Night 1-5
B&B’s and Hotel in Salento (3-star)
Stay in Bed and Breakfast accommodations, as well as one hotel while exploring Salento. These accommodations are simple but clean and comfortable. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and great locations.
Best of Southern Puglia Cycling
Prices
Highlights
Spend 6 mesmerizing days cycling in southern Puglia on this self-guided cycling tour
There is no better way to explore southern Puglia than by bike! This 6-day circular cycling route beginning and ending in Lecce is the perfect mix of activity and relaxation. The Best of Southern Puglia Cycling will have you tracing the Mediterranean Peninsula's borders and experiencing some of Puglia's most stunning landscapes and charming seaside towns.
Experience the beauty of Lecce, the capital of Baroque art in Salento, admiring its myriad of historical and architectural jewels. Pedal through the Park of Porto Selvaggio, delighting in its rugged cliffs, coastal towers, and mystical caves. Discover a Norman Cathedral in Otranto, admiring the largest paved mosaic in southern Italy.
This cycling tour is the perfect escape for those looking to experience southern Puglia up close and personal in all its majesty. The mostly flat roads and beautiful balmy climate make this a pleasant ride, and the endless scenic landscapes will make this an adventure you're sure to cherish.
Best of Southern Puglia Cycling Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Benvenuti! Make your way to your accommodations in Lecce, located in the beautiful old town.
This historic city, first under Messapian and later Roman rule, is a sight to behold. After settling in, perhaps check out the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and the great collection of Baroque buildings that grace the town.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Lecce
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Cycle Copertino and the Park of Porto Selvaggio to Gallipoli
This morning following breakfast, a welcome meeting and bike fitting will take place before you set out on the road.
Your first day of cycling begins on beautiful country roads leading you to Copertino. Famous for its wine, the route through Copertino boasts exquisite vineyards and olive groves. Continuing to Nardó, you’ll witness the most beautiful baroque square in all of southern Italy.
Reaching the coast, you’ll enter the “green lung” of this part of the Ionian coast, where you’ll cycle through the Park of Porto Selvaggio. The park boasts captivating scenery, including rugged cliffs, coastal towers and cryptic caves.
Following the coast, you’ll reach the island-like town of Gallipoli. This magical ancient town is perfect for an evening of exploring. The imposing Gallipoli Castle towers above the center of the city, surrounded by the sea. Top off this spectacular first day by enjoying the sunset on the small beach of Purità!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Gallipoli
- Distance
- 50 km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle Punta Ristola and Discover the Devil’s Cave
Departing Gallipoli this morning, you’ll cycle along the road parallel to the coastline until you reach Punta Ristola, the extreme edge of the Salento Peninsula and the heel of Italy.
From the promontory where the Devil’s Cave is, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the harbour, including Leuca and Punta Melisso.
Arriving in tonight’s overnight location of Leuca, you can take a boat trip (not included) to discover the magical caves off the coast, an experience you won’t want to miss!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Leuca
- Distance
- 50 km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca and Ciolo Canyon
Enjoy another scenic ride today from Leuca to Otranto, taking in the magical horizon of shades of deep blue from both the sea and sky.
Having reached the southernmost point in Salento, enjoy Santa Maria di Leuca, exploring its legendary sanctuary and famous lighthouse.
Proceeding on a scenic stretch of road overlooking the sea, you’ll pedal gentle hills to the Ciolo Canyon—a whimsical landscape home to prehistoric caves and unique species of flora.
The scenery continues as you pass through the Bay of Acquaviva, Castro and Santa Cesarea.
Finally, you’ll reach Otranto, the easternmost city in all of Italy. Spend your evening exploring this pleasant coastal paradise, observing its ancient architectural connection points that once lead to the great Byzantium (Istanbul today). A visit to the Norman Cathedral of Otranto is also a must!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Otranto
- Distance
- 55 km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle Le Cesine and Acaya
Another beautiful stretch of coast characterizes your final day of cycling in Sorento. Pedalling scenic roads, you’ll reach The Cesine Nature Reserve. This protected oasis is home to extensive wetlands, dunes, beaches, and lovely woods.
Before riding your final stretch to return to Lecce, you’ll cross the magnificent Renaissance fortified town of Acaya.
Your cycling journey may have come to an end, but there’s still time to enjoy one last evening in Lecce, soaking up the sights and sounds of this picturesque seaside haven.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Lecce
- Distance
- 55 km
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 Depart
After breakfast this morning, check out of your accommodations before departing to the airport saying “addio!” to beautiful Salento.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Best of Southern Puglia Cycling Price and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour of Salento and Puglia is always run as a private tour for your group only.
Prices below are per person.
- Price per person solo traveller: from $950USD per person*
- Price per person staying in a single room (group of 2+): from $875USD*
- Price per person sharing a double or a triple room: from $595USD*
* Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Accommodation on the Best of Southern Puglia Cycling
This tour is based in either 3-star or 4-star hotels and B&Bs depending on whether you choose the standard or superior package.
Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $175USD - $350USD (depending on the season and category chosen) to have a private room in a hotel.
Standard accommodation:
Night 1-5
B&B’s and Hotel in Salento (4-star)
Stay in charming Bed and Breakfast accommodations, as well as a comfortable hotel as you wander through Salento. These 4-star accommodations offer modern amenities, pleasant rooms with ensuite bathrooms and great locations.
Superior accommodation:
What’s Included in the Best of Southern Puglia Cycling?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transportation from hotel to hotel is included on this tour.
Also Included
- Briefing meeting and bike fitting on Day 1
- Maps and route directions
- Phone assistance between 8 am and 9 pm
Not included
- Bike rental
- Flights to and from Italy
- Airport transfers
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as 'included'
- Guide
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplements
- Solo traveller supplements
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- Bike rental
- Airport transfers (min. 2 travellers)
Frequenty Asked Questions about Best of Southern Puglia Cycling
How hard is the Best of Southern Puglia Cycling?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The route is based mostly on flat winding roads. Daily distance covered ranges from 50 km-55 km. You should be comfortable riding a bike and used to cycling these distances. Breaks for rest and refreshments are frequent on the tour.
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.
How much should I budget for tourist taxes?
Tourist taxes in Italy vary depending on accommodation star rating and might be anywhere between 0.8 to 3 euro per night per person. You should budget around 10 EUR per person for the whole trip. This tax does not apply to children up to 10 years old.
Are meals included on the Best of Southern Puglia Cycling?
5 breakfasts are including on this tour.
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 Lecce to start this tour?
The closest airport is Brindisi ant the quickest and cheapest option would be to use train (30 km, around 4 EUR for one-way ride). Another option would be to fly to Bari Airport (BRI). You can take a train from the airport to Lecce, taking approximately 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from Bari Airport to Lecce or arrange your own private transfer.
Where does the Best of Southern Puglia Cycling end?
The tour ends in the town of Lecce. Departing from Lecce, you can take a train to Bari Airport (BRI), which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from Lecce to Bari Airport or arrange your own private transfer.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes! Please make sure it’s a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
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.
When is the best time to travel to Italy for this tour?
The best time to visit Salento and Puglia for this tour is in the late spring, early summer, and early fall. High summer tends to be very hot and busy.
Reviews
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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.
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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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Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The route is based mostly on flat winding roads. Daily distance covered ranges from 50 km-55 km. You should be comfortable riding a bike and used to cycling these distances. Breaks for rest and refreshments are frequent on the tour.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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