Puglia by Bike: Into the Heart of the Mediterranean

Day 1: Arrival in Alberobello
You will arrive in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage town famous for its trulli — distinctive drystone buildings whose bright white walls contrast with grey conical roofs shaped from local limestone. Wander through the narrow lanes of the Rione Monti district and let this unique landscape set the tone for your journey.

Day 2: Alberobello – Ostuni (approx. 35 km; longer variant via Martina Franca approx. 45 km)
Your first ride will take you into the Valle d'Itria, one of southern Italy's most striking landscapes. Rows of ancient olive trees rise from the red earth, framing the view in vivid colour. You will pause among the celebrated vineyards of Locorotondo to taste locally produced wines before reaching Ostuni, the dazzling "White City" perched above a breathtaking panorama of the sea.

Day 3: Ostuni – Manduria/Avetrana (approx. 60 km)
Leaving Ostuni behind, you will pedal through centuries-old olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. Your destination is Avetrana, a historic town along the ancient Via Appia — the Roman road that once connected Rome to Brindisi, stretches of whose original paving still survive.

Day 4: Manduria/Avetrana – Gallipoli (approx. 60 km)
Guided by the gentle sea breeze, you will ride to the Ionian coast, reaching Torre Colimena and then following a string of ancient watchtowers along the shore. Past Porto Cesareo you will arrive in Gallipoli — the "Beautiful City" of Greek origin. Its old town sits on what appears to be an impregnable rocky island jutting into the sea, offering sweeping views north and south.

Day 5: Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca (approx. 50 km)
Today you will reach the southernmost tip of the Salento peninsula, where the Ionian meets the Adriatic. Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its sanctuary, a pilgrimage destination connected to the harbour below by a monumental staircase. From the top, the view is magnificent, and the surrounding coast is lined with colourful 19th-century villas.

Day 6: Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto (approx. 50 km)
You will follow the southern Adriatic coastline to Otranto, set in an enchanting landscape. The old town hides behind mighty walls, crowned by the imposing Habsburg castle. Along the way, visit the spectacular Zinzulusa sea cave and stop in Santa Cesarea Terme, a spa town perched on dramatic cliffs above the sea.

Day 7: Otranto – Lecce (approx. 50 km)
Continuing along the Adriatic coast, you will pass the white limestone cliffs of Torre dell'Orso bay before riding through endless olive groves to Lecce. The capital of the Salento awaits — a city of undeniable beauty, a baroque masterpiece of the south with some 30 churches, countless noble palaces, and Roman amphitheatre and theatre both built under Emperor Augustus.

Day 8: Departure from Lecce
Individual departure or extension of stay.