Essence of Puglia Bike Tour

Welcome to Puglia!

Your adventure begins in the lively town of Putignano, a place rich in character and tradition. After checking into your hotel, meet a member of our crew for a welcome briefing and bike fitting. This is your chance to get acquainted with your bike and receive all the essentials for the journey ahead.

Spend the rest of your day exploring Putignano’s charming old town. Famous for hosting Europe’s oldest Carnival, its historic streets are lined with stone buildings, baroque facades, and inviting cafes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, indulge in some local cuisine, and let the anticipation of your ride build.

In the evening, we meet for dinner to celebrate the beginning of a fabulous journey through the Boot of Italy!

Your journey begins with a gentle descent toward the coast. Ride through a quilt of olive groves, vineyards, and quiet lanes, all framed by rolling countryside. Soon, the Adriatic comes into view, and with it, one of its most iconic towns.

Stop in Polignano-a-Mare, where whitewashed houses cling to dramatic limestone cliffs. Park your bike and meander through the old town, or simply gaze at the sea from one of its stunning terraces. It’s a perfect place to breathe in the sea air and soak in the magic of the moment.

From here, continue along the scenic coastline to Monopoli. This bustling fishing town blends historical beauty with vibrant life. Discover its fortified harbor, narrow alleyways, and Romanesque cathedral—or relax with a spritz along the waterfront. The town’s mix of working port and old-world charm makes for a perfect first stop along your route.

Elevation: +/- 400 m

Leave the coastal breeze behind as you head inland today. The route gradually climbs, revealing rolling hills dotted with ancient olive trees and dry-stone walls. You’ll pass through Castellana Grotte, a pretty town known for its caves—an optional detour if you feel like exploring underground wonders.

As you ride deeper into the Valle d’Itria, the landscape transforms into something out of a fairy tale. Gentle climbs and shaded stretches bring you through quiet farmland and sleepy hamlets. Then, suddenly, they appear—trulli, the conical-roofed stone houses that define this region.

Before long, you reach Alberobello, the trulli capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its whimsical rooftops and cobbled lanes, it feels like stepping into another world. Wander among the trulli, visit the Trullo Sovrano (the only two-story one), or enjoy a gelato on the piazza.

Today’s ride is both scenic and rewarding, a journey from sea to hilltop, from bustling port to timeless charm.

Elevation: +/- 750 m

This loop ride immerses you in the heart of Valle d’Itria, one of Puglia’s most enchanting regions. You’ll cycle roads lined with dry-stone walls and fields peppered with trulli. The landscape feels ancient and peaceful, offering endless photo opportunities and quiet stretches for reflection.

Follow the Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto, a tranquil cycling path that traces the route of the historic Apulian aqueduct. You’ll pass through Locorotondo, officially one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Take a break to wander its whitewashed streets and admire the circular layout that gives the town its name.

Next, continue to Martina Franca, a baroque gem with grand palaces and elegant piazzas. Have a coffee or lunch here, surrounded by ornate architecture and a slower pace of life. Then, it’s a leisurely return to Alberobello, rolling through olive groves and vineyards under the southern sun.

It’s a day rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty—where every kilometer brings a new delight.

Elevation: +/- 570m

Today you’ll journey across hilltops and fertile plains, linking one historic town to the next. First up is Cisternino, with its narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, and sweeping views. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and admire how tradition thrives in everyday life here.

As you pedal through olive groves and farmland, the road dips and climbs gently, revealing expansive views over the Itria Valley. The scenery feels timeless—centuries-old olive trees, stone farmhouses, and quiet paths.

Eventually, you arrive at Ostuni, the famed “White City,” gleaming on its hilltop perch. Its labyrinthine streets and gleaming buildings are bathed in afternoon light, making your arrival feel cinematic. Wander through the old town, visit the cathedral, and find a terrace for dinner overlooking the sea.

This day is about discovering the harmony between nature and architecture—where every village whispers stories of centuries past.

Elevation: +/- 570m

We begin the day with a transfer from Ostuni to Lecce, that takes a little over an hour.

Lecce, the “Florence of the South,” dazzles with its ornate baroque architecture. You’ll soon leave the city and enter the open landscapes of Salento, riding through farmlands and historic watchtowers.

Your first stop is the fortified village of Acaya, once a stronghold against Saracen pirates. Then it’s on to Roca Vecchia, an archaeological site set by the sea, and the stunning Grotta della Poesia, a natural rock pool known for its vivid turquoise waters.

From here, the ride traces the coast past Torre dell'Orso and Sant’Andrea, where dramatic sea stacks rise from the blue. Turn inland briefly to cross through olive groves and past the peaceful Alimini Lakes before arriving in Otranto.

A town steeped in history and beauty, Otranto offers a fitting finale—walk the castle walls, gaze at the Adriatic, and celebrate your incredible journey.m

Elevation: +/- 320m

Your final ride explores the soul of Salento’s countryside. Start the day by pedaling into Grecìa Salentina, a cluster of villages where locals still speak Griko, a dialect rooted in medieval Greek. First up is Melpignano, known for its historic palaces and lively festivals.

Continue to Corigliano d’Otranto, home to an imposing castle and quiet charm. Then it’s on to Maglie, where you can visit churches, shop for local crafts, or try a fresh pasticciotto—a sweet local treat.

The return ride leads you through open farmland and wild countryside. Keep an eye out for dolmens and menhirs, prehistoric stone markers that offer a glimpse into Salento’s ancient past. These megaliths, scattered quietly in the fields, give today’s ride a mystical undertone.

As you arrive back in Otranto, the coast and town welcome you like an old friend. This loop is more than a ride, it’s a deep dive into Puglia’s cultural roots.

We meet at dinner tonight to toast the end of a journey that will remain etched in our memories for a long time to come.

Elevation: +/- 550m

After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Otranto is a beautiful place to linger, but if you must move on, a group transfer to the airport is included in your tour price.

Arrivederci, until next time, Puglia will be waiting with open arms.