Cycling Route of the Apulian Aqueduct
Self-guided bike tour - 9 Days/ 8 Nights
The "Apulian Aqueduct Cycle Path" or "Ciclovia dell'Acquedotto Pugliese" is a scenic cycling route in Puglia. This cycling path follows the route of the Apulian Aqueduct, which is an ancient aqueduct system that was constructed to transport water from the source to various towns and cities in the region. The tour begins in Barletta with its castle which seems to rise from the water. The Cathedral and Palazzo Marra frame the Piazza del Duomo. The second stop of this tour will be the city of the Latin poet Horace: Venosa the city houses the archaeological park of Venosa with catacombs that are worth a visit, without forgetting the beautiful site of the Incompiuta. Before arriving in Venosa you pass through Canosa di Puglia, with its Mausoleums, the Cathedral and the Swabian Castle. From Venosa, you will begin to see the first remains of the Apulian aqueduct, passing through Palazzo San Gervasio, Spinazzola you will reach Castel del Monte. One of the most beautiful Federician buildings in Puglia. The castle is an extraordinary example of medieval architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. The Castle dominates on a hill in the Alta Murgia National Park, which you will cross to reach Cassano delle Murge. Cycle along kilometers of dry stone walls and you will arrive in the Itria Valley, don't miss the opportunity to visit Gioia del Colle famous for its Primitivo wine, Noci and the Site UNESCO site since 1995: The trulli of Alberobello. From Alberobello, passing through Locorotondo, an enchanting town with a circular charm, you will reach Grottaglie. The finest ceramics in Puglia are produced here: in Grottaglie. The city is dotted with small artisan workshops. After that you will have reached the Salento area. You will cycle through the Baroque city of Nardò, then it will be the turn of San Marzano to then arrive in Manduria, famous for the Museum of the Civilization of Primitive Wine (Museo della Civiltà del Vino Primitivo). From Nardò then, you go further south to reach the city of the Sanctuary Finibus Terrae: that is, Santa Maria di Leuca with its lighthouse that stands out from the clear blue waters.
Itinerary
Day 1. ARRIVAL IN BARLETTA
Individual arrival in Barletta, scene of a historical tournament (known as the 'Challenge') between Italian and French knights. This elegant coastal city enthrals with its castle, Palatine basilica and Impressionist masterpieces. Overnight stay in Barletta.
|
|
|
Day 2. BARLETTA - VENOSA 70 km / +850m
Bike delivery and briefing. The first stage will lead you from Barletta, on the Adriatic coast, to the gentle hills of Venosa – hometown of the Roman poet Horace – in Basilicata, passing through Canosa di Puglia. Overnight stay in Venosa.
|
|
|
day 3. VENOSA - CASTEL DEL MONTE 65 km / +750m
Near Venosa you will start your discovery of the Apulian aqueduct. After passing through Palazzo San Gervasio, you will reach Spinazzola and re-enter in Puglia, ending the stage near one of its symbols: the magnificent Castel del Monte, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Castel del Monte area.
|
|
|
Day 4. CASTEL DEL MONTE - CASSANO DELLE MURGE 58 km / +400m
Today you will reach Cassano delle Murge biking through the Alta Murgia National Park and its landscape characterised by woods, pastures and fields. Overnight stay in Cassano delle Murge.
|
|
|
Day 5. CASSANO DELLE MURGE - ALBEROBELLO 60 km / +400m
Surrounded by farms and fields, you will visit the towns of Gioia del Colle and Noci before you arrive in Alberobello, the famous Capital of Trulli. Overnight stay in Alberobello.
|
|
|
Day 6. ALBEROBELLO - GROTTAGLIE 55 km / +350m
Leaving Alberobello, you will cycle on some picturesque aqueduct bridges before you reach the white village of Locorotondo. Then, you will ride through the heart of the Itria Valley towards your destination, Grottaglie, a town renowned for its ceramics. Overnight stay in Grottaglie.
|
|
|
day 7. GROTTAGLIE - NARDO’ 80 km* / +280m
The longest leg of the route is easy and mostly flat. It will lead you to the baroque town of Nardò, in the peninsula of Salento, passing through San Marzano and Manduria, the hometown of Primitivo wine. Overnight stay in Nardò. *(If this stage seems too long for you, it is possible to split it in two parts: GROTTAGLIE - MANDURIA 30 km and MANDURIA - NARDO’ 50 km)
|
|
|
DAY 8. NARDO’ - SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA 72 km / +470m
The last stage will take you to the Cape of Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Puglia, where the Apulian aqueduct ends. You will pass through some typical villages of the area, such as Ruffano and Montesardo, before you finish your tour. Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.
|
|
|
DAY 9. DEPARTURE DAY
Departure after breakfast and Arrivederci Puglia!
Price details
CATEGORY |
Low season |
Mid-season |
High season |
CATEGORY: Economy B&B/HOTEL 3* |
€ 1.175 |
€ 1.425 |
€ 1.665 |
CATEGORY: Deluxe HOTEL 4*/5* |
€ 1.675 |
€ 2.125 |
€ 2.575 |
|
LOW SEASON
From 08th Jan to 13 April From 22nd April to 31st May From 23rd Sept to 22th Dec MID SEASON
From 01st June to 14th July From 24th Aug to 22nd Sept HIGH SEASON
From 14th to 21th April From 15th July to 23rd Aug From 23rd Dec to 7th Jan |
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 AUGUST SUPPLEMENTS: From 01st Aug to 23rd Aug 2025 Category Economy: € +240 per pax Category Deluxe: € +475 per pax E-BIKE RENTAL: +170 € per bike |
Bikes available
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
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
|
|
|
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
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|