Puglia, Italy


Puglia (Apulia), you may have heard of it, but where is it? This region of Italy is found in the 'boot heel' area of Italy and on this tour we more or less follow the coast from near Bari and then somewhat inland to Martina Franca. The coast here overlooks the Adriatic just across from Croatia and Albania. The scenery is typical - white washed villages, clear turquoise inlets, and charming citizens. The culture is unique, and there are some amazing architectural differences as well as a variety of local produce including wines, olive oils, and a nuts. The cycling is moderate with rolling hills, but not long hills like in Tuscany. Best months are April/May/June and Sept/October. See festival info below.

Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7

puglia cycling toursDay 1 | Arrival in Polignano a Mare. To get here, you first need to come to Bari, the capital city of the region. You can reach Bari by plane from Rome (1hour20) or by train (4 hours+). To Polignano it is 30km from Bari. Trains go between Bari and Polignano to easily arrive. Check into your hotel and meet your local contact, Alessandro, for your orientation and bike set up. After that, you'll have some free time to explore spectacular Polignano a Mare, a postcard perfect whitewashed village overlooking the Adriatic: be sure to explore the old town's narrow winding streets and marvel at the incredible views of the bright blue sea. This town perhaps best known for its natural caves Grotte which are bored into the calcareous coastline by the constant scouring of wind and waves. Lodging at hotel covo dei Saraceni. Dinner on your own.

Hotel Covo dei Saraceni

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84017 Positano

The Hotel Covo dei Saraceni is located in Positano, exactly on a marvellous rock with a splendid sea...

puglia cycling toursDay 2 | Castellana grotte & Monopoli (45km)

From Polignano pedal through groves of olive trees and to the cool limestone caves of Grotte di Castellana, considered the deepest caverns in Italy. The Fig trees, cactus plants and herb gardens fill your path with color and fragrances. Visit the grotte, a 3 km walking itinerary. Until they were discovered in 1938, the caves were used to put “vinacce”: dregs of pressed grapes. Continue to Monopoli, a coastal town with a beautiful aragon castle. Hotel Masseria il Melograno - 5 star deluxe Relais & Chateaux hotel! (Breakfast included-B)

Hotel Masseria il Melograno

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Contrada Torricella, 345

Tucked away in the heel of the Italian boot- Il Melograno welcomes you to its delightful setting- ju...

bike tours italy pugliaDay 3 | Monopoli - Ostuni (50 km)

From Monopoli to Ostuni skirting the coast: Torre egnazia ruins, where you can see ancient wheel tracks along part of the old roman road “via traiana”. Then continue to Savelletri, Torre a Canne and arrive in Ostuni. It is a charming hamlet whose whitewashed arches and houses are neatly piled like sugar cubes with beautiful examples of Baroque and renaissance architecture. Your hotel is in the historic center, Lodging at hotel La terra in Ostuni. Dinner on your own. (B)

Hotel La Terra

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G. Petrarolo Ostuni

Hotel 'La Terra' in the heart of the historical center of Ostuni one of the most beautiful cities ...

puglia cycling toursDay 4 | San vito dei Normanni (60 km)

Loop ride to Carovigno, San vito dei normanni, Ceglie. Follow rolling country roads lined with ancient stone walls in the fertile Valle d'Itria. Return to same hotel La terra in Ostuni (B)

Hotel La Terra

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G. Petrarolo Ostuni

Hotel 'La Terra' in the heart of the historical center of Ostuni one of the most beautiful cities ...

alberobello bicycle tours italyDay 5 | Ostuni - Alberobello (50 km)

Ride along a scenic route to Fasano and Cisternino, a little known village with spectacular views of the Val d'Itria. Your destination is Alberobello, a world heritage site and known for nearly conical shaped white 1,000 Trulli dating back to the 13th century. These particular houses are painted with strange symbols on their roofs and framed by rich green farmland. Lodging Grand Hotel Olimpo. (B)

Grand Hotel Olimpo

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Alberobello

The Grand Hotel Olimpo is in central Alberobello, the city famous throughout the world for trulli, a...

cycling vacations italy pugliaDay 6 | Locorotondo & Martina Franca (50 km)

Loop ride to Locorotondo, a stunning circular village known for its excellent white wine. Follow rolling country roads in the Valle d'Itria, with ancient stone walls. Spin past Martina Franca, known for its Baroque architecture. Come back via Noci. Lodging at the same hotel, Grand Hotel Olimpo. (B)

Grand Hotel Olimpo

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Alberobello

The Grand Hotel Olimpo is in central Alberobello, the city famous throughout the world for trulli, a...

puglia cycling toursDay 7 | Departure Day

Departure after breakfast, at your leisure. After the bike tour we suggest stopping in Lecce if you have time: the pink city, the Florence of the Baroque, the gleaming gem of Apulia. We can arrange Hotel Patria Palace. (B)



Virtual Tour

See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour

Regional Info

Events

St. Nicolas Bari Festival (7/8/9 June)
Monopoli Festivals (July - Sept) Alberobello Folk Festival (first weekend in August)
Locorotondo Street Festival (16th August)
Ostuni Festival and Procession (26th August)
Alberobello Festival (27/28th September)

Products

Olive oil production is one of Puglia's oldest industries and contributes to over 70% of Italy's total Olive Oil production and 15% of the worlds production.

A wide range of nuts including almonds, pistachio and hazelnuts as well as ceci, fave, cannelini and borlotti beans are grown in the area. Speciality liqueurs and grappa are also one of Puglia's popular produce. Liqueurs are usually made from fruit including melon, fig and bilberries or nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts. They are sold in enoteca and gift shops and the owners will usually offer some for you to taste when you go in their shops

Accommodation: 6 nights in very charming 4 and 3 star hotels: Hotel Covo dei Saraceni, Masseria il melograno , Hotel La Terra/Ostuni, Grand Hotel Olimpo. These properties are all excellent hotels offering views, and charming typical local/regional ambiance. In case of no availability; we will check equivalent alternative hotels that may require a change in price.

Bike: [Click for image] Included; Custom hybrid; aluminum frame with carbon fork, Shimano Ultegra or Deore; 3x9. Bikes come equipped with handlebar bag, lock, water bottle, gel saddle, tire repair kit, cycle computer. Hybrids are fitted with thin tires for better road performance. Racing models also available. Hilly terrain, rated as intermediate to advanced. All towns where lodging is located are perched hilltop villages. A Cannondale tandem is also available for experienced tandem riders. Persons from 5 ft to 6-5 can be accommodated. Bike quality is top; averaging $1500 each retail. No reduction on tour price for customers who bring their own bikes

Images from this Tour


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