Italy - Contrasts of Puglia Cycling (8 days)

Puglia is a beautifully unspoilt region, full of contrasts: white sand beaches, crystal clear seas, ancient olive orchards, flourishing vineyards, interest-packed cycling routes: historic wine towns, colourful fishing villages, tiny white hamlets unchanged over the years, hand-picked hotels including 2 nights in a unique trullo house; Traditional cuisine, excellent wines, lovely friendly people.

This is an independent, 8-day cycling holiday. Firmly tucked away 'on the heel of Italy's boot', Puglia is a region of extraordinary variety and beauty with a dramatically rugged coast providing total contrast to the fertile plains, hidden valleys and tiny white villages of the lush interior. Your holiday starts just ouside the historic town of Monopoli where you spend the first 2 nights. You then pedal north up the coast, passing hidden coves and gold sand beaches, where you have the chance to lunch in colourful fishing villages before heading inland. Here, you'll be intoxicated by the rich colours of the landscape - olive groves, fruit orchards, vineyards and ruby-red fields - all intensified by the wonderful limpid light of the Adriatic.

Day 1: Arrive at Monopoli - We meet you at Bari airport and take you to your hotel (50mins) for a welcome briefing and dinner. You spend two nights here.
Day 2: Monopoli circular cycle (35km optional) - A perfect start with an easy, flat, circular ride heading south from Monopoli, past ancient olive groves then along the Adriatic coast to the archaeological site of Egnazia, once the location of a Greco-Roman town dating back to the 4th century BC. Visit the museum & archaeological park, or explore the nearby beach.
Day 3: Monopoli to Conversano (29km) - A charming route takes you along the stunning coastline from Monopoli to Conversano. En route take time to visit the small, but vibrant fishing village of Polignano a Mare, idyllically perched on the side of the rocky limestone cliffs. Continue - through the quaint, picturesque village of San Vito, with it's multi-coloured boats moored up in the tiny port - before finishing your journey in the sleepy, beautiful little town of Conversano. Set amid a landscape of olive and cherry trees, its rambling alleyways and sun-baked piazza are dominated by the Norman castle and Romanesque cathedral.
Day 4: Conversano to Alberobello (38km) - Today's pedalling takes your through the rolling hills of the Valle d'Itria where the air is perfumed with wild mint and herbs. Stop off in the little towns of Putignano and Noci, and view their characteristic white washed houses and narrow alleyways. It's then off to unique Alberobello and its plethora of trulli houses - the architechtural symbol of the region. On arrival you'll meet Mimmo, a sommelier and well-known character of the town, who will show you to your own private trullo house.
Day 5: At Alberobello - Spend today roaming around the historic centre, navigating your way through narrow streets, kitsch souvenir shops and tasting local delicacies. Or maybe visit the museo del territorio to discover the history of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, a circular cycle route (49km) takes you deep into the Itria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo - nicknamed "città del vino" for its excellent dry white spumante wine made from verdeca grapes. Continue on to Martina Franca - a must-see town for its marvellously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning palazzi, with wonderful panoramic views across the Itria Valley.
Day 6: Alberobello to Pezze di Greco (43km) - You'll spend this morning cycling along beautiful undulating country lanes lined with weathered stone walls, before enjoying a long downhill run with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. This incredible descent will bring you down to Capitolo and finishes through a patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves, vineyards and gloriously coloured fields of fresh tomatoes and peppers.
Day 7: At Pezze di Greco - Today you could just relax by the hotel's pool, or cycle to the nearby beach. For the more energetic - a circular cycle route (46km) takes you to Ostuni, a charming hamlet whose whitewashed arches and houses are neatly piled like sugar cubes on hills rich in olive groves and vineyards!
Day 8: Return Home - A relaxed morning, to spend by the pool or a leisurely ride along the coast to nearby Torre Canne & Savelletri. In the afternoon you'll be transferred to Bari for your return flight.

Operated by Headwater (AdWld)

Departures: April to October

Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this tour