Heel of Italy
Italy Bike & Hotel 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: $ 1139 £ 604 $ 1,132 € 690 Ft 256007 kr 98285 ₪ 2476 ¥ 125419 Mex$ 13859 NZ$ 1405 kr 7585 zł 3044 S$ 1035 kr 7919 CHF 667 $ 817 Season 2: $ 1304 £ 691 $ 1,296 € 790 Ft 293110 kr 112530 ₪ 2834 ¥ 143596 Mex$ 15867 NZ$ 1608 kr 8685 zł 3485 S$ 1185 kr 9066 CHF 764 $ 935 Season 3: $ 1403 £ 744 $ 1,394 € 850 Ft 315372 kr 121076 ₪ 3050 ¥ 154502 Mex$ 17073 NZ$ 1730 kr 9344 zł 3749 S$ 1275 kr 9755 CHF 822 $ 1,006 Single supplement: $ 330 £ 175 $ 328 € 200 Ft 74205 kr 28489 ₪ 718 ¥ 36353 Mex$ 4017 NZ$ 407 kr 2199 zł 882 S$ 300 kr 2295 CHF 193 $ 237 6 Day Tour
Season 1: $ 933 £ 494 $ 927 € 565 Ft 209629 kr 80480 ₪ 2027 ¥ 102698 Mex$ 11348 NZ$ 1150 kr 6211 zł 2492 S$ 847 kr 6484 CHF 546 $ 669 Season 2: $ 1065 £ 564 $ 1,058 € 645 Ft 239311 kr 91875 ₪ 2314 ¥ 117240 Mex$ 12955 NZ$ 1313 kr 7091 zł 2845 S$ 967 kr 7402 CHF 623 $ 763 Season 3: $ 1147 £ 608 $ 1,140 € 695 Ft 257863 kr 98998 ₪ 2493 ¥ 126328 Mex$ 13959 NZ$ 1415 kr 7640 zł 3066 S$ 1042 kr 7976 CHF 672 $ 823 Single supplement: $ 248 £ 131 $ 246 € 150 Ft 55654 kr 21366 ₪ 538 ¥ 27265 Mex$ 3013 NZ$ 305 kr 1649 zł 662 S$ 225 kr 1721 CHF 145 $ 1788 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: $ 25 £ 13 $ 25 € 15 Ft 5565 kr 2137 ₪ 54 ¥ 2727 Mex$ 301 NZ$ 31 kr 165 zł 66 S$ 22 kr 172 CHF 14 $ 18 Electric bike 8-Day Tour: $ 185 £ 98 $ 184 € 112 Ft 41555 kr 15954 ₪ 402 ¥ 20358 Mex$ 2250 NZ$ 228 kr 1231 zł 494 S$ 168 kr 1285 CHF 108 $ 133 Electric bike 6-Day Tour: $ 157 £ 83 $ 156 € 95 Ft 35247 kr 13532 ₪ 341 ¥ 17268 Mex$ 1908 NZ$ 193 kr 1044 zł 419 S$ 142 kr 1090 CHF 92 $ 112 Discounts
3rd person in triple room (8 day tour): $ 165 £ 88 $ 164 € 100 Ft 37103 kr 14244 ₪ 359 ¥ 18177 Mex$ 2009 NZ$ 204 kr 1099 zł 441 S$ 150 kr 1148 CHF 97 $ 118 3rd person in triple room (6 day tour): $ 116 £ 61 $ 115 € 70 Ft 25972 kr 9971 ₪ 251 ¥ 12724 Mex$ 1406 NZ$ 143 kr 770 zł 309 S$ 105 kr 803 CHF 68 $ 83 Extra Nights
Matera (per person/night): $ 124 £ 66 $ 123 € 75 Ft 27827 kr 10683 ₪ 269 ¥ 13633 Mex$ 1506 NZ$ 153 kr 825 zł 331 S$ 112 kr 861 CHF 72 $ 89 Single room: $ 173 £ 92 $ 172 € 105 Ft 38958 kr 14956 ₪ 377 ¥ 19086 Mex$ 2109 NZ$ 214 kr 1154 zł 463 S$ 157 kr 1205 CHF 101 $ 124 Lecce (per person/night): $ 99 £ 53 $ 98 € 60 Ft 22262 kr 8547 ₪ 215 ¥ 10906 Mex$ 1205 NZ$ 122 kr 660 zł 265 S$ 90 kr 689 CHF 58 $ 71 Single room: $ 149 £ 79 $ 148 € 90 Ft 33392 kr 12820 ₪ 323 ¥ 16359 Mex$ 1808 NZ$ 183 kr 989 zł 397 S$ 135 kr 1033 CHF 87 $ 107 Transfers (minimum of 2 people required):
Bari to Matera (min. 2 persons): $ 74 £ 39 $ 74 € 45 Ft 16696 kr 6410 ₪ 161 ¥ 8180 Mex$ 904 NZ$ 92 kr 495 zł 198 S$ 67 kr 516 CHF 43 $ 53 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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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 7, 2014Verified Reviewer
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June 15, 2011Verified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
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