Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsAlbergo Diffuso Monopoli in Monopoli
Beautiful and stylish hotel in the very heart of Monopoli is your perfect choice to start your Puglian adventure.
Puglia Cycling Tour
Prices
Highlights
Bike from Polignano a Mare to Lecce in the beautiful Puglia region
This wonderful cycling tour in Puglia takes you from Monopoli to Lecce. Cycle along the unbelievable coastline of Puglia, the heel of Italy. You’ll cross breathtaking landscapes, stop to swim in the welcoming ocean, and immerse yourself in the culture of this special region at every stop.
The Puglia Cycling tour begins in the stunning seaside town of Polignano a Mare. You’ll ride through the mazes of whitewashed houses and past bustling squares, making your way to the enchanting caves lining the coast at Castellana. Sleep in a traditional Trulli home, which makes you feel like you’re in another world. Cycle through olive groves and brilliant vineyards, stop in medieval towns for ice cream, and marvel at gothic cathedrals.
The Puglia Cycling tour takes you to the magnificent Torre del Pizzo beach, where you’ll sunbathe under a row of colorful mansions. Let the sea breeze guide you to past the Alimini Lakes, and arrive in the Baroque city of Lecce.
Regional wine and a fine dinner will send you off back home, but you won’t want this Italian cycling tour in Puglia to end!
Puglia Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Monopoli
You’ll start your cycling tour of Puglia in the lovely town of Monopoli. Whitewashed houses stand out against the deep blue sea here, and the unique churches and squares make for great scenery.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Monopoli
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Ride through Olive Groves to Alberobello
Today’s ride is a gradual climb from the Adriatic sea to the gently undulating valley of Itria. through the typical Murgia landscape with olive groves and fields surrounded by low stone walls. Stop at Castellana Grotte for a rest and to visit an immense underground cave system, one of the largest in Europe. Continue on to Alberobello, the Trulli capital of the world and a UNESCO Heritage town. Alberobello is unique for having over 1000 trulli, or white-washed stone houses with conical roofs.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Alberobello
- Distance
- 3 hours, 46.5 km, 500m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 Bike to Osunti
Today, you’ll cycle through the historically rich area of Murgia, where olive groves and vineyards dominate. Fly by the local farmhouses to Cisternino, a medieval town with fabulous local wine. Don’t have too many glasses, because you’ll ride on to Ostuni, a great seaside town with an impressive 15th-century gothic cathedral. It’s a sight to behold!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Ostuni
- Distance
- 3 hours, 40 km, 300m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 Ride to Gallipoli
Today, you’ll ride to the train station to travel to Lecce, where your ride will gently trail through the countryside. You’ll pass through little historic towns like Nardo and Copertino, where you’re free to take a coffee break and enjoy the day a bit. Then, one last push past the olive trees gets you to Gallipoli for the evening. Take an evening dip in the Ionian Sea and find a tasty spot for dinner and wine.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Gallipoli
- Distance
- 4.5 hours, 52 km, 240m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 Swim in the Adriatic & Bike to Santa Maria di Leuca
The ride this morning follows the coastline to the southernmost point of Puglia, which divides the Ionian and Adriatic. You’ll pass by paradise at Torre del Pizzo beach, so don’t pass up the chance for a divine swim! Let the sun and the soft white sand treat you before you ride along to Santa Maria di Leuca. This village is quirky, filled with wildly colourful mansions and pristine beaches.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca
- Distance
- 4.5 hours, 51 km, 200m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 Bike to Otranto
The next leg of your cycling tour through Puglia follows a high coastal route with a refreshing sea breeze. Let the wind cool you as you wind your way along the road, which has National Geographic-worthy views! Then, you’ll take a pit stop at the Grotta Zinzulusa, a fascinating cave. Then, ride to Otranto, a port town with Greek and Roman influencers where you’ll be spending the night.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Otranto
- Distance
- 4.5 hours, 53 km, 520m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 Bike to Lecce
Start the final full day of your cycling adventure through Italy with a visit to the Alimini Lakes, shallow and perfectly blue lakes that run parallel to the sea. You’ll ride through Salento, where traces of Greek influence can still be found in the dialect, food, and architecture. Stop for a gelato and appreciate the bright white buildings against the blue sky. Then, you’ll ride through to Lecce, the vibrant Baroque town that you can spend the night wandering. Grab a glass of wine and some bread with olive oil and enjoy!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Lecce
- Distance
- 4.5 hours, 52 km, 120m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8 Farewell, Puglia!
Savour your last breakfast before packing up to leave Lecce, unless you have extra nights booked. Arrivederci!
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Puglia Cycling Price and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour of Puglia is always run as a custom tour for your group only, therefore the price depends on the season and whether you are staying in a single, double or a triple room.
Departures are available on Fridays. Departures on other days are possible with a supplement if there are less than 4 participants (please check Optional Extras to find out more).
Departure on April 14th – April 30th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,350USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $995USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $925USD
Departure on May 1st – 25th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,395USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,025USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $925USD
Departure on May 26th – June 5th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,495USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,095USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $975USD
Departure on June 6th – 25th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,550USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,125USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $995USD
Departure on June 26th – July 10th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,575USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,150USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $1,025USD
Departure on July 11th – 14th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,650USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,195USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $1,050USD
Departure on September 1st – 9th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,625USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,175USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $1,025USD
Departure on September 10th – 16th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,575USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,150USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $1,025USD
Departure on September 17th – 23th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,550USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,125USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $995USD
Departure on September 24th – 30th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,495USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,095USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $975USD
Departure on October 1st – 13th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,395USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $1,025USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $925USD
Accommodation on the Puglia Cycling Tour
This tour is based in 3 and 4-star hotels and B&Bs. The hotels offer pleasant rooms with ensuite bathrooms and great locations. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travelers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season and the size of the group (please check Dates and Prices for more info).
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsTrullidea Resort in Alberobello
This resort enjoys a central location, and each trulli has a garden, great views, and modern amenities.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Relais Sant’Eligio in Ostuni
Hotel Relais Sant’Eligio in Ostuni is in an optimal location to explore the town. The rooms offer elegant furnishing and stellar views.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel 33 Baroni in Gallipoli
This bright hotel is close to the sea and the centre of town, and the rooms are comfortable, clean, and breakfast is served on the terrace.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel L’Approdo in Santa Maria di Leuca
Hotel L’Approdo is right in a marina and offers modern, bright, welcoming rooms. There is an outdoor swimming pool and access to a private beach.
Night 6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel San Giuseppe in Otranto
This hotel is built into a 16th-century farmhouse, and the rooms are lovely. They offer air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and TV.
Night 7
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Delle Palme in Lecce
This stunning hotel is a great example of 20th-century Leccese architecture. The rooms are elegantly decorated and large.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Puglia Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 7 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes rental bike delivery and pick up, as well as luggage transfers during the biking days, however, you are responsible for any personal transfers.
Also Included
- Route guides and notes
- Maps and detailed information packs
- 24/7 telephone guidance and support
- Bike theft insurance
Not included
- Bike rental
- Travel insurance
- Trains, boats, or busses wherever required
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes
- Personal equipment
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour (only available in Monopoli and Lecce)
- Airport transfers
- Bike and biking equipment rental
- Additional fee for starting the tour on other days than Friday
Frequenty Asked Questions about Puglia Cycling Tour
How hard is the Puglia Coastal Walking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You will cycle moderate distances, but routes are generally easy to follow and you can use an e-bike to make the route easier. The majority of the route is without shade and with short uphill stretches, with the day 6 being the most challenging.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.
Are meals included on the Puglia Cycling Tour?
7 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Monopoli to start this tour?
You can fly into Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS).
Is the Puglia Cycling tour guided?
No, you will be provided with maps, route guides, notes, and 24/7 telephone support to complete your self-guided tour.
Where does the Puglia Cycling tour end?
The tour ends in Lecce, where you can take the train to Brindisi or Bari and then the bus to the airport.
Are bike rentals included?
Bike rentals are not included, but they are available as an optional extra. You can rent a hybrid, mountain, or electric bike
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Reviews
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Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
4.9
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I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You will cycle moderate distances, but routes are generally easy to follow and you can use an e-bike to make the route easier. The majority of the route is without shade and with short uphill stretches, with the day 6 being the most challenging.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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