Touring Bike
£112 for 7 days
If you dream of cycling beside turquoise seas, through olive groves under endless blue skies, and into historic towns glowing in southern sunlight, this journey through Puglia is for you. Starting in the iconic trulli town of Alberobello and finishing in Lecce, the Baroque jewel of the south, this tour takes you through the heel of Italy’s boot — Salento — where you’ll find ancient villages, windswept coasts, warm hospitality, and some of the country’s best food and wine.
From the white hilltop towns of the Itria Valley to the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, every day offers scenic routes, cultural gems, and relaxed, sun-soaked riding.
Tour Highlights
Select the tour you are interested in to view the itinerary.
Arrive in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its whitewashed trulli — fairytale-like stone houses with conical roofs. Stroll through its picturesque lanes and get a taste of traditional Apulian life.
Pedal into the rolling countryside of the Murgia region, through vineyards, olive groves, and whitewashed villages. Stop in Locorotondo, with its unique circular layout, and climb to Cisternino, a charming maze of stone houses and narrow streets. Sample local taralli, friselle, or handmade orecchiette along the way. The day ends in Ostuni, the gleaming “White City,” perched high above the sea.
Shorten the ride: Train available from Alberobello to Martina Franca or Locorotondo
Say goodbye to the hills and descend into the flatlands of Salento, where silvery olive trees blanket the red soil. Stop in Oria, a town rich in history with a castle built by Emperor Frederick II. End the ride in Manduria, home of Primitivo wine, where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see.
Cycle along the Ionian coast, where ancient watchtowers guard stretches of golden sand. Stop in Porto Cesareo for a seafood lunch by the sea. Continue to Gallipoli, a historic fishing town with a charming old quarter on an island. Don’t miss the underground olive oil mills and sunset on the waterfront.
A relaxed coastal ride with fragrant pines, myrtles, and hidden coves. Detour to Punta della Suina or Lido Pizzo for a swim. End at Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet at Italy’s southernmost point. Watch the sun set from the lighthouse square – an unforgettable moment.
Today’s ride is along one of Italy’s most scenic coastal roads. Pass cliffside villages, hidden grottoes, and the famous Zinzulusa Cave. Pause at Santa Cesarea Terme and Porto Badisco, the mythical landing place of Aeneas. Arrive in Otranto, Italy’s easternmost town, known for its medieval cathedral and Aragonese castle.
Follow the Adriatic coast northward through sandy bays and pine woods. Swim at Sant’Andrea or Torre dell’Orso, then head inland past the wetlands of Le Cesine nature reserve, a birdwatching paradise. Visit Acaya, a rare example of a Renaissance fortified village, before reaching Lecce, the stunning capital of Salento and home to some of Italy’s most ornate Baroque architecture.
After breakfast, your tour ends in Lecce. If you’re heading home, take the train to Bari or Brindisi, or book a private transfer. If you have time, linger in Lecce’s elegant streets, visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, and enjoy the local pasticciotto pastry in one of the city’s many cafés.
We recommend flying to Bari or Brindisi and returning from Bari or Brindisi.
£112 for 7 days
£280 for 7 days
£14 for 7 days
Puglia, Italy
Getting to Puglia (start and end of tour)
By plane to Bari: Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) has direct flights from London Gatwick with British Airways and easyJet, and from London Stansted with Ryanair. The flight takes around 2 hours 50 minutes. The airport is around 8km from Bari city centre, with a train service from the airport station to Bari Centrale in around 20 minutes.
By plane to Brindisi: Brindisi Airport (BDS) is served by easyJet from London Gatwick and Ryanair from London Stansted. At around 2 hours 50 minutes, journey time is similar to Bari. Brindisi is around 6km from the city centre. It can be the better option if you’re starting the tour in Lecce or the south of Puglia.
By car: Both Bari and Brindisi are on the SS16 Adriatic highway. Hiring a car at either airport gives flexibility for reaching the tour start and exploring the region. The Trulli country of Alberobello is around 45 minutes from Bari by road.
Ryan Dutton
27 June 2025
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
Guided • 7 nights
Easy
From £1,250
Only 4 dates left
