Tour Overview
In the heart of the Mediterranean is the captivating region of Puglia, a unique landscape sandwiched between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Our journey around the remote heel of Italy's boot starts from the famous round houses of Alberobello. The 'Trulli di Alberobello' are over 5000 years old and those still standing have made this small town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After passing through the stunning 'white city' of Ostuni, a charming example of Mediterranean architecture, the route veers towards the idyllic Ionian coastline. Gallipoli is known as the 'Ionian Pearl', with its 16th Century castle perched on a limestone island. The remainder of the journey takes us to the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas at the most southerly point of the region, Santa Maria di Leuca, and continues along charming coastal landscape to the Messapian town of Otranto. The route then passes through olive orchards and limestone cliffs to Lecce, the capital of Salento, known for its impressive ampitheatre and countless churches and palaces.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Make your own way from Bari or Brindisi to Alberobello by train.
Day 2
Cycle through the lush Valle d’Itria and one of the prettiest cultural landscapes of the south past the picturesque fairy-tale trulli houses to Ostuni – offering breathtaking coastal views. Along the way we pass the famous wine town of Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful towns in the province of Bari. After sampling some of the local wine the route heads to the white city of Ostuni –famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses.
Day 3
We begin to make our way from east to west and Ionian to Adriatic Sea via the protected nature reserve of Torre Guaceto, characterized by a number of towers originally built along the coastline to protect the area from Turkish invasions. The towers communicated using smoke during the day and fire during the night. From here countless age-old olive trees skirt our way to close by to the charming and elegant town of Mesagne.
Day 4
We continue along the Ionian coast to beautiful Gallipolli, known as the “Ionian Pearl†with its old town situated on a rocky island and offering fantastic views both from the north and the south. The town itself has many churches, narrow alleys and was the largest exporter of lamp oil made from olives in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Day 5
Today you cycle to the most southerly point of Salento at Santa Maria di Leuca, where the crystal waters of the Ionian and Adriatic seas merge. This village is home to one of the most important lighthouses in Italy and the architectural delights of numerous villas built at the turn of the century. Inhabitants of this area were quite eccentric people who loved the peace and quiet and wanted to enjoy the sea and the town.
Day 6
Our route continues along the south coast of the Adriatic sea through charming landscape to the ancient Messapian town of Otranto. The old town is surrounded by a mighty wall containing the impressive Hapsburger Castle. En route to Otranto there is the opportunity to visit the famous Grotta Zinzulusa, the only coastal grotto that is open to the public, and also the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea Terme.
Day 7
We follow the shoreline through innumerable olive groves to the Baroque metropolis of Lecce. A relaxing way to end the week is at the beach of Torre dell’Orso surrounded by limestone cliffs and with many ancient caves to discover. The final destination is Lecce, the capital of Salento, and as well as being home to over 30 churches and countless palaces, there is an ampitheatre and Roman theatre dating back to Emperor Augustus.
Day 8
End Lecce.
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