle to the Brindisi Airport (BDS) |
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into the Bari Airport (BRI) and out of the Brindisi Airport (BDS) |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 6 Days/5 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, most lunches and dinners |
| ACTIVITIES | Cycling, walking tour, cooking class |
| RATING | Intermediate - This tour is perfect for cyclists who do not mind a few gently rolling hills with some longer grades. Routes average 20- 65 miles a day over rolling terrain with longer options available. |
What’s Included?
| EQUIPMENT | Road or hybrid bike, helmet, rear light, seat bag for road bike or rack bag for hybrid, map case, water bottle, and jersey. Bring clipless pedals, seat, or helmet for a more personalized fit. |
| VAN SUPPORT | Rides supported by a Sojourn van as well as a tour leader on a bicycle. |
| TOUR LEADERS | Two experienced tour leaders guide each trip from start to finish. |
| RIDE NOURISHMENT | A selection of snacks and refreshments are supplied throughout all rides. |
| RIDE INFORMATION | Detailed route directions, maps, downloadable GPS routes, and a daily briefing are provided. |
| OFFICE SUPPORT | At your service 9:00am – 6:00pm EST, Monday – Friday. 802-425-4771 |
| DETAILED INFORMATION | A full complement of detailed trip and travel information will be provided upon confirmation of reservation. |
| E-BIKES & TANDEMS | Limited Electric Assist Bikes are available on all tours. Tandems are also available on on our US and Canada tours for an additional fee. Call us at 1-802-425-4771 for details |
Weather
| Brindisi, Italy | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 84° | 79° | 71° | 63° | 57° | 55° |
| Low °F | 71° | 73° | 59° | 52° | 46° | 44° |
| Precip. Inches | 0.7 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 2.8 | 2.3 | 1.9 |
WE’RE HAPPY TO CHAT!
Call: 802.425.4771
Write: info@gosojourn.com
Visit: GoSojourn.com
PRICES & SCHEDULE
All prices and schedules are subject to change at any time.
Click HERE to view the latest departure dates & prices.
