Cycle Puglia
8 Days Starting in Alberobello, Italy and ending in Lecce, Italy
Visiting: Alberobello, Ostuni, Manduria, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto, Lecce
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PUG
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Puglia in south eastern Italy encompasses the heel of Italy's boot and is bordered by the sea on two sides (the Adriatic Sea in the east and the Ionian Sea to the southeast). The region is characterised by endless olive groves, long fields of grain and vineyards. This cycle tour delves into this region of scenic beauty, which is still unspoiled and retains a rich cultural legacy. From Alberobello where you can marvel at the traditional Trulli houses, the route follows both the Ionian and Adriatic coasts and spans the distances between ancient towns. Ending in Lecce, often referred to as the Florence of the south, this is an ideal holiday for those seeking some less-known pockets of Italy with all the historic highlights. Staying in atmospheric hotels, including a typical Trulli in Alberobello (subject to availability), ensures you gain a full appreciation of this special region.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Alberobello
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation Name: Hotel or Trullo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make your way to Alberobello and your accommodation. Alberobello is known for its unique trulli, which were generally constructed as dwellings or storehouses. It is situated upon two hills which were once separated by a riverbed. On the eastern hill is the new town, with modern architectural features, and on the western hill, the trulli are lined up in an urban conglomeration subdivided into two districts: Monti and Aia Piccola. Both districts are World Heritage listed sites. Please note we cannot guarantee you will stay in a trullo this evening (it's subject to availability). The alternative is a comfortable hotel in walking distance of the main centre.Matera pre-tour extension available on request, supplement applies.
Day 2 : Cycle through the countryside to Ostuni (45km/28mi)
Location: Ostuni
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Ostuni
Meals Included: Breakfast
A fabulous cycle through winding country lanes, past trulli, vineyards and olive groves to Ostuni, an architectural jewel. Crossing the last part of Murge, you will pass through the towns of Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Cisternino before arriving at the white city of Ostuni. The most challenging part is between Locorotondo and Cisternino.
Elevation +460m/1509ft
Day 3 : Cycle to the Manduria area (60km/37mi)
Location: Manduria
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Manduria
Meals Included: Breakfast
The cycle route takes you away from Ostuni and the Murge hills and on to the Salento plain, characterized by green and red colours, given by its olive trees and its red soil. Along the way you will have the chance to visit Oria, with its beautiful historical centre and the castle built by emperor Federico II. Today’s destination is the Manduria area, the capital of the Primitivo grapes.
Elevation +270m/889ft
Day 4 : Cycle to the Ionian coast and Gallipoli (70km/43.5mi)
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Gallipoli
Meals Included: Breakfast
From now on you will head towards the seaside, which will accompany your bike tour between ancient coastal towers and fine sand. You will now reach Porto Cesareo, where we highly recommend a good fish-based lunch. Rolling south, our destination will be the Greek Kale Polis, today’s Gallipoli, with one of the most beautiful historic centres of Salento. Enjoy a stroll in its streets and the views of the sea that surrounds it. Gallipoli is an ancient Greek city, a fishing town divided into two parts: the new town and the old town, connected by a 17th century bridge to the mainland.
Elevation +70m/230ft
Day 5 : Continue along the coast to Santa Maria di Leuca (50km/31mi)
Location: Santa Maria di Leuca
Accommodation Name: Seaside Hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll continue cycling along the coast to Santa Maria di Leuca. It is the easiest day of the tour, completely on paved roads and mostly flat with some short ups and downs at the end of the stage. Santa Maria di Leuca was named by ancient Greek sailors: they said it was enlightened by the sun and therefore called it "Leukos", meaning white. Today it is a famous seaside resort and fishing area. There is ample opportunity to swim and relax at the beach in the afternoon.
Elevation +50m/164ft
Day 6 : Cycle along the Adriatic coast to Otranto (50km/31mi)
Location: Otranto
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Otranto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another superb day of cycling as you follow the Adriatic coast northwards. The most challenging stretches are a short climb to leave town and a continuous but regular slope after Santa Cesaria Terme. Following the coast road, you'll pass by small towns, impressive grottoes, inlets for swimming and small cafes and soon arrive at Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy. Here you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle.
Elevation +460m/1509ft
Day 7 : Cycle to Lecce along the Alimini Lakes (55km/34mi)
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is an easy stage. Leave lovely Otranto to discover the Alimini Lakes nature reserve, the old hunting ground of the Swabians and the Aragonese. With their unique Mediterranean scrub the area is an important habitat for migratory species such as white storks, flamingoes and cranes. Continue to Lecce which, thanks to its Baroque style, has earned the nickname "Florence of the South". You can appreciate the rich sculpted motifs from the 17th century made with the local stone while exploring its old town, enclosed by what is left of ancient walls.
Elevation +100m/328ft
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast. Lecce is well connected by train with the airports of Bari and Brindisi, or we can assist with booking extra nights' accommodation if you'd like to linger.
What's Included
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7 breakfasts - varied buffet breakfasts are served in each hotel
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7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels & B&Bs and a typical trullo in Alberobello (subject to availability) on a twin share basis with private facilities (upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels - supplement applies)
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Digital information pack including route notes, maps and navigational App (can be used offline) with GPS Tracks (smartphone required)
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycle tour, so no guide is included.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers
Transfers not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport
If you need to skip a stage, transfers by taxi or public transport are not included.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app/GPX files.
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Pre-tour extension in Matera
Available on request, includes 1 or 2 nights accommodation with breakfast and transfers. Supplement applies.
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Arrival and departure transfers
Transfers from Bari or Brindisi airport to Alberobello and from Lecce to Bari or Brindisi are available. Supplement applies.
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Local hotel taxes
Local hotel taxes, approximately €10-15, payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
Grading
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.Mode of Transport
Travel to Alberobello and from Lecce. Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage. An arrival transfer from Bari or Brindisi airport to Alberobello is available. A departure transfer from Lecce to Bari or Brindisi is also available. Supplement applies, please ask your consultant for details.Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the Cycle Puglia tour?
You will stay in mainly 3-star hotels, with some unique options such as a trullo in Alberobello (subject to availability) and a cave hotel in Matera if you take the pre-tour option. Other accommodations include a seaside hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca with a pool, historic hotels in Otranto and Ostuni, and modern city hotels in Lecce and Gallipoli. All accommodations are of good quality with private facilities, and breakfast is included.
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What meals are included in the Cycle Puglia tour?
The tour includes 7 varied buffet breakfasts served in each hotel. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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What kind of support is available during the Cycle Puglia tour?
The tour provides a digital information pack with route notes, maps, and a navigational app with GPS tracks. Luggage transfer is included, and you will have access to an emergency hotline. Bike insurance against theft and damage is also provided.
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What kind of bike will I be using on the Cycle Puglia tour?
You will be provided with a 27-gear bicycle equipped with puncture-resistant tyres, a pannier, a gel saddle, and a helmet. An e-bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
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Is the Cycle Puglia tour suitable for beginners?
The tour involves 6 days of cycling with daily distances between 45 and 70 km. The route is mostly in the lowlands but can be hilly at times. It requires a reasonable level of fitness to fully participate. Traffic is almost non-existent in Puglia except during the high season.
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What should I carry during the cycling days on the Cycle Puglia tour?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of for the Cycle Puglia tour?
Additional costs include local hotel taxes (approximately €10-15), meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, entrance fees not listed as included, and transfers not listed as included. A supplement applies if you book a single room or excess luggage. Optional pre-tour extension in Matera and arrival/departure transfers from Bari or Brindisi airport are also available for an additional cost.
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What is the best way to navigate the route during the Cycle Puglia tour?
You will receive a digital information pack that includes route notes, maps, and a navigational app with GPS tracks. It is recommended to bring a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app/GPX files.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
