Grand Tour of Puglia
Self-guided bike tour - 15 Days/ 14 Nights
The Grand Tour of Puglia will allow you to discover Puglia from north to the south. 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 cycling 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 we 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.
Itinerary
Day 1. ARRIVAL IN bari
Individual Arrival in BARI. We suggest you to visit the city, 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 having endured several changes over time. Don't forget to visit the Basilica of San Nicola, a wonderful example of Apulian Romanesque. Overnight stay in Bari.
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Day 2. BARI - TRANI 70 km / +390m
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 marvellous bronze door work of Barisano da Trani, comprising of 32 panels each portraying a biblical character. Overnight stay in Trani.
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Day 3. TRANI - CASTEL DEL MONTE 37 km / +550m
Today you'll cycle across the Apulian inland. Your first stop is ANDRIA, where you can enjoy the famous Burrata (mozzarella that's formed into a pouch and then filled with soft, stringy curd and cream). Then you'll continue for about 10 kilometers reaching the Alta Murgia National Park. Among hills, pastures, olive trees and vineyards, on a hill of the Murge Plateau, you'll finally get to the most important example of Swabian architecture: Castel del Monte (UNESCO World heritage site). Overnight stay in MINERVINO MURGE/Area.
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Day 4. CASTEL DEL MONTE - GRAVINA IN PUGLIA 53 km / +540m
Today you are still in the Murgia Plateau: Expanses of grassy terrain is 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.
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Day 5. GRAVINA IN PUGLIA - MATERA 42 km / +530m
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. Don't 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.
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Day 6. MATERA - MARTINA FRANCA 88 km / +770m
Leaving Matera, you will cycle towards San Basilio and the Gravina Nature Park, characterized by gorges of karst origin, formed by water erotion 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 estremely varied flora, fauna and microfauna habitat. Final destination: MARTINA FRANCA. Overnight stay in Martina Franca.
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day 7. MARTINA FRANCA - MANDURIA 65 km / +390M
Today's adventure will lead you first to Grottaglie, town of ceramics, and then to Manduria, town of Primitivo, local red wine. Overnight stay in Manduria .(See profile).
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DAY 8. MANDURIA - GALLIPOLI 70 km / +400m
This stage is dedicated to the west coast of Salento, where you'll cycle towards Campo Marino, Porto Cesareo, up to GALLIPOLI. The island heart of Gallipoli is home to numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi, testament to the town's former wealth as a trading port. A labyrinthine weave of narrow streets all eventually lead to the broader sea-front promenade with its wonderful views. Overnight stay in Gallipoli.
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Day 9. GALLIPOLI - SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA 71 km / +490m
We also offer a shorter option: 51 km / +225m (See profile). Leaving behind Gallipoli you'll cycle along the Ionian coast headed to Torre San Giovanni. Here the crystal clear sea will tempt you…but it’s 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 km 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.
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day 10. SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA - OTRANTO 60 km / +680m
Today you'll start riding northward along the beautiful coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Crossing the marinas of Tricase Porto and Castro Marina, you'll finally get to one of the most amazing city of Salento: OTRANTO. If you want you can have a delicious seafood dinner and take a walk throughout the historic centre and maybe buy some souvenirs from the local little shops. Overnight stay in Otranto.
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day 11. OTRANTO - LECCE 60 km / +300m
In the morning, if you want, there's 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’ll finally reach the seaside village of Torre dell'Orso: don't 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 for a drink at sunset in front of the castle. Overnight stay in Lecce. (We suggest you an extra stay in Lecce, one of the most interesting cities in the region for its baroque architecture, typical of the 17th Century).
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day 12. LECCE - SAN VITO DEI NORMANNI 64 km / +165m
Leaving Salento, you will cycle north to Squinzano. Along the route you have the possibility to 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 Normannni.
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day 13. SAN VITO DEI NORMANNI - ALBEROBELLO 57 km / +810m
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 a timeless magic, in the heart of which lie the fascinating white towns of Ostuni, Cisternino, and Locorotondo. Finally you'll get to ALBEROBELLO universally-known as the capital of the Trulli, distictive, 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.
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day 14. ALBEROBELLO - POLIGNANO A MARE 32 km / +180m
The final step will take you towards Castellana Grotte, known for its intriguing underground caves. Amazing stalactites and stalagmites give shape to a fascinating and mysterious scenery, provided with an evocative play between light and shade. Then you'll start the downhill run towards the sea, until you'll reach POLIGNANO A MARE, a shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. Overnight stay in Polignano a Mare.
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day 15. DEPARTURE DAY
End of Services and goodbye PUGLIA.
Price details
CATEGORY |
Low season |
Mid-season |
High season |
CATEGORY: Economy B&B/HOTEL 3* |
€ 2.095 |
€ 2.570 |
€ 2.995 |
CATEGORY: Deluxe HOTEL 4*/5* |
€2.995 |
€ 3.840 |
€ 4.530 |
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LOW SEASON
From Jan 7th to Mar 31st From Apr 7th to May 31st From Sep 21st to Dec 21st MID SEASON
From Jun 1st to Jul 13th From Aug 25th to Sep 20th HIGH SEASON
From Mar 28th to Apr 6th From Jul 14th to Aug 24th From Dec 22nd to Jan 6th |
what is included:
*Reduce Waste! Bring Your Helmet and Refill Your Water Bottle! For a more responsible tourism experience, we encourage you to bring your own helmet and refillable water bottle. If needed, we are happy to provide these items for you. Please inform us in advance if you require them. not included:
supplements:
SINGLE ROOM: +30 % on the base quote E-BIKE RENTAL: +300 € per bike ROAD BIKE RENTAL: +150 € per bike |
Bikes available
Specifications:
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Suspension fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 3 x 7-10 speed
WHEELS: 28”
PEDALS: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Suspension fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 3 x 7-10 speed
WHEELS: 28”
PEDALS: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack
Specifications:
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Suspension fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 1 x 8-11 speed
BATTERY: 418-500 W
WHEELS: 27,5” / 28” / 29”
PEDALS: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack, battery charger
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Suspension fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 1 x 8-11 speed
BATTERY: 418-500 W
WHEELS: 27,5” / 28” / 29”
PEDALS: flat (SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack, battery charger
Available size: S, S/M, M/L
FRAME RIDE LITE
FORK Road Carbon Comp
DERAILLEUR FRONT Shimano Claris D
DERAILLEUR REAR 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/ 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
FRAME RIDE LITE
FORK Road Carbon Comp
DERAILLEUR FRONT Shimano Claris D
DERAILLEUR REAR 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/ 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
Specifications:
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Carbon fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 1x11 / 2x9 speed
WHEELS: 28”
PEDALS: NO (flat, SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack
FRAME: Aluminium
FORK: Carbon fork
BRAKES: Disc brakes
SPEED: 1x11 / 2x9 speed
WHEELS: 28”
PEDALS: NO (flat, SPD, SPD-SL, LOOK on request)
ACCESSORIES: rear rack
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Apulia Bike Tours
Bike & Hike Srl Via Annibale De Leo, 19 San Vito dei Normanni (BR) 72019 P. Iva: IT 02475020745 Licenza Regionale 06.11.2006 no. 873 Fondo di Garanzia IL SALVAGENTE Pol. n 2022/1-0571 - Garanzia Assicurativa R.C. Unipol Sai Pol. 1/72076/319/189831229 Vertical Divider
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Destinations:
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