Cycling vacations in Puglia, Italy

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Cycling vacations in Italy, Puglia


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Cycling tours in Italy, Puglia
Cycling across Puglia


Itinerary for Cycling across Puglia



 

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Total length: 330 km
Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved

Route mostly in the lowlands, sometimes hilly. Traffic is almost non existent in Apulia except during the high holiday season. The route includes very beautiful stretches on the coast.

Note: Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each rider can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.


Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival. Alberobello is a unique and inimitable city as it is the only urban settlement of the so-called trulli (cone buildings) in the whole world. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Alberobello


Day 2: Alberobello to Ostuni
You cycle through the countryside to Ostuni, which is reputed an architectural jewel, and is commonly referred to as “the White Town” for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture. You leave Alberobello and the Trulli city crossing the last part of Murge and going through the towns of Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Cisternino before arriving to the white city of Ostuni. The most challenging part is between Locorotondo and Cisternino.
Biking approx. 55 km (elevation gain: 460 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Ostuni


Day 3: Ostuni to Manduria
Today you will leave Ostuni and the Murge hills behind you and will start cycling on the Salento plain, characterized by green and red colours, given by its olive trees and its red soil. Along the way you will have the chance to visit Oria, with its beautiful historical centre and the castle built by emperor Federico II. Today’s destination is the Manduria area, the capital of the Primitivo grapes.
The route follows tarmac country roads. There are two climbs to overcome, to reach the city centres of Carovigno and Oria.
Biking approx. 60 km (elevation gain: 270 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Manduria


Day 4: Manduria to Gallipoli
From now on you will head towards the seaside, which will accompany your bike tour between ancient coastal towers and fine sand. You will now reach Porto Cesareo, where we suggest to enjoy a good fish-based lunch. Rolling south, our destination will be the Greek Kale Polis, today’s Gallipoli, with one of the most beautiful historic centres of Salento. Enjoy a stroll in its streets and the views of the sea that surrounds it.
It is a long but easy stage; the only climb is the one towards Porto Selvaggio. You will find an unpaved path while crossing the nature reserve Salina dei Monaci and along the lagoon of Porto Cesareo.
Biking approx. 70 km (elevation gain: 360 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Gallipoli


Day 5: Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca
Cycling further along the coast you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca. Its name was given by the ancient Greek sailors who came from the East. They saw this place lightened by the sun and therefore called it “leukos”, meaning white. The town is today a famous seaside resort.
It is the easiest stage, all on asphalted road, flat with some short ups and downs in the final part.
Biking approx. 50 km (elevation gain: 50 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca


Day 6: Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto
Today you will cycle northwards along the Adriatic coast to Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy where you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle. The most challenging stretches are 1km climb out from S.M. di Leuca and 3km of continuous but regular slope after Santa Cesaria Terme. Today you will cycle along the coast road 358: one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Biking approx. 50 km (elevation gain: 460 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Otranto


Day 7: Otranto to Lecce
Riding along the Alimini Lakes and their unique Mediterranean bush you’ll enter into Lecce. Thanks to its Baroque style, it has deserved the nickname of Florence of the South. You’ll come to appreciate the rich sculpted motives done in the 17th-century with the tender stone from Lecce. The old town enclosed by what is left of the ancient walls, bears the impression of that exuberant period. This is an easy stage. We leave the lovely town of Otranto behind us to discover the Alimini Lakes nature reserve, the old hunting ground of the Swabians and the Aragonese.
Biking approx. 55 km (elevation gain: 100 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Lecce


Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast


Route Map Puglia

How to shorten the stages
In Italy there is a good train service offering bicycle transport. This low-cost option will allow you to reach the next city in case of rain or bad weather, or if you prefer to visit a city at your own pace instead of cycling. Trains with bicycle compartments are usually regional trains and are indicated with a bicycle symbol on the carriage and also on the timetables displayed at the railway station.
The cost of the ticket for a passenger varies according to the distance covered, whereas for the bike it is always 3.50 € (valid for 24 hours on the entire Italian network). Tickets can be bought directly at the railway station. We remind you that in Italy it is compulsory to validate the ticket before getting on the train.

For further information on timetables and prices you can consult
www.trenitalia.com, www.fseonline.it or www.fal-srl.it.

If you want to shorten the itinerary by taking the train, you can do it only on day 3.
You can shorten the stage from Alberobello to Locorotondo or to Martina Franca by taking a local train.
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Cycling across Puglia
Tour Code: ZZ-BK-GL03
8 days / 7 nights ~$1,190.00
Dates: Apr to Oct (exc. Aug)

Trip Rating :
Level : Fitness Level
Difficulty Levels Explained
1. Easy
Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
2. Easy to Moderate
An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured activity is recommended.
3. Moderate
Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
4. Demanding
You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain.
5. Strenuous
Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc..
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
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Airport: Bari
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