Puglia Bike Tour – Italy’s Untouched Coast

We will meet in Bari and shuttle to the striking cliff-top town of Polignano a Mare for your custom bike fit and a first ride along the beautiful coastline to the tiny bay of San Vito. Bike to Conversano, the city of artists, and Polignano for a delicious seafood lunch. Later in the day, we check into Borgo Bianco Resort & Spa, our stunning five-star home, for the next two nights. Join us for a welcome dinner tonight at the hotel’s elegant restaurant.

Today’s ride will take us into the northern reaches of the Itria Valley, with ancient olive groves and distinctive Trulli houses hidden among nut and cherry trees. We descend to the coastal town of Monopoli with its seawalls, castle, and picturesque cobbled streets. Lunch is on your own at one of the town’s many local eateries. Early in the evening, we transfer you to the countryside farmhouse of talented local chefs Mara & Marina for a hands-on lesson in traditional Pugliese cooking, followed by dinner and local wine tasting.

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 the 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 spectacular views of the plains and the Adriatic sea. Here we go for a walking tour of the town before transferring to Lecce, “the Florence of the South.” Once you check in at your next hotel, the Patria Palace, you can enjoy an evening in Lecce and choose one of the many restaurants in town for dinner on your own.

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 swim at one 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. 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 your hotel, we will head to town for a stroll by the sea and dinner on your own. (B, L)

After breakfast, we will ride down to Santa Maria di Leuca. Breathtaking sea views, natural hot springs, hills, and pine forests make this one of the most memorable rides on this trip. You can stand at the southernmost point of Puglia and gaze out to the inviting Adriatic sea. On our way back, we will stop for an exciting cave tour. 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 a century ride (100 KM)! Tonight at the farewell dinner, we will toast to a week-long of life-list-worthy experiences!

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 and stop for a coffee and the favorite local pastry, “Pasticciotto Leccese” (filled with custard cream). The trip ends at Lecce train station, or we can offer a shuttle to Brindisi airport. We hope your time in Puglia will have improved your life, as it has all of ours! Ci vediamo presto!