Touring Bike
£95 for 5 days
A short, captivating loop through the Salento — the sun-bleached heel of Italy's boot. Starting and finishing in Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’, this 6-day self-guided tour traces the Ionian and Adriatic coasts through Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca (where the two seas meet), and Otranto, the easternmost point of Italy.
The cycling is mostly flat and entirely on paved roads, passing through the ‘salentinian countryside’ of olive groves, dry stone walls, and whitewashed masserie farmhouses. The coastline sections are spectacular — turquoise coves, dramatic cliffs, and sandy beaches that rival anything in the Greek islands. One stage, from Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto along coastal road 358, is widely considered one of the most scenic cycling roads in the world.
Daily stages range from 50 to 55 km. The terrain is mostly flat with some short hilly sections, particularly on the dramatic Adriatic coast stage. Accommodation is in 3-star and 4-star hotels throughout, all with en-suite facilities and air conditioning.
Individual arrival in Lecce. Thanks to its extraordinary baroque architecture, Lecce has earned the nickname ‘Florence of the South’. The ornate facades of the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Roman amphitheatre in the central piazza, and the warm golden stone of the old town are all best explored on foot in the evening light.
Example accommodation: Hotel Patria Palace ****
After a few kilometres through the town of Lecce, you head deep into the ‘salentinian countryside’ — a landscape of ancient olive groves, dry stone walls, and red earth. Approaching the Ionian coast, the countryside gives way to the sea and you arrive in Gallipoli, a historic port town built on an island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. The old town’s narrow streets, baroque churches, and excellent seafood restaurants make for a memorable evening.
Example accommodation: Hotel Palazzo del Corso ****
Cycling further along the Ionian coast, you pass through the seaside towns of the southern Salento. The route is the easiest stage of the tour — almost entirely on asphalted roads, flat with some gentle undulations in the final section. Your destination, Santa Maria di Leuca, sits at the very tip of the Italian heel, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. The lighthouse and the Basilica above the harbour are striking landmarks.
Example accommodation: Hotel Terminal ****
The most dramatic day of the tour. You cycle northwards along the Adriatic coast on road 358 — widely regarded as one of the most scenic cycling roads in the world. The route climbs and descends through spectacular coastal scenery, passing the natural spa of Santa Cesaria Terme and arriving in Otranto, the easternmost point of mainland Italy. The magnificent Cathedral, with its extraordinary 12th-century mosaic floor, and the great Aragonese Castle are both unmissable.
Example accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Papaleo ****
An easy final stage riding along the Alimini Lakes — a nature reserve of unique Mediterranean bush and wetland, once the hunting ground of the Swabians and the Aragonese. The landscape opens out as you leave the coast behind and return through the agricultural heartland to Lecce, completing the loop.
Example accommodation: Hotel Patria Palace ****
Departure after breakfast. Brindisi Airport is around 40 minutes by car, and Bari Airport around 1 hour 45 minutes. Transfers can be arranged in advance.
We recommend flying to Brindisi Airport (BDS) or Bari Airport (BRI) and returning from Brindisi Airport (BDS) or Bari Airport (BRI).
£95 for 5 days
£240 for 5 days
£15 for 5 days
Getting to Lecce
By plane: Brindisi Airport (BDS) is the nearest airport, around 40 minutes from Lecce by car or bus. Direct flights from London Stansted and other UK airports are available on Ryanair. Bari Airport (BRI) is around 1 hour 45 minutes from Lecce and has more UK connections, including British Airways from Heathrow.
By train: Lecce is the terminus of Italy's Adriatic rail line. From Rome, the Frecciargento high-speed train takes around 4 hours 30 minutes. From the UK, take the Eurostar to Paris, then overnight or high-speed connections via Rome or Milan to Lecce.
Getting home from Lecce
This is a loop tour returning to Lecce, so outbound and return travel use the same connections. Transfers to Brindisi Airport (£166 for 1-3 persons) and Bari Airport (£331 for 1-3 persons) can be booked in advance.
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.
