Tasting Puglia By Bike

Tasting Puglia By Bike

Tasting Puglia By Bike

Prices

From $1,550USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels, B&B

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Spend 8 days cycling and eating your way through Southern Italy with a guide

Discover Puglia’s Murge, Itria Valley, and Salento, satisfying your sense of adventure while delighting your palate.

Cycle from Polignano a Mare to Lecce, discovering the beauty of Puglia’s small towns and villages along the way.

Visit wineries, restaurants, farmhouses, and pastry shops, immersing yourself in the rich flavours of Puglia.

Be swept back in time with visits to ancient castles, Baroque towns, and fascinating historical museums.

Experience the perfect balance of activity and indulgence on this 8-day guided cycling tour of Puglia. Discover the best food and wine of this region as you cycle its mesmerizing landscapes.
This mouth-watering adventure will take you from the beautiful coastal town of Polignano a Mare to the Baroque Lecce. The exquisite route will take you through some of Puglia’s most spectacular towns and villages, inviting you to immerse yourself in the unique, tantalizing flavours that each of them offers.

Delight in local specialties like the “curly almond” of Francavilla Fontana and the “royal pasta” of Oria. Enjoy exceptional DOC wines as you journey through the Salento countryside, surrounded by robust vineyards and centuries-old olive groves. Visit the Museum of Primitivo Wine Civilization, discovering the social and agricultural history of wine production in Salento.

Enjoy overnight stays in the picturesque towns and cities of Gioia del Colle, Martina Franca, Ostuni, Gallipoli and more.

Come to understand why Puglia is known for its wealth of gastronomic experiences as you discover the beauty of this spectacular region on bike.

Tasting Puglia By Bike Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive

Welcome to Polignano a Mare, home of the famous white-pebble beach Cala Porto. Welcomed by this town's serene setting on Italy's southern Adriatic coast, admire its towering limestone cliffs and white-washed homes set against the Adriatic Sea's sparkling blue waters.

After settling into your accommodations, a welcome briefing with your tour leader will bring you up to speed on the exciting days on bike to follow.

Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening accompanied by your guide at one of the restaurants in town. It's worth noting that Polignano a Mare is known for its excellent fish soups!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Polignano a Mare
Distance
None
Meals
Dinner

Day 2 Hemp Plantations of Canapuglia and the Castle of Gioia del Colle

Setting off into the hinterland this morning, you'll enjoy a pleasant ride surrounded by almond trees and bountiful farmland. Reaching Conversano, you'll be introduced to a significant local project, Canapuglia, that has set out to recover this area's hemp plantations.

Back on bike, you'll cycle through the picturesque countryside around Bari until you arrive at the majestic Norman Castle of Gioia del Colle. Beyond a town of historical importance, Gioia del Colle is also a gastronomic treasure! Known for its exceptional dairy products, you'll enjoy a mouthwatering tasting of high-quality cheeses, like the fior di latte mozzarella.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Gioia del Colle
Distance
60 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Ride to Noci and Martina Franca

Following breakfast, you’ll set out on the road towards the village of Noci. Set amidst trulli and farms, you’ll find this a perfect place to admire enchanting streets and historic centres.

In Noci, a spectacular lunch awaits! Make your way to “Marino,” known as the coolest grocery in all of Puglia, where you’ll find the “Divine Sandwich”—some say it’s the best sandwich in Italy!

Continuing the route towards Alberobello on a path lined with dry stone walls and olive trees, you’ll find yourself welcomed by the Itria Valley, where you’ll discover the valleys, ancient wine traditions, and native vines.

Finally, you’ll reach the elegant Baroque town of Martina Franca. Its narrow streets are lined with stunning homes and dotted with a collection of fabulous shops and boutiques. Your time in Martina Franca wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their specialties, like the “Capocollo” (cured pork) and the “Bocconoto” (shortbread with cream).

Spend your evening getting lost in the magic of this picturesque town and its many sumptuous flavours on offer.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Martina Franca
Distance
50 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Ride to Cisternino, Locorotondo and Ostuni

Today's ride will take you through one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy, Cisternino. You'll explore its enchanting old town before enjoying a coffee break at a café tucked under the town's Clock Tower, where artisanal ice cream is on the menu!

A few kilometres down the road, you'll reach Locorotondo, where you'll join Mrs. Antonella, the proprietor of one of the town's most popular restaurants, for a spectacular cooking lesson.

After enjoying the fruits of your labour with a fantastic lunch, you'll continue the route downhill towards the Natural Park Dune Costiere. Here you'll experience another aspect of Puglia's culinary excellence with a tasting of extra virgin olive oil in a beautiful old farmhouse.

Your final ride for the day will take you to the splendid "white city" of Ostuni, known for its rich collection of bakeries and olive wood artisans.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Ostuni
Distance
55 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Ride through the heart of Puglia and Discover the Primitivo Valley

Today you’ll taste your way through the heart of Puglia, riding through the picturesque towns of Ceglie Messapica, Francavilla Fontana, Oria, and Manduria. Savoury breaks along the way will make today’s journey delightful as you cycle the beautiful landscapes of the Salento plain.

Ending today’s journey in Manduria, you’ll find yourself nestled within the famous Primitivo Valley. The Primitivo grape is the mastermind behind the Primitivo di Manduria, a sweet wine produced here. Enjoy an evening in the company of the superb wines of Manduria, soaking up this city’s Baroque splendour.

Overnight Location
Overnight in Manduria
Distance
55 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Ride the Coast to Gallipoli

This morning, before departing Manduria for Gallipoli, you'll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Primitivo Wine Civilization and the area's most famous wine cellar. The museum houses ancient relics of everyday life and work tools used by local peasants of the past. Discover the social and agricultural history of Salento while enjoying a tasting of local food and wine products.

Back on bike, you'll follow the coast, riding south along the spectacular expanse of blue sea and ancient coastal towers.

You'll make a brief stop in Porto Cesareo this afternoon before reaching the stunning Gallipoli.

Enjoy an evening dedicated to exploring the myriad of fine seafood on offer in this ancient city, including mussels, clams, sea urchins, and numerous varieties of grilled fish!

Overnight Location
Overnight in Galipolli
Distance
65 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Ride the Salento Countryside to Lecce

Pedalling your way through beautiful countryside full of olive groves, you’ll cycle among the wine cellars of rural Salento, discovering the various DOC wines of this area. Enjoy tastings of Negroamaro, Susumaniello, and Salice Salento this afternoon, followed by a fascinating ceramic workshop.

Reaching the vibrant capital of Salento and the most elegant Baroque city of Italy’s south, you’ll be welcomed with open arms into the historic town of Lecce.

Enjoy wandering the narrow streets of this mesmerizing town, discovering its maze of covert piazzas and admiring the splendour of its spectacular Baroque churches.

Tonight, enjoy the fine seafood of Lecce, trying the “Purpu Alla Pignata” (octopus stew), or the “Tajeddha” (potatoes and mussels).

Overnight Location
Overnight in Lecce
Distance
50 km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Depart Lecce

This morning before departing, steal one last opportunity to delight in the flavours of Puglia with a visit to the Franchini Pastry, home to numerous delicacies of Lecce confectionary.

Head to the airport to depart as you say “addio!” to beautiful Puglia.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Tasting Puglia by Bike Tour Price and Dates

This guided biking tour is always run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the size of your group.

Prices below are per person. You can depart any day of your choosing either between April 1st and June 25th or between September 6th - October 31st.

  • Guided groups of 2-4: $2,425USD per person
  • Guided groups of 5-6: $1,550USD per person
  • Groups of 7+: on request
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Accommodation on the Tasting Puglia by Bike Tour

This tour is based in 4-star hotels and B&Bs. Accommodations are excellently located, tastefully decorated, and offer modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. Enjoy private rooms and an ensuite bathroom during your stay.

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 $395USD to have a private room in a hotel.

Night 1-7

Hotels and B&B’s

Hotels and B&B’s on this tour offer modern amenities and a superior experience excellent locations.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Tasting Puglia by Bike Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Luggage transportation from each hotel to the next is included on this tour.

Also Included

  • Expert local tour leader
  • Welcome briefing and bike fitting
  • Local English-speaking guide during excursions
  • All tastings and visits mentioned in the itinerary

Not included

  • Bike rental (please see ‘Optional Extras’ for pricing)
  • Flights to and from Italy
  • Airport transfers
  • Visas if required
  • Travel insurance
  • Tourist taxes if applicable
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

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:
    • Trek bike: $95USD per person
    • All Road Bike: $150USD per person
    • E-Bike: $175USD per person

Frequenty Asked Questions about Tasting Puglia By Bike

How hard is the Tasting Puglia by Bike tour?

We rate this tour a 3 / 5. Daily distance covered ranges from 50 km to 60 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.

Are meals included on the Tasting Puglia by Bike tour?

7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included 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.

Is the Tasting Puglia by Bike tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

How do I get to Polignano a Mare to start this tour?

Arrive at Bari Airport (BRI) located 50 km from Polignano a Mare, or Brindisi Airport (BDS) located 71 km from Polignano. From both Bari and Brindisi, a wide range of public transport is available to reach Polignano a Mare. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement or arrange your own private transfer from the airport.

Where does the Tasting Puglia by Bike tour end?

The tour ends in Lecce. You can reach Bari Airport (BRI) by bus or train, which takes approximately 2 hours, or Brindisi Airport (BDS) by bus or train, which takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement or arrange your own private transfer to the airport.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, but please ensure it is 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 travel to Puglia for this tour is the late spring, early summer, and early fall.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

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.

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Prices

From $1,550USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels, B&B

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour a 3 / 5. Daily distance covered ranges from 50 km to 60 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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