Puglia - Heel of Italy
Italy Bike Tours
A food, wine, and bike tour in Southern Italy through sun drenched Apulia
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1200 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
You are in for a treat on this bike tour in Salento, the "heel" of Italy, known for its ancient farmlands crisscrossed with stonewalls, small authentic villages, and hundreds of kilometers of coastline.
This is Apulia, the crossroads of civilizations and culture, the bridge between East and West, and a haven for those who love the sea. Tucked between the sparkling, azure waters of the Ionian and the Adriatic, this "sub-peninsula" showcases a varied coastline etched with glittering limestone precipices, outcroppings, and miles of first-class beaches, carved inland with lovely salt-water lagoons.
The fine harbors and fertile plains made this region particularly vulnerable to attack and many conquering invaders penetrated its barriers. Today, Puglia maintains its own distinct and authentic identity, an eclectic mix of cultures.
In a land where the cuisine is all-important, Puglia's cucina povera (peasant cooking) is legendary, featuring olive oil, grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, artichokes, peppers, mushrooms, olives, cheese, fresh seafood...and the wine is world renowned.
Highlights
- The seafront jewels of Gallipoli and Otranto
- Baroque and sophisticated Lecce
- Luxurious Leuca
- Apulian landscape and seascape
- Simple but diverse cuisine and world-famous wines
- Local wine and product tastings
- True immersion in local arts, crafts, and family
- Optional cooking class at local agriturismo
Enjoy your 'slow travel' immersion in this sun-kissed land!
If you are interested in biking Matera and Alberobello, take a look at our 8-day tour. If 8 days is too long, ask us for suggestions.
Check out all our bike tours in Italy.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Day 2: Lecce - Otranto, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 3: Otranto and surroundings, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Otranto – Leuca coast, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 5: The Iconic Coast to Gallipoli, 38 mi. (61 km)
Day 6: Gallipoli’s surroundings, 19/37 mi. (30/60 km)
Day 7: Gallipoli - Lecce, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: Departure from LecceAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
If you have booked an airport transfer you will be met by our local representative. If not, please refer to our travel detail section for details on how to arrive in Lecce.Day 2: Lecce - Otranto, 35 mi. (56 km)
A relatively flat route stretches before you today with many interesting cultural sights. First on the agenda is Acaya, a fortified city with a huge castle. The route descends then to “Le Cesine”, a World Wildlife Federation area, and a crossing point for many species of migratory birds. From here, you head towards the coast along the ruins of Roca Vecchia, an archaeological site located on the Adriatic coast from which excavations have uncovered some of the best-preserved monumental architecture of the Bronze Age (2nd millennium BC) and the largest set of Mycenaean pottery ever recovered west of mainland Greece. As well, you cycle to Alimini Lakes with its stunning white sand beach. This area is also a stopping point for various migrating birds such as white storks, flamingos, cranes, greylag geese, swans, and many others. The final destination is Otranto, a once-thriving Roman port. Highlights include the small domed church, San Pietro, with its Byzantine frescoes, the 15th century Aragonese Castle, and the 11th century Otranto Cathedral, with an ornate mosaic flooring. Stroll the ramparts overlooking the sea, meander the old walled historic center, with its intricate web of alleyways and whitewashed homes, and simply enjoy!Day 3: Otranto and surroundings, 19 mi. (30 km)
Riding along the little River “Idro”, the route leads to Casamassela, to Le Constantine foundation, an agriculture education center. This peaceful oasis is enclosed by olive tree groves and Mediterranean scrub. The weaving studio here creates textile products with ancient wooden looms. After a guided tour, you continue to Giurdignano, a beautiful town with ancient origins. Here you can find the remains of an imperial age necropolis from the II - III century as well as one of the most important sites where Megalithic findings were discovered. You will visit La Cutura botanical garden. The variety of plants, trees, and herbs will astound you, including the agaves, cacti, roses, myrtle, and much, much more. One of the highlights of the day will be a stop to have a product tasting of typical bread cheese prepared in a traditional stone oven.Day 4: Otranto – Leuca coast, 32 mi. (52 km)
Your route today leads along the wildest Salento coastal stretch. You visit the Palacia lighthouse, located at the easternmost point in Italy and the narrowest point of Strait of Otranto at the mouth of the Adriatic Sea. The lighthouse was built in 1867 and abandoned in the 1970s, however, was reopened in 2008. Your route continues following the coast, weaving amidst the cliffs above the sea, overlooking the Strait of Otranto. On a clear day, you can actually see the mountains of Albania and Greece. There is an opportunity to visit the Zinzulusa cave, a dramatic seafront cave system with colorful rock formations and teeming with marine wildlife. As you continue to cycle to Leuca, the day's destination, you will pedal through a typical landscape littered with boulders, Mediterranean scrub, lavender bushes, and laced with the high dry-stone walls and terraces typical of this area. As well, you can observe the ingenious devices of peasants to get arable land into barren and impervious areas. After crossing the bridge over the “ciolo”, a canyon, carved by the waters, you reach Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and the Adriatic Sea meet. The name of the village comes from the Greek "leucos", meaning light or luminous. Once a sleepy fishing village, it showcases a fascinating seascape and incredible panoramas. It became the summer residence of many aristocratic Pugliesi who built splendid villas, decorating the seafront with their varying styles.Day 5: Leuca - Gallipoli, 38 mi. (61 km)
Today you discover Leuca Cape, the southern part of Apulia. In the 16th century, Emperor Charles V ordered the construction of a system of watchtowers along the entire length of the Puglian coast to protect citizens from constant invasions. The towers were built in strategic positions along the coast, close enough that each tower could communicate with the towers on either side of it. You will make a stop at one of the defense towers situated in the center of a small village. Next is Patù and the megalithic monument called Centopietre (100 stones), created from massive blocks of stone taken from Vereto. Next on the agenda is Leuca Piccola (Little Leuca), an important pilgrimage station which still maintains a vast underground area. Through olive groves lined by stone walls, the route leads to Ugento, where it is possible to visit its archaeological museum. In the afternoon, following the ionic coast once again, until St. Andrew’s Island and Punta Pizzo natural park. Final day's destination is Gallipoli, a beautiful seaside town, a mixture of old and new. The center of its ancient village is perched on an island, and connected to the mainland and the new city by a twentieth-century arched bridge.
Day 6: Gallipoli’s surroundings, 30 mi. (48 km)
Self-guided:
This is a day dedicated to Gallipoli's surroundings. The first stop is in Sannicola to discover its underground oil mill, then Tuglie with its amazing “rural culture museum”. You will then go to Galatone to visit its beautiful Baroque old town and the Norman castle of Fulcignano. In the afternoon you will reach Galatina where you can admire the church of Santa Caterina, totally painted with frescoes in Giottesco style, and then visit the beautiful historical center of the town. If you prefer, you can enjoy a local cooking class and lunch. Fee is payable on the spot. See pricing.
Guided:
You will start in the morning from Gallipoli. After just a few kilometers, you reach Alezio (ancient Messapian city, where there is an interesting museum on pre-Roman civilizations) and then Sannicola. The route then leads to "Tenuta mamma Anna" - a family-run “agritourism” where a cooking class will be offered. The products are harvested directly from the family garden so a true farm to table experience. You will prepare "pitta di patate" (a kind of potato gateau, with a stuffing of tomatoes, olives, capers, onion, and tuna), "pittule" (some fried dough balls), filled with tomatoes and capers, or plain to taste with honey) and hand-made orecchiette (a typical local pasta). The "pasticciotto cake" (a cake made with shortcrust pastry, filled with chantilly cream) tops off your culinary experience. After you enjoy your creations, you return to Gallipoli.Day 7: Gallipoli - Lecce, 26 mi. (42 km)
You will not want your bike tour to come to an end but alas, today is your last cycling day in this beautiful land. You will pass many 19th century fortified farmhouses and villas on your way back to Lecce. You stop in Nardò to visit its baroque style historical center and then Copertino to discover its impressive Norman castle. Some km before Lecce, you can make a stop at a local establishment, a traditional pottery workshop, the Martina brothers, skillful keepers of this ancient art.Late afternoon arrival in Lecce and in the evening, farewell dinner in one of the best restaurants in town.
Day 8: End of tour
You will be offered a guided walking tour of Lecce that will end around 11:30 AM. Alternatively, your tour can end after breakfast.Looking for more? View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.
Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in mainly 4 star villas, resorts, farmhouses, or B & B’s
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Self-guided
- 7 overnight stays in villas, resorts, farmhouses, or B & B
- 7 breakfasts
- 5 dinners
- 5 tastings with wine, cheese, and local products
- Luggage transfer
- GPS with preloaded tracks
- Roadbook with cultural information and tips about the route
- 24-hour assistance
- Bike rental with accessories, including helmet
- Local hotel taxes
- Guided
- 7 overnights in villas, resorts or farmhouses
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 dinners or lunches with wine
- 3 tasting with wine, cheese, and local products
- 1 homemade pasta cooking class
- Bike rental (21 speed) with accessories
- Bike mechanic
- Luggage transfer
- 6 days van support
- Cycling guide
- Local hotel taxes
What’s Not Included
- Meals not mentioned as included
- Beverages with dinners
- Van support and cycling guide (self-guided)
- Gratuities (guided tour)
- Airport transfers
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Self-Guided
Departures every Friday and Saturday from March 19 to July 10 & August 27 to November 6, 2021*
*Weekday departures possible for a supplement. See pricing.
Guided
April 17, May 22, June 26, September 11, and October 16, 2021
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Self-guided
Twin/double: $ 1909 £ 1063 $ 1,839 € 1200 NZ$ 2056 kr 12402 $ 1,471 Single supplement: $ 385 £ 214 $ 371 € 242 NZ$ 415 kr 2501 $ 297 There is no solo traveler supplement if the starting day is Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
Guided
Twin/double: $ 2243 £ 1249 $ 2,160 € 1410 NZ$ 2415 kr 14572 $ 1,728 Single supplement: $ 367 £ 205 $ 354 € 231 NZ$ 396 kr 2387 $ 283
Extra Options
Tour start on weekdays: $ 119 £ 66 $ 115 € 75 NZ$ 128 kr 775 $ 92
Cooking class (lunch included, payable on arrival): $ 132 £ 73 $ 127 € 83 NZ$ 142 kr 858 $ 102
Electric bike: $ 175 £ 97 $ 169 € 110 NZ$ 188 kr 1137 $ 135
Extra night in Lecce
Twin/double: $ 105 £ 58 $ 101 € 66 NZ$ 113 kr 682 $ 81 Single room: $ 157 £ 88 $ 152 € 99 NZ$ 170 kr 1023 $ 121Extra night in Bari
Twin/double: $ 80 £ 44 $ 77 € 50 NZ$ 86 kr 517 $ 61 Single room: please askAirport transfers, one way, based on two people, per person:
Brindisi Airport to Lecce Hotel, payable on arrival: $ 62 £ 35 $ 60 € 39 NZ$ 67 kr 403 $ 48 Bari Airport to Lecce Hotel, payable on arrival: $ 132 £ 73 $ 127 € 83 NZ$ 142 kr 858 $ 102Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is a tour that focuses on "slow travel", a mindset that encourages you to soak in your environment giving yourself permission to truly experience new things. This tour is rated easy to moderate with the average daily distance of 34 mi. (55 km). Please see the day to day itinerary for daily mileage and note that you do have some longer days. You will cycle on a varied terrain ranging from coastal flatlands to some hills inland. Traffic is almost nonexistent in Apulia except during the high holiday season. Entering and exiting towns will entail more traffic. The route includes very beautiful stretches on the coast.
Total vertical up: average 250 m daily
Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpavedAirport Info
One major airport close to your tour start in Lecce is Brindisi - Salento Airport (BDS), 51 km from the center of Lecce. Another option is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) at 166 km distance.
Local Travel
Brindisi Airport
You have a couple of options for arrival to the first hotel.- From the Brindisi Airport, air shuttle to Lecce. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi to your first hotel. Cost is about €10
- Bus from the airport to Brindisi train station and then train to Lecce. Total travel time about 1 h 30 m to 2 h. hour. Cost, €8. Your first hotel is within walking distance of the train station.
- Private transfer is available. See pricing.
Bari Airport
- Direct train from Bari airport to Bari Central station and then train to Lecce. Total travel time is 2 h 30 m to 4 h total, depending on the time of travel and train type (there are high-speed train options.) Once you arrive at Lecce train station, you can walk to first hotel.
- Private transfer is available. See pricing.
Rome Airport
- For those who would like to do some sightseeing in Rome before their tour, there is a direct train from Rome to Lecce that takes about 5 h 30 m and costs from €30 - €70. Your first hotel is within walking distance of the train station.
Climate
The region of Puglia experiences a Mediterranean climate. Spring comes early here is with temps around 68 ° F (20 ° C) by the end of April. Summer arrives in May and lasts through to the end of September. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures reaching 86° F. October and November are lovely and temperatures in the 70s remain. Winter in Puglia is mild and therefore, still conducive for cycling. We advise checking local conditions before your arrival. A good website to use to research regional weather including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall is weatherbase.com.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Extra Stay
If you are interested in biking Matera and Alberobello, take a look at our Matera to Lecce, 8-day tour. If this is too long, just ask. We may be able to come up with other options for you.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Salento Bici.
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?
Photos
Reviews
Neivaldo B.
1 year agoVerified Reviewer
Marisa C.
1 year agoVerified Reviewer
Deborah L.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Richard r.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Joni M.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Neivaldo B.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Marisa C.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer