Cycling in the wonders of Puglia: Sassi, Trulli and Salento

Program

Day 1

Matera
Famous for its Sassi and breathtaking scenery, Matera, located on the border between Basilicata and Puglia, is both beautiful and fascinating. Its history dates back over 30,000 years. Here you’ll find several cave churches open to the public, a reconstructed cave house to visit, and renovated caves transformed into hotels and restaurants. The Sassi districts are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’re arriving late in the evening, we recommend an extra night in this magnificent city.

Day 2

Matera – Alberobello (76 km; +650m or 35km; +242m)
Bike drop-off and briefing. You’ll cycle through the southern part of the Murgia to reach one of Italy’s most unusual towns: Alberobello, renowned as the capital of trulli, small dry-stone buildings with conical roofs. Some 1,500 trulli are scattered around the Monti and Aia Piccola districts, both of which have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996. ALTERNATIVE for a shorter stage: In the morning, cab from Matera to Gioia Del Colle and drop-off of bikes there. Today’s stage is therefore Gioia Del Colle – Alberobello. If you opt for this option, please add a supplement of €100 (for 1 to 4 people).

Day 3

Alberobello – Ostuni (52 km; +600m)
Pedal along the hills overlooking the Itria valley. Nature lovers will be delighted by its vast olive groves, red soil, lush green orchards and white trullo houses under a serene sky.
Before reaching your destination, stop off at Locorotondo for an aperitif with local white wine. Afterwards, visit Martina Franca and its charming historic center, before lunching in Cisternino, at one of its butchers where you can choose your meat. Finally, you’ll reach Ostuni, the White City, with its whitewashed houses and magnificent cathedral as its centerpiece.

Day 4

TRAIN Ostumi – Lecce + BIKE Lecce – Gallipoli (62km; +220m)
Take the train from Ostuni to Lecce. Please note that bicycles travel FREE of charge on regional trains only (check timetables). On arrival in Lecce, you can begin your journey to Gallipoli (if you prefer to leave immediately, you’ll have the chance to visit Lecce at the end of your stay). You’re in the land of Baroque, as evidenced by the magnificent churches of Galatina and Galatone. Overnight in Gallipoli.

Day 5

Gallipoli – Santa Maria Di Leuca (71 km; +490m)
Leaving Gallipoli, you ride along the Ionian coast towards Torre San Giovanni. The crystal-clear waters will tempt you, but it’s time to get back on the bike! A short detour will take you inland to discover the charming towns of Ugento and Specchia, one of Italy’s most beautiful “borghi”. You then continue your journey for 35 km to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet. This most southerly point of the Salento region marvels at its colors and unreal silence.

Day 6

Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto (60 km; +680m)
You start pedaling north along the magnificent Adriatic coast. Passing through the marinas of Tricase Porto and Castro Marina, you arrive at one of Salento’s most beautiful towns: Otranto. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner, then stroll through the historic center and perhaps buy some souvenirs in the small local stores.

Day 7

Otranto – Lecce (60 km; +300m)
In the morning, if you wish, you can visit the town. Otranto is best explored through its magnificent cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a showcase, as well as an impressive medieval mosaic floor, rivaling Ravenna’s famous Christian mosaics in its richness and historical significance. Pedaling along the Alimini lakes, you finally reach the coastal village of Torre dell’Orso: be sure to take a dip in the spectacular Grotta della Poesia. Before arriving in Lecce, take a break at Acaya, an ideal place to enjoy an authentic Italian espresso or a sunset drink in front of the castle.

Day 8

End of stay after breakfast. It’s already time to say goodbye to Puglia.