After arrival in Bari airport (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 along the seaside boulevard, taking in the atmosphere of this little seaside town at the very tip of Puglia.

The village is dotted with colourful and alternative ‘mansions‘, and surrounded by crystal clear sea, where the Adriatic and the Ionaian seas divide. A difficult view to leave behind but there are plenty beautiful views ahead of us!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 650 Metres approx.

From Santa Maria we head north along the high coastal road and wind our way along the cliff tops with magnificent views along the way. We’ll be riding past rocky coves, heading ever further away from the furthest tip of the heel of Italy.

On our way we will pass the well-known Grotta Zinzulusa and the village of Santa Ceserea Terme, known for its thermal baths. At the end of the day we arrive at Otranto, a Greco-Roman port frequented by merchants and thrill-seekers. As we enter the old town, we will notice the remarkable wall surrounding the Hapsburger Castle.

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

Setting off on our bikes this morning we head inland through the countryside of the Salento, where we’ll find traces of former Greek colonies still present in the dialect, cuisine and architecture. Weaving our way through cultivated fields we reach the little hamlet of Acaya, dominated by its enormous castle.

After a coffee break we then head further north into the gnarled olive groves near Lecce. Here we may stay in a wonderful family-run accommodation located in a masseria about 15km outside the town, or alternatively in a comfy hotel in the lively town of Lecce itself.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.

This morning we will have time to visit the old town of 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. We make time for a visit of the town taking in its marvelous churches and palaces.

With your own time to wander the streets, your lunch choices today are your own, before we transfer together by train to the white town of Ostuni with its narrow streets within its protective walls and the Gothic 15th century cathedral. From Ostuni we then head north again, cycling through the historically rich Valle d‘Itria, weaving amongst olive groves, vineyards, traditional masserie farm houses (typical farm houses of Puglia) and trulli. We’ll pass through the medieval towns of Locorotondo, famous for its white wine, and on to Alberobello, passing the famous fairy-tale ‘trulli’ houses that awarded Alberobello itself as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 1,000 trulli houses, many of which are still lived in, will transport us to an entirely different world. We’ll be spending the night in Alberobello where we can indulge in some delicious local cuisine.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.

On our second day in Alberobello we will go out for a loop ride through the countryside between Alberobello and the Adriatic coast. Leaving Alberobello in the morning our route today takes us through the distinctive Puglian landscape, via Putignano and Castellana where we have the option to visit an impressive underground cave system (payable locally).

On reaching the coast we 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 we then loop back through the countryside to Alberobello where we will arrive with plenty of time to spare to further explore this most charming of towns.

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

Our destination for today is Matera, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Leaving Alberobello our route today takes us through the distinctive Puglian landscape. Heading inland, we ride cross country past cultivated fields and make our way to Matera. Famous for its historical centre, the inhabitants of this region carved dwellings directly into the ravines made of tuff (tufa in italian), a light coloured soft stone. These dwellings are called ‘sassi’ and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These houses are still lived in and are unique in the world.

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

On the last riding day of the week and you have the choice to chill out in the amazing town of Matera, and visit some of its wonderful monuments, or join a loop ride taking us from Matera further into the wild and hilly Basilicata region, before looping back towards Matera.

This ride will take us on a panoramic route over the Murgia Plateau, passing by the medieval towns of Gravina in Puglia, dominated by its deep narrow gorge, and Altamura famous for its cathedral, and its bread! After returning to Matera you will have the time to pack up your bikes and freshen up before hitting the town for aperitif and a last delicious meal.

• Meals: Breakfast

Arrivederci Puglia!

Time to head back to Bari airport for flights home and we leave the hotel early to get you to the airport in time for your flights home.

Transfer time to the airport – approx. 75 minutes).