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Discover the sun-drenched landscapes, coastal towns and rich culinary traditions of Puglia on this 7-day guided cycling holiday through Salento, the heel of Italy's boot. Beginning and ending in Lecce, renowned for its elaborate Baroque architecture, cycle along quiet country roads and scenic coastal routes, passing olive groves, traditional villages and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Explore the historic seaside towns of Otranto and Gallipoli, follow the dramatic coastline around Santa Maria di Leuca, where the two seas meet, and stop for a refreshing swim at inviting beaches along the way. Food is an integral part of the experience, with opportunities to sample regional specialties, learn the art of making traditional pasta and enjoy a tasting of local wines. Share the experience with like-minded travelers, enjoying the camaraderie of a group and the local insights of an experienced English-speaking tour leader. With comfortable accommodation, daily luggage transfers and all the logistics taken care of, you can focus on the pleasure of cycling, discovering the region's culture and embracing the relaxed pace of life in southern Italy.
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Day 1
Arrive Lecce
Make your own way to Lecce, the historic heart of Salento and the starting point of your guided cycling adventure. Known for its magnificent Baroque architecture, Lecce is a delight to explore on foot. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, admire its ornate churches and elegant piazzas, and sample the flavours of traditional Puglian cuisine. Settle into your hotel and soak up the atmosphere of this charming southern Italian city.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle from Lecce to Gallipoli (50km / 31mi)
Our cycling journey begins as we leave Lecce and pedal through the countryside towards the Ionian coast. Pass through the historic towns of Copertino and Nardò, where impressive Baroque buildings and picturesque squares offer a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. We continue towards the coast, where the sparkling blue waters of the Ionian Sea come into view. We follow the shoreline to Gallipoli, a charming seaside town known for its atmospheric old quarter and coastal setting. Cycling: a mostly flat route on country roads and unpaved trails. Elevation: + 245m / 804ft, -290m / 951ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Cycle along the Ionian coast to Santa Maria di Leuca (50km / 31mi)
Enjoy a scenic day of cycling along Salento's beautiful Ionian coastline. We pedal past golden beaches, fragrant Mediterranean vegetation and inviting stretches of turquoise sea. The route follows the coast south towards Santa Maria di Leuca, situated at the southern tip of the Salento peninsula, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. Take time to appreciate the coastal scenery and relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque seaside destination. Cycling: mostly flat on paved roads, with some short ups and downs at the end of the stage. Elevation: +-215m / 705ft
Day 4
Continue along the Adriatic coast to Vignacastrisi (30km / 19mi)
Today the scenery changes as we follow the dramatic Adriatic coastline, where rocky cliffs and secluded coves replace the sandy beaches of the west. We cycle past the spectacular Fiordo del Ciolo and the beautiful inlet of Acquaviva, with an opportunity to stop at the natural swimming pools of Marina Serra. We continue to the traditional village of Vignacastrisi, where a hands-on pasta-making experience introduces the region's culinary traditions. Cycling: There is a 1km climb out from S.M. di Leuca, the day includes cycling along the scenic coastal road 358. Elevation: +450m / 1476ft, -370m / 1214ft
Day 5
Cycle via Otranto to Torre Saracena (45km / 28mi)
We continue north along the scenic Adriatic coast, passing the thermal town of Santa Cesarea Terme and the picturesque bay of Porto Badisco before arriving in Otranto, a historic coastal town with a charming old centre and impressive cathedral. Enjoy time to explore before continuing our ride through the coastal landscapes of eastern Salento. A local wine tasting provides an opportunity to discover the region's winemaking traditions before reaching our accommodation. Cycling: continues along the scenic coast road 358. There is 3km/.8m of continuous but regular slope after Santa Cesaria Terme. After Otranto, the route becomes flatter through the Alimini Lakes Nature Reserve. Elevation: +330m / 1083ft, -415m / 1361ft
Day 6
Return to Lecce (35km / 22mi)
Enjoy our final day in the saddle as we follow the Adriatic coastline north, with opportunities to admire the sea views and perhaps enjoy a final swim. Leaving the coast behind, we cycle inland through the Salento countryside towards Lecce. On arrival, enjoy a guided visit of the city's historic centre, discovering more about its Baroque architecture and fascinating heritage. We spend our final evening enjoying the atmosphere and local cuisine of this beautiful southern Italian city. Cycling: Flat along the coast, with a gentle uphill inland towards Lecce. The easiest stage of the trip. Elevation: +155m / 509ft, -115m / 377ft
Day 7
Trip concludes
Your guided cycling holiday concludes after breakfast. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, enjoy a final stroll through Lecce's historic streets or relax over a coffee in one of its lively piazzas before departing. Lecce is well connected by train with the airports of Bari and Brindisi, or we can assist with a private transfer. Also with booking extra nights if you'd like to linger.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed touring bike with handbrakes. The bikes are available in various sizes and with unisex and mens frames. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a lock and gel seat, plus handlebar bag and repair kit (1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers) per room. Helmets will be provided locally (suitable for head circumferences from 58 to 61)
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. As e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, they 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.
Along a mostly flat route with short hilly sections, almost entirely on tarmac, low-traffic roads. More traffic will be encountered when entering and exiting villages, towns and cities.
GRADE 3 - This trip involves 5 days cycling with daily distances between 30 and 50km/19 and 31mi. The route is mostly flat, with some short hilly sections. You will cycle almost always on asphalt roads. Traffic is light in Puglia, except during the high season. The route includes very beautiful stretches along the coast. It requires a reasonable level of fitness to fully participate in this adventure. You need only carry your hat, camera and water bottle as your main luggage is transported between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate
4Days