
Historical Landscapes
Puglia's landscape is dreamy and full of rich history. The rolling roads beg to be ridden and lead to some of Italy's oldest cities. Trust us when we say you will definitely fall in love with the south of Italy here.
Embark from Puglia's main city Trulli and descend along the heel of Italy all the way to Salento. You will slowly discover the white villages of the Itria Valley and other gems of the region all by bicycle.
EXPLORE THE HEEL OF ITALY BY BIKE
Cycling through the Italian regions of Matera and Puglia takes you to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin in Matera, a wonderful city literally carved into the soft limestone rock. Then visit Alberobello’s picturesque Trulli. The tour follows the eastern Mediterranean’s physical and cultural influences all the way down to the far south.
As you alternate between the elegant white-washed villages in an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Mediterranean, olive groves and vineyards dominate the landscape as far as the eye can see. The tour concludes in Lecce’s alleys, a true jewel of Baroque architecture.
This self-guided tour includes GPS tracks and detailed maps of all routes so you can travel at your own pace. Our support van transports all of your luggage from hotel to hotel. If you have any problems, the helpful team will be there to help.
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
Puglia's landscape is dreamy and full of rich history. The rolling roads beg to be ridden and lead to some of Italy's oldest cities. Trust us when we say you will definitely fall in love with the south of Italy here.
Each hotel has been carefully chosen for its idyllic setting. Throughout your journey, you'll feel well rested after each day in the saddle. Every hotel is of high quality, with fantastic facilities that will make your trip even more memorable.
Pedal at your own pace, following the maps and tracks provided during the pre-tour briefing. We'll recommend places to stop for lunch and sightseeing along the way. If technical assistance is required, it will be provided throughout the event.
Puglia is a well-known region in Italy. You can trace the footsteps of an endless procession of conquerors and cultures, from ancient towns with a tangible past to extravagant churches designed by Europe's finest architects. Take in the sea of olives and vineyards, as well as the olive-green Mediterranean sea. The food in the region is on par with that of Italy and will leave you wanting more.
Puglia is a dreamy destination all year round, with warm and mild weather. Summer can be oppressively hot in the midday sun for some. If you prefer slightly cooler temperatures, consider booking in the spring or autumn for a more comfortable ride.
Dusty, hilly, and rolling terrain. The roads in southern Italy are beautiful, with challenging climbs and fun descents. Summer heat really kicks up the dust. If you normally ride at the back of the peloton, don't forget to bring your glasses and a face mask!
Warm and inviting. Italian hospitality is well-known around the world. Prepare to be blown away by the region's hearty food and rich flavours, incredible wines, and the all-important family feeling. Puglia will leave an indelible impression on you.
Today a beautiful route awaits you among gentle slopes, vineyards, and fields, dotted with Trulli that rise towards the blue sky. Once in Ostuni, we leave the Valle d’Itria and the Murge behind us, to enter the Salento plain, the southernmost area of Puglia.
You will cross the villages of Locorotondo and Cisternino, ending the day in Ostuni. All three of these villages are known for their whitewashed houses, which make them glow blindingly in the sun.
Locorotondo is one of the jewels of the Itria Valley, perched on a small hill, it can be seen from afar for its characteristic circular shape and for the houses with the typical pitched roofs covered in stone, called “cummerse”. Here you can taste a refined white wine, which holds one of the first DOC of Puglia, the Locorotondo DOC wine, characterized by freshness and liveliness, which stands out in the panorama of Puglia wines, a region dominated by red wines with a rustic character.
In Cisternino you will not find the monumental churches of Ostuni or the perfect Trulli of Alberobello and not even the elegant “cummerse” of Locorotondo. Yet it will seduce you for its simplicity of an authentic rural village, where you can get lost in the alleys and squares.
Ostuni is a wonderful village, which shines in pure white, perched on three hills, which dominate the valley. At the top of the town stands the Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria dell’Assumption, a splendid example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, which deserves a brief stop in front of the majestic facade, characterized by three portals, surmounted by three rose windows, of which the central one is a beautiful example of medieval symbolism.
Overnight stay: Ostuni
Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]
Fly in airport options: Bari
When best to arrive: in the morning the day the tour starts
Where the tour starts: we meet in the afternoon in Alberobello
Transfers: not included, please reach out to us to find out more information on how to book transfers
Fly out airport options: Brindisi
When best to depart: in the evening of the day the tour ends after 17:00
Where the tour ends: in the afternoon in the town of Lecce
Transfers: not included, please reach out to us to find out more information on how to book transfers
Standard accommodation is shared double room with one other person on the tour and with ensuite facilities. Breakfast and some dinners are included on the tour.
Access to routes of the tour through the RIDE WITH GPS mobile application.
Support vehicles will transport your luggage on to the next hotel, so you only have to carry your essentials.
Transfers upon arrival and departure are not included. Please contact us for more information on how to add these to your tour.
Flights are not included in the tour package. Please follow our advice about which flights will be best suited for this tour. Reach out to us if you have any questions about flights.
Travel insurance is essential and we always recommend you carry out your own insurance search for your specific needs.
It’s not always easy travelling with a bike but fear not, road bikes are available for rental for the duration of the tour. To make sure you get the maximum from your bike for your trip, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of equipment.
With a variety of sizes available, we can ensure your bike fits you perfectly. All rental bikes are mechanically checked and adjusted before each and every hire so you can have peace of mind that your bike will be running smoothly from start to finish!
You can select this option when you proceed to checkout.
Fitted to you and ready to ride!
If you’d like a whole room to yourself, that’s no problem. For an extra €196 for the trip duration, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room. Just select this option when you proceed to book your tour.
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.