|

Day 1
Monopoli
The meeting time can be as early as 11:00 at the hotel in Monopoli, where our area manager will do bike fit and answer any questions you may have. The ride on this day is a loop ride to Egnazia, a Roman port city dating to the 5th century, where remnants of the ancient road to Rome, a beautiful Acropolis and other monuments still exist. Back in Monopoli there are many tempting restaurants that you can choose between. Ride distance: 27 km
Day 2
Monopoli
Today’s ride is along the Adriatic to the vibrant fishing village of Polignano a Mare, where white-washed buildings appear built out of the limestone cliffs and the winding streets are adorned with flowers and plants. Enjoy one of the chic cafes here before continuing on to Conversano for lunch. You’ll have an option to return directly back to Monopoli or take a longer route via Castellana Grotte where underground caves can be explo red. Ride distance: 42 km or 70 km
Day 3
Locorotondo
You can’t visit Puglia and not learn how to make pasta with a local; we’ve arranged a special
visit to a trullo house with a cooking demonstration and lunch. Afterwards you’ll cycle to the Unesco World Heritage site of Alberobello which boasts over 1500 trulli distinctive round stone buildings with conical slate roofs. The short option will take you directly to Locorotondo, with more trulli. A longer option will take in the Bosco delle Pianelle Nature Reserve. Either way, we recommend allowing time for a wine tasting in town before dinner as this region is well-known for its white DOC wines. Ride distance: 42 km or 65 km
Day 4
Ostuni
Start your day cycling to Martina Franca, an ancient city with stone walls, stunning piazzas and tiny winding streets. You’ll pass through olive groves, vineyards, and forested lands on a road with very little traffic. Enjoy a picnic in Cisternino or sample one of the specialities of this city, bombettes, a type of roasted meatball in one of the many restaurants. We’ll finish the day in Ostuni, known as the “white city” with its Arab influenced architecture and a labyrinth of streets designed to confuse invaders. There are lots of local charming restaurants to choose between. Ride distance: 36 km or 64 km
Day 5
Otranto
This day will start with a transfer by local train to Torre Rinalda for a coastal ride with the aquamarine Adriatic at your side. The sea-side town of San Foca awaits you for lunch (re recommend a gelato here) and afterwards you’ll continue south to historical Otranto, the most eastern point on the Italian peninsula. Ride distance: 70 km
Day 6
Otranto
We save the best ride for last! For those who want the challenge, we’ve included a century ride option all the way to Marina dei Leuca. Both rides will take in Santa Cesarea Terme, with unsurpassed architectural and natural beauty in one of Italy’s most serene locations. Back in Otranto, enjoy the lively nightlife in this town. Ride distance: 30 km, 60 km or 100 km
Day 7
Departure
We recommend allowing time to visit Lecce on your departure day…
|