After arrival at Bari airport (BRI), we take you on the 3 hour transfer to Santa Maria di Leuca where there will be time to assemble your 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 waters, where the Adriatic and the Ionian seas divide. A difficult view to leave behind but there are plenty of beautiful views ahead of us!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.

Today the journey by bike begins. From Santa Maria you 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.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 250 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. 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: 600 Metres Approx.

After breakfast you have more time to explore Lecce, taking in its marvellous churches and palaces before transferring by train to the white town of Ostuni with its narrow streets within its protective walls and the Gothic 15th century cathedral.

From Ostuni you 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. You’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. You’ll be spending the night in Alberobello where you can indulge in some delicious local cuisine.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.

On your second day at Alberobello you will go out for 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.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 550 Metres Approx.

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

Leaving Alberobello your route today takes you through the distinctive Apulian landscape. Heading inland, you ride cross country past cultivated fields and make your 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
• Ascent: 1000 Metres Approx.

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

This ride will take you 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 aperitivo and a last delicious meal.

• Meals: Breakfast

Arrivederci Puglia! Time to head to the airport for your flight home. (Transfer time approx 75 minutes).