Apulia by bike
- Lecce, the stunning Baroque city and Ostuni, the whitewashed city
- Wonderful landscapes with ancient olive groves, vineyards and jagged coastline
- Sleep in a real Trullo house in the UNESCO town of Alberobello
- Great traditional Apulian culinary specialties
(on the minimum basis of 2 pers.)
Reference : IT4
Difficulty : Moderate
Linear trip
From March to October 2019
Departure: Friday
Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email
Your cycling tour in Apulia
The Apulia region of south-eastern Italy has quite a story to tell, having been in the hands of the Greeks, the Romans, the Ottomans, the Spaniards and other colourful peoples, each which have contributed to the region’s dialects, flavourful cuisine, and distinctive architecture. This is Italy’s best kept secret for outstanding cycling. From Otranto, crossroads of culture, to the whitewashed houses of Ostuni reaching towards the rich blue sea; from the memorable conical roofs of the “Trulli” in Alberobello to the enchanting white sand beaches near Gallipoli, enjoy superlative rides through sparsely inhabited ancient olive groves, Mediterranean Mache and invigorating coastal roads with views that make you fall in love.
Day 1 : Arrival in Polignano a Mare
Arrive in the glorious town of Polignano a Mare overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Get lost in the labyrinth of streets amidst whitewashed houses. Visit the main church, known as Chiesa Madre, and the stunning, unique squares of San Benedetto and Dell’Orologio. Marvel at the Marchesale Arch, an original entrance to the old town, where the cycling itinerary commences.
Day 2 : Polignano a Mare – Alberobello | 37 km
Today’s ride is a gradual climb from the Adriatic sea to the gently undulating valley of Itria. through the typical Murgia landscape with olive groves and fields surrounded by low stone walls. Stop at Castellana Grotte for a rest and to visit an immense underground cave system, one of the largest in Europe. Continue on to Alberobello, the Trulli capital of the world and a UNESCO Heritega town. Alberobello is unique for having over 1500 trulli, or white washed stone houses with conical roofs.
Day 3 : Alberobello – Ostuni | 40 km
Cycle through several beautiful villages from Alberobello to Ostuni – a white-washed town perched on top of a hill dominating the Adriatic. Along the way visit Locorotondo, the ‘round place’ also on a hill that dominates the countryside, admire it’s cathedral and the old church of Madonna della Greca. Continue on to Cisternino, well known for its meats and cheese. Excellent DOC wine and olive oil is produced in this region.
Day 4 : Train from Ostuni to Lecce – Cycling to Gallipoli | 52 km
This morning you cycle down to Ostuni train station where you catch the train to Lecce, taking your bike with you. From Lecce Train station you quickly leave town on a narrow country lane. Crossing the Salento region in a south west direction you reach the Golf of Taranto. You will ride across a sparsely inhabited flat countryside, dotted with large olive trees then coastal pine forests and sand dunes, passing ancient coastal watch towers as you approach the medieval fishing town of Gallipoli bustling with life. Along the way you can find some nice spots for a swim in the Ionian sea.
Day 5 : Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca | 51 km
A coastal road takes you to the southernmost point of Puglia, dividing the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. But first, take a swim in the turquoise waters of paradise, at the Torre del Pizzo beach and lay along the fine white sands. Then continue south to Santa Maria di Leuca, a magnificent village of fantastic beaches and wacky, wild, colorful mansions.
Day 6 : Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto | 52 km
Revel in the sea breezes as you ride along the high coastal route, winding your way along gentle, undulating rift of the cliffs. Phenomenal views will make you feel part of a National Geographic cycling special feature. Stop for a glimpse of the spectacular cave, the Grotta Zinzulusa, and then on to Otranto, a Greek-come-Roman port town, frequented by merchants and thrill seekers.
Day 7 : Otranto – Lecce | env. 53 km
Today you visit the Alimini Lakes which run parallel to the sea. Cycle your way through the countryside of Greek Salento, where traces of the former colonies are still present in the dialect, cuisine and bright style of architecture. The whites shine against the euphoric blue of the sea. Arrive in Lecce, a brilliant city full of wonderful palaces and a treasure which will mesmerize you.
Day 8 : Departure during the day
Select your category
- from March 29th to May 26th 2019
from October 1st to 18th 2019 - Departure: Friday
- from May 27th to June 25th 2019
from August 30th to September 30th 2019 - Departure: Friday
- from June 26th to July 19th 2019
- Departure: Friday
Your cycle hire
Longo Hybrid bike - 27 speed gears
Man or Lady frame
- 1 map holder & small front bag,
- 1 rear side bag,
- 1 repair kit,
- 1 odometer (1 per 2 bikes)
- 1 pump
- 1 lock
Helmets are not provided, we suggest to bring yours. Otherwise we can also provide it on request and with supplement.
Electric bike
Universal frame
- 1 map holder & small front bag,
- 1 rear side bag,
- 1 repair kit,
- 1 odometer (1 per 2 bikes)
- 1 pump
- 1 lock
Helmets are not provided, we suggest to bring yours. Otherwise we can also provide it on request and with supplement.
Practical details
Bikes will be delivered at the 1st hotel.
At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.
> How to arrive in Polignano a Mare
> Return
Your journey
The rides are mostly along well asphalted country lanes and secondary roads with little traffic, however sometimes you have to travel on larger trafficked roads when approaching and riding in the larger towns.
How to arrive in Polignano a Mare
> By train :
Polignano a Mare Station
> By plane :
Bari or Brindisi airports.
From Bari or Brindisi airports, you need to reach the relative city stations. Train connections are available to reach Polignano a Mare.
– From Bari : shuttle from the airport to the train station then from the train station, train to Polignano a Mare (approx. 1h15 – costs approx. 10-15€/person/journey).
– From Brindisi : shuttle from the airport to the train station then from the train station, train to Polignano a Mare (approx. 1h40 – costs approx. 10-15€/person/journey).
For more information about trains, you can visit the website here.
Return
> By train :
Lecce Station
> By plane :
Bari or Brindisi airports.
– To Bari airport : take a train from Lecce station to Bari station then take a shuttle to the airport (approx. 2h30 – costs approx. 15-30€/person/journey).
– To Brindisi airport : take a bus from Lecce station to Brindisi airport (approx. 35-40min – costs approx. 5-10€/person/journey).
For more information about trains visit the website here.