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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
Apr 23-29
Jun 11-17
August 31-Sep 6
October 26-Nov 1

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

2009

April 22-28
June 10-16
August 30-Sep 5
October 25-31

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Monopoli/Lecce

Accommodations:

Il Trappetello, Monopoli

Il Palmento, Locorotondo

Hotel La Terra, Ostuni

Tenuta Cento Porte, Otranto

Activity Level:

Moderate
20-40+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

3 days gently rolling, 3 days are moderately rolling

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2250
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $400

Bike Rental:
US $140

Puglia, Biking

The Land of Trulli

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 7 days later in Otranto you’ll see the best of this region, all the while enjoying distinctive lodging and exquisite meals. Buon appetito!

 

Itinerary

Getting there :
Monopoli: You can take the train to Monopoli form Rome, Milan or Florance.

If you stay in Bari the night before the trip begins, you can take a train from Bari Centrale station to Monopoli.

DAY 1:
Monopoli 27 km

We’ll meet in Monopoli at 1:00 on arrival of the train from Rome/Bari, where our guides will do bike fit. Let’s go cycling! 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-we’ll visit the museum here to learn about this fascinating history. Back in Monopoli we’ll enjoy dinner at a favourite restaurant.

DAY 2:
Monopoli  42 km or 70 km
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.

DAY 3:

Locorotondo 42 km or 65 km
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-we’ll visit here with a local guide. 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.

DAY 4:

Ostuni 36 km or 64 km

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.

DAY 5:

Otranto 70 km

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 (we recommend a gelato here) and afterwards you’ll continue south to historical Otranto, the most eastern point on the Italian peninsula.

DAY 6:
Otranto 30 km, 60 km or 100 km

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.

DAY 7: We recommend allowing time to visit Lecce on your departure day…