12 DAYS Cycling in Puglia

Day 1: Arrival in Matera
We meet in Matera for the trip briefing and to supply your bikes and all you need for your self guided tour.
 
Day 2: From Matera to Putignano / Castellana (60/70km)
Today’s ride brings you to Putignano.
After passing the countryside out of Matera, you arrive in Gioia del Colle, the town is famous for its 'mozzarella Fior di latte' (made only with cow's milk), but also for its burrata. After a break, you start cycling again arriving in Putignano, after 23 km ca. Putignano, has become famous over the years for its picturesque carnival.
Once you get there, we recommend you lose yourself in its marvelous historic center, once protected by mighty walls with three gates that allowed entry: Porta Barsento (towards Alberobello), Porta Nuova (towards Castellana) and Porta Grande (towards Noci - Goia del Colle).
 
Day 3: Around Putignano: Monopoli, Polignano a mare and Castellana Grotte (61km)
Today's tour takes you to some of the towns in south-east of Bari, such as Polignano a Mare, where you can taste the typical octopus sandwich and have a swim in its beautiful sea;  Monopoli and Castellana Grotte, where it is possible to visit some astonishing caves, a complex of underground cavities of karst origin.
 
Day 4: From Putignano to Alberobello /Locorotondo/Martina Franca  (35 km/41 Km/45km)
The tour, at this point, brings you to the area known as Valle D'Itria.
Firstly, passing by Noci, which is probably the least known and least touristy of the towns in the Itria Valley, but worth a visit and a stop for a coffee. Gentle hills bring you to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 thanks to its 1.500 Trulli - typical houses with conical roofs.
 
Day 5: From Alberobello / Locorotondo to Manduria  (70/60 km)
 The longest section of the trip will take you up to Manduria, crossing the border between the Valle d’Itria and Salento: you will notice the change in the landscape around you during the day. Passing by Martina Franca, you’ll travel along a short section of the ‘Aqueduct Cycleway’, a path along the aqueduct of Puglia (which brings water from Campania all the way down to Salento). Then you’ll go on to Ceglie Messapica, a city known for its bread, that you can try in one of the oldest bakeries in the city, located in the old town. In Francavilla Fontana you can visit the Basilica Minore of the Holy Rosary and Argentina Palace. Next stop is Oria, ‘city of witches’. Leaving Oria, and passing by Erchie, you’ll have your overnight stay at a farm in the countryside of Avetrana (or in a B&B).
 
Day 6: Around Manduria (45 km)
The journey to discover the surroundings of Manduria will take you towards the sea, the long seaside bordered by the dunes of Torre Colimena, where you will have the chance to visit the Salina dei Monaci and also, if you like, do some birdwatching. Cycling along the coast heading north, you will reach San Pietro in Bevagna, where a crystalline sandy beach – totally deserted in the spring and autumn – will allow you to sunbathe and swim in the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea. From San Pietro in Bevagna you’ll head to Manduria where you can visit an ancient archaeological site of the Messapica era and the Primitivo Museum (primitivo is a high-alcohol red wine).
 
Day 7: From Manduria to Lecce (60 km)
On this day you head towards the ‘Florence of the South’: the city of Lecce.  The route is mainly in the area of ‘Salice Salentino’, whose vineyards produce a DOCG wine very popular around the world. You’ll go through a few small villages where, all year round, you’ll find the squares filled with elderly residents, hats pulled down against the sun, discussing politics and agriculture, and it seems that time has stood still. Later in the afternoon you’ll reach your destination.
 
Day 8: From Lecce to Otranto (58 Km)
Flat route today, with many interesting cultural and naturalistic sights. first you will visit Acaya – a fortified city with a huge castle -and then you plunge down to “le Cesine” – a WWF protected area, crossing point for many species of migratory birds. from there we head towards the coast, along the ruins of Roca Vecchia – an ancient bronze age city – and ‘Alimini’ lakes. some more kilometers and you are in Otranto, where narrow streets reveal wonders at every corner: The Saint Peter church byzantine frescoes, a walk along the ramparts overlooking the sea and finally the cathedral with its paved mosaic, a sort of figurative middle age encyclopedia.
 
Day 9: Otranto’s Surroundings (29 Km)
Exploring Otranto's surroundings day. Riding along the little river “Idro” (“water”), which gave the name to the city, you arrive in Casamassela, where old looms are still being used in “LE COSTANTINE” foundation. After a guided tour, you move toward Giurdignano, crossing a Bronze age megalithic garden containing huge stones (“Dolmen” and “Menhir”). In the late morning you’ll enjoy a LOCAL FOOD TASTING in a family - owned bakery. Optional horse riding in the morning or in the afternoon.
 
Day 10: Otranto – Leuca Coast (52 Km)
Today you cycle along the wildest Salento coastal stretch. You visit the PALASCÌA’ LIGHTHOUSE - eastern most point of Italy -  and a little red lake surfaced in a disused bauxite quarry. Then you carry on riding along the coast: nestled among the cliffs above the sea, this road is a huge balcony that looks onto Otranto Strait. With a little bit of luck, you will be able to see the mountains of Albania and Greece. You could visit ‘ZINZULUSA’ CAVE, going down nearly 200 feet into the earth bowels. On the way we admire some terraces and dry walls, the ingenious devices of peasants to get arable land in barren and impervious areas. After crossing the bridge over the “ciolo” (a small and rich in rare flora canyon carved by the waters), you reach Santa Maria di Leuca where you visit the sanctuary, following the ancient pilgrims’ footsteps.
 
Day 11: From Leuca to Gallipoli (61 Km)
Today you will discover Leuca Cape, the southern part of Apulia. After an astonishing defense tower situated in the centre of a small village - it is time to visit an ancient mill, dug into the rock, and then an enigmatic funerary monument made by big stones (its name “Centopietre”, means “hundred stones”), coming from Vereto, an ancient pre-Romanic town situated nearby. Finally, you visit Leuca piccola ('little Leuca'), an important pilgrimage station which still maintains a vast underground area.  Through olive groves and dry-stone walls you'll reach Ugento, maybe to visit its archaeological museum. In the afternoon, you reach again the ionic coast until the St. Andrew’s island and Punta pizzo Natural Park. In Gallipoli you could enjoy an aperitif on a terrace overlooking the sea. located on an island, this small fisherman village is striking by its light, its alleys and its fish market.
 
Day 12: Gallipoli’s Surroundings (60 Km) – optional cooking class or sailing tour
This a day dedicated to discovering Gallipoli’s inland.
The  first stop is Galatone, where you can see examples of Leccese baroque architecture.
Next stop is in the town of Galatina, where we suggest dedicating some times to visit the ‘ Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria’, which is a splendid example of the Romanic style in Puglia with Gothic influence.
On the way back, you pass by the cheese farm of our friends Mariangela and Antonio.
You will pass through Alezio, where you can visit the Messapian Civilization Museum, and learn more about the people living here before the Greek and Roman conquests.
 
Day 13: Way Back to Lecce (52 Km)
Last day of your trip. You pass by many 19th century fortified farmhouse and villas on our way back to Lecce. You stop in Nardò to visit its decadent baroque style historical center.
Next stop in Copertino to discover its impressive Norman castle and listen to stories about 'the hopi of flights'. 
Late afternoon arrival in Lecce and bikes drop off.
 
Day 14: Onward Travel