Heel of Italy
Italy Bike Tours
Bike Italy in breathtaking Apulia!
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length6–8 days
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Prices from€565 Rates
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Overview
This bike tour in Apulia is the best way to see this land full of history and tradition with natural and architectural wonders, friendly hospitality, a magical atmosphere complete with a warm sun, blue sky, clear blue seas and a dreamlike coast. The region is also characterized by endless olive groves, long fields of grain, and vineyards.
You start cycling in Matera, UNESCO world heritage site with its "sassi" and European capital of culture 2019, and arrive in Lecce, also known as "Florence of the South" because of its magnificent baroque architecture. This region still retains testimony of its great and ancient culture.
Check out all our bike tours in Italy.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Matera
Day 2: Matera – Alberobello, 44 mi. (70 km)
Day 3: Alberobello – Ostuni, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Ostuni – transfer to Lecce - Gallipoli, 31 mi. (50 km) (+ 44mi./70km train transfer)
Day 5: Gallipoli - Santa Maria di Leuca, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Santa Maria di Leuca - Otranto, 35 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Otranto – Lecce, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 8: Departure from Lecce.DAY 1: Arrival in Matera.
Arrival in Matera. Visiting Matera is a unique experience. For millennia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-colored soft stone. Most of the houses are excavated on two ravines and are called "Sassi", which is a World Heritage Site. The rock-hewn churches are very ancient, often Byzantine.DAY 2: Matera – Alberobello, 44 mi. (70 km)
We cycle to the famous trulli of Alberobello and Locorotondo. Trulli were generally constructed as dwellings or storehouses. Alberobello is situated upon two hills, once separated by a riverbed. On the eastern hill is the new town, with modern architectural features. On the western hill, the trulli are lined up in an urban conglomeration, subdivided into two districts: Monti and Aia Piccola, both National Monuments from 1930, and today World Heritage Sites.DAY 3: Alberobello – Ostuni, 35 mi. (55 km)
We cycle through the countryside to Ostuni, which is a reputed architectural gem, and is commonly referred to as the “White City” due to its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture. Today’s stretch is through hilly terrain.DAY 4: Ostuni – transfer to Lecce - Gallipoli, 31 mi. (50 km) (+ 44mi./70km train transfer)
A train transfer (not included) will bring you to Lecce. The ride is about 1 hour, costing approximately €10 per person. After a few kilometers through this amazing baroque town, you go deep into "Salentinian countryside" before approaching the Ionian coast and your destination, Gallipoli.DAY 5: Gallipoli - Santa Maria di Leuca, 31 mi. (50 km)
Cycling Apulia further along the Ionian coast, you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca. The name Santa Maria di Leuca was given by the ancient Greek sailors who came from the East. They saw this place lightened by the sun and therefore called it "leukos", meaning white. The small town is a famous seaside resort and fishing area located on a part of the coast alternated by cliffs and small sandy coves.DAY 6: Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto, 35 mi. (50 km)
Today you will cycle northwards along the Adriatic coast to Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy where you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle.DAY 7: Otranto – Lecce, 34 mi. (55 km)
Today you will cover the coastal region of the Adriatic, riding along the Alimini Lakes and their unique Mediterranean bush. At the end of the day, you'll enter into Lecce. Thanks to its Baroque style, it has deserved the nickname of Florence of the South. You'll come to appreciate the rich sculpted motives done in the 17th-century with the tender stone from Lecce. The old town enclosed by what is left of the ancient walls bears the impression of that exuberant period. In Lecce, the presence of several religious orders gave rise to a procession of churches of which the façades are magnificent, like open-air altars, real windows into the society of that period.DAY 8: Departure from Lecce.
Your Puglia bike tour will end following breakfast. Lecce is well connected by train with the airports in Bari and Brindisi.Shorter 6 day version possible, round tour from Lecce.
Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Day 2: Lecce - Gallipoli, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Gallipoli - Santa Maria di Leuca, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Santa Maria di Leuca - Otranto, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Otranto - Lecce, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 6: Departure from LecceLooking for more? View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.
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Accommodation
Great 3 star to 4 star hotels, B&B’s, and in a typical trullo or residence in Alberobello, mostly within city centers. Very comfortable rooms with private facilities, and mostly in city centers. In the trullo accommodations there is no air conditioning.
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 5 or 7 nights
- Breakfast buffets
- Luggage transfer
- Welcome briefing in English
- Route descriptions & maps (one set per booked room)
- 27-speed hybrid bicycle
- 7 day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Local hotel taxes, approximately €10 - €15 per person (for the entire tour)
- Remaining meals
- Train transfer Ostuni - Lecce, ± €10/person
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates
2019
8 Day Tour
Saturdays, August 24 to October 19, 2019
Fridays, September 6 to September 27, 2019
Season 1: March 23 and October 19, 2019
Season 2: September 29 to October 18, 2019
Season 3: August 24 to September 28, 2019
*Special departure dates can be arranged for groups of at least 5
6 Day Tour
Monday, October 21, 2019
Season 1: October 21, 2019
Season 2: October 1 to October 20, 2019
Season 3: August 26 to September 30, 2019
*Special departure dates can be arranged for groups of at least 52020
Note: this specific itinerary is not being offered in 2020. We are excited to offer this alternative: Puglia - Heel of Italy Check it out!
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2019 Prices
8 day tour
Season 1: $ 1243 £ 598 $ 1,099 € 690 Ft 284668 kr 102547 ₪ 2902 ¥ 113967 Mex$ 15627 NZ$ 1342 kr 8291 zł 3012 S$ 1041 kr 7704 CHF 658 $ 797 Season 2: $ 1423 £ 685 $ 1,258 € 790 Ft 325924 kr 117409 ₪ 3323 ¥ 130484 Mex$ 17892 NZ$ 1537 kr 9493 zł 3448 S$ 1191 kr 8821 CHF 754 $ 912 Season 3: $ 1531 £ 737 $ 1,354 € 850 Ft 350678 kr 126326 ₪ 3575 ¥ 140394 Mex$ 19251 NZ$ 1654 kr 10214 zł 3710 S$ 1282 kr 9491 CHF 811 $ 982 Single supplement: $ 360 £ 173 $ 319 € 200 Ft 82512 kr 29724 ₪ 841 ¥ 33034 Mex$ 4530 NZ$ 389 kr 2403 zł 873 S$ 302 kr 2233 CHF 191 $ 231 6 Day Tour
Season 1: $ 1018 £ 490 $ 900 € 565 Ft 233098 kr 83970 ₪ 2377 ¥ 93321 Mex$ 12796 NZ$ 1099 kr 6789 zł 2466 S$ 852 kr 6309 CHF 539 $ 652 Season 2: $ 1162 £ 559 $ 1,027 € 645 Ft 266103 kr 95859 ₪ 2713 ¥ 106534 Mex$ 14608 NZ$ 1255 kr 7751 zł 2815 S$ 973 kr 7202 CHF 615 $ 745 Season 3: $ 1252 £ 603 $ 1,107 € 695 Ft 286731 kr 103290 ₪ 2923 ¥ 114793 Mex$ 15741 NZ$ 1352 kr 8351 zł 3034 S$ 1048 kr 7760 CHF 663 $ 803 Single supplement: $ 270 £ 130 $ 239 € 150 Ft 61884 kr 22293 ₪ 631 ¥ 24775 Mex$ 3397 NZ$ 292 kr 1802 zł 655 S$ 226 kr 1675 CHF 143 $ 1738 Day Tour
Season 1: March 23 and October 19, 2019
Season 2: March 24 to April 28 and September 29 to October 18, 2019
Season 3: April 29 and June 15 and August 24 to September 28, 2019
6 Day Tour
Season 1: March 25 and October 21, 2019
Season 2: March 26 to April 29 and October 1 to October 20, 2019
Season 3: April 30 and June 17 and August 26 to September 30, 2019Extra Options
2019:
Bike helmet: $ 27 £ 13 $ 24 € 15 Ft 6188 kr 2229 ₪ 63 ¥ 2478 Mex$ 340 NZ$ 29 kr 180 zł 65 S$ 23 kr 167 CHF 14 $ 17 Electric bike 8-Day Tour: $ 202 £ 97 $ 178 € 112 Ft 46207 kr 16645 ₪ 471 ¥ 18499 Mex$ 2537 NZ$ 218 kr 1346 zł 489 S$ 169 kr 1251 CHF 107 $ 129 Electric bike 6-Day Tour: $ 171 £ 82 $ 151 € 95 Ft 39193 kr 14119 ₪ 400 ¥ 15691 Mex$ 2152 NZ$ 185 kr 1142 zł 415 S$ 143 kr 1061 CHF 91 $ 110 Discounts
3rd person in triple room (8 day tour): $ 180 £ 87 $ 159 € 100 Ft 41256 kr 14862 ₪ 421 ¥ 16517 Mex$ 2265 NZ$ 195 kr 1202 zł 437 S$ 151 kr 1117 CHF 95 $ 115 3rd person in triple room (6 day tour): $ 126 £ 61 $ 112 € 70 Ft 28879 kr 10403 ₪ 294 ¥ 11562 Mex$ 1585 NZ$ 136 kr 841 zł 306 S$ 106 kr 782 CHF 67 $ 81 Extra Nights
Matera (per person/night): $ 135 £ 65 $ 119 € 75 Ft 30942 kr 11146 ₪ 315 ¥ 12388 Mex$ 1699 NZ$ 146 kr 901 zł 327 S$ 113 kr 837 CHF 72 $ 87 Single room: $ 189 £ 91 $ 167 € 105 Ft 43319 kr 15605 ₪ 442 ¥ 17343 Mex$ 2378 NZ$ 204 kr 1262 zł 458 S$ 158 kr 1172 CHF 100 $ 121 Lecce (per person/night): $ 108 £ 52 $ 96 € 60 Ft 24754 kr 8917 ₪ 252 ¥ 9910 Mex$ 1359 NZ$ 117 kr 721 zł 262 S$ 90 kr 670 CHF 57 $ 69 Single room: $ 162 £ 78 $ 143 € 90 Ft 37131 kr 13376 ₪ 379 ¥ 14865 Mex$ 2038 NZ$ 175 kr 1081 zł 393 S$ 136 kr 1005 CHF 86 $ 104 Transfers (minimum of 2 people required):
Bari to Matera (min. 2 persons): $ 81 £ 39 $ 72 € 45 Ft 18565 kr 6688 ₪ 189 ¥ 7433 Mex$ 1019 NZ$ 88 kr 541 zł 196 S$ 68 kr 502 CHF 43 $ 52 Brindisi to Matera, Lecce to Bari, Lecce to Brindisi: on request -
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This Puglia bike tour in Italy is considered easy to moderate. Cycling is mostly on flat terrain in the lowlands, but sometimes the path is hilly. The itinerary is almost always on asphalt roads and bike paths. Traffic is almost non-existent in Apulia except during the high holiday season. The route includes very beautiful stretches along the coast, and a train transfer from Ostuni to Lecce. Total vertical distance is 450 m.
Airport Info
Fly to Bari, and train to Matera takes about 1½ hr. Train travel in Italy is very economical.
Local Travel
A short taxi ride from the Matera train station to your hotel.
Climate
The average high/low temperatures in °F for the area are: March, 58º/44º; April, 63º/48º; May,71º/58º; June, 78º/62º; July, 83º/67º; August, 82º/66º; September, 77º/61º ; and October, 70º/55º
Extra Stay
Extra nights in Matera and Lecce available by request.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Girolibero.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
![Enchanting Matera, a UNESCO Site, in region Basilicata, Italy. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Harbor in Santa Maria di Leuca, Puglia, Italy. Wikimedia Commons]()
![The famous <i>trulli</i> in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Guldem Ustun]()
![<i>Pane e Pomodori</i> in Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Caspar Diederik]()
![Inglesia in Ostuni, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:andresumida]()
![From bike to beach in Otranto, Italy. Flickr:Andrea D'Alba]()
![Shopping in Ostuni, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Gianfranco Vitolo]()
![Trulli shops in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Michele Vangelista]()
![Baroque architecture in Lecce, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:pululante]()
![Locals in Ostuni, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:David Talens]()
![Blue waters of Otranto, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Giuseppe Milo]()
![Gea cycling along the coast in Puglia, Italy.]()
![<i>Doppio Zero</i> in Lecce, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:karsalfrink]()
![Locorotondo exemplifies Puglia's characteristic white architecture. Flickr:Biggs]()
![More shopping in Ostuni, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Gianfranco Vitolo]()
![Gelato in Apulia or Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Pug Girl]()
![Hilltop white village of Ostuni, Brindisi, Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Michele Vangelista]()
![<i>Saltata di Cozze</i> in Puglia, Italy. Flickr:Caspar Diederik]()
![Trulli shops in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy. Flickr:Laurent]()
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Reviews
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Dara W.
July 26, 2019Verified Reviewer
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April 26, 2018Verified Reviewer
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October 30, 2017Verified Reviewer
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October 23, 2017Verified Reviewer
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June 27, 2017Verified Reviewer
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November 9, 2016Verified Reviewer
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April 23, 2016Verified Reviewer
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October 7, 2014Verified Reviewer
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June 15, 2011Verified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
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