Puglia Coast Cycling Tour

Welcome to the land of sun, sea and wind—Salento! Arriving in Puglia's Baroque capital, Lecce, you'll be greeted by a unique and elegant city that will be your base for the next six days.

This afternoon, you'll meet your local guide and receive your bike. After the bike fitting, enjoy a wonderful dinner accompanied by your guide in beautiful Lecce and prepare to be wowed by the rich flavours of food and drink in Puglia!

Your first day of adventure commences with a mesmerizing ride to the ancient city of Gallipoli. Cycling inland, you’ll discover the beautiful towns of Copertino and Nardò along the way. A visit to a fine wine cellar and a tasting await you in Nardò.

From Nardò, the route continues towards the Porto Selvaggio Reserve. The reserve will take you along the west coast up to the spectacular city of Gallipoli.

Enjoy a gallery of the Baroque style on full display in the streets of Gallipoli. Whitewashed buildings and painted gold on precious wood are reminiscent of the Rococo style. Explore the myriad of churches and their hidden magnificent interiors.

Discover the underground oil mills here tucked covertly under palaces around the city, and learn about the legendary “green gold” found within them.

A private transfer will take you back to Lecce after you’ve had your fill of history and art in Gallipoli.

Departing Lecce this morning, you’ll pedal along the “Fondone”, a stretch of road leading to Le Cesine nature reserve. Cycle the park’s paths, lined with olive trees and towering reeds, until you reach the sea. Stop for a refreshing dip in the pristine waters before returning to the route heading for Acaya.

With less than a thousand inhabitants, the small settlement of Acaya is full of historical and architectural importance. The fortified village (one of the few remaining in Italy) is home to the majestic Castle Acaya, constructed in 1535 and considered a pinnacle of Renaissance-era defensive architecture. The castle houses a Byzantine fresco, still a point of modern study today.

Returning to Lecce by bike, you’ll stop off to enjoy some of the delectable street food available in the area. The traditional Rustico Leccese (tomato and mozzarella pastry) comes highly recommended!

Following the Via Vecchia Frigole this morning, you’ll cycle to your first stop at Lu Furnu in Masseria Giammateo. This robust agricultural center presents an excellent opportunity to indulge the palate with its numerous baked specialties, like the delectable “pittule”!

Back on the bike, you’ll continue towards Santa Maria in Cerrate, a medieval abbey and former Byzantine Monastery surrounded by olive groves and sprawling fields.

A scenic stretch of road will then take you inside the Rauccio Natural Park, the same routes once travelled by pilgrims making their way to Otranto and Leuca.

A stop at the sea is a must before returning to Lecce for the evening!

With your sights set on the beautiful town of Otranto, you'll set out on your final day of cycling in Puglia. Scenic coastal roads will take you through some of the Salento Peninsula highlights, including Roca Vecchia and its cave of poetry, the beaches of San Foca, and the Alimini lakes.

Arriving in Otranto, you'll enjoy a visit to the city's enchanting historic center, taking in the spectacular Norman cathedral.

A final stretch of road will take you towards Blue Lake, where you'll enjoy the view of a mesmerizing emerald pond set against bright red soil.

Enjoy your final dinner on tour tonight and soak up your closing moments in beautiful Lecce.

If time permits, enjoy brunch this morning at the historic Bar Alvino before departing.

Check out of your accommodations and head to the airport to depart.