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Travel destinations on the map

— Day 1: Alberobello (Apulia)

Induvidual arrival at the hotel in Alberobello. This small town in the province of Bari is famous for Trulli stone constructions. The town makes part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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40 km Day 2: Ostuni (Apulia)

Enjoy a tour through the Valle d'Itria, one of the prettiest cultural landscapes of the south, with a stop in the famous vinyards in Locorotondo to taste some of the local wine. A monastic site where a fresco portraying the Madonna Odegitria was found. Over the ruins of this medieval place of worship, located in Martina Franca, the Capuchin Monastery (in Italian: Convento dei Cappuccini) - which nowadays is an interesting tourist attraction - was built in 1545.

The next stop is Ostuni, the “white town” offering breathtaking views of the sea.The region around Ostuni has been inhabited since the Stone age. Its nearby pristine beaches are a huge attraction as well as the historical architecture in the city and surroundings including the vibrant olive and grape agribusiness. Overnight in Ostuni

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50 km Day 3: Mesagne (Apulia)

Guided by the soft sea breeze you will reach the Adriatic coast and the nature park Torre Guaceto. Here are various and abundant breeds of animals, including several migrating birds in their nesting places. Aged old olive groves line the cycle path going inland towards Mesagne.

The castle, in existence since the 11th century and in 1195 it was given to the Teutonic Knights. Today it houses an arachaeological museum. Overnight in Gallipoli.

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52 km / alternative route: 82 km Day 4: Gallipoli (Apulia)

After breakfast there is a transfer by minibus to Salice Salentino (included). After a short ride through the interior of the country you continue along the Ionic coast to Gallipoli. This Greek "Kale Polis" (beautiful town), a surprise awaits you on the Ionic Sea. The historical part of Galliopoli is situated at the end of what seems to be an impregnable rocky island that stretches far out into the sea. There is a fantastic view both from the north and the south. The town itself has many churches, lanes and interesting museums.

Watch the fishermen at work. The town was the largest exporter of lamp oil made from olives in the 17th and 18th centuries. (approx 82 km without transfer). Angevine-Aragonese Castle, built in the 13th century by the Byzantines is worth a visit. Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.

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50 km Day 5: Santa Maria di Leuca (Apulia)

The tour reaches the most southerly point of Salento today and at the same time the watershed to the Ionic Sea at Santa Maria di Leuca. Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its lighthouse, which, with its height of 47 metre and its position at 102 metre above sea level, is the second most important lighthouse in Italy.

According to the legend, the town takes its name from "Leucasia", a white beautiful mermaid (in Greek "leukos" means "white") who conquered sailors and farmers by her charming voice. According to a later legend, Virgin Mary once saved some boats from a storm, and her name was added to that of Leuca. The town is well known for its church and pilgrimages.

At the turn of the century, many opulent villas were built and their fantastic and sometimes absurd forms are now an absolute architectural highlight. The people who lived here were eccentric people who loved the peace and quiet and wanted to enjoy the sea and the town. Overnight in Otranto.

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54 km Day 6: Otranto (Apulia)

The tour takes you along the south coast of the Adriatic Sea, and up to the Messapian town of Otranto located on the east coast of the Salento peninsula, one of the nuggets in the charming landscape. The old part of the town is surrounded by a mighty wall and contains the impressive Aragonese Castle.

On the way to Otranto, you have the chance to visit the famous Grotta Zinzulusa, the only coastal grotto that is open to the public. The Santa Cesarea Thermal Spa is well known for its hydrotherapeutic cures and radioactive mud therapy, and is well worth a visit.

The Cathedral, consecrated in 1088, a work of Count Roger I adorned later (about 1163) has a mosaic floor and a rose window as well as a side portal of 1481. The interior, a basilica with nave and two aisles, contains columns said to come from a temple of Minerva. This is worth a visit. Overnight in Lecce.

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50 km Day 7: Lecce (Apulia)

Carry on along the coast through innumerable olive orchards to Lecce It is the main city of the Salentine Peninsula, a sub-peninsula at the heel of the Italian Peninsula and is over 2,000 years old. If you want to stop on the way, the best place is at Torre dell’Orso beach which is surrounded by limestone cliffs. Lecce is a town with lots of appeal mainly due to its buildings and churches.

The cities of Naples and Lecce are the Baroque metropolises of the south. There are over 30 churches and innumerable palaces. Don’t forget to visit the amphitheatre and the Roman theatre, both built under Kaiser Augustus. The city also has a long traditional affinity with Greek culture going back to its foundation.

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— Day 8: Lecce (Apulia)

After breakfast, the airports at Bari/Brindisi are easily reached by train. For those who parked their cars at Alberobello, this too is also very accessible train. We can provide a transfer service if necessary.

since the bikes come in various colors and sizes, your actual bike may vary slightly from those shown here.

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Tour Season

March 24th – October 6th 2013

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Check-in

• Sunday