9 days/8 nights, with 8 days of cycling


Can start any date between March to November


Level of Activity: Moderate D1: 27 km; D2 42 km or 70 km; D3: 42 km or 65 km; D4: 36 km or 64 km; D5: 70 km; D6: 60 km or 110 km; D7: 40 km; D8:

You spend two nights in two locations, so you can take time off from cycling on some days


Classic Accommodation:   US$2600/ CAD$2600                       
Luxe Accommodation:   US$3270/ CAD$3270
                                 Single suppl. classic: US$595/ CAD$595     Single suppl. Luxe: US$805/ CAD$805


  • 8 nights hotels
  • All breakfasts 1 lunch and 2 dinners
  • Pasta making class at a local trullo

  • Use of a top quality 21-speed hybrid bike complete with pump, and all the necessary accessories for changing flats. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons
  • Train Ticket from Ostuni to Squinzano day 5
  • Detailed route instructions and map
  • Luggage transfers
  • Area Manager available throughout the tour

Getting there: Our trip starts in Monopoli:

If you stay in Bari the night before the trip begins, you can take a 12:27 train from Bari Centrale station to Monopoli, arriving at 12:51 p.m.

Taking the train to Monopoli from Rome, Milan or Florence

From Rome: There are five daily departures from Rome’s Termini station to Monopoli. We recommend arriving in Bari or Monopoli a day early, but if you choose to leave Rome on the day the trip begins, the 7:38 a.m. train from Rome’s Termini station arrives in Monopoli at 12:51 p.m. and we’ll arrange for the Area Manager to meet you on arrival. (train schedules are subject to change without warning-please check the train schedules before departing).

From Milan or Florence: Train travel from Milan or Florence is also an option, but it is a long trip. Average travel time from Milan to Monopoli is 9 ½ hours; average travel time from Florence to Monopoli is 8 hours. There is one overnight train from Florence to Monopoli, arriving in the early morning, but otherwise to travel from either of these destinations, you need to plan on arriving in Monopoli the day before the trip starts.

Randonnée Tours

Italy

Puglia Cycling 9 Days

We were introduced to this corner of Italy by one of our Italian guides who lives in the region and has long boasted of its stunning scenery, ancient traditions and some of the best food in Italy. With the Adriatic as a back-drop, quiet roads to cycle, and fascinating sites including the enigmatic trulli in Alberobello we were easily convinced to create a trip. Beginning in Monopoli and finishing 9 days later in Lecce you’ll see the best of this region, all the while enjoying distinctive lodging and exquisite meals. Buon appetito!







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 explored. 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

Locorotondo

On your second day here, there is a wonderful ride to the sea-side town of Grottaglie or a shorter option that will have you back early for further exploration of Locorotondo. Ride distances: 35 km or 70 km

Day 5

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 6

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 7

Otranto

This is the one of the most rewarding ride today! 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 8

Lecce

You’ll ride into Lecce today, and the route is through quiet countryside where the local dialect is similar to ancient Greek. Arriving to Lecce, sometimes referred to as the ‘Florence of the south’, you’ll be astounded by the architecture, and cultural attractions. Best seen on a walking tour, we’ll provide a local guide to show you the sites on an afternoon walk.

Day 9

Departure

 



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