Puglia: Cycle The Heel Of Italy

8 days - from $1363

Cycle from the white-coned trulli of Alberobello along an idyllic coastline to Lecce
In the heart of the Mediterranean is the captivating region of Puglia, a unique landscape sandwiched between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Our journey around the remote heel of Italy's boot starts from the famous round houses of Alberobello. The 'Trulli di Alberobello' are over 5000 years old and those still standing have made this small town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After passing through the stunning 'white city' of Ostuni, a charming example of Mediterranean architecture, the route veers towards the idyllic Ionian coastline. Gallipoli is known as the 'Ionian Pearl', with its 16th century castle perched on a limestone island. The remainder of the journey takes us to the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas at the most southerly point of the region, Santa Maria di Leuca, and continues through a charming coastal landscape to the Messapian town of Otranto. The route then passes through olive orchards and limestone cliffs to Lecce, the capital of Salento, known for its impressive ampitheatre and countless churches and palaces.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Matera. Make your own way from Bari or Brindisi to Matera by train. 2 Ride through the historic 'Sassi' houses of Matera before heading to the town and commune of Alberobello. 3 Cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria and one of the prettiest cultural landscapes of the south, past the picturesque fairy-tale trulli houses to Ostuni - offering breathtaking coastal views. 4 A train transfer takes you to Lecce; cycling through the 'salentinian countryside' the route then heads to beautiful Gallipoli on the Ionian coast with its old town situated on a rocky island. 5 Today you reach the most southerly point of Salento at Santa Maria di Leuca, home to one of the most important lighthouses in Italy and the architecural delights of numerous villas built at the turn of the century. 6 Follow the south coast of the Adriatic Sea through charming landscape to the ancient town of Otranto. 7 Continue along the shoreline through innumerable olive groves to the Baroque metropolis of Lecce. 8 End Lecce.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 54km (33 miles) No of cycling days: 6 Vehicle support: none whilst cycling, luggage transferred between hotels for you Terrain and route: most of the cycling is along flat, mainly traffic-free, tarmac roads. There are a few gentle ascents and descents along the way.
Group size: Self-guided. Route notes and maps are provided.
Accommodation: 7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Food: All breakfasts included.
Compulsory Single Supplement: from $306.25
Trip Reference: LSI
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Start any Saturday from 07 April - 16 June and 01 September - 20 October All dates GBP779 Prices are 'Land only' and do not include travel from London Low cost flights available to Brindisi and Bari with Ryanair Local Bike Hire: 27 speed customised touring bikes GBP60, paid on booking
Trip Reference: LSI