Price
Sale
Share this trip with a friend
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Puglia in south eastern Italy encompasses the heel of Italy's boot and is bordered by the sea on two sides (the Adriatic Sea in the east and the Ionian Sea to the southeast). The region is characterised by endless olive groves, long fields of grain and vineyards. This cycle tour delves into this region of scenic beauty, which is still unspoiled and retains a rich cultural legacy. This circuit route follows both the Ionian and Adriatic coasts from Lecce, often referred to as the Florence of the south. This is an ideal holiday for those short on time, seeking the less known pockets of Italy with all the coastal highlights of Puglia. Staying in atmospheric hotels ensures you gain a full appreciation of this special region.
Read 14 reviews
More info about grading system
27kg of CO2-e PP per day
(136kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Arrive Lecce
Make your own way to Lecce and check-in to the first hotel. Thanks to its Baroque style, Lecce has earned the nickname of "Florence of the South". Appreciate the rich sculpted motifs from the 17th century made 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.
Meals: B
Day 2
Cycle to the Ionian coast and Gallipoli (50km/31mi)
The cycle begins by heading deep into the "Salentinian countryside" before approaching the Ionian coast and your destination for today, Gallipoli. An ancient Greek city, it is a fishing town divided into two parts: the new town and the old town, which is connected by a 17th century bridge to the mainland. The stage is mainly flat as you wind your way on country roads. Elevation +245m/803ft, -290m/951ft
Day 3
Continue along the coast to Santa Maria di Leuca (50km/31mi)
Continue cycling further along the coast and you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. The name was given to this town by ancient Greek sailors who came from the East. They say it was enlightened by the sun and therefore called it "Leukos", meaning white. Today it is a famous seaside resort and fishing area and there is ample opportunity to swim at the beach in the afternoon. This is an easy stage on flat, paved surfaces with some short ups and downs in the final part. Elevation +-215m/705ft
Day 4
Cycle along the Adriatic coast to Otranto (50km/31mi)
Another superb day of cycling as you follow the Adriatic coast northwards. Passing by small towns, impressive grottoes, inlets for swimming and small cafes, you soon arrive at Otranto, Italy's most eastern point and where you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle. This is the most challenging stage. There is a 1km climb out from Santa Maria di Leuca and 3km of continuous and regular slopes after Santa Cesaria Terme. You'll cycle along the coastal SP358, considered one of Italy's most scenic roads. Elevation +-515m/1690ft (total - highest point approx 140m)
Day 5
Cycle to Lecce along the Alimini Lakes (55km/34mi)
Today's stage is easy. Leave the lovely town of Otranto behind and discover the Alimini Lakes nature reserve, the old hunting ground of the Swabians and the Aragonese, on your way back to Lecce. Elevation +220m/721ft/-173m/568ft
Day 6
Trip concludes
After breakfast the trip concludes. Lecce is well connected by train with the airports of Bari and Brindisi.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed touring bike with handbrakes. Available with a unisex or high cross bar in various sizes, with the size based on your height. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit. Helmets will be provided locally.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. The electric bike provided has a low-entry frame and a battery with an average range of 90km.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 18 years (or 14 -17 years on request - note the insurance is not valid for e-bikes under the age of 18) and a minimum height requirement is 147cm / 4ft10in.
GRADE 3 - 4 days cycling with daily distances between 50 and 55km/31 and 34mi. The route on some days is flat and on others it is hilly - the total elevation gain is a sum of many ups and downs during the day and for this tour all the stages are quite similar, except between S. Maria di Leuca and Otranto (day 4) which has a greater elevation gain. You will cycle almost always on asphalt/tarmac roads. Traffic is almost non-existent in Puglia, except during the high holiday season. The route includes very beautiful stretches along the coast. The trip requires a good level of fitness, and e-bikes are also available (with supplement). As your luggage is transported for you between hotels, you only need to carry your daily requirements - camera, lunch, etc. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Lecce is connected with airports in Brindisi (50km) and Bari (180km). Brindisi airport (BDS) - there is a bus directly to Lecce (transfer time approx 40mins, cost approx 6.50€). Bari airport (BRI) - take the train or Tempesta shuttle to Bari Centrale station then the train to Lecce (takes approx 2hrs, cost varies dependent on the service).
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
8Days
Moderate
Introductory to Moderate
4Days