This region of Southern Italy is a magical world with flavors of Greece, ancient traditions, and a touch of the exotic. Land and sea embrace in Puglia, full of wild beauty...imagine the stunning coastline of the deep blue Adriatic, fairy-tale like trulli, hidden sea caves, and elaborate Baroque cathedrals. By day we bike leisurely through the countryside, and by night we enjoy simple flavors with traditional cucina pugliese and luxurious masserie hotels. This corner of Italy captures our imagination as we enjoy leisurely cycling through a sweet and peaceful land. Highlights:
- Focaccia making lesson and lunch at a masseria;
- Views of the beautiful blue Adriatic;
- Guided visits of Alberobello and Puglia's hidden sea caves;
- Biking through winding farmlands dotted with trulli.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Monopoli
Biking along the coast towards the narrow streets of Monopoli, a stark white coastal village, we see evidence of Puglia's rich past in the traces left by the Greeks, Romans, and Normans. Heading inland we cycle through a dramatic landscape of grove after grove of gnarled old olive trees and almond orchards. A welcome feast at our inn features orecchiette pasta, fatte in casa, and deep green olive oil pressed at our inn's centuries old estate. Overnight at Il Melograno, a lovely Relais & Châteaux property overlooking the orange groves.
Day 2 & 3 - Valle d'Itria, Alberobello & Egnazia
Framed by palms, pink bougainvillea and pomegranate trees our route leads through the Valle d'Itria. Here the countryside is dotted with trulli, whimsical cone-shaped limestone structures. Our private guide in Alberobello explains their humble origins and deciphers the mystical symbols painted on their stone roofs. Next a unique ride through the contrade, or hamlets of trulli homes, brings us to a masseria, farmhouse, where Nicola teaches us to make airy focaccia bread during our cooking lesson. On to Locorotondo, a picturesque hill town with views all around the valley that produces one of Puglia's best wines, a crisp white that merits a tasting. Accommodation: two nights at Masseria Torre Coccaro, a magnificently restored 5 star masseria hotel near the coast.
Day 4, 5 & 6 - Egnazia, Ostuni & Salento
We cycle on to the 6th c. Roman town of Egnazia where the ruins hint at one of the earliest civilizations to inhabit the coast. A gorgeous coastal ride lined with exotic Agave meanders through country roads toward the stunning 'white town' of Ostuni, an ancient white-washed village. Our gentle route moves further south to explore the serene Salento region. Endless fields, lush vineyards, and the dramatic rocky shores of the Adriatic provide the scenery as we bike to spectacular sea caves, and coastal villages such as Santa Maria Leuca, the southernmost tip of Puglia. Our final ride takes us to the beautiful sea town of Otranto and the 15th c. Aragonese Castle of Otranto. Accommodation: two nights at Masseria Monte Lauro, a luxurious 4 star masseria near Otranto.
Testimonials:
"I'm already dreaming about next year's trip." Kitty Brooks
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
Meals - all breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunch;
Hotels - 16th c. masserie & a 5 star estate.
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