Highlights
- Savouring the deep red wine of the Salento region and the crisp whites of Locorotondo
- Enjoying the sights of Alberobello, famous for the ‘trulli’
- Exploring the gnarled olive groves in the countryside of Alberobello
- Visiting 2 UNESCO heritage sites; Lecce and Alberobello
- Admiring the Baroque churches of Lecce
- Enjoying the panoramic coastal road between Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto
We enjoyed most of the cycling but we really enjoyed cycling near the coast where the views were stunning.
Itinerary
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 today 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.
Show Profile- 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.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 250 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.
Show Profile- 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.
Show Profile- 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 Ceserea 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.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 320 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.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast
Arrivederci Puglia! Time to head to the airport for your flight home. (Transfer time approx. 2 hours).
Understanding Profiles
Use these profiles to see:
- Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
- Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)
Click 'see gradient' to see:
- Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
- % Gradient (vertical axis)
Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.
White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
Your tour will take you through a mixture of flat and rolling countryside, mainly on quiet country and coastal roads with great views. The section along the coast is more of a rollercoaster and there are busier sections when entering and leaving Lecce. Some of the countryside roads have some potholes where surface conditions have deteriorated.
Road Cycling Grade
40-50 miles / 60-80 kms per day
On undulating or rolling terrain, occasional moderate / challenging climbs
No high altitude ascents & the odd short steep climbs
For semi-regular riders / relative novices wishing to gain experience & fitness
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Maybe you’re quite new to road biking, you might not have your own road bike but if not, you’re definitely thinking seriously about getting one. You’ve probably ridden a road bike a few times and you’re keen to gain more experience. You’re up for the occasional challenge but big mountains are probably not your thing. You’re happy to spend a few hours on the bike and do so occasionally and casually on the odd weekend. You might see cycling more as a means of transport than a leisure activity and you’re interested in a holiday where there’s at least as much emphasis on sightseeing and relaxing as there is on the riding. A typical day might see you covering up to 40 miles over mixed terrain with the occasional cheeky climb. Grade 2 could be for you.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Dates & Prices
Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.
2024 25 Mar – 30 Oct (excluding dates from 09 Jun – 31 Aug)
Season 1 – $2140 03 Apr – 08 Jun / 10 Sep – 30 Oct
Season 2 – $2345 25 Mar – 02 Apr / 01 Sept – 09 Sept
2025 24 Mar – 29 Oct (excluding dates from 09 Jun – 31 Aug)
Season 1 – $2250 24 Mar – 08 Jun / 09 Sep – 29 Oct
Season 2 – $2465 01 Sept – 08 Sept
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.
Whats Included
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en-suite rooms)
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) English-speaking local representative (with either an in-person or video call welcome meeting)
D) Access to the navigation app for holiday information and navigation
E) Luggage transfers
F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Bari airport (BRI)
G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Bari airport (BRI)
H) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en-route
I) Train tickets from Ostuni to Lecce (Day 3) payable locally (€10 approx.)
J) Local tourist tax, approx 2 euros per day, normally paid on check-out
K) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
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Reviews
June, Angus, UKBeautiful Location!We enjoyed most of the cycling but we really enjoyed cycling near the coast where the views were stunning. We also enjoyed the countryside cycling to Arbelobello.
Michael, New York, USALook forward to more Skedaddle rides in the future!We really love your company and the Skedaddle team were really terrific. We were fascinated with the scenery in Puglia, particularly around Lecce, Alborabello and Monopoli.