TOUR ITINERARY
Apulia Classic
Discovering Puglia:
From the Itria Valley to the Heart of Salento
Discovering Puglia:
From the Itria Valley to the Heart of Salento
Flavors of Puglia: A Journey through Land, Sea, Traditions, and Fine Food.
A 8-day tour to discover the most authentic side of Puglia, with its charming historic villages, centuries-old olive groves, and breathtaking views. Pedaling along the picturesque paths of the Itria Valley and Salento, you will immerse yourself in the cultural and gastronomic richness of a region that blends tradition and modernity. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Trulli of Alberobello, the enchanting beaches of Salento, and the artistic cities such as Lecce, the “Florence of the South”. An exclusive experience that combines the pleasure of luxury cycle tourism with the natural and cultural beauty of Puglia.
Day 1
Welcome to Puglia: Discover Lecce’s Baroque Treasures
Airport, we will transfer to Lecce, the city that enchants with its magnificent Baroque architecture, for a day of relaxation. After checking in and enjoying lunch, you’ll have time to unwind and recover from your journey in the beautiful city of Lecce.
> Meals: Welcome / Dinner
> Destination: Lecce
> Experiences: Lecce City Tour
> Accomodation: Luxury Hotel
Day 2
Discovering Salento
The day begins with a private van transfer to Acaya, a picturesque fortified village in the Salento region. After a briefing and preparation of the e-bikes, you will start cycling southwards. The route passes through the Le Cesine Nature Reserve, past the picturesque harbour of San Foca and the historic Roca Vecchia, where you can admire the wonderful Grotta della Poesia. You will continue towards Torre dell’Orso, renowned for its beach and the Due Sorelle stacks, until you reach Sant’Andrea, famous for its natural arches. You will continue to Otranto, where you can admire the Aragonese Castle, the Cathedral, and the charming seafront promenade, immersed in the history and beauty of the place.
> Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
> Destination: Lecce, Torre dell’Orso, Sant’Andrea, Otranto
> Experiences: Cooking School
> Route: 20 / 35 miles
> Accomodation: Luxury Hotel
Day 3
Heading Further South
Today, you will explore one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Europe, with stunning views of cliffs, bays, and an endless sea. You will pass through charming fishing villages such as Porto Badisco and Santa Cesarea Terme, places rich in charm and tradition. In the evening, you can admire the historical beauty of Otranto, while your guides will be available to recommend the best restaurants for an unforgettable dinner.
> Meals: Breakfast / Free Dinner
> Destination: Otranto, Uggiano la Chiesa, Santa Cesarea Terme
> Experiences: Picnic along the route
> Route: 20 / 35 miles
> Accomodation: Luxury Hotel
Day 4
Discovering the Neolithic Valley
Today, you will embark on an unforgettable adventure that will take you back in time to discover the hidden wonders of Salento. You will cycle through breathtaking landscapes dotted with prehistoric sites and fascinating villages. This exclusive itinerary offers a unique experience, combining nature, history, culture, and gastronomy in a way that only Salento can provide.
> Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
> Destination: Otranto, Giurdignano, Minervino, Uggiano la Chiesa
> Experiences: Tasting Slow Food
> Route: 20 / 35 miles
> Accomodation: Luxury Hotel
Day 5
Alberobello and Locorotondo
After checking out, you will be transferred to the beautiful Itria Valley. Today you will explore the beautiful Itria Valley, passing through some of the most iconic places in the region, such as Alberobello, famous for its Trulli declared a UNESCO , world heritage site, and the enchanted village of Locorotondo, recognized as one of the most beautiful in Italy. Along the way, you will be immersed in an evocative landscape of centuries-old olive trees, a symbol of Puglia’s agricultural tradition. In the course of the day, you will also have the opportunity to visit a traditional mozzarella farm, where you will discover and appreciate the secrets of the production of this prized local product.
> Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
> Destination: Alberobello, Locorotondo
> Experiences: Wine Tour
> Route: 20/35 miles
> Accomodation: Luxury Hotel
Day 6
Itria Valley: Between Villages, Trulli and Apulian Flavors
As you wake up back in the saddle for a new cycling itinerary in the beautiful Itria Valley, you will discover some of Puglia’s most charming villages, such as Locorotondo, Martina Franca and Cisternino, passing through landscapes rich in history and beauty. You will ride along the famous Apulian Aqueduct Cycleway, a route recognized for its naturalistic and cultural value, winding among centuries-old trulli, dry stone walls and olive trees. Each stop will be an immersion in local culture, from the Baroque majesty of Martina Franca to the whitewashed streets of Cisternino, with breathtaking views of Locorotondo. In addition to the beauty of the landscape, the itinerary will allow you to savor local specialties of Martina Franca A unique experience for those seeking an authentic Puglia, among nature, culture and flavors.
> Meals: Breakfast / Free dinner
> Destination: Martina Franca, Cisternino
> Experiences: Olive Oil Tasting Tour
> Route: 20 / 35 miles
> Accomodation: Luxury Hotel
Day 7
Cycling Through History and Nature
Today you will set off on your bicycles for a fascinating ride along the Apulian Coast. Along the way, you will visit the picturesque fishing village of Savelletri, the ancient roman ruins of Egnatia and the beautiful town of Monopoli. During the itinerary, you will make a stop for an olive oil tasting. After lunch, you will have the option to continue the tour by bicycle or return while enjoying the view of the sea.
> Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
> Destination: Sevelletri, Torre Canne, Egnazia, Monopoli
> Experiences: Tasting Slow Food
> Route: 20 / 35 miles
> Accomodation: Luxury Hotel
Day 8
Goodbye Puglia
After breakfast, you’ll have time to relax at the Masseria or by the pool before your private transfer to Bari Airport for your next destination.
> Meals: Breakfast
> Destination: Bari or Brindisi airport for subsequent destinations
Included Services
ACCOMMODATIONS
• Carefully selected accommodations that reflects the authentic essence of the region
• Luggage transfer
• Daily breakfasts, full lunches
• Nutritious snacks and après-ski
• Five gourmet dinners in our favourite local restaurants
• Wine tastings and activities as described in the tour itinerary
• Entrance fees to historical sites, museums, parks and exclusive events
• Tips for luggage, porters and hotel service
• Selection of top-of-the-range bicycles
• Bike helmet
• App available in most destinations
• Experienced, bilingual guides with in-depth local knowledge
• Support vehicle following the day’s route
• Transfer service to and from pre-arranged meeting points before and after the tour
• Daily bike maintenance to ensure maximum bike performance
Not Included
• Airfare
• Lunch
• Two free evening dinners
• Gratuities for Zolusa guides
• Travel insurance
Arrival & Departure
Airport City:
Bari or Brindisi, Italy
Pick-Up:
From Airport
Airport City:
Bari or Brindisi, Italy
Drop-Off :
Bari or Brindisi Airport
Note
Zolusa itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
Zolusa provides group transfers to and from the tour from the pick-up and drop-off locations indicated in the itinerary. In the event that your train, flight or other travel is outside the arrival and departure times or locations, the additional costs incurred in arranging a separate transfer may be borne by the customer.