Self-guided Puglia Food and Wine Bike Tour

You arrive in the beautiful baroque city of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” ready to begin your cycling adventure. You will meet your tour coordinator for a trip briefing. Here you will get fitted with your bikes and all the accessories you would need—phone holders, detailed maps, roadbooks, and route notes—so you feel fully prepared for the week ahead.

Today’s ride from Lecce to Otranto is mostly flat, but it’s rich in discoveries. You start with a visit to Acaya, a perfectly preserved fortified town crowned by an impressive 16th-century castle. From here, you glide towards Le Cesine, a WWF-protected wetland where migratory birds pause on their long journeys — a peaceful spot to catch your breath. The route then carries you to the coast, past the fascinating ruins of Roca Vecchia, an ancient Bronze Age settlement perched above turquoise waters.

Soon after, the Alimini Lakes appear, their still surfaces reflecting the sky. Arriving in Otranto, you are welcomed by a maze of narrow lanes hiding treasures like the Byzantine frescoes of St. Peter’s Church. A walk along the ramparts offers sweeping sea views before you step into the cathedral to admire its vast medieval mosaic. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner, tasting the essence of the Adriatic.

Today is all about discovering the enchanting surroundings of Otranto.

You will follow the gentle course of the Idro River—whose name means “water” and inspired the city’s own name—into the charming village of Casamassela. Here, time seems to stand still at the “Le Costantine” foundation, where ancient looms still hum with life. After a fascinating guided visit, you will continue towards Giurdignano, pedaling through a Bronze Age megalithic park dotted with mysterious Dolmen and towering Menhir stones.

The journey feels like a step back in time, blending history, legend, and nature. By late morning, your efforts are rewarded with a mouthwatering local food tasting in a family-owned bakery, where traditional flavors come alive. You will return to Otranto in the afternoon, with the evening free to enjoy the charm of its historic center at your own pace. For an added adventure, you can choose an optional horse-riding experience in the morning or afternoon.

Today you will ride one of Salento’s wildest and most breathtaking coastal stretches. Your journey takes you to the Palacìa Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Italy, and to a striking red lake formed in a disused bauxite quarry. The coastal road feels like a vast balcony overlooking the Otranto Strait—on a clear day, you might glimpse the distant mountains of Albania and Greece. Along the way, visit the fascinating Zinzulusa Cave, descending deep into its mysterious chambers.

You will pass ancient terraces and dry stone walls, clever creations of past farmers who tamed the rugged land. Crossing the bridge over the Ciolo, a narrow canyon rich in rare flora, you continue to Santa Maria di Leuca. Here, follow the path of pilgrims to its sanctuary, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner in one of the town’s finest restaurants.

Today you will explore the very tip of Apulia—Leuca Cape—where history, legend, and landscapes intertwine. Your ride begins with a stop at a striking defense tower in the heart of a small village. Soon after, you will encounter the mysterious Centopietre, a monumental funerary structure built from massive stone slabs, originating from ancient Vereto, a pre-Roman town nearby. In Giuliano, you will discover a castle and a charming 10th-century church, before continuing to “Leuca Piccola,” once an important stop for pilgrims, with its vast and fascinating underground chambers.

The route then carries you through silvery olive groves and past dry-stone walls, leading to a traditional olive oil mill. Here, you will taste the region’s liquid gold, savoring flavors shaped by centuries of cultivation. Your journey ends in Ugento, where you shall visit its archaeological museum, uncovering layers of local history, before settling in for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay.

This morning, you pedal towards the shimmering Ionian coast, where the turquoise waters invite you for a refreshing swim at St. Andrew’s Island and within the unspoiled beauty of Punta Pizzo Natural Park. The salty breeze follows you as you continue to Gallipoli, a charming fishing town set on an island, connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge.

Treat yourself to a rich aperitif, then perhaps a scoop (or two) of creamy gelato before you set off again. Your route takes you inland to the peaceful San Mauro Church, a hidden gem surrounded by countryside. Inside, you will find ancient Byzantine frescoes still glowing softly with centuries-old color, offering a quiet moment of reflection.

The day ends in Galatone, where the coast and countryside meet in perfect harmony.

Today’s ride takes you inland, starting with a visit to Galatone. Here, you wander through its charming Baroque old town and explore the Norman Castle of Fulcignano, a fascinating glimpse into the area’s medieval past. From there, you continue to Galatina, home to the stunning Church of Santa Caterina, its walls covered entirely in vibrant frescoes in Giotto’s style. After admiring this masterpiece, you can stroll through Galatina’s historical center and enjoy a tasting of local specialties in a welcoming bottega, hosted by Salvatore himself.

Alternatively, you can swap cycling for a culinary adventure. In the morning, one of the team will join you for a short ride to a countryside home, where Mamma Anna awaits. Together, you will prepare a traditional Italian meal, learning recipes passed down for generations, before sitting down to enjoy your creations in true Puglian style. Both options promise an unforgettable taste of local life.

Your final day in the saddle takes you through the peaceful Salento countryside, past elegant 19th-century fortified farmhouses and stately villas, each whispering stories of the region’s past. Your first stop is Nardò, where the slightly faded yet magnificent baroque architecture of its historic center creates an atmosphere of timeless charm. From here, you pedal to Copertino, home to a remarkable Norman castle with imposing walls and centuries of history. Here you will also hear the fascinating tales of Saint Joseph of Copertino, known as the “Saint of Holy Flights” for his legendary levitations.

In the late afternoon, you roll into Lecce, your journey coming full circle. After returning your bikes, there is time to freshen up before gathering for a celebratory farewell dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants. Surrounded by the golden glow of Lecce’s baroque streets, you can savor your final evening in Salento, reliving the highlights of your unforgettable adventure.