Every western and Mediterranean civilization has passed through this European foothold and left their mark. Yet now Puglia awaits re-discovery. Marvel at the authentic Europe every traveler hopes to witness.
Day 1-2: Trulli Country: We transfer to Alberobello, a fairy-tale village of gnome-like structures. Our stay in individual trullo houses, an unusual prehistoric stone structures, located in the heart of the village are courtesy of our hosts, Dino and Antonella, whose families have lived in Alberobello for over 500 years. Our scenic warm-up ride takes us to the white-washed baroque town of Martina Franca, situated on a high lying slope at the edge of Trulli country. We explore these narrow winding lanes of the dense historic center and enjoy the splendid view of the region then end the day with a winery tour which produces the famed pimitivo wine and a grand welcome meal. Our second day takes us into the tiny back country lanes of the Itria Valley where trulli pop up in all sizes and shapes. This fairytale landscape leads us to the largest underground grottoes in Italy, where we enjoy a 50 minute tour which never fails to be impressive. Our rides along the dry stonewalled paths enjoy wonderful landscapes rich in vineyards, oak saplings, fruit trees and olive groves. Once back we visit the local olive oil plant for a private tour and tasting.
Day 3: Olive Groves from OZ & White-washed Ostuni: Locorotondo and Cisternino mark the boundary to the Valley of Itria. As we skirt this border, each of these historic town centers offer us one bellavista after another; then a 10-km downhill cruise through pine leads to the blue-green waters of the Adriatic Sea. A quick dip is the ideal way to clean up for a delicious seafood lunch and a stop at the ancient ruinous site of Egnazai. We then pedal to Ostuni through ancient olive groves that truly mesmerize the viewer and leaves one with the feeling that any minute one of them will speak as if from the "Land of OZ". Whitewashed Ostuni, a town of prehistoric origin, has survived the ages and retains the most typical of Apulian architecture in accordance with its historic growth. Pundits feel that through the ages it has succeeded in staying in perfect balance with the surrounding countryside. As we approach from miles away to the moment we enter the historic town center, we see it would be hard to argue against this observation. We stay in a beautiful 4-star hotel in the historic center of town where we soak up the last of the golden light reflecting on this hill town.
Day 4-6: A Baroque Jewel: From Ostuni we ride across the long flat valley filled with vineyards and towns whose roots go back to Puglia's original inhabitants of 3000 B.C, the Messapi. We visit Oria, once capital of the Messapi and later an important Roman town on the Appian Way, and then an important Jewish colony. Explore the triangular castle and an old town center loaded with architectural attractions. In Lecce, one of Italy's most beautiful yet to be discovered cities we enjoy two days at a 5-star luxury hotel in the historic center of town. This lively town offers us many options from shopping to quaint squares and local watering holes. Here an unrivaled architecture of soft pink local stone was used to build everything from the piazzas and town gates to the numerous churches that adorn this city of unparalleled beauty.. The next day we start the day with an extensive city tour and then you're free to explore more of the city or ride to the sea for a comfortable swim.
Day 6: Castle Towers & Sea Grottoes: Ride past the ruins of a castle from the Messapi period before entering the pine forest surrounding the adjoining salt and fresh water Alimini Lakes. Note differences in the nature of the two lakes where gray mullet and eel swim around the reeds. In Otranto, a fairytale port town features an impressive Aragonese castle and a beautiful Byzantine Cathedral floor and covered in colorful mosaic. The picture perfect waterfront & great outdoor market make for a timely rest before we ride into a region of unmatched coastal beauty. The grottoes around Santa Cesarea Terme where we stay are exceptional. The Grotto Zinzulusa, which can only be reached at low tide, is filled with stalagmite & stalactites of pastel hues that seem to come alive. For those who suffer from rheumatic or respiratory disorders, the chlorinated, sulfurous & ionic springs are said to be excellently effective. A mud bath can be easily arranged.
Day 7-8: Rounding the Heel of the Boot: This coastal ride is as good as anywhere in the world. I challenge anyone to show me better. Yet it is only ever visited by mainly Italian tourist during the months of July and August. This jagged coastline of sheer limestone cliffs is studded with colorful marine caves and prehistoric habitats all worthy of a prolonged stop. Then all too soon we round the heel of Italy--a highlight in itself. Reaching the lighthouse point where the two seas meet gives many riders a strange awareness of how far we are from the "civilized world." After lunch here we pass by charming fishing villages and skirt the long beaches leading to quaint ports with ancient histories. Upon your first glimpse of Gallipoli in the distance you understand why the Greeks' aptly named it: "Kalé polis", Greek for "beautiful town". A medieval breakwater encloses the entire island within a network of twisting streets barricading the historic center and the concurrent, oddly shaped white buildings. Watching the fishermen work against this backdrop makes one realize why it's often called one of the most scenic waterfronts in Italy. Something we reflect on at our grand farewell dinner.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Inclusions & highlights:
* All lodging w/ breakfast including (4) nights in 4-star & (2) trullo-stay
* (6) full course dinners
* Primitivo wine tastings & winery tour
* Tour of Castellana stalagmite/tite Caves & visit of ruins of Egnazia
* Olive oil tasting and factory visit
* Private Lecce City tour
* Bike Rental, accessories, route notes, maps and sag snacks and water
* All tour transfers including meet/depart, van support and luggage transfer
* Multi-lingual guides
* All entrance fees mentioned in itinerary
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Bicycle Touring
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