You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Gravina in Puglia (transfer approx. 1 hour). A local representative will fit you to your bikes (if renting) and conduct your welcome meeting. It’s a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the week ahead.

If time allows we recommend exploring the historic centre of Gravina in Puglia. Highlights of the city, the birthplace of Pope Benedetto XIII, include the main Basilica, the many rock cut churches, including the sanctuary of Madonna della Stella and the amazing Ponte Aquedotto Bridge spanning the local gorge, and of James Bond fame!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 465 Metres Approx.

Heading out on your bikes this morning you’ll loop round through Murgia, as you cycle through a picturesque landscape of open fields and countryside.

Your ride today will end with a climb up to the awe-inspiring Matera, perched on a rocky outcrop. Matera, known as the ‘City of Caves’ is a wonderful place to explore. Take a look at the city agenda for events: the town was the European Capital of Culture in 2019 so lots of things to watch out for!

As the distance today is a little shorter than other days, you should have some extra time for exploring. You could either set off a bit later, and explore Gravina a bit more in the morning, or head straight for Matera and spend some more time there.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 590 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll leave Matera following quiet, country roads through glorious Apulian countryside. You’ll follow a rollercoaster route, surrounded by olive trees, as you reach the famous area of the Trulli houses. Look out for authentic houses scattered along the route, as you make your way towards Alberobello: the Trulli capital of the world. The town is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved of its type in Europe. The 1,000 Trulli houses, many of which are still lived in, will transport you to an entirely different world. This evening you can wander around Alberobello and enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 585 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll follow a circular route, leading you through more distinctive Apulian landscape. The Valle d‘Itria, boasts quiet, country roads and cycle paths, that offer relaxed and varied cycling. Your route will lead you through Putignano and Castellana, where you’ll have the option to visit an impressive underground cave system (payable locally). You’ll once again be spending the night in Alberobello, where you can indulge in some delicious local cuisine, as well as visit the impressive basilica.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 450 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 destination for today is Ostuni, where you’ll spend the evening. Known as ‘La Citta Bianca‘, or the White City, Ostuni sits majestically on a hill, offering spectacular views out to the Adriatic. Spend the evening exploring Ostuni’s narrow streets within its protective walls, stopping to admire the Gothic, 15th-century cathedral.

• Meals: Breakfast

Today is a day off the bikes, and we’d recommend visiting Lecce! A short ride will take you to Ostuni train station where you can leave your bikes and board the train (tickets not included). Upon arrival into Lecce, you’ll discover a brilliant city full of wonderful palaces and treasures, that will leave you mesmerised. Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South” with magnificent Baroque churches and squares to be discovered. It also offers a range of wine bars and restaurants, serving up fresh, local produce.

Jumping on the train back to Ostuni, you should have plenty of time to spend another relaxing evening in this beautiful city.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 225 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll make your way to the coast! Leaving Ostuni behind, you’ll head for the Adriatic enjoying a mix of countryside and coastal riding. En route you’ll have the opportunity to visit the ancient town of Egnazia which has the best Roman ruins in the region.

Following the coastline, you’ll arrive in Monopoli, with its charming mix of Norman, Venetian-Byzantine and Arabic architecture. Monopoli is a great place to stop for a spot of lunch, and perhaps take a dip in the crystal-clear Adriatic. From Monopoli it’s about 6 miles/10 kms to your destination, as you ride north-west, until you reach Polignano a Mare. Polignano is a vibrant fishing village perched on cliffs and surrounded by clear blue waters. Visit the statue of Domenico Modugno, enjoy a spritz in the historic town centre, or take one last dip in the warm waters! This is the ideal location to enjoy your last evening in Puglia.

• Meals: Breakfast

Arrivederci Puglia! Time to head to the airport for flights home. (Transfer approx. 40 minutes.)