“Witness the most beautiful towns of Italy”
15 Day Cycling Grand Tour of Puglia in Italy
Bari, Bari Metropolitan City, Apulia, Italy
Self-Guided Cycling Tour Italy
The grand tour of Puglia will allow you to discover Puglia from north to south.
Key information
- Trip type: Self-guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Starts in: Bari
- Ends in: Polignano a Mare
- Total Distance: 478 Miles / 769 Kilometers
- Type of bike: Touring or gravel bike (included), or e-bike or road bike (excluded)
- E-bike: 280 EUR per bike
Highlights
- 13 riding days
- Cycle through scenic landscapes
- Discover the trulli houses of Alberobello
- Sightseeing in picturesque towns and villages
- 14 nights accommodation
- Breakfasts
- Bike rental and luggage transfers
- Access to a mobile navigation app system with preloaded tracks
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
13 days with instruction
Accommodation
You will be provided 14 nights of accommodation on this tour.
- Night 1: Bari
- Night 2: Trani
- Night 3: Minervino Murge
- Night 4: Gravina
- Night 5: Matera
- Night 6: Martina Franca
- Night 7: Manduria
- Night 8: Gallipoli
- Night 9: Santa Maria di Leuca
- Night 10: Otranto
- Night 11: Lecce
- Night 12: San Vito dei Normanni
- Night 13: Alberobello
- Night 14: Polignano a Mare
Program
The tour starts from the regional capital, the city of Bari with its beautiful promenade, the Romanesque cathedral, and the Basilica of its patron saint San Nicola. The tour continues to the Unesco site of Castel del Monte, passing by the coastal town of Trani. You will cycle in the Land of the Gravine "or ravines" and will arrive in the city of the Sassi: Matera. From there, you will then descend into the Itria Valley where you will have the opportunity to visit Martina Franca.
Then you continue towards Grottaglie, the city famous for its ceramics, and then stop in Manduria, the city of Primitivo wine, at the gates of Salento. You will cycle on the Ionian coast of Salento, where you will be conquered by the crystal clear waters of Gallipoli and its historic center with its castle on the sea. You will continue to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost spot of the boot; and it is here that the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea.
From Leuca, the tour continues along the Adriatic coast, crossing the beautiful little port of Tricase and the Castro Marina to then reach Otranto with its Aragonese castle and its cathedral with the reliquaries of 813 martyrs. From Leuca, you reach the capital of the Baroque: Lecce, passing through the Alimini Lakes reserve, passing through Torre dell'Orso where you can swim in the Grotte della Poesia.
After having breakfast with a fragrant pasticciotto from Lecce, you will reach the Upper Salento, a visit to the Cerrate Abbey is a must before reaching Mesagne and San Vito dei Normanni. You will return to pedaling in the Itria Valley to discover another Apulian Unesco site: the trulli of Alberobello, but first, you will have the opportunity to visit the white city: Ostuni, Cisternino, and Locorotondo. The tour ends in Polignano a Mare, a city overlooking the sea famous for its blue sea, the birthplace of the singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno who sang "Vooolare oh oh" in 1958.
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bari
Individual arrival in Bari. Apulia Bike Tours suggests you visit the city, a cultural crossroads since ancient times. Bari is an ideal starting point, a city where two souls meet: the old town, surrounded by an imposing wall and crossed with narrow streets that lead to the discovery of its rich heritage; and the modern city, built at the beginning of the 19th century and has endured several changes over time. Do not forget to visit the Basilica of San Nicola, a wonderful example of Apulian Romanesque. Overnight stay in Bari.
Day 2: Bari - Trani
Bike and road map delivery, route description. Today, you will discover the beauty of the Apulian Romanesque cathedrals cycling toward the towns of Bitonto, Terlizzi, Ruvo di Puglia, and Trani, your final destination. Trani's cathedral, regarded by some as the “Queen of cathedrals in Puglia”, exhibits a finely decorated portal with a marvelous bronze doorwork of Barisano da Trani, comprising 32 panels each portraying a biblical character. Overnight stay in Trani.
- Distance: 70 kilometers / 44 miles
- Elevation: 390 meters / 1280 feet
Day 3: Trani - Castel del Monte
Today, you will cycle across the Apulian inland. Your first stop is Andria, where you can enjoy the famous Burrata (mozzarella that is formed into a pouch and then filled with soft, stringy curd and cream). Then you will continue for about 10 kilometers / 7 miles reaching the Alta Murgia National Park. Among hills, pastures, olive trees, and vineyards, on a hill of the Murge Plateau, you will finally get to the most important example of Swabian architecture: Castel del Monte (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Overnight stay in Minervino Murge or Area.
- Distance: 37 kilometers / 23 miles
- Elevation: 550 meters / 1805 feet
Day 4: Castel del Monte - Gravina in Puglia
Today, you are still in the Murgia Plateau: Expanses of grassy terrain are broken up by the whiteness of the rocks, while a dense woodland changes color according to the seasons, and a network of canals through which creeks once ran are today marked by expansive, cultivated fields. Your destination for the day is Gravina in Puglia, a land of natural galleries, caves, and ravines carved out by an underground river and used as human dwellings in centuries past. Overnight stay in Gravina in Puglia.
- Distance: 53 kilometers / 33 miles
- Elevation: 540 meters / 1772 feet
Day 5: Gravina in Puglia - Matera
Leaving Gravina, you will ride up to Altamura. The town can be spotted on a spur overlooking the plateau, with the Cathedral towers standing out against the sky. Do not miss the chance to taste the famous Altamura bread and Focaccia. At the end of the stage, your tour will lead you to another famous UNESCO World Heritage site: Matera. Famous for its Sassi and stunning landscapes, Matera, located on the border of Basilicata and Puglia, is not only breathtaking but fascinating. Overnight stay in Matera.
- Distance: 42 kilometers / 26 miles
- Elevation: 530 meters / 1739 feet
Day 6: Matera - Martina Franca
Leaving Matera, you will cycle towards San Basilio and the Gravina Nature Park, characterized by gorges of karst origin, formed by water erosion of streams that gush out from the Murge Upland and flow into the sea. In the evocative rocky villages, churches, crypts, and sanctuaries often feature beautiful icons in Byzantine style, depicting the Virgin, Christ Pantocrator, Saints, and Martyrs. The considerable depth of the ravines, as well as the particular microclimate, enabled the preservation of an extremely varied flora, fauna, and microfauna habitat. Final destination: Martina Franca. Overnight stay in Martina Franca.
- Distance: 88 kilometers / 55 miles
- Elevation: 770 meters / 2527 feet
Day 7: Martina Franca - Manduria
Today's adventure will lead you first to Grottaglie, the town of ceramics, and then to Manduria, the town of Primitivo, local red wine. Overnight stay in Manduria.
- Distance: 65 kilometers / 41 miles
- Elevation: 390 meters / 1280 feet
Day 8: Manduria - Gallipoli
This stage is dedicated to the west coast of Salento, where you will cycle towards Campo Marino, Porto Cesareo, and up to Gallipoli. The island heart of Gallipoli is home to numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi, a testament to the town's former wealth as a trading port. A labyrinthine weave of narrow streets eventually leads to the broader sea-front promenade with its wonderful views. Overnight stay in Gallipoli.
- Distance: 70 kilometers / 44 miles
- Elevation: 400 meters / 1313 feet
Day 9: Gallipoli - Santa Maria di Leuca
Leaving behind Gallipoli, you will cycle along the Ionian coast headed to Torre San Giovanni. Here the crystal clear sea will tempt you but it is time to get back on your bike. A short detour will take you inland to see the small towns of Ugento and Specchia, one of the most beautiful 'BORGHI' of Italy. Then you will continue your ride for another 35 kilometers / 22 miles reaching Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and the Adriatic Sea meet; this is the southernmost point in Salento, striking the visitor’s eye for its colors and unreal silence. Overnight stay in Santa Maria di Leuca.
- Distance: 71 kilometers / 45 miles
- Elevation: 490 meters / 1608 feet
Or
- Distance: 51 kilometers / 32 miles
- Elevation: 225 meters / 739 feet
Day 10: Santa Maria di Leuca - Otranto
Today you will start riding northward along the beautiful coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Crossing the marinas of Tricase Porto and Castro Marina, you will finally get to one of the most amazing cities of Salento: Otranto. If you want you can have a delicious seafood dinner and take a walk throughout the historic center and maybe buy some souvenirs from the local little shops. Overnight stay in Otranto.
- Distance: 60 kilometers / 38 miles
- Elevation: 680 meters / 2231 feet
Day 11: Otranto - Lecce
In the morning, if you want, there is time to visit the city. Otranto is best appreciated in its amazing cathedral, where the bones of 813 martyrs are displayed in a glass case behind the altar. Less macabre is the cathedral’s other jaw-dropper, its medieval mosaic floor, which rivals the famous early Christian mosaics of Ravenna in its richness and historical significance. Cycling along the Alimini Lakes, you will finally reach the seaside village of Torre dell'Orso: do not miss the opportunity to swim in the suggestive Grotta della Poesia.
Before arriving in Lecce, you will meet Acaya, a perfect stop for an authentic Italian espresso or a drink at sunset in front of the castle. Overnight stay in Lecce. Apulia Bike Tours suggests an extra stay in Lecce, one of the most interesting cities in the region for its baroque architecture, typical of the 17th century.
- Distance: 60 kilometers / 38 miles
- Elevation: 300 meters / 985 feet
Day 12: Lecce - San Vito dei Normanni
Leaving Salento, you will cycle north to Squinzano. Along the route, you can see the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate of the 16th century. Then you will continue towards the castle of Mesagne. Finally, you will reach your destination: San Vito dei Normanni. Overnight stay in San Vito dei Normanni.
- Distance: 64 kilometers / 40 miles
- Elevation: 165 meters / 542 feet
Day 13: San Vito dei Normanni - Alberobello
Today, you will ride over the hills dominating the Itria Valley: Trulli (traditional drystone huts) enclosed by vineyards and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. The panorama is filled with timeless magic, in the heart of which lies the fascinating white towns of Ostuni, Cisternino, and Locorotondo. Finally, you will get to Alberobello universally known as the capital of the Trulli, distinctive, small, dry-stone buildings with a conical roof. There are about 1500 trulli scattered in Monti and Aia Piccola districts, both listed as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996. Overnight stay in Alberobello.
- Distance: 57 kilometers / 36 miles
- Elevation: 810 meters / 2658 feet
Day 14: Alberobello - Polignano a Mare
The final step will take you towards Castellana Grotte, known for its intriguing underground caves. Amazing stalactites and stalagmites shape a fascinating and mysterious scenery, providing an evocative play between light and shade. Then you will start the downhill run towards the sea until you will reach Polignano a Mare, a shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20-meter-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. Overnight stay in Polignano a Mare.
- Distance: 32 kilometers / 20 miles
- Elevation: 180 meters / 591 feet
Day 15: Departure day
End of services and goodbye Puglia.
Bikes
1. Trekking bikes
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Suspension fork
- Brakes: Disc brakes
- Speed: 3 x 7-10 speed
- Wheels: 28 inches
- Pedals: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
- Accessories: rear rack
2. E-bikes
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Suspension fork
- Brakes: Disc brakes
- Speed: 1 x 8-11 speed
- Battery: 418-500 W
- Wheels: 27.5, 28, or 29 inches
- Pedals: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
- Accessories: rear rack, battery charger
3. Road bikes
- Available size: S, S/M, M/L
- Frame: Ride lite
- Fork: Road carbon comp
- Front derailleur: Shimano Claris D
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Sora GS
- Shifters: Shimano Claris
- Brake lever: Attached
- Brakes: Road dual pivot
- Chainwheel: FSA Tempo 50-34
- BBset: Cartridge bearing
- Chain: KMC 8s
- Hubs: OV alloy or OV cassette
- Rim: Merida comp 20 pair
- Freewheel: Sunrise CS-8S 11-32
- Tires: Kenda K1018 700 25
- Handlebar stem: Merida Comp OS-6
- Handlebar: Merida Anatomic Road OS
- Headset: Big conoid semi-neck pro
- Seat post: Merida Road Comp SB12 27.2
- Saddle: Merida Race 5
- Pedal: Lock, SPD, SPD- LS
4. Gravel bikes
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Carbon fork
- Brakes: Disc brakes
- Speed: 1x11 or 2x9 speed
- Wheels: 28 inches
- Pedals: no (flat, SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
- Accessories: rear rack
Location
This tour will be held in Italy.
Food
You will be served daily breakfast included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- Cycling tour
- 14 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Touring or gravel bike rental
- Bike equipment (helmet, lock, pannier, and water bottle)
- Repair kit (spare tube, pump, and tire lever)
- Luggage transfers
- Access to Apulia Bike Tours' mobile navigation app system with preloaded tracks, including the roadbook and practical and tourist information
- Luggage or health insurance
- Telephone assistance
What's not included
- Airfare
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Transfers from and to the airport
- Minivan assistance
- Tourist taxes
- E-bike rental (280 EUR per bike)
- Road bike rental (140 EUR per bike)
- Everything else not listed as included
How to get there
Recommended Airports
BRI
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport
9 km
Transfer not provided
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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