Apulia by bike

from 1 190 € / pers.

Reference : IT4
8 days / 6 days riding
Difficulty : Moderate
Linear trip
From April to October
Departure: Friday
Electric bike rental possible > Book this trip

Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email

IT4 carte > Download tour program

Your cycling tour in Apulia

The Apulia region of south-eastern Italy has quite a story to tell, having been in the hands of the Greeks, the Romans, the Ottomans, the Spaniards and other colourful peoples, each which have contributed to the region’s dialects, flavourful cuisine, and distinctive architecture. This is Italy’s best kept secret for outstanding cycling. From Otranto, crossroads of culture, to the whitewashed houses of Ostuni reaching towards the rich blue sea; from the memorable conical roofs of the “Trulli” in Alberobello to the enchanting white sand beaches near Gallipoli, enjoy superlative rides through sparsely inhabited ancient olive groves, Mediterranean Mache and invigorating coastal roads with views that make you fall in love.

Day 1 : Arrival in Monopoli


Arrive in the glorious town of Monopoli overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Get lost in the labyrinth of streets amidst whitewashed houses.
Visit the main church, known as Basilica concattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia patrona, and the stunning unique squares. In the afternoon enjoy the sea breeze while sipping a fresh local white wine tasting and the famous “taralli”. Marvel at the Marchesale Arch, an original entrance to the old town.

Day 2 : Monopoli – Alberobello | 47 km


Today’s ride is a gradual climb from the Adriatic sea to the gently undulating valley of Itria, through the typical Murgia landscape with olive groves and fields surrounded by low stone walls. Stop at Castellana Grotte for a rest and to visit an immense underground cave system, one of the largest in Europe. Continue on to Alberobello, the Trulli capital of the world and a UNESCO Heritega town. Alberobello is unique for having over 1500 trulli, or white washed stone houses with conical roofs.

Day 3 : Alberobello – Ostuni | 40 km


Cycle through several beautiful villages from Alberobello to Ostuni – a white-washed town perched on top of a hill dominating the Adriatic. Along the way visit Locorotondo, the ‘round place’ also on a hill that dominates the countryside, admire it’s cathedral and the old church of Madonna della Greca. Continue on to Cisternino, well known for its meats and cheese. Excellent DOC wine and olive oil is produced in this region.

Day 4 : Train from Ostuni to Lecce – Cycling to Gallipoli | 52 km


This morning you cycle down to Ostuni train station where you catch the train to Lecce, taking your bike with you. From Lecce Train station you quickly leave town on a narrow country lane. Crossing the Salento region in a south west direction you reach the Golf of Taranto. You will ride across a sparsely inhabited flat countryside, dotted with large olive trees then coastal pine forests and sand dunes, passing ancient coastal watch towers as you approach the medieval fishing town of Gallipoli bustling with life. Along the way you can find some nice spots for a swim in the Ionian sea.

Day 5 : Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca | 51 km


A coastal road takes you to the southernmost point of Puglia, dividing the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. But first, take a swim in the turquoise waters of paradise, at the Torre del Pizzo beach and lay along the fine white sands. Then continue south to Santa Maria di Leuca, a magnificent village of fantastic beaches and wacky, wild, colorful mansions.

Day 6 : Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto | 52 km


Revel in the sea breezes as you ride along the high coastal route, winding your way along gentle, undulating rift of the cliffs. Phenomenal views will make you feel part of a National Geographic cycling special feature. Stop for a glimpse of the spectacular cave, the Grotta Zinzulusa, and then on to Otranto, a Greek-come-Roman port town, frequented by merchants and thrill seekers.

Day 7 : Otranto – Lecce | env. 53 km


Today you visit the Alimini Lakes which run parallel to the sea. Cycle your way through the countryside of Greek Salento, where traces of the former colonies are still present in the dialect, cuisine and bright style of architecture. The whites shine against the euphoric blue of the sea. Arrive in Lecce, a brilliant city full of wonderful palaces and a treasure which will mesmerize you.

Day 8 : Departure during the day


Select your category

standard category
Reference: IT4 STD
superior category
Reference: IT4 SUP
Low season
  • from April 12th to May 25th
    from October 1st to 11th
  • Departure: Friday
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
1 190 € / pers.
280 € / pers.*
1 290 € / pers.
440 € / pers.*
Mid season
  • from May 26th to June 25th
    from September 6th to 30th
  • Departure: Friday
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
1 260 € / pers.
280 € / pers.*
1 390 € / pers.
440 € / pers.*
High season
  • from June 26th to July 19th
  • Departure: Friday
 
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
1 320 € / pers.
280 € / pers.*
1 480 € / pers.
440 € / pers.*

Category's details

Including :

• 7 with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom) in 3*/4* hotels and B&Bs
• Luggage transport during the bike stages
• Equipped cycle rental for 6 days (helmet not provided)
• 1 travel folder (per room) including maps with track on and detailed route directions in French or English
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• Lunches / Dinners / Drinks
• Train transfer from Ostuni to Lecce (day 4)
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (7 nights included)
• Return transfers to/from meeting place
• Tourist tax

Including :

• 7 with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom) in 4* hotels
• Luggage transport during the bike stages
• Equipped cycle rental for 6 days (helmet not provided)
• 1 travel folder (per room) including maps with track on and detailed route directions in French or English
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• Lunches / Dinners / Drinks
• Train transfer from Ostuni to Lecce (day 4)
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (7 nights included)
• Return transfers to/from meeting place
• Tourist tax

According to the category(price per person)

standard category
Reference: IT4 STD
superior category
Reference: IT4 SUP
Extra night in Monopoli
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom with breakfast)
* Single supplement
Any season
+ 80 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.*
Any season
+ 80 € / pers.
+ 70 € / pers.*
Extra night in Lecce
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom with breakfast)
* Single supplement
Any season
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
Any season
+ 60 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*

Extras

• Bike discount
If you bring your own bike.
-130 € / pers.
• E-bike supplement
+ 150 € / pers.
• Transfer from Brindisi Airport to Monopoli

For more than 3 persons, please contact us for pricing.

(up to 3 persons)
+ 140 € (package)

• Transfer from Bari Airport to Monopoli

For more than 3 persons, please contact us for pricing.

(up to 3 persons)
+ 130 € (package)

• Transfer from Lecce to Brindisi Airport

For more than 3 persons, please contact us for pricing.

(up to 3 persons)
+ 115 € (package)

• Transfer from Lecce to Bari Airport

For more than 3 persons, please contact us for pricing.

(up to 3 persons)
+ 310 € (package)

• Equipments
- Helmet :

+ 13 € / pers.

Your cycle hire

SCOTT Silence 20

Man or Lady frame

  • 1 phone holder,
  • 1 rear side bag,
  • 1 repair kit,
  • 1 odometer (1 per 2 bikes)
  • 1 pump
  • 1 lock

Helmets are not provided, we suggest to bring yours. Otherwise we can also provide it on request and with supplement.

Possibility to rent an electric assistance bike :
Electric bike SCOTT Silence eRide 20
E-bike

Man or Lady frame

  • 1 phone holder,
  • 1 rear side bag,
  • 1 repair kit,
  • 1 odometer (1 per 2 bikes)
  • 1 pump
  • 1 lock

Helmets are not provided, we suggest to bring yours. Otherwise we can also provide it on request and with supplement.

Practical details

Bikes will be delivered at the 1st hotel.
At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.

> Departure day
> Your journey
> How to arrive in Monopoli
> Return

Departure day

Departure on Friday.
If you are 1 to 3 people, other departure day is possible, with supplement :
– If you are 3 people : + 65 € / pers.
– If  you are 2 people : + 270 € / pers.
– If you are solo traveller : + 880 €.

If  you are at least 4 people, there is no supplement.

Your journey

The rides are mostly along well asphalted country lanes and secondary roads with little traffic, however sometimes you have to travel on larger trafficked roads when approaching and riding in the larger towns.

How to arrive in Monopoli

By train :
Monopoli train Station

By plane :
Bari or Brindisi airports.
From Bari or Brindisi airports, you need to reach the relative city stations. Train connections are available to reach Monopoli.
– From Bari : shuttle from the airport to the train station then from the train station, train to Monopoli (approx. 1h15 – costs approx. 10-15€/person/journey).
– From Brindisi : shuttle from the airport to the train station then from the train station, train to Monopoli (approx. 1h40 – costs approx. 10-15€/person/journey).
For more information about trains, you can visit the website here.

If you wish, we can also organize your transfer : see tab « options ».

Return

By train :
Lecce Station

By plane :
Bari or Brindisi airports.
– To Bari airport : take a train from Lecce station to Bari station then take a shuttle to the airport (approx. 2h30 – costs approx. 15-30€/person/journey).
– To Brindisi airport : take a bus from Lecce station to Brindisi airport (approx. 35-40min – costs approx. 5-10€/person/journey).
For more information about trains visit the website here.

If you wish, we can also organize your transfer : see tab « options ».