Decadent guided cycling in Puglia

Your adventure begins with a walking tour of beautiful downtown Bari, which may be Italy’s most 

Today’s ride will take us into the northern reaches of the Itria Valley, filled with ancient olive groves and distinctive trulli houses hidden among nut and cherry trees. We will begin with a slight climb back towards Conversano before turning to Putignano and continuing to Castellana Grotte, where we will offer an optional tour of the amazing caverns. For lunch we descend to the coastal town of Monopoli with its seawalls, castle and picturesque cobbled streets. After a delicious meal in one of the town’s many local eateries there is an easy 10km ride back to Borgo Bianco. Our group will rejoin in the early evening for a guided tasting with a local winemaker or sommelier. Then we will shuttle into Conversano for dinner at Pasha, one of the most fabulous restaurants in all of Puglia. Wow, what a day! 

Our first big moving day features some seriously great riding! We will head inland and then uphill 

This morning begins with a lovely climb into the chic and beautiful hilltop town of Cisternino, where you will enjoy sweeping views of the Itria Valley. You will have time for a coffee or gelato to recharge your batteries before continuing your lovely ride along the ridge to La Città Bianca (the white city) of Ostuni, a stunning hilltop jewel with breathtaking sea views. In Ostuni, you will have many options for a delicious lunch on your own,. The long option today will reward diligent cyclists with a gorgeous, breezy ride along the sea before they make their way back to the hotel. The evening will begin with a refreshing aperitivo followed by a memorable seafood meal at Le Palme Beach, a sophisticated beach club, where the very best of the day’s catch is prepared with grace and aplomb. This elegant evening will offer an amazing finish to your journey through the heart of the Itria Valley.

After a lovely last breakfast at Torre Maizza we will shuttle you to the beautiful Masseria Melcarne, the starting point for an amazing day of cycling through the stark and contrasting beauty of the Salento area, home to Puglia’s best wines! We can stop for a swim at one of the amazing beaches along the route before hopping back on our bikes and continuing our journey. We will also stop in the famous castle city of Acaya for a walk around and a killer local lunch. Our destination is the ancient city of Otranto, a must-see that’s one part beach resort, one part Middle Eastern, many parts Italian, and every part enjoyable! After checking into our hotel, we will bring you into Otranto for a stroll by the sea and dinner on your own (we highly recommend the pizza in Otranto). 

At Southern Visions, we save the best rides for last! Breathtaking sea views, natural hot springs, hills, and pine forests make this one of Italy’s most memorable rides. We will ride down to Santa Maria di Leuca. Here you can stand on the southernmost point of Puglia and gaze out to the inviting sea. On the way down, we will stop for a lovely cave tour and, as always, for coffee. Wine tastings and beach visits are also options today. The serious rider who wants a challenge can cycle back to Otranto and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a full 100km ride! Those of more relaxed persuasions can take the shuttle back to the hotel. Your day will end with an amazing Pugliese style party featuring a decadent dinner memorable festivities hosted by your guides.

On our last bike ride together we head to the capital of Salento, Lecce, known as the Florence of the South. You will find the terrain is mostly flat, passing among endless olive orchards. So, be sure to stop and smell the olives! Your final hotel destination, La Fiermontina Urban Resort, is 

After breakfast, we will guide you to the Lecce train station, shuttle you to the Brindisi airport,