Puglia Biking - The Land Between Two Seas
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Tour Code:
TUR-00380
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Type:
Small Group
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Duration: 8 days -
Departs from:
Puglia
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Meeting Place:
Bari or Polignano a Mare
Overview
This cycling tour of the Puglia region is one of our most popular cycling tours in Italy and for very good reason! Puglia in south eastern Italy encompasses the heel of Italy's boot and is bordered by the sea on two sides (the Adriatic Sea in the east and the Ionian Sea to the southeast). The region is characterised by endless olive groves, long fields of grain and vineyards and makes for some of the best cycling territory in all of Italy.
The tour includes beautiful accommodations, excellent bikes, fantastic meals including wine and it is lead by expert guides who know this region better than anyone out there.
The tour begins in Polignano a Mare which is just south of Bari and concludes in Gallipoli near Brindisi.
We can help you make arrangements to get you to the area and also create some fantastic pre and post say options for you and your family or friends in the area.
Puglia is one of our favorite regions in Italy and we are sure you will be delighted with the high level of service and fantastic flavours you will encounter in this spectacular region.
Itinerary
Where we Visit : Puglia, | Meeting Location : Bari or Polignano a Mare
Where we Visit : Puglia,
Where we Visit : Puglia,
We have the choice of two rides today; we can opt for the easy flat ride along the Adriatic and explore the coastal ruins of Egnazia or we can ride a more undulating route into Locorotondo and Cisternino which marks the boundary to the Valley of Itria. Either way, the trulli are last seen. The origin of the Trulli is uncertain, yet it is felt that the cone shape is of Eastern inspiration and may have been adopted in Puglia because it is easy to construct. Others claim that religious or magical reasons have led to their adoption as religious and astrological symbols are often painted on the roofs. As we ride within the Valley of Itria we get a chance to examine these theories up close as we enjoy one bellavista after another before a 10-km downhill cruise through pine lead to the blue green waters of the Adriatic Sea. A quick dip is the ideal way to clean up for a delicious seafood lunch. During the completely flat coastal option we stop at the significant ruinous site of Egnazia where archeologists have uncovered remnants of early Greek and Roman civilizations and then meet up with those who wish for a more challenge. Both rides then lead to Ostuni via the ancient olive groves that are sure to mesmerize the viewer and leave one with the feeling that any minute one of them will speak; as if from the "Land of OZ". Whitewashed Ostuni, a town of pre-historic origin, has survived the ages and retains the most typical of Apulian architecture in accordance with its historic growth. It is felt that through the ages it has succeeded in staying in perfect balance with the surrounding countryside. From the moment we approach from miles away, to the moment we enter the historic town center; it would be hard to argue against this observation. Lodging: A beautiful 4-star hotel in the historic center. Dinner: Osteria within the historic Center's Ancient Walls
Where we Visit : Puglia,
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 then a major Roman trading center on the Apian Way, and evolving into an important Jewish colony. Explore the triangular castle and an old town center loaded with architectural attractions as we cross the plains to the incomparable, Lecce. Lecce has often been described as a Baroque Jewel, and jewel it is. This lively town offers us a chance to enjoy an active evening within the unrivalled architecture of soft pink local stone used to build everything from the piazzas and town gates to the numerous churches that adorn this city of unparalleled beauty. During our first day off the bike we enjoy an extensive private city tour that not only examines the fine Baroque structure, but stops by the renowned papier-mâché studios. You are then free to explore more of the city on your own or cycle to the sea for a comfortable swim. The following day we ride past the ruins of a castle from the Messapi period and through the pine forest surrounding the Alimini Lakes. The Alimini Grande to the north is in contact with the Adriatic and is therefore salt water, while the Alimini Piccolo connected on the south end is nourished by a spring and is therefore fresh water. The landscape around both is tranquil and covered with vegetation typical to swampland-it's interesting if you can see the differences in the nature of the two lakes where gray mullet and eel swim around the reeds. Once we reach Otranto we take time to explore. Otranto was the main port on the southern Adriatic under Byzantine rule, but today the ferry service for Corfu is the only surviving activity connected with the sea. On land, Otranto is a fairytale; medieval, whitewashed town featuring an impressive Aragonese castle and a beautiful Byzantine Cathedral with an impressive floor covered in colorful mosaic. The picture perfect waterfront & great outdoors market makes for a timely rest before we take on our 2 hill climbs into a region of unmatched coastal beauty. Lodgings: 2 nights in a 4-star Patria Palace in medieval center of Lecce & one night at a 4-star hotel on sea with coastal views Dinner: One free night & one night at an outstanding family-run trattoria and one night at 4-star hotel along the sea.
Where we Visit : Puglia,
Our ride continues through spectacular territory.
Where we Visit : Puglia,
Ride continues south through beautiful scenery.
Where we Visit : Puglia,
Where we Visit : Puglia,
This morning after a buffet breakfast at the hotel it will be time to say Arrivaderci!
We can get you anywhere you need to go in Italy so just ask our team how and we can offer you some fantastic suggestions to extend the rest of your stay.
team@italygroupspecialists.com or contact your travel agent.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Tour Highlights and What's Included
What's Included
All 4 & 5-star accommodation in town centers and 2 nights in your very own Trullo- All breakfast, Five full course dinners and 1 picnic lunch
- Olive Oil Producer & Winery Visits tasting & tour
- Fully Supported bike rides with 2 guides
- Private City Tour of Alberobello & Lecce
- BIKE RENTAL of quality upright 27-speed touring bikes equipped with handlebar bags (your clipless pedals can be mounted
- but remember to bring your shoes, bike gloves and shorts.) Quality road bikes are available upon request at an additional charge
- Route note, maps and marked routes
- All tour transfers including meet/depart, van support and luggage transfer
- Multi-lingual guide(s)
- All entrance fees mentioned in itinerary
What's Not Included
What's Not Included
Airfare- Beverages
- Trip insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal items
- Guide tips.
Pricing & Availability
Please contact us today by either phone or email for assistance with this
booking.
Email : team@italyvacationspecialists.com
Toll Free : 1-866-779-2565
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