Tasting Puglia By Bike

Welcome to Polignano a Mare, home of the famous white-pebble beach Cala Porto. Welcomed by this town's serene setting on Italy's southern Adriatic coast, admire its towering limestone cliffs and white-washed homes set against the Adriatic Sea's sparkling blue waters.

After settling into your accommodations, a welcome briefing with your tour leader will bring you up to speed on the exciting days on bike to follow.

Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening accompanied by your guide at one of the restaurants in town. It's worth noting that Polignano a Mare is known for its excellent fish soups!

Setting off into the hinterland this morning, you'll enjoy a pleasant ride surrounded by almond trees and bountiful farmland. Reaching Conversano, you'll be introduced to a significant local project, Canapuglia, that has set out to recover this area's hemp plantations.

Back on bike, you'll cycle through the picturesque countryside around Bari until you arrive at the majestic Norman Castle of Gioia del Colle. Beyond a town of historical importance, Gioia del Colle is also a gastronomic treasure! Known for its exceptional dairy products, you'll enjoy a mouthwatering tasting of high-quality cheeses, like the fior di latte mozzarella.

Following breakfast, you’ll set out on the road towards the village of Noci. Set amidst trulli and farms, you’ll find this a perfect place to admire enchanting streets and historic centres.

In Noci, a spectacular lunch awaits! Make your way to “Marino,” known as the coolest grocery in all of Puglia, where you’ll find the “Divine Sandwich”—some say it’s the best sandwich in Italy!

Continuing the route towards Alberobello on a path lined with dry stone walls and olive trees, you’ll find yourself welcomed by the Itria Valley, where you’ll discover the valleys, ancient wine traditions, and native vines.

Finally, you’ll reach the elegant Baroque town of Martina Franca. Its narrow streets are lined with stunning homes and dotted with a collection of fabulous shops and boutiques. Your time in Martina Franca wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their specialties, like the “Capocollo” (cured pork) and the “Bocconoto” (shortbread with cream).

Spend your evening getting lost in the magic of this picturesque town and its many sumptuous flavours on offer.

Today's ride will take you through one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy, Cisternino. You'll explore its enchanting old town before enjoying a coffee break at a café tucked under the town's Clock Tower, where artisanal ice cream is on the menu!

A few kilometres down the road, you'll reach Locorotondo, where you'll join Mrs. Antonella, the proprietor of one of the town's most popular restaurants, for a spectacular cooking lesson.

After enjoying the fruits of your labour with a fantastic lunch, you'll continue the route downhill towards the Natural Park Dune Costiere. Here you'll experience another aspect of Puglia's culinary excellence with a tasting of extra virgin olive oil in a beautiful old farmhouse.

Your final ride for the day will take you to the splendid "white city" of Ostuni, known for its rich collection of bakeries and olive wood artisans.

Today you’ll taste your way through the heart of Puglia, riding through the picturesque towns of Ceglie Messapica, Francavilla Fontana, Oria, and Manduria. Savoury breaks along the way will make today’s journey delightful as you cycle the beautiful landscapes of the Salento plain.

Ending today’s journey in Manduria, you’ll find yourself nestled within the famous Primitivo Valley. The Primitivo grape is the mastermind behind the Primitivo di Manduria, a sweet wine produced here. Enjoy an evening in the company of the superb wines of Manduria, soaking up this city’s Baroque splendour.

This morning, before departing Manduria for Gallipoli, you'll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Primitivo Wine Civilization and the area's most famous wine cellar. The museum houses ancient relics of everyday life and work tools used by local peasants of the past. Discover the social and agricultural history of Salento while enjoying a tasting of local food and wine products.

Back on bike, you'll follow the coast, riding south along the spectacular expanse of blue sea and ancient coastal towers.

You'll make a brief stop in Porto Cesareo this afternoon before reaching the stunning Gallipoli.

Enjoy an evening dedicated to exploring the myriad of fine seafood on offer in this ancient city, including mussels, clams, sea urchins, and numerous varieties of grilled fish!

Pedalling your way through beautiful countryside full of olive groves, you’ll cycle among the wine cellars of rural Salento, discovering the various DOC wines of this area. Enjoy tastings of Negroamaro, Susumaniello, and Salice Salento this afternoon, followed by a fascinating ceramic workshop.

Reaching the vibrant capital of Salento and the most elegant Baroque city of Italy’s south, you’ll be welcomed with open arms into the historic town of Lecce.

Enjoy wandering the narrow streets of this mesmerizing town, discovering its maze of covert piazzas and admiring the splendour of its spectacular Baroque churches.

Tonight, enjoy the fine seafood of Lecce, trying the “Purpu Alla Pignata” (octopus stew), or the “Tajeddha” (potatoes and mussels).

This morning before departing, steal one last opportunity to delight in the flavours of Puglia with a visit to the Franchini Pastry, home to numerous delicacies of Lecce confectionary.

Head to the airport to depart as you say “addio!” to beautiful Puglia.