The Final Stretch of the Via Francigena
Self-guided bike tour - 7 Days/ 6 Nights
The gravel bike tour of "The Final Stretch of Via Francigena" takes you through picturesque coastal towns like Polignano a Mare and Monopoli with its port, Savelletri and and the nearby Archaeological Park of Egnazia. This ancient Roman site offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. The gravel bike tour will lead you in Ostuni, known as the "White City" due to its stunning whitewashed buildings, Ostuni is a hilltop town that provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, Carovigno and its impressive castle, Castello Dentice di Frasso. Explore the medieval fortress and its surroundings. You will bike through olive groves towards the sea and reach the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve. Then, a coastal route will take you to Brindisi. You will discover the Lecce and Grecìa Salentina Area, Lecce is a city known for its Baroque architecture, and it's often referred to as the "Florence of the South." Make a stop at the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate, a well-preserved example of Romanesque architecture. This historical site offers a peaceful break from your cycling journey. You will have the opportunity to stay in Otranto, with its imposing Aragonese castle. The last stage will lead you to the Cape of Santa Maria di Leuca and its Sanctuary Finibus Terrae passing through Uggiano La Chiesa and Tricase.
The Via Francigena, also known as the Via Francigena di San Francesco, is an ancient pilgrimage route in Europe that stretches from Canterbury in England to Rome, Italy. It is similar in significance to the more famous Camino de Santiago in Spain and is an important historical and cultural pathway for travelers, pilgrims, and hikers and cyclists. The route follows a network of ancient roads, trails, and paths that have evolved over time. It passes through a variety of landscapes, including cities, towns, rural areas, and picturesque countryside
The Via Francigena, also known as the Via Francigena di San Francesco, is an ancient pilgrimage route in Europe that stretches from Canterbury in England to Rome, Italy. It is similar in significance to the more famous Camino de Santiago in Spain and is an important historical and cultural pathway for travelers, pilgrims, and hikers and cyclists. The route follows a network of ancient roads, trails, and paths that have evolved over time. It passes through a variety of landscapes, including cities, towns, rural areas, and picturesque countryside
Itinerary
Day 1. ARRIVAL IN polignano
Individual arrival in Polignano a Mare, a small but unique town known as “the Pearl of the Adriatic”. Its historic centre, made of narrow lanes and whitewashed houses, is perched on a cliff overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Overnight stay in Polignano a Mare.
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Day 2. polignano a mare - ostuni 55km / +400m
Bike delivery and briefing. The tour starts along the coast, where you will soon find another gem of the Adriatic, Monopoli, with its picturesque old port. Then, you will cycle near the Archaeological Park of Egnazia, an important port during the Roman period. After Savelletri, you will leave the coast and, cycling surrounded by old olive trees, you will get to Ostuni, “the White Town”. Overnight stay in Ostuni.
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day 3. ostuni - brindisi 50km / +180m
After visiting the small medieval village of Carovigno, you will bike through olive groves towards the sea and reach the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve. Then, a coastal route will take you to Brindisi, crossroads of people and cultures since ancient times and main port of embarkation for the Holy Land, thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean sea. Overnight stay in Brindisi.
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Day 4. brindisi - lecce 48km / +230m
Cycling through the countryside of Salento, you will meet on the way the Archaeological site of Valesio, an old Messapic and Roman centre, the small village of Torchiarolo and the medieval Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate, before approaching Lecce. Once there, you will be astonished by its magnificent baroque architecture, which blazes on the portals of its palaces and on the facades of its many churches, such as the Basilica of Santa Croce, the most prominent example of this style. Overnight stay in Lecce.
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Day 5. lecce - otranto 62km / +250m
Today you will soon find the small fortified village of Acaya. Then, your route passes through Martano and Carpignano, in the Grecìa Salentina (an area where a variant of Greek is still spoken), and then through Giurdignano, a village characterised by the presence of dolmens and menhirs, before it ends in Otranto. The easternmost point of Italy, Otranto is an ancient town on the Adriatic coast, boasting a wonderful and precious Cathedral. Overnight stay in Otranto.
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Day 6. otranto - santa maria di leuca 55km / +430m
Riding along the typical dry stone walls, the last leg of the Via Francigena will take you to the Cape of Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Puglia, passing by many churches and chapels. You will visit some interesting towns and villages, such as Uggiano La Chiesa, Tricase and Gagliano del Capo. Overnight stay in Santa Maria di Leuca.
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day 7. departure day
Departure after breakfast and Arrivederci Puglia!
Price details
CATEGORY |
Low season |
Mid-season |
High season |
CATEGORY: Economy B&B/HOTEL 3* |
€ 1.000 |
€ 1.185 |
€ 1.370 |
CATEGORY: Deluxe HOTEL 4*/5* |
€ 1.330 |
€ 1.740 |
€ 2.070 |
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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 AUGUST SUPPLEMENTS: From 01st Aug to 23rd Aug 2024 Category Economy: € +215 per pax Category Deluxe: € +435 per pax E-BIKE RENTAL: +140 € 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
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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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