The rides are mostly along well asphalted country lanes and secondary roads with little traffic, however sometimes you have to travel on larger trafficked roads when approaching and riding in the larger towns.
Start: Polignano a Mare Finish: Lecce
Arrive in the glorious town of Polignanoa Mare overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Get lost in the labyrinth of streets amidst whitewashed houses. Visit the main church, known as Chiesa Madre, and the stunning, unique squares of San Benedetto and Dell’Orologio. Marvel at the Marchesale Arch, an original entrance to the old town, where the cycling itinerary commences.
Ride inland through the distinctive Apulican landscape, including a visit to the enchanting caves of Castellana. Continue to the Trulli capital of the world: Alberobello. The trulli, or white washed stone houses with conical roofs, are exceptionally intriguing and comfortable, as you will experience tonight when you sleep in one. The 1,000 trulli surround you such that you truly feel transported into another world.
Challenge: 3 hours, 36 km, 500m ascent, 100m descent
Ride through the historically rich “Murgia” area, amongst olive groves, southern vineyards and classic “Masserie” farmhouses. Pass the medieval town of Cisternino with its brilliant DOC wine, then on to Ostuni, a stellar town on the Adriatic Sea. You enter the heart of the city, pass its protective walls and gaze your eyes onto the gothic, fifteenth century cathedral. A majestic moment to treasure.
Challenge: 3 hours, 40 km, 300m ascent, 500m descent
This morning you cycle down to Ostuni train station where you catch the train to Lecce, taking your bike with you.
After leaving the train station in Lecce you soon approach the countryside, the ride is gentle, mostly on secondary roads surrounded by olive trees. When passing through small historic towns such as Copertino and Nardò take some time to visit the town centre or just stop for a coffee. Then, on the way to Gallipoli you can find some nice spots for a swim in the Ionian sea.
Challenge: 4.5 hours, 52 km, 240m ascent, 330m descent
A coastal road takes you to the southernmost point of Puglia, dividing the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. But first, take a swim in the turquoise waters of paradise, at the Torre del Pizzo beach and lay along the fine white sands. Then continue south to Santa Maria di Leuca, a magnificent village of fantastic beaches and wacky, wild, colorful mansions.
Challenge: 4.5 hours, 51 km, 200m ascent, 170m descent
Revel in the sea breezes as you ride along the high coastal route, winding your way along gentle, undulating rift of the cliffs. Phenomenal views will make you feel part of a National Geographic cycling special feature. Stop for a glimpse of the spectacular cave, the Grotta Zinzulusa, and then on to Otranto, a Greek-come-Roman port town, frequented by merchants and thrill seekers.
Challenge: 4.5 hours, 53 km, 520m ascent, 530m descent
Today you visit the Alimini Lakes which run parallel to the sea. Cycle your way through the countryside of Greek Salento, where traces of the former colonies are still present in the dialect, cuisine and bright style of architecture. The whites shine against the euphoric blue of the sea. Arrive in Lecce, a brilliant city full of wonderful palaces and a treasure which will mesmerize you.
Challenge: 4.5 hours, 52 km, 120m ascent, 90m descent
The trip and our services end after breakfast. You may have booked extra nights in Lecce or a transfer to the airport.
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
You can find below the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra overnight:You can book additional night(s) ONLY in Polignano a Mare and Lecce
.
Hotel Covo dei Saraceni is in Polignano a Mare, a 1-minute walk from the beach. The property is situated in a panoramic position, on top of a cliff at the bottom of which there is a pebble beach and offers a wellness center, a restaurant, a bar and a terrace. Rooms are furnished in an elegant style and equipped with TV, minibar, air conditioning, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and some with sea view. Breakfast buffet is good and varied, the staff in the norm.
Trullidea Resort is in the center of Alberobello and its surroundings. The accommodations are arranged in authentic stone trulli typical of Puglia. Each trullo has a garden, a view or are in the heart of the city. Accommodations have heating, refrigerator, private bathroom, mosquito net, living room, free Wi-Fi, a stove on request and private entrance. Breakfast buffet is good and varied, the staff very kind and helpful
Hotel La Terra is in the heart of Ostuni in an ancient district of the White City, the Earth, from which it takes its name. The structure dates to the 13th century and has been completely renovated and has a good restaurant, a bar, a sun terrace and a lift to reach the rooms on the upper floors. Rooms are furnished in an elegant and well-kept, they are equipped with private bathroom, safe, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and panoramic views worthy of note. Breakfast buffet is very good and varied, the staff is very kind and helpful.
The 33 Baroni Hotel in Gallipoli is a brand-new hotel, at just 300 meters far from the old town and 80 meters from the sea. It offers clean and comfortable rooms with TV, air conditioning, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, telephone with direct line. Breakfast is served on the terrace with sea view. Staff is helpful and courteous.
Hotel L'Approdo is in a panoramic position on the marina of Leuca marina and features a typically Mediterranean style. It offers modern, welcoming and bright rooms with air conditioning, balcony, TV, minibar, free Wi-Fi, external swimming pool and the access to a private beach. Breakfast is served at terrace. Staff is helpful. Is recommended the restaurant that offers tasty fish dishes and Mediterranean cuisine.
Hotel San Giuseppe is set in a 16th-century farmhouse typical of the Puglia region and it's a well-finished and relaxed location in Otranto's historic center just a few steps from the sea. Rooms are well-furnished and beautifully decorated with centralized air conditioning/heating, TV, free Wi-Fi. Quality breakfast is rich. Staff is helpful and courteous.
Grand Hotel is in the historic center just 200 m from Lecce Railway Station. The location is elegant and refined with Leccese Baroque architecture. Rooms are spacious, well-finished and beautifully decorated and have these comforts: air conditioning, telephone, TV, free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is rich of savory and sweet dishes served at the poolside or into a loggia.
You can start on any Friday, subject to availability, between March and July, and between September and October. Please, note that it can be very hot in July
If you are more than 4 pax, you can start any day of the week, subject to availability.
There will be supplements if you are less than 4 pax not starting on Friday (price on request)
For solo travellers a supplement applies. Prices on request
Arrival in Polignano a Mare
From Brindisi (BDS) or Bari (BRI) airports, you need to reach the relative city stations. Train connections are available to reach Polignano a Mare.
Departure from Lecce
On departure from Lecce you can take the direct train to reach both Bari or Brindisi train stations, where you find connections to the relative airports.
For more information about trains visit the website www.trenitalia.it.
HYBRID RENTAL BIKES
Longo Hybrid
TREKKING RENTAL BIKES
FRW Trekking
E-BIKES RENTAL
GPS tracks are available on request.
There are no reviews for this trip yet.