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Puglia, Italy Cycling Tours


cycling puglia italyPuglia (Apulia), you may have heard of it, but where is it? This region of Italy is found in the 'boot heel' area of Italy and on this tour we more or less follow the coast from the inland town of Conversano and go to Otranto. The coast here overlooks the Adriatic just across from Croatia and Albania. Gateway to and from the East, it has been conquered by legions of foreign rulers, most of whom were careful to live elsewhere. The notable exception was Frederick II (1194-1250), the last Emperor of the Hohenstaufen line. An enlightened man, he built many castles which still grace the region, along with acres and acres of vineyards and olive groves. Apulia produces one-tenth of the wine consumed in Europe; and its olive oil is renowned. And for the unique architecture; Alberrobello and Lecce. The cycling is moderate+ with rolling hills, but not long hills like in Tuscany. Best months are April/May/June and Sept/October. See festival info below. 5 Reasons to Cycling Puglia

 


Tour Details


General Tour Information

Enjoy deluxe 3/4 star lodging while discovering the Puglia coastline. SELF GUIDED

Duration : different options are available: 5 Nights/6 Days; 7 Nights/8 Days, or 8 Nights/9 Days.
Guided trips possible for groups of 6 or more.

Dates 2012 : On request from March to November; July and August are not available. No minimums.

Level 2+
Consistently rolling countryside with flatter inland areas; moderate terrain requires regular cycling fitness; longer routes and additional riding possible. Temps vary from 20C to 30C; but can go as high as 40C in high summer.

Options
Cooking Class - 1 day cooking classes are available to be added into your Puglia cycling tour. These classes may include a visit to a local market (depending the day), olive orchard and oil tasting, cheese maker visit to see and taste fresh mozzarella! In the class you will make fresh, from local ingredients, a typical lunch menu after which of course you get to enjoy your work with an excellent local wine. Rates are subject to number of participants, more people = lower cost per person. Minimum 2 persons at max rate of 155 euros/person.

Transfers - please book all referenced transfers in advance of travel.

Airport info for Bari: a taxi from Bari airport to the train station is about 20 euros, and takes about 25-30min.

A guided walking tour in Alberobello is possible: 120 euros
Mozzarella making demonstration with tasting: 120 euros

GUIDED Cycling & Cooking Tour - for groups of 8 persons or more; see this link

Regional Info

Events
St. Nicolas Bari Festival (7/8/9 June)
Monopoli Festivals (July - Sept) Alberobello Folk Festival (first weekend in August)
Locorotondo Street Festival (16th August)
Ostuni Festival and Procession (26th August)
Alberobello Festival (27/28th September)

Products
Olive oil production is one of Puglia's oldest industries and contributes to over 70% of Italy's total Olive Oil production and 15% of the worlds production.

A wide range of nuts including almonds, pistachio and hazelnuts as well as ceci, fave, cannelini and borlotti beans are grown in the area. Speciality liqueurs and grappa are also one of Puglia's popular produce. Liqueurs are usually made from fruit including melon, fig and bilberries or nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts. They are sold in enoteca and gift shops and the owners will usually offer some for you to taste when you go in their shops.

Local Coordinator

You will meet Antonello on your arrival day and he will cover the program and the road book with you before you start out. He is your Puglia contact and is available by phone throughout your trip from the office in Puglia.

Customer Comments

"I wanted to write and let you know how marvelous out trip to Tuscany was and thank you for arranging such a wonderful biking tour. Giuliana and Marco were terrific and made sure we had everything we needed. The route maps were easy to follow, our hotels were terrific and the bikes satisfactory for our Tuscany adventure!! "
- Julie S./USA

 

 

Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

puglia cycling toursDay 1 | Arrival in Conversano, just inland from Polignano and a short distance from Bari. To get here, you first need to come to Bari, the capital city of the region. You can reach Bari by plane from Rome (1hour20) or by train (4 hours+). Arrive on your own to Conversano at the hotel Corte altavilla, or we can arrange a taxi for 80 euros (up to 3 persons). Trains from Bari are possible except on Sunday when it is only bus or taxi. We meet for bike fitting. The beautiful little town of Conversano is set amid a landscape of olive and cherry trees, and has rambling alleyways and a sun-baked piazza dominated by the Norman castle and Romanesque cathedral. If you arrive early you will have the time for a short ride to the small, but vibrant fishing village of Polignano a Mare, a postcard perfect whitewashed village overlooking the seaside: be sure to explore the old towns narrow winding streets and marvel at the incredible views of the bright blue sea. We will also recommend the best gelato stop in the region on this route!! 29km ride (option to go as far as 54km) To do the ride, plan to arrive by 1pm at the hotel - please advise us at time of booking. Lodging at Corte Altavilla. Dinner on your own.

Hotel Corte Altavilla

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Conversano (Bari) Puglia

Corte Altavilla hotel with restaurant and meeting rooms is waiting for you. Share with us a wonderf...

puglia cycling toursDay 2 | Alberobello (38 km)

Today, you will leave Conversano and cycle towards the Valle d Itria (Itria Valley) and reach old town of Alberobello, with its unique plethora of Trulli houses, the most famous architecture and symbol for which this region is known. Pedal through rolling countryside to the sweet aroma of mint that grows by the roadside and stop to enjoy the little towns of Putignano and Noci, with their characteristic whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. On arrival in Alberobello, you will meet our local expert Mimmo who will check into your accommodation in one of this unique houses. Dinner on your own. (Breakfast included-B)

Trulli e Puglia

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Alberobello

Trulli e Puglia, by Mimmo Patrizio Palmisano, welcomes you to Apulia! Trulli e Puglia’s beautifull...

bike tours italy pugliaDay 3 | Locorotondo & Martina Franca (49 km)

Spend today roaming around the historic centre (UNESCO WHS): Alberobello a world heritage site and known for nearly conical shaped white 1,000 Trulli dating back to the 13th century, this particular houses are painted with strange symbols on their roofs and framed by rich green farmland. The bike ride we porpose is a circular cycle route deep into the Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo - nicknamed citta del vino for its excellent dry white spumante (Italian champagne) wine made from verdeca grapes. Here in Locorotondo, meander the atmospheric alleyways bedecked with geraniums and citrus plants. Spin past Martina Franca, a not to be missed town for its marvellously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning palazzi, an architectural jewel, splendidly positioned on the hillside. Back to the same hotel with dinner on your own. A guided walking tour of Alberobello is possible, as well as a mozzarella cheese making/tasting; ask for a quote to add this on. (B)

Trulli e Puglia

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Alberobello

Trulli e Puglia, by Mimmo Patrizio Palmisano, welcomes you to Apulia! Trulli e Puglia’s beautifull...

puglia cycling toursDay 4 | Ostuni (39 km)

Today cycle down beautiful scenic country lanes lined with weathered stone walls, beginning with some rolling hills to the edge of the plateau, before enjoying a long downhill run with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. As you progress to Cisternino, one of the most lovely and chic hilltop towns in Puglia, you will soak in sweeping views of the Itria Valley below and see firsthand why this town is starting to gain some serious international repute. You will then ride past olive groves and rock-strewn fields to the stunning citta bianca or white city of Ostuni. Your home for the next two nights will be the lovely Palace Hotel, situated in the pastoral community with old-time charm. Palace Hotel, dinner on your own. (B)

Palace Hotel Ostuni

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Ostuni

The Ostuni Palace Hotel is located in the suggestive frame of Ostuni featuring the old town with whi...

alberobello bicycle tours italyDay 5 | Loop tour: Carovigno & Ceglie Messapica (42 km)

You will start from the Palace Hotel, and embark on a circular bike ride to Carovigno and Ceglie Messapica. This ride will take you along rolling country roads lined with ancient stone walls within the fertile Itria Valley. Along the ride, we recommend you stop at the sanctuary of St. Maria del Belvedere, a beautiful historic landmark that must be viewed. Next, you will cycle toward Ceglie Messapica, which is a lovely town on a hill, and is protected by a 5 kilometer wall that surrounds this cherished town. Within the town of Ceglie Messapica is the Castle of the San Severino, which is very famous for enogastronomic events, making it a global food and wine capital. Your rich day will surely be rewarded with a final nights rest at Palace Hotel, after a final cycle back to the lodging. Dinner on your own. (B)

Palace Hotel Ostuni

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Ostuni

The Ostuni Palace Hotel is located in the suggestive frame of Ostuni featuring the old town with whi...

cycling vacations italy pugliaDay 6 | Departure Day for those booking 5 Nights. After breakfast, you can depart on your own, or we can arrange in advance shuttle transfer to Bari (99 euros up to 3 persons) or Brindisi (80 euros up to 3 persons).

For those who continue: Squinzano to Otranto (68 km)

Today you go via train to Squinzano, and then cycle along the beautiful Salento coast to Otranto. Along the way you can have a lovely local lunch in the Castle town of Acaya. You will ride through numerous olive groves and nearly empty roads to reach the coast and pedal into one of the jewels of all of Puglia: Otranto. Here you will lodge in the gorgeous Relais Valle dell Idro and enjoy lovely evening walks along the giant piazza and the pristine beach. Thanks to its peculiar location, you will enjoy a panoramic view of all Otranto, of the sea and of the old town centre, in which it is possible to admire the architectural beauties of the Otranto martyrs Cathedral, the Byzantine Church of Saint Peter, the old city centre, and much more. There are numerous lovely suggestions for dinner as well as one of the best Pizza joints in Puglia right in the main Piazza. (B)

Relais Valle dell'Idro

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Otranto

Relais Valle dell’Idro, your brand-new luxury dwelling in Otranto. For a stay marked by luxury and...

puglia cycling toursDay 7 | Otranto to Santa Maria de Leuca loop (55km or 110km)

You will pedal along the coast south and west of Otranto where you will see the easternmost and southernmost points of Puglia both on the same day. You can also visit the Castel di Salve winery on your way to the city of Santa Maria de Leuca, which appears gleaming white as you approach from the sea and is known for its position as De Finibus Terrae (the end of the earth). You can make today as relaxing or as challenging as you like, as your route notes cover a loop of 110km but also make it easy for you to turn around and head back at any time. Or you can cycle to Santa Maria di Leuca and then catch a shuttle back (must be pre-arranged). And, of course, whatever option you choose, it will be easy to find places to stop for food and sightseeing along the way! Same hotel tonight back at Otranto. (B)

Relais Valle dell'Idro

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Otranto

Relais Valle dell’Idro, your brand-new luxury dwelling in Otranto. For a stay marked by luxury and...

puglia cycling toursDay 8 | Departure Day for the 7 night Tour:

Departure after breakfast, at your leisure. To depart, we suggest a taxi to Lecce and the train to Bari or Brindisi where you have either flights or trains to Rome. We can also arrange in advance a transfer to Lecce, Bari, or Brindisi. Ask for a quote. (B)

OPTION Add an 8th night to go to Lecce with a 37 km ride. For an extra night, we can take you to Lecce, known as the Florence of the South. A ride of 37 km is possible, or we will just transfer you by van. The route you will find is mostly flat, passing among endless olive orchards. Your ride will lead you through the small enchanting villages of Borgagne, Melendugno, Castri di Lecce e Lizzanello; all villages in which time seems to have stopped. Your final hotel destination, the Palazzo Rollo, is a charming bed and breakfast located in a 17th century palace in the heart of Lecce’s historic centre. This beautiful structure is just steps from some of Lecces most amazing Baroque masterpieces. No matter how you choose to spend the day, be sure to stop for a coffee and the amazing pastry known as Pasticciotto Leccese (filled with yummy custard cream). Take in all that Lecce has to offer on this, the last day of your Pugliese cycling holiday! If you add this extra night in Lecce, you have transfer, hotel, breakfast included in the rates (see rate tab). Depart tommorrow after breakfast; trains on your own to Bari or by shuttle with advance booking.

Palazzo Rollo

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Lecce

Palazzo Rollo is a charming bed and breakfast located in a 17th century palace in the heart of the h...


What's Included

Deluxe lodging 3 and 4 stars - double room with private bath, buffet breakfast daily, all luggage transfers from hotel to hotel, local emergency support throughout your tour during daylight riding hours, arrival orientation with welcome drink, snack, and bike set up, route maps, route cue sheets with suggestions for visitation and site information, all pre and post travel planning services and a package of pre-travel documents sent electronically to help you prepare for your trip. Top quality bikes for rent are also included in the price; see the Bike tab for all details.

There are different prices for the different durations. Refer to the Price tab. All services are the same and included as above, only the number of hotels/nights and routes change. Bike rental, routes, and associated services for extended durations are included.

There are some room upgrade options available in some of these properties; contact us for quotes and your applicable dates.

Lodging

Lodging on this tour is the same as that found in guided group tours costing $4000 and more!

Accommodation: See the list of hotels in the Itinerary tab for the most up to date hotel information. Note that these hotels are among the best in the region!

Options
cooking classes
arrival/departure transfers
room upgrades
guided walk in Alberobello

Tour Rates

Price Per person based on double occupancy 5 Nights : 1195 Euros per person
Single supplement (for a single occupancy room) when 2 or more persons traveling: 490 Euros

Price per person based on double occupancy 7 Nights: 1599 euros per person
Single supplement (for a single occupancy room) when 2 or more are traveling: 560 euros

Price per person based on double occupancy 8 Nights: 1790 euros per person
Single supplement (for a single occupancy room) when 2 or more are traveling: 680 euros

Triples available in some locations, please inquire.

Upgrade Rates: please inquire; these are date specific

Hybrid or Road Bike Rentals are available and included in the above rates.

Private transfers from/to Bari are available and start att 80 euros for up to 3 persons.

(convert from euros)

 

puglia cycling tour italyBike Info

Bike rentals are available and included in the Puglia cycling tours. Hybrid or road bike option with drop bars are available.

[Click for image] Included; Custom hybrid; aluminum frame with carbon fork F04 UDC, wheels Shimnao WH-R500, Crank Shimano Ultegra 29-39-52, shimano chain, rear cogs 11-32, rear Derailleur Shimano LX, shifters Shimano XT, brakelevers Shimano Alivio, seddle Selle Italia, weight 11 kg. Equipement: front bag with map holder, mutlitool, lock, hand pump, tires levers and extra tube. Pedals are flat or with toe cage if requested in advance. Stem is adjustable Hybrids are fitted with thin tires for better road performance.

For the road bike option and details, click the bike info link

 


Photos & Videos

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