After arrival in Bari aiprort (BRI) we take the 3 hour transfer to Santa Maria di Leuca where there is time to assemble the bikes before dinner and to have a wander around to admire this interesting little town at the southernmost cape of the heel of Italy; a perfect spot to relax and gaze out onto the confluence of the Adriatic and Ionian seas before setting out on our journey the following day.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

We start our journey by cycling north through Puglia, a region known as a gateway to the east as well as being enriched with different and varied ancient cultures; Roman, Turkish, Greek and Spanish citizens have left a unique mix in its landscape, architecture, language and culture, as well as in the kitchen!

We start our first days’ cycling by warming up our legs admiring the stunning chalk coastline leading up from Santa Maria di Leuca. Along the route we may well visit the enchanting town of Otranto. Its cathedral is the biggest in Puglia and has one the best mosaics in the world.

After passing Otranto we continue north along the coast accompanied by wide views of the Adriatic until reaching Lecce. Due to its rich baroque architectural style, Lecce is known as the ‘Florence of the South‘. With the soft local stone easily worked with warm colours, many fine architectural decorations have been made to adorn this magnificent city.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1000 Metres Approx.

After leaving Lecce this morning we ride on quiet rural roads lined by olive groves towards Brindisi. After navigating through this bustling city we continue first along the coast and then inland following traffic free cycle lanes through the beautiful Valle d‘Itria and towards the towns of Carovigno and Ostuni. Visible from a great distance, Ostuni dominates the landscape from the top of the hill. With its ‘white glow‘, Ostuni is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Puglia. The whiteness of the houses of the old town is due to the lime, which for centuries has been used for painting the walls. Resting on 3 hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea, it is surrounded by age-old olive groves. The city’s main symbol is the obelisk of Sant‘Oronzo, located in Piazza della Libertà.

Our overnight destination and second highlight for the day is Alberobello; world renowned for the conical-roofed stone ‘trulli’ houses. Another UNESCO world heritage site, it offers narrow stone paved pedestrianised streets and rows of tiny trulli houses; some of which have been converted into small shops and restaurants, but many of which are still homes to local inhabitants.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

From Alberobello we slowly work our way onto the main Puglian plateau, characterised by its low rolling hills and fields lined by the archetypal dry stone walls. After passing through Gioia del Colle we reach the amazing city of Matera. The city of stone, famous as the set of Mel Gibson’s 2004 movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’ and unique in its kind. Matera is home to the world famous,and UNESCO listed, ‘sassi’ houses – ancient cave houses and churches hewn from the local sandstone. A stroll through the ancient alleyways is a very worthwhile experience!

After visiting Matera we then head for Altamura, yet another marvellous medieval town and our destination for the day. Altamura is famous worldwide for its characteristic bread which we will definitely try; perfect carb-loading! In Altamura, fossil evidence of human presence was found dating back to 400,000 BC. In 500 BC the megalithic walls that gave the town its name, ‘High Walls‘, were erected. In 1232, Frederick II gave new impetus to the city by building a cathedral and repopulating the town with Arab, Greek and Jewish immigrants. In that period, the town took a new shape with the construction of ‘cloisters‘, small squares surrounded by alleys. It is this characteristic layout that makes the town such a fascinating place to explore.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.

Our ride today marks our departure from the heartland of Puglia, wedged in between the Adriatic and Ionian Sea. From Altamura we work our way over the limestone plateau of the ‘Murgia‘. Here we pedal through beautiful scenery amidst endless olive groves, interrupted only by the vineyards and field crops that cover this plain. Along the way, we cannot miss a visit to the Castle of Frederick II of Swabia in Andria, with its unique hexagonal shape.

On reaching the hamlet of Margherita di Savoia near the coast we cycle along the salt pans to lively Manfredonia. A fortified town complete with historical castle, found on the southern border of the imposing limestone cliffs of the Gargano Peninsula.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1,700 Metres Approx.

From Manfredonia today’s ride is a spectacular journey along the high rocky coast of the Gargano, a limestone promontory full of caves and caverns, but also cloaked by coastal forests of pine and oak trees, crops of almond, orange and olive trees.

Following the coast to Mattinata, we will be cycling towards Vieste, with extraordinary views of the sea. Here high limestone cliffs open into coves of fine sand, popular with beach-goers in the summer months. The interior is largely covered by the Umbra Forest, which wraps the cape with beech and pine trees, forming the heart of the Gargano National Park. In this lush vegetation, perhaps the richest in southern Italy, the towns have preserved their ancient structure, with winding streets and whitewashed houses. Our destination for today is Peschici.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1,000 Metres Approx.

Shortly after leaving Peschici in the morning we descend from the limestone cliffs of the Gargano onto the low and sandy coast near Rodi Garganico, which soon makes way to the Varano and Lesina Lakes dominating this part of the coast.

After passing the lakes a last stretch through the rolling foothills of the mountainous Molise inland takes us to Termoli, an old walled city overlooking the Adriatic Sea. This is the perfect place for a wander through its little alleyways and contemplating life in southern Italy with an aperitif in hand before sitting down for a tasty dinner and a well deserved gelato.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,900 Metres Approx.

From Termoli on the Molise coast today we cycle into the foothills of the Majella Mountains on our way to Campobasso. After climbing up the low rises running parallel to the coast we slowly make our way along valley bottoms and rising crests. Along our way we pass through several scattered villages dotting the hill tops. Campobasso, capital city of the Molise Region, has a long history going back to Roman and medieval times. Most of the city’s main monuments date from more recent times, including the 14th century Castello Monforte.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 2,400 Metres Approx.

From Campobasso we head into the Majella Mountains of this little known and thus largely unspoiled Molise Region. In order to get there we wind our way up through the deep Molise valleys into the green hills up through the small villages of Bagnoli del Trigno, Pietrabbondante and Castel di Sangro to Pescocostanzo. This is the country of fir trees, and the Abetina Rosello wilderness. On reaching the lower ranges of the Majella Mountains, the scenery changes dramatically to include some of the highest peaks of the Apennines, several jutting up to over 2,000m above sea level.

The Majella, known locally as ‘the Mother Mountain‘, is part of the Abruzzi Apennines, and is characterised by its high, imposing limestone peaks, which are deeply furrowed by yawning valleys, and culminates at Mount Amaro at 2,793m. With its extraordinarily wild nature and rich historical, archaeological and architectural features, it is a fundamental part of the world heritage of national parks. Here we pass through the main skiing area of Central Italy, characterised by several small sleepy villages. It is in this scenery that we reach our days’ accommodation, at Pescocostanzo.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,650 Metres Approx.

On our second day cycling through the Majella Mountains, we will enjoy more amazing scenery as we admire the incredible geographical position, harshness, dense woodlands, abundant rivers and weather-erosion, which make the Majella region, along with the Gran Sasso, Laga’s Mountains Park, Sirente Velino Regional Park, a rare ‘hot spot’ for national biodiversity conservation which is precious for the many endangered plant and animal species, including wolves and bears.

But it is also a park of ancient hermitages, abbeys, stone huts and some wonderful historic terraced centres perched on the side of steep mountains. Our route today takes us through the Roman ‘municipio’ of Sulmona, birthplace of the Roman poet Ovidius, which remained an important town throughout the Middle Ages.

At the end of the day we reach our accommodation at Santo Stefano di Sessanio, arguably one of the most panoramic villages of the area. Tonight we stay in a centuries old ‘Palazzo‘, where we can sample the local fare in its cosy restaurant.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,400 Metres Approx.

Today we cycle through some of the most spectacular scenery of the Abruzzo region, all the while remaining inside the park of the Gran Sasso. From Santo Stefano di Sessanio we climb up to Campo Imperatore, the tall plateau – known as the ‘Little Tibet’ – situated underneath the imposing mass of the peaks of the Gran Sasso – literally meaning ‘Big Rock‘. Here horses and cattle freely roam the meadows, while on a good day, dozens of para-gliders dot the sky.

From Campo Imperatore we reach the highest point of our journey at over 1,700m, all the while being surrounded by amazing panoramic views on the surrounding mountains. A swift descent into the territory of the town of L‘Aquila takes us to the little villages of Arischia and Pizzoli from where we reach our destination at Cagnano Amiterno.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

At last, a shorter day of cycling through the high Appenines of Central Italy takes us from the Abruzzo into the Umbria Region. Again this little known part of Italy presents us with beautiful scenery and wide panoramic views.

As we leave our comfortable agriturismo in Cagnano Amiterno, we continue with some gentle climbing passing small villages. We stop mid-way in Leonessa, a small medieval town, nestled on the idyllic Apennine plateau in a splendid position below the towering Terminillo range. Stopping for coffee in the main piazza, we can enjoy this vibrant town, once a thriving market place for local crafts, such as weaving.

Setting off along the plateau, one last climb will lead us to our destination, Monteleone di Spoleto. We should arrive in time for our lunch, allowing time to rest and visit this small hamlet, part of the important pilgramage route of San Francesco di Assisi.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.

Today is our last day of cycling in the central Italian Appenines and what a ride to say farewell. From Monteleone di Spoleto we climb a little further before we start a breathtaking descent into Valle Norcia passing little village hamlets and enjoying the views of the deep valley and limestone cliffs surrounding us. From Sant‘Anatolia di Narco, after a re-group and a coffee stop, we follow the valley bottom to the little town of Piedipaterno. From here we climb up one last time before descending into charming Spoleto, which we will spot from above, its castle dominating the hilltop on which the medieval part of the town is built.

We will have our lunch break here, allowing for a wander into the historical centre, as there is a lot to see in Spoleto, including the cathedral with its famous frescoes by the Florentine painter Filippo Lippi and the Roman domus and theatre.

From Spoleto we enjoy a quiet cycle path running through the wide plain parallel to the Clitunno River taking us to the walled medieval town of Bevagne and then to our accommodation at Assisi, the city of Saint Francis.

• Meals: Breakfast

At last a chance to rest the legs and explore Assisi, or making the most of your rest day simply relaxing at the hotel, and reflecting on your journey so far.

Assisi is above all a splendid city of art. It would be unforgivable to miss a short visit to its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the world famous basilica (church) dedicated to the popular saint. Also just outside the walls, dominating the city, there is the magnificent castle Maggiore, rebuilt in 1367 on an earlier structure from 1174, of an ancient feudal castle.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1,500 Metres Approx.

Today we cycle through Umbria, the green heart of Italy and an ideal destination for those who enjoy responsible tourism, as it owns an enviable mix of history, nature and art. From Assisi we cycle east through the rolling hills past little sleepy villages. After crossing the Tevere River we cross the plains to reach the edge of the Trasimeno Lake. This lake played an important part in ancient Roman history, as it was the place of one of the battles between the Punic general Hannibal and the Romans.

From Castiglione del Lago, perched on the south shore of the lake, we continue towards Montepulciano, signaling our arrival in fabulous Tuscany. After Montepulciano we continue to Pienza in the Val d‘Orcia, a UNESCO Heritage site, arguably one of the most beautiful little towns of southern Tuscany, and our destination for the day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.

From Pienza this morning we head into one of the most scenic parts of Tuscany, cycling along the crests of the Crete Sienesi between San Giovanni d‘Asso, Asciano and Taverna d‘Arbia. This classical Tuscan landscape has been depicted in paintings by the Renaissance Master Leonardo da Vinci himself!

Do take your time to have a coffee or gelato in the old town of Asciano and don’t forget to stop often and drink in the sights along this rollercoaster road of marvellous views. After passing Taverna d‘Arbia we cycle into Siena well in time to freshen up and go for a walk in the famous Tuscan town admiring its many sights, first amongst which is the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1,550 Metres Approx.

From Siena we head into another well known area of Tuscany, famous for its wines; the Chianti. On our way north, we cycle on the roads of the Eroica Gran Fondo, made famous by its many stretches of gravel roads – only optional for us! – the so-called Strade Bianche. Here we pass through the towns of Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti and Panzano in Chianti.

All along our route we are greeted by extensive vineyards of San Giovese grapes stretching out on the alluvial hills, dotted with old farm houses and small hill top villages and hamlets. Our aim for the day is a cosy agriturismo on the border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, along the Arno River Valley.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,300 Metres Approx.

A last big effort and mountain stage of this great Italy traverse as you cross for the final time the Apennines riding down into the Emilia Romagna region. Leaving Chianti behind we head into the Appennini Emiliani on a gradual climb through a valley which then picks up for the last 10km. A long and beautiful descent will take us into Castrocaro Terme, on the outskirts of Forli. Time permitting, we can enjoy the spa facilities of the town.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.

With the last of the mountains behind us we make our way towards Ravenna and then back onto the Adriatic coast. The route alternates between coastal views, pine forests and the expanses of coastal resorts that line the Adriatic. We are entering the Parco Regionale del Po, a nature reserve area with wetlands and lagoons rich in birdlife and where local communities live off the fishing. Accommodation for tonight is in Lido degli Estensi, between Valli di Comacchio (famous for eel fishing) and the Adriatic sea. The hotel is a short walk from the beach, perfect for an evening stroll before dinner in one of the many restaurants in town.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.

For our last section of the Italian mainland we first ride into Comacchio, a small Venice with Canals and Bridges to then head onto the route which meanders through the Parco Regionale Delta del Po, a wetland area rich in seabird life and a very different culture. In this area nature, history, fishing and agricultural tradition and art all intertwine. As we cycle along this last leg of Italy, we can appreciate how local Italians have had to adapt to their territory in such a way to make life sustainable. We will ride along embankments, fishing lagoons, past sand dunes and sandbars. The final section of the ride will lead us to Chioggia, right on the south part of Venetian lagoon. Coined as the ‘Little Venice‘, we ride along canals and little bridges right on the edge of the lagoon, pausing for celebration and photos on the Ponte Vecchio of Chioggia.

This is the perfect spot to relax, gaze out onto the Venetian lagoon, and contemplate the incredible diversity of scenery, architecture, food and peoples that we have experienced so far, before tackling our Grande Finale tomorrow.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 10 Metres Approx

Our final riding day and we will take a ferry from Chioggia, first to the island of Pellestrina and then Lido di Venezia after. These islands close off the Venetian lagoon like the elongated pearls of a necklace, offering wide views alternately of the Adriatic Sea and the lagoon itself. From Lido di Venezia, famous as the location of the Venice Film Festival, your vaporetto will take you through the Canal Grande along the world famous Piazza San Marco. This is definitely the best way to enter Venice! On arriving at the Tronchetto terminal we will be met by the support van for the short transfer to the Piazzale Roma from where we reach our Venetian hotel.

NB – As we are staying in a Venetian hotel, (if travelling between 27th April and 18th May 2024) you must request an exemption from the Venice Access Fee by using the following link: https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione

• Meals: Breakfast

Today we leave our hotel and take the short 30 minute journey to Venice airport (VCE). Here we say our reluctant goodbyes as we return you home.