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Guided
Puglia Bike Tour
Puglia is one of the least explored regions of Italy, offering a coastline bathed by two crystal blue seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian. The region has the rustic tranquility of the Italian countryside mixed with cities that were canvases for Baroque architectural grandeur. We stay in spectacular hotels; including a five-star resort with a spa and a private beach. We cycle to secluded sandy beaches and swim in a grotto. We explore the trulli (conical beehive houses) of Alberobello. We visit a mozzarella producer and an olive oil mill. Our route takes us through sun drenched whitewashed coastal villages that feel more Greek than Italian. We combine breathtaking scenery, over the top accommodations, and cultural events to make for a perfect Italian vacation.
​Highlights
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Beautiful accommodations
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Mozzarella farm tour
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Overnight in trullo hotel
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Olive oil farm tour
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Swimming in natural grotto
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Whitewashed coastal villages
Price
March 1 - May 31
US$ 2,400 per person, double occupancy
+ US$ 500 for single room occupancy
June 1 - August 31
US$ 2,800 per person, double occupancy
+ US$ 700 for single room occupancy
September 1 - October 31
US$ 2,600 per person, double occupancy
+ US$ 600 for single room occupancy
Dates
Email us your dates. We can schedule the tour when you want.
Length
8 Days, 7 Nights
Meet / Finish
Monopoli / Brindisi
Route Rating
Moderate: 17-34 miles (27-55 km) per day over hilly terrain. Extra miles available.
Bikes and Gear >
Terms and Conditions >
Daily Itinerary
Day 5: Otranto
A short ride leads to an ancient farm, or masseria in Italian. Standing under millennial olive trees we learn about the history of Pugliese olive oil. The tour ends with a guided oil tasting. A one-hour van shuttle then takes us to a sleepy fortified town. Cycling south we arrive at a seaside grotto and swimming hole. Legend has it that a Greek goddess used to bathe in the translucent waters of the Grotto della Poesia. Today, you can join exuberant Italians and leap into the azure waters. Our ride ends at the Palazzo Papaleo in the historic center of Otranto. Our hotel has a panoramic rooftop garden and is just steps from the seaside.
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Day 6: Santa Maria di Leuca
We follow a gorgeous coastal road south past secluded beaches and steep limestone cliffs. We stop in Castro, a seaside town with a medieval center and marina full of fishing boats. Our destination is Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Puglia. Our hotel has modern bungalows and a scenic swimming pool.
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Day 7: Gallipoli
Today’s ride is entirely along the coast. The road meanders through beach towns full of cafes and restaurants. We cycle past sprawling fields of artichokes and cabbage. The water’s edge is a mix of rocky outcroppings and inviting sandy beaches. Our final destination is Gallipoli, a fortified town with a center on an island. The center has a beautiful beach and is chockablock full of grand baroque architecture. The last night we toast Puglia and ourselves, at a group dinner.
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Day 8: Tour Ends
The bike tour ends in Gallipoli. After breakfast a van shuttle will be provided to take you to Brindisi. The Brindisi Airport has good domestic connections including Rome, Milan, and Pisa. Brindisi also has a large train station. Travel time to Rome is 4,5 hours.
Day 1: Monopoli
We rendezvous at our waterfront hotel in Monopoli. Don Ferrante is a luxury five-star hotel built in what was once an ancient fortress. A warm-up ride takes us down a coastal road and past a sprawling archeological site of ancient Roman ruins. The ride has beautiful sand and sea views. We enjoy a group dinner at local restaurant. If you like fresh fish, you won’t be disappointed.
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Day 2: Polignano al Mare
A loop ride takes us through olive groves to a hill town with an 11th Century castle. After a cafe break, we descend to Polignano a Mare, a whitewashed village with a blue flag sandy beach. Blue flag is the gold standard for beaches. Bring your bathing suit if you want to test the waters.
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Day 3: Alberobello
We ride to a family-run mozzarella farm. We tour the farm and see how fresh cow’s milk is transformed into soft, silky cheese. You can dip your hands in fresh curds and have a go at making mozzarella. Lunch at the farm is included. While famous for its baroque masterpieces, Puglia is also known for simple stone farmhouses called trulli. These beehive shaped buildings have a cylindrical base with a conical limestone-tiled roof. After lunch we cycle to Alberobello, the ultimate trulli town. Tonight our hotel rooms are located in ancient trulli in the center of town.
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Day 4: Ostuni
A rolling ride takes us to Locorotondo. We stop for refreshments and admire its elegant Baroque architecture. Our next stop is Cisternino, where we enjoy a picnic in a panormic piazza. Continuing south we arrive in Ostuni, the “White City” par excellence with an exceptional location overlooking the sea. The city of Ostuni is a jumble of staircases, pedestrian streets, alleys, and arches. Exploring the town will be easy from our hotel in the historic center.
Daily Distance
Lodging
Hotel Don Ferrante
Monopoli (2 nights)
Once an ancient fortress, Don Ferrante now offers luxury accommodations in a panoramic location on the cliffs in the center of Monopoli.
hotel website >
Trulli Suave
Alberobello (1 night)
At Trulli Suave you stay in your own historic trullo house. The houses are in the historic center of Alberbello and have all the comforts of a modern hotel room.
hotel website >
Casa D'Autore
Ostuni (1 night)
Casa d'Autore is a restored 18th-century building located in Ostuni’s city center. The elegant rooms have views over a lush garden.
Hotel Bellavista
Otranto (1 night)
This family-run hotel has a perfect location overlooking the Otranto Promenade. The hotel has a light, modern and clean aesthetic. Some rooms have balconies.
hotel website >
Hotel Montiro
Santa Maria di Leuca (1 night)
Montirò Hotel is located in a 12-acre Mediterranean garden with beautiful landscaping and a swimming pool. Many rooms have direct access to a patio or terrace.
hotel website >
Palazzo Presta
Gallipoli (1 night)
Palazzo Presta offers 4-star accommodations in the center of historic Gallipoli, just steps from the town’s best beach. The hotel has a captivating eclectic style.
hotel website >
What's Included
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Beautiful accommodations
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Mozzarella farm tour and tasting
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Olive oil farm tour and tasting
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All breakfasts, one picnic lunch, and two group dinners
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Swimming in a natural grotto
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One friendly bilingual guide
Departure from Gallipoli, End of Tour
On the last day of your tour we will shuttle you to Brindisi. The Brindisi airport has good domestic connections including flights to Rome, Milan and Pisa. If you prefer you can take a train from Brindisi, although train times are long.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Want to Save?
Consider one of our self-guided bike trips. We can schedule a self-guided bike tour whenever you want March 1 to October 31.
Our Dates Dont Work?
We may be able to offer the dates you want. Email us with the dates you prefer.