Day 1 | Arrival into Bari Airport

Upon arrival you can catch the bus from the airport to Matera. A local representative will fit you to your bikes (if hiring) and conduct your welcome meeting. It’s a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the week ahead. If time allows, we recommend a stroll through the narrow streets and many stairways of the historical “Sassi” Quarter. Matera, known as the ‘City of Caves’ is a wonderful place to explore.

Meals Included: None

Day 2 | Cycle Matera to Noci | Distance: 37 miles (60km)

Today you’ll leave Matera following quiet, country roads through glorious Apulian countryside. You’ll follow a rollercoaster route, surrounded by olive trees, as you reach the famous area of the Trulli houses. Look out for authentic houses scattered along the route, as you make your way towards Noci, a splendid village that represents the beauty of this region. Surrounded by walnut and oak trees, Noci is halfway between the Adriatic and the Ionian sea. To make the most of your stay in the area, your accommodation is a Masseria (converted farmhouse)where you can relax after your first day’s ride.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 | Cycle Noci to Alberobello | Distance: 34 miles (56km)

On your second day ride you have two options: Coastal long or shorter taking your more direct to Alberobello. Leaving Noci in the morning both routes take you through the distinctive Puglian landscape, via Putignano and Castellana where you have the option to visit an impressive underground cave system (payable locally). From here, the short route will meander back towards Alberobello, whereas the longer route will head towards the coast. On reaching the coast you arrive in the town of Monopoli, with its charming mix of Norman, Venetian-Byzantine and Arabic architecture. The old town is a perfect spot for a coffee break. From Monopoli you then loop back through the countryside to Alberobello where you will arrive with plenty of to spare to explore this most charming of towns.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 | Cycle Alberobello to Ostuni | Distance: 31 miles (50km)

Today you’ll be riding through the historically-rich Murgia area along quiet roads surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and traditional masserie (typical farmhouses of Puglia). You’ll pass through the medieval towns of Cisternino and Locorotondo, both of which are worth jumping off your bikes to explore their centres. Cisternino has a spectacular viewpoint, from where you can see the lush Valle d‘Itria. Your destination for today is Ostuni, where you’ll spend the evening. Known as ‘La Citta Bianca‘, or the White City, Ostuni sits majestically on a hill, offering spectacular views out to the Adriatic. Spend the evening exploring Ostuni’s narrow streets within its protective walls. With its ‘white glow‘, Ostuni is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Puglia. The whiteness of the houses of the old town is due to the lime, which for centuries has been used for painting the walls. Resting on three hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea, it is surrounded by age old olive groves. The city’s main symbol is the obelisk of Sant‘Oronzo, located in Piazza della Libertà.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 | Train to Lecce - Cycle to Borgagne | Distance: 21 miles (35km)

Leaving Ostuni, you ride a short distance to the station to then take the train (payable locally) to the city of Lecce. Due to its rich Baroque architectural style, Lecce is known as the ‘Florence of the South‘. After a short break you cycle out of town heading again south through the gnarled olive groves and the countryside of the Salento, where we’ll find traces of former Greek colonies still present in the dialect, cuisine and architecture. You accommodation is on the outskirts of the quiet Borgagne town.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 | Cycle Otranto and loop coastal ride | Distance: 30 miles (50km)

Setting off on our bikes this morning we weave along a short section reaching the low wetlands of Alimini between the coast and the fertile Salento plains, reaching at the end of the morning Otranto, a Greco-Roman port frequented by merchants and thrill-seekers. As we enter the old town, we will notice the remarkable wall surrounding the Castle of Otranto. After a break, you head off on a loop ride first inland to then arrive at the coastal town of Santa Cesarea Terme with great views of the coast and known for its thermal baths. Your return to Otranto you head north again along the high coastal road and wind your way along the cliff tops with magnificent views along the way. On your way you will pass the well-known Porto Badisco and the Punta Palascia Lighthouse. Your accommodation is in Otranto.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 | Cycle Otranto to Lecce | Distance: 37 miles (60km)

On your last day ride, you head back to Lecce, weaving your way through cultivated fields you reach the little hamlet of Acaya dominated by its enormous castle. We recommend a coffee break here before you then head further north into the gnarled olive groves and take the road leading into Lecce. Today you have more time to explore this brilliant city of wonderful palaces and treasures. With the soft local stone easily worked with warm colours, many fine architectural decorations have been made to adorn this magnificent city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 | Departure from Lecce

Arrivederci Puglia! Time to head to the airport for flights home.

Child prices and single supplements are available on request. Please speak to our Activities Experts on 020 7471 7760 for more details.