Tour of Gargano
Self-guided bike tour - 8 Days/ 7 Nights
A bike tour of Gargano is a unique and enriching travel experience for several reasons. What is Gargano? The Gargano is a mountainous and rugged promontory that extends into the Adriatic Sea and forms the "spur" of the Italian boot-shaped peninsula. The Gargano Peninsula is known for its diverse and picturesque landscapes, which include stunning coastlines, sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, dense forests, and ancient villages. It is well-known for its charming coastal towns, such as Vieste, Peschici, Mattinata, and Rodi Garganico, which offer visitors an authentic taste of southern Italian life. Additionally, Gargano is home to religious sites like the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant'Angelo and the Sanctuary of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, drawing pilgrims from around the world.The Gargano National Park, established in 1991, protects the area's unique and diverse ecosystems, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor activities. Gargano is a captivating and lesser-known gem in Italy, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and authentic apulian experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1. ARRIVAL IN san giovanni rotondo
Individual arrival in SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO, well known for its important religious monuments. The remains of Padre Pio, a saint since 2002, are kept in San Giovanni Rotondo. The city of San Giovanni Rotondo, a destination for pilgrims who flock from all over the world to pay homage to the remains of San Pio of Pietralcina, was founded in 1095 on the ruins of a pre-existing 4th century BC village; visible signs remain of this village, such as some tombs and a circular baptistery (the epithet "Round" derives from this) which was originally intended for the cult of Janus, the two-faced God, and was later consecrated to San Giovanni Battista. The Sanctuary of San Pio da Pietrelcina was designed by the archistar Renzo Piano. Overnight stay in San Giovanni Rotondo.
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Day 2. SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - RODI GARGANICO 74 km / +865m
Bike delivery and orientation. Leaving San Giovanni Rotondo, you willl cycle through the beautiful Gargano National Park and along Varano's Lake, the largest coastal lake in Italy, until you will reach Rodi Garganico that stands on a small promontory overlooking the sea and still preserves some towers and archeological treasure that tell the ancient history of the Greek and Roman colony. Overnight stay in Rodi Garganico.
(See profile).
(See profile).
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Day 3. tremiti island journey
After breakfast you are free to reach the Tremiti Islands by seasonal ferry service (ticket not included), a Marine Nature Reserve since 1989. Alternatively, you can stay in Rodi Garganico and enjoy the clear waters and long sandy beaches, the ruins of its ancient port and the castle, the bell towers of some churches, like St. Peter, St. Nicholas and the Crucifix. Not to be missed is certainly a walk in the picturesque district of "Vuccolo". Overnight stay in Rodi Garganico.
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Day 4. RODI GARGANICO - PESCHICI
Today you have the possibility to choose between two different routes: Sea lovers can ride along the beautiful coast of the Adriatic sea up to Peschici (16 km / +276m - See profile); Sport enthusiasts can cycle, instead, towards the Umbra Forest, a protected area within the Gargano National Park, enjoying an uphill section with a breathtaking view over the Tremiti Islands (53 km / +1164m - See profile) and visit Vico del Gargano. Overnight stay in Peschici.
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Day 5. PESCHICI - VIESTE 28 km / +418m
This stage is dedicated the exploring the stunning coast of Gargano, characterised by golden sandy beaches and villages overlooking the sea, high cliffs covered with Aleppo pines, ancient trabucchi and coastal towers. Trabucchi, ancient fishing tools, are widespread along the entire coast from Peschici to Vieste. They are protected by the Gargano National Park and have returned to activity thanks to the enhancement of some institutions, individuals and associations that have adopted them to safeguard this aspect of the Gargano tradition. At the gates of Vieste there is a beautiful beach, characterized by a 25-metre high white tuff monolith that looks towards the sea: it is the Pizzomunno. It is the symbol of the city of Vieste and it is also the place where a sad legend hovers. Enjoy yourself visiting some of the wonderful sea caves that characterize this area. Overnight stay in VIESTE.
(See profile).
(See profile).
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Day 6. VIESTE - MATTINATA 48 km / +982m
Today you will be fascinated by Gargano promontory. The coast surrounding this expansive promontory seems permanently bathed in a pearly pinkish light, offering a contrast of colurs to the sea, which fades from intense to dusty blue as the evening draws in. Overnight stay in Mattinata.
(See profile).
(See profile).
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day 7. MATTINATA - SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO 46 km / +1032m
Leaving Mattinata, you'll cycle uphill towards Monte Sant'Angelo, the oldest town in the Gargano peninsula. Don't miss the chance to visit the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2011, one of the world's most celebrated holy places dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Then, you'll continue towards your destination. Overnight stay in San Giovanni Rotondo.
(See profile)
(See profile)
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DAY 8. DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast. End of services and goodbye Puglia ! But before leaving, stock up on pasticciotti, the typical shortcrust pastry dessert from Lecce!
Price details
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what is included:
not included:
supplements:
SINGLE ROOM: +30 % on the base quote AUGUST SUPPLEMENT: From: 05th Aug To: 20th Aug Category Economy: € +240 per pax Category Deluxe: € +475 per pax E-BIKE RENTAL: +150 € per bike ROAD BIKE RENTAL: +70 € per bike |
LOW SEASON
From: 08th Jan To: 31st May
From: 23rd Sept To: 22th Dec
From: 23rd Sept To: 22th Dec
MID SEASON
From: 01st June To: 14th July
From: 24th Aug To: 22nd Sept
From: 24th Aug To: 22nd Sept
HIGH SEASON
From: 23th March To: 1st April
From: 15th July To: 23rd Aug
From: 23rd Dec To: 7th Jan
From: 15th July To: 23rd Aug
From: 23rd Dec To: 7th Jan
Bikes available
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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 |
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Contact us:
e-mail: booking@bikeandhikeitalia.com tel: +39 0831 172 1226 mob: +39 39 111 677 13 |
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