Self-Guided Puglia Cycling

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 Trip Length
7 Days
 Trip Starts
Alberobello
 Trip Finishes
Lecce
7 Day Self-Guided Puglia Cycling Itinerary (Explore)
Countries Explored: Italy
Trip Style
Cycling
Accommodation
Comfortable
Pace
Easy
Trip Code
CSIP

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Explore's 7 Day Self-Guided Puglia Cycling. On this self-guided cycle route around the 'heel' of Italy, in the sun-drenched region of Puglia, you discover the natural and cultural highlights of a land forged centuries ago by Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and Spanish.

Itinerary

Your holiday starts in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alberobello, famous for its Trulli (round conical-roofed houses). After checking in to your hotel, you may choose to spend the rest of your day exploring the town's picturesque whitewashed streets.

Your bike will be delivered either today or tomorrow morning and you will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

We are able to offer private transfers from both Bari Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport(BDS). Please contact our self-guided team for further information. Stay: Hotel Cuor di Puglia (Comfortable)

Hopping onto your bike, your cycling route commences through the culturally-rich Murgia region, where you will pass olive groves, vineyards and classic 'Masserie' farmhouses. The Medieval town of Cisternino, with its brilliant DOC wine, is worth stopping off in. Your base for tonight is the picturesque town of Ostuni. Positioned close to the Adriatic Sea and fortified by ancient walls, the town's chic shops, bars and restaurants attract many Italian tourists. However, it is its fifteenth century cathedral which is its real draw card, described by many as 'enchanting.'

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres (total ascent 300 metres, total descent 500 metres). Stay: Hotel La Terra (Comfortable) (B)

This morning you cycle down to Ostuni train station where you catch the train to Lecce, from where you commence your ride through the Salento region. You take the bike with you on the train but your luggage is transferred separately to the hotel. Please note it is not possible to pre-book this train ticket, so you need to purchase this locally. Once outside Lecce it is just you and nature as you pedal across flat countryside, passing the occasional olive tree, pine tree forest and sand dune. Along the coast, you will pass several good swimming spots and some ancient seaside watch towers as you approach the Medieval fishing town of Gallipoli, which, in contrast to the landscape you have passed through, is bursting with life.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 56 kilometres (total ascent 240 metres, total descent 318 metres). Stay: Hotel 33 Baroni (Comfortable) (B)

From Gallipoli, you will pedal along a coastal road to the southernmost point of Puglia, where the Ionian and Adriatic Sea meet. En route, we recommend a relaxing break and refreshing dip at the paradisiacal Torre del Pizzo Beach, where you will be greeted by pristine white sand and turquoise water. Continuing south to your nightstop in Santa Maria di Leuca, this town is famous for its lighthouse, great beaches and wacky, colourful mansions.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 54 kilometres (total ascent 152 metres, total descent 170 metres). Stay: Hotel L'Approdo (Comfortable) (B)

Today's cycling journey takes you along the high coastal route, winding your way along gentle, undulating cliff tops, with a cooling sea breeze fanning your face. The phenomenal beauty of this coast is likely to encourage you to make frequent photograph stops. On your route, we recommend stopping off at the spectacular Zinzulusa Cave - one of the most endangered karst ecosystems in the world. Today's destination is Otranto, a Greek-Roman port town with an imposing castle.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 51 kilometres (total ascent 520 metres, total descent 530 metres). Stay: Hotel Albania (Comfortable) (B)

On your final day of cycling, you will pedal alongside the Alimini Lakes, running parallel to the sea, before heading into the Cesine Coastal Nature Reserve. Managed by the WWF, here you will find dense forest and typical Mediterranean flora and fauna. Cycling through the countryside of Greek Salento, this area is inhabited by the Griko people - an ethnic minority with Greek origins. You will notice that their language is akin to modern-day Greek and their food and architecture also draw many similarities. Later, you will arrive in Lecce - a stunning city in which to spend the last night of your tour. Nicknamed the 'Florence of the South' because of its rich Baroque heritage, the city's palaces, churches and statues are made from the famous local stone and are well worth exploring.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 52 kilometres (total ascent 227 metres, total descent 90 metres). Stay: Hotel Delle Palme (Premium) (B)

After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.

We are able to offer private transfers to both Bari Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS). Please contact our self-guided team for further information. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Lecce - Stunning Baroque city of southern Italy
  • Jagged coastline - Beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise seas
  • Local delicacies - Primitivo wine, mozzarella di bufala, fresh antipasti to name but a few
  • Historic towns and villages - Ostuni, Gallipoli and Otranto
  • Santa Maria di Leuca - Beautiful harbour town

  • Suitable for anyone who enjoys easy and relatively short rides on flat or gently undulating terrain. Ideal if you simply want to Explore a region by bike at a relaxed pace.

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Group Cycling Holidays
Group Cycling Holidays

On a group cycling trip you can enjoy getting to know others & enjoy experiences together but you can still retain your independence. Read more

Explore Leaders
Explore Leaders

Explore's tour leaders, who will speak the local language and know the area, will look after you throughout your cycling holiday. Read more

Where do we Stay?
Where do we Stay?

The places Explore stay are every bit as important as the sights they visit and the things you do. Read more

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Brochure

Small Group Adventures

Explore Small Group Adventures (2023-24)

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you’ve really explored. We’ll take you closer to the country, its culture and people, often in spontaneous, impossible-to-replicate ways. You’ll come home having seen and experienced the destination in a way that others might never have. We’ve been leading tours to extraordinary destinations...more all over the world for more than 40 years. There’s a reason why 98% of customers say they’d book with us again.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Explore. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Explore. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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