After arrival at Bari airport (BRI), we take you on the approx. 1 hour transfer to Alberobello where there will be time to assemble your bikes before dinner.

Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an enchanting town with iconic ‘trulli’ houses, narrow streets, and the unique Trullo Sovrano museum. The picturesque Rione Monti and the charming Trullo Church of Sant‘Antonio are must-sees!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 790 Metres Approx.

Your first ride out today will be a loop ride through the country side between Alberobello and the Adriatic coast. Leaving Alberobello in the morning your route takes you through the distinctive Apulian landscape, via Putignano and Castellana where you have the option to visit an impressive underground cave system (payable locally).

On reaching the coast you arrive in the town of Monopoli, with its charming mix of Norman, Venetian-Byzantine and Arabic architecture. The old town is a perfect spot for a coffee break. From Monopoli you then loop back through the country side to Alberobello where you will arrive with plenty of time to spare to further explore this most charming of towns.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll be riding through the historically-rich “Murgia degli Trulli” area along quiet roads surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and traditional masserie (typical farm houses of Puglia). You’ll pass through the medieval towns of Cisternino and Locorotondo, both of which are worth jumping off your bikes to explore their centres. Cisternino has a spectacular viewpoint, from where you can see the lush Valle d‘Itria.

Your arrive at Ostuni which sits majestically on a hill, offering spectacular views out to the Adriatic: From Ostuni you will catch the train to Lecce, but you have time to explore ‘La Citta Bianca‘, or the White City as it is known. Your destination after the train ride is Lecce, a brilliant city of wonderful palaces and treasures which will leave you mesmerised! Known as the ‘Florence of the South‘, Lecce’s Baroque architecture is some of the finest of Italy.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.

Gallipoli is our destination for the evening, and is known as the “Ionian Pearl”. Throughout history, Gallipoli has been an important fishing and trading port. First, the route takes you from Lecce across countryside and olive groves towards the west coast where you drop down to the sea by the whitewashed town of Santa Catalina and can enjoy the last 10 miles of coastal riding before reaching Gallipoli.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. You may want to visit one of the ancient underground olive-mills still preserved and open to the public, or take a stroll near the harbour. Or you could meander through the narrow alleys and explore the many little churches, or perhaps just relax in one of the town squares, before taking in the breathtaking sunset from the historic town.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 225 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll ride following the Ionian sea heading towards the heel of Italy where the Ionian and Adriatic sea meet, riding past long sandy beaches and little coves. You’ll notice some beautiful beaches, dotted with beach clubs that fill up during the summer months such as Maldive del Salento. Arriving in Santa Maria di Leuca, a small village with colourful “mansions” and a beautiful lighthouse, there will be time to dip into the crystal clear sea where the Adriatic and the Ionaian seas divide.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 720 Metres Approx.

From Santa Maria you’ll head north along the high coastal road and wind your way along the cliff tops with magnificent views along the way. You’ll be riding past rocky coves, heading ever further away from the furthest tip of the heel of Italy. On your way you will pass the well-known Grotta Zinzulusa and the village of Santa Cesarea Terme, known for its thermal baths. At the end of the day you arrive at Otranto, a Greco-Roman port frequented by merchants and thrill seekers. As you enter the old town, you will notice the wall surrounding the Hapsburger Castle.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 310 Metres Approx.

Setting off on your bikes this morning you head inland through the countryside of the Salento, where you’ll find traces of former Greek colonies still present in the dialect, cuisine and architecture.

Weaving your way through cultivated fields you reach the little hamlet of Acaya dominated by its enormous castle. We recommend a coffee break here before you then head further north into the gnarled olive groves and take the road leading into Lecce. Lecce is renowned for its ornate Baroque buildings, ancient Roman ruins, and a lively atmosphere, making it a popular destination for art, history, and architecture enthusiasts.

• Meals: Breakfast

Arrivederci Puglia! Time to head to the airport for your flight home. (Transfer time approx. 2 hours).