Cycle The Highlights of Puglia
- Easy going coastal cycling across Puglia, ‘The heel of Italy’
- Explore Salento’s coastal towns of Gallipoli, Leuca and Otranto
- Relax on the whites sands of Torre dell Orso
- Visit the extraordinary karstic cave of Grotto Zinzulusa
- Dine on freshly grilled swordfish and orecchiette pasta
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Alberobello and overnightThe UNESCO protected trulli houses of Alberobello are easily accessible from the nearby city of Bari (approx 1hr 30min train journey). Stretching across the old town of Alberobello are 1500 whitewashed trulli houses. Begin your cycling tour with a 2 night stay in a traditional trulli house. These compact, conical dwellings date back to the 14th century and have been lovingly converted to provide cosy, unique experience.
Overnight in an authentic trullo house located in Alberobello's old town, some of which date back to the 14th century. These ancient limestone houses with their iconic conical roofs are compact but cosy and comfortable. Each varies in its size, décor, and layout to keep their original charm. There is WiFi access, and air conditioning.
These characterful and very welcoming trulli houses boast privacy and tranquillity with the bonus of being in UNESCO-Listed Alberobello. Some have lovely colourful gardens and a patio where you can relax in the warmth of the sun. These ancient limestone houses with their iconic conical roofs each vary in its size, décor, and layout to keep their original charm. There is WiFi access, and some have air conditioning, whilst others have a cooling fan. There unique shape and thick walls also help to keep it cool inside.
The Tipico Resort Trulli comprises a selection of lovely trulli houses and 14th-century homes spread throughout Alberobello's old quarter. Enjoy a unique stay in these traditional buildings.
Cycle the Val d’Itria and ride a circular route through the historic centres of Noci and Putignano. Break for lunch in one of the sleepy medieval piazzas before returning to Alberobello through a patchwork of olive groves. You may prefer to spend the day exploring the history of Alberolbello and its wealth of limestone dwellings. Later relax with a large glass of bianco wine and platter of breads and burrata cheese.
Overnight in an authentic trullo house located in Alberobello's old town, some of which date back to the 14th century. These ancient limestone houses with their iconic conical roofs are compact but cosy and comfortable. Each varies in its size, décor, and layout to keep their original charm. There is WiFi access, and air conditioning.
These characterful and very welcoming trulli houses boast privacy and tranquillity with the bonus of being in UNESCO-Listed Alberobello. Some have lovely colourful gardens and a patio where you can relax in the warmth of the sun. These ancient limestone houses with their iconic conical roofs each vary in its size, décor, and layout to keep their original charm. There is WiFi access, and some have air conditioning, whilst others have a cooling fan. There unique shape and thick walls also help to keep it cool inside.
The Tipico Resort Trulli comprises a selection of lovely trulli houses and 14th-century homes spread throughout Alberobello's old quarter. Enjoy a unique stay in these traditional buildings.
Begin with a ride southwards along the coast before peeling away and cycling inland to the ancient Greco-Roman town of Ostuni. Known as the ‘White City’, the shimmering whitewashed buildings are spread across several hilltops. Wander the maze of streets that eventually lead up to the 15th century cathedral where you can appreciate far reaching views across the Adriatic Sea.
Located just outside the fortified walls of Ostuni, this 16th century building is a former maritime post office. Set amongst peaceful gardens, guests can relax and soak up panoramic sea views.
Dating back to the 13th century this historic building has been converted into a comfortable hotel located in the heart of historic Ostuni, next to the Benedictine Monastery of St Peter. Bedrooms are decorated in a clean style and are in keeping with the history of the building but with all modern comforts including WiFi access and air conditioning. The hotel has a bar and restaurant.
Ostuni town house has been brought back to life and transformed into a welcoming residence located in the nineteenth-century area of Ostuni, a short walk from the main square of the White City. Palazzo Stunis Charme B&B is characterized by the elegant classic Apulian style and the traditional design has been recently restored. Staying here offers a unique experience in a nineteenth-century house. Each room has a different charm.
Leave the Greco-Roman city of Ostuni and cycle through olive groves and sleepy villages as you cross into the sun baked region of Salento. Manduria is your final destination of the day where you will spend the evening in the heart of this honey coloured town.
Centrally located, the Corte Borromeo is a hotel with a modern twist within the walls of an old town building. Dine in the vaulted breakfast room or al fresco on the expansive terrace.
You are assured the warmest of welcomes at this splendid accommodation. The BHB hotel is the perfect combination of comfort, quality and elegance and provides all one would wish for a most restful and enjoyable stay.
Head south from Manduria until you reach the coastal town of Torre Colimena. From here, cycle south along the Ionian coastline, passing sandy beaches and inviting swimming spots. Arriving into Gallipoli, head for a wander around the picturesque old walled town, built on a small island which juts out into the sea.
A 17th century property located in the historic centre of Gallipoli and only a few minutes’ walk from the beach and cathedral. The hotel also has an excellent restaurant serving fresh local seafood pasta dishes.
B&B Salentus is located in the historic centre of Gallipoli and is only 3 minutes walk from the beach.
After a fortifying breakfast today cycle to Puglia’s most southerly coastal town of Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. A day of easy cycling leaves plenty of time to make an short diversion to the beach or explore one of the many of the charming villages and towns you will pass through before arriving in Santa Maria di Leuca. One very interesting place where you may wish to stop and check out is Torre Vado, the town named after its round tower. The fortifications lend a magical backdrop to the beach and boat marina.
Hotel Terminal has a private beach with a direct access reserved only to the hotel guests. The hotel has been refurbished mainly using local raw materials (the stones produced in the city of Alessano, the terracotta of the city of Lucugnano and the reeds of Gallipoli). It has wide terraces, a garden, a library and Wi-Fi service. Rooms equipped with private bathroom, shower, hair-dryer, telephone with programmable alarm-clock, TV with sky decoder, cable radio, air-conditioning, mini fridge, safe box.
With a choice of two routes today you can choose between pedalling the rise and fall of the Ionian coastline or an easier, rolling route through a patchwork of olive groves and small villages.
The rocky Ionian coastline reveals the most spectacular panoramic photo opportunities. Just over halfway you can visit one of the most impressive karstic cave networks, the ‘Grotto Zinzulusa’ (a 4km detour). Alternatively the gentle rolling route weaves its way through farmland and peaceful countryside to the historic and white-washed city of Otranto.
Currently there is a diversion in place on the coastal route while the Ponte del Cielo bridge undergoes repairs, so you will cycle slightly inland for around 4 km to avoid this.
Coastal route: 56 kms/35 mi, Ascent/Descent: 526m/511m
Inland and Coastal route (avoids the harder ascents/descents on the coastal route): 51 km/32 mi, Ascent/Descent: 326m/309m
Set between the beach and the ancient gateway into Otranto, the Hotel Albania has fresh, bright rooms and a rooftop terrace (on a clear day you can see across the water to Albania).
Set in Otranto, 200 yards from Castello di Otranto, La Terrazza Sul Mare features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Each room has a flat-screen TV. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. Rooms have a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Set in Otranto, the Vittoria Hotel & Spa features elegantly furnished rooms with WiFi and TV. There is also an onsite spa which is the perfect place to unwind after your adventure! There is a restaurant and the resident chef will take you on a journey through the flavours of Apulian local cuisine.
The last day of cycling continues north towards the dunes, forests and flora of the Cesine Coastal Nature Reserve, pretty landscape of wetlands. From here, pedal inland through the Greek communities of Salento as you ride to Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’. Enjoy a dinner al fresco surrounded by the grandeur of Lecce’s Baroque architecture.
A boutique B&B, Palazzo Bignami features a terrace and guestrooms. This bed and breakfast offers a shared lounge, rooftop terrace and easy access to all the sights.
Just outside the historical centre of Lecce, Eos offers design rooms with flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
The Roman Amphitheatre and other historical sites are 15 minutes' walk away.
All air-conditioned rooms at Eos Hotel feature parquet floors and a minibar. Each room has private bathroom complete with luxury amenities. A varied breakfast is served daily until 10:00, including a sweet and savoury buffet, and freshly baked traditional Salento pastries. In the evenings, you can relax with an aperitif or cocktail in the Espera wine bar.
Hotel Delle Palme provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Guest rooms include a wardrobe.
From Lecce onward travel to Bari or Brindisi is approximately 1H30 by train. Depending on your travel arrangements, you can always further extend your stay to explore Lecce.
This trip has a carbon score of 11kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 11kg is equivalent to 2 Neapolitan margherita pizzas. Buon appetito!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This cycling tour is graded moderate and explores the rolling countryside, hilltop towns and coast of Puglia. Daily rides are between 35-60 km and is well suited to cyclists that enjoy putting in the pedal power to discover the rich history, foods and hidden natural wonders of Puglia. Spend each night in comfortable, centrally located accommodation where you can enjoy discovering local pasta and cheese dishes.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 11 Years
This cycling route is graded easy to moderate, the grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e. some days may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade. This cycling route follows a combination of quiet country roads and busier routes when approaching and departing towns and cities.
This cycling tour is suitable for relatively fit regular cyclists seeking an active holiday who enjoy being on their bike for up to 3-6 hours per day. You'll spend much of the day in the saddle experiencing a region and discovering its variety. The terrain is rolling with some longer and steeper ascents/descents, with daily total elevations ranging from 10m to 300m. E-bikes are available for hire should you want to have battery-powered assistance for the hills.
During this trip you will stay in 4* and 3* hotels and a traditional, stylish trulli house. We regularly use the following properties but we will accommodate you in a hotel of equal standard should any of the following hotels be unavailable. Each stay at the listed accommodation is based on a standard room.
Meals
8 breakfasts are included. Breakfasts usually consists of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, cheeses, meats and granola. Italian breakfasts also include freshly baked cakes. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking. Lunches and dinners are not included but you will find suggestions in your route notes of local places to dine.
Like the rest of Italy, Puglia’s cuisine, is fresh, simple and delicious! Signature dishes of the region include orecchiette pasta (pasta shapes resembling little pigs ears), burrata cheese (a creamy mozzarella) and crunchy, dry Frisella bread.
Single Rooms
If you're travelling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists.
The tried and tested detailed routes notes and maps, along with GPX tracks, make the route easy to follow on our Macs Adventure Smartphone Navigation App.
- 8 Nights in 3-4* hotels
- 8 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- Information pack
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and route notes in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel to Alberobello / from Lecce
- Bike hire (or upgrade to an e-bike)
- Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights along the route
- Bike hire (standard hybrid)
- Upgrade to an e-bike
- Arrival and departure transfers
This trip is available to start on any day from March to Mid-July and September to November.
Peak Season Availability
We recommend making your booking as soon as possible if you are considering a departure during the peak season of May, June, and September, as the region can be busy, limiting accommodation availability.
Time of Year
The springs months offer warm sunshine, fewer crowds, and pleasant cycling conditions. May is when most wildflowers are coming into bloom. The autumn months are also a favourable time of year, boasting cooler weather and a striking landscape made up of autumnal colours. It's worth noting that the later in the year you choose to travel the higher the likelihood of rain. Also come late October through November some local shops, and restaurants may have reduced opening times or have closed for the winter. July is a good month to go but can be very hot for cycling and therefore isn’t best suited for everyone. You will have to start early to miss the heat of the day and carry a lot of water (additional weight) with you. Although the towns and villages are buzzing at this time of year which is great to see.
Alberobello does not have an airport but is well connected with Bari. If you fly into Bari you can then take a bus from the airport to Bari Central Train Station. From here you can get on a train to Alberobello and the approximate journey time is 2H30. Please visit Trenitalia for train times, prices and tickets.
Private transfers from Bari or Brindisi Airports to Alberobello can be arranged at the time of booking.
By Air: Lecce does not have an airport but is well connected with Bari and Brindisi. Both cities have airports with international services across Europe.
By Rail: From Lecce Central Train Station change at Bari Central for services to the airport (total journey time approx 2H30). Please visit Trenitalia for train times, prices and tickets.
By Bus: A bus service connects Lecce directly with Brindisi airport. Journey time is just under an hour and services run throughout the day. Timetables and prices can be found at Puglia Air Bus.
We can also arrange private transfers from Lecce.
Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20 kg). If you require excess baggage allowance do contact us prior to travel.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Please refer to the sections "Grade & Terrain" and "Experience & Fitness" under "Trip Info
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this region is extremely popular especially May to June and September.
Of course! We understand the relationship between rider and bike and know many cyclists would never consider riding another steed. If you are unsure, we are happy to discuss bike hire options with you.
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