Puglia Bike Tour – from Alberobello to Lecce
Self-guided – 8 days
Alberobello, UNESCO world heritage site and world capital of trulli, will kick off your cycling holiday in the heart of Puglia. An easy and pleasant tour, between the Adriatic coast and the Apulian hills, from quiet villages out of time and green countryside and through traditional foods and delicious wines. You will pedal to the south, all the way down to Lecce, to discover its world famous baroque historic centre.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ALBEROBELLO
Arrival in Alberobello and check-in.
Welcome briefing and bike fit with a member of Puglia Cycle Tours crew.
DAY 2: (LOOP) ALBEROBELLO
+/- 45 km
Let’s play a game: are you able to cover even a single stretch of the daily route without spotting a trullo? They are everywhere in the Itria Valley, the very heart of our region. Cycle along the Apulian Aqueduct cycling route, the “Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto”, towards Locorotondo, one of the “borghi più belli d’Italia” (most beautiful villages of Italy). Then before riding back to Alberobello, pass by the quaint town of Martina Franca, known for its baroque architecture.
+/- 550 meters of climbing
DAY 3: ALBEROBELLO – MONOPOLI
+/- 45 km
It’s time to say goodbye to the lovely Alberobello and its trulli! You slowly ride down to the Adriatic coast and reach one of its most fascinating town: Polignano a Mare, perched on the side of a cliff; explore the old town and reach one of the terraces, with their stunning view overlookig the sea. Riding further on the coast, you get to Monopoli, a perfect mix between beautiful sea and history. Your accommodation is in the old town, a few steps away from the old fishermen port and the Castle.
+/- 300 meters of climbing
DAY 4: MONOPOLI – OSTUNI
+/- 40 km
Your today cycle starts through the courtyards and arches of the old town, then continues along shores and little coves, arriving in a marvelous scenario: an expanse full of century and thousand-year old olive trees. Little by little, you will spot a white outline amid the hills: it is Ostuni, known as “the white town” because of its whitewashed houses and walls. To perfectly end the day, indulge a stroll in its old town, a sort of Mediterranean Kasbah of narrow alleys and white stairs, getting lost in the light of sunset.
+/- 350 meters of climbing
DAY 5: OSTUNI – MARTANO
+/- 15+30 km
After a short ride by train from Carovigno station, you will reach Lecce, one of the most important cities of the South: take some time to explore the town! From Lecce, you cycle in the most authentic Salento countryside, passing through thefortified village of Acaya, dry-stone walls and imposing “pajare” (Salento typical “trulli”), until you reach Martano, a quiete and nice village where you will stay for the night.
+/- 200 meters of climbing
DAY 6: MARTANO – OTRANTO
+/- 45 km
It’s time to explore the most impressive part of the Salento area: centuries-old olive trees, the “Grotta della Poesia” (Cave of the Poetry), ranked among the 10 most spectacular natural pools in the world, impressive cliffs overlooking the sea, blue jewels which are the Alimini Lakes, and finally Otranto. This town will enchant you, thanks to the flavours of the Mediterranean Sea, its unique history, the feeling of a past which is not vanished yet. You will understand why it is listed in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage!
+/- 300 meters of climbing
DAY 7: OTRANTO – LECCE
+/- 55 km
This last stage is a postcard to say goodbye, but moreover a see you soon, to Puglia! From Otranto following the Idro Valley to discover Salento hinterland, where you will often come across some ancient megalithic monuments, the menhirs. Then you cycle along enchanting countryside lanes heading to the “Grecìa Salentina“, where you can still ear ancient greek influences. Lecce, with its elegant baroque old town, will be waiting for you at the end of the trip.
+/- 300 meters of climbing
DAY 8: LECCE
After breakfast, end of services.
