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, which was used as a set for a spectacular scene in the 2021 James Bond movie No Time to Die!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 420 Metres Approx.

Heading out on your bikes this morning you’ll loop round through the 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 a few years ago, 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: 475 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll leave Matera following quiet country roads through the glorious Apulian countryside. You’ll follow a rollercoaster ride taking you to the little town of Gioia del Colle first. Here take your time to visit the Norman Castle built by the emperor Frederik II, the origins of which date back to the Byzantine period.

Moving on from Gioia del Colle you will reach the area of the Trulli houses. Look out for authentic houses scattered along the route, as you make your way to Noci, your destination for the day. Noci preserves a delightful historic centre, perfect to explore on foot while looking for a place to sip an aperitivo and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 480 Metres Approx.

Today you will explore more of the quiet Apulian countryside while cycling through the Valle d‘Itria, famous for its centuries-old olive groves and particular architecture. In the morning you will head south on little country roads lined with dry rubble walls, surrounded by gnarly olive trees and cone-shaped trulli houses. On reaching the town of Martina Franca you will be greeted by its splendid baroque architecture. You may well park your bikes to explore the sight on foot, and find a place to have lunch.

From Martina Franca you then head south again to 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 can opt for a day off the bike exploring the delighful town of Alberobello and its trulli houses. Take your time to visit the Rione Monti consisting exclusively of Trulli houses, the Trullo Sovrano, the Casa Pezzolla Museum and the many churches of the little town and make sure to taste some of the local delicacies such as the Pasqualino sandwich and Orecchiette pasta.

Alternatively you can go for another bike ride in the Valle d‘Itria, taking you to the village of Putignano known for its yearly carnival, and the nearby hamlet of Castellana, where you’ll have the option to visit an impressive underground cave system (payable locally).

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 445 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
• 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.)