Itinerary

Day One: Otranto
Our rendezvous point is in Brindisi where our guides will meet and drive you through the gorgeous “Pugliese” landscape to the lovely seaside village of Otranto.  The Byzantines made Otranto into the capital of the Terra di Otranto and they fortified the town, making it one of the strongholds destined to defend the region against the Normans and the Turks. After toasting your arrival with a traditional Prosecco you’ll be guided into a bike fitting, safety talk, and map review. Our first ride leaves from the old Spanish Castello and follows the coastal road to the best caseificio (cheese producer) in the area (just ask anyone on the street). On our way there we’ll see the sheep and goats scattered all over the countryside. We’ll take a visit of the farm and laboratory where the magic happens and you’ll enjoy a light lunch consisting of the farm’s cheeses accompanied by freshly baked breads, local salame and Salentino rosé.  Back in town, Sunday evening is a great time to join the locals for a passeggiata (evening stroll) as everyone is outside enjoying life. For dinner we’ll put our trust in our friend Pasquale’s gift for pairing great wines with original dishes as he hosts us at his well-regarded local restaurant.

Meals: Light lunch & Dinner
Destinations visited: Otranto
Accomplished: 19 km / 12 miles; Longer optional ride available
 
Day Two: Coast Ride to Leuca
Today's tour will be along one of the most stunning coastal roads in the world with breathtaking views of cliffs and bays. On your bike you will discover fishing villages, like Porto Badisco and Santa Cesarea Terme, famous for its Moorish architecture and thermal waters.  Continuing along the coast, we will pass spectacular sea caves and the town of Castro, where Virgil claims the legendary Aeneas first made landfall in Italy. Nearing Leuca we will stop for a heavenly picnic, suspended in the branches of an olive tree overlooking the sparkling cerulean sea.  After lunch it's a short ride to Leuca and the famous sanctuary there that is still visited by pilgrims. The Greek sailors, attracted by its beauty, gave it the name Leukos (white) for its bright sunlit cliffs, and the siren, Leucasia, according to the legend, found peace on its reef. From here, you will have the option to go back to Otranto in the van to spend some time on the beaches or make it an epic day by cycling back for a 106 km roundtrip. Once you have relaxed a bit after the gorgeous ride you’ll be guided around the town for a walking historical tour of Otranto, where you’ll learn all about the cathedral of the mosaic and the eight hundred skulls. Tonight’s dinner is of your choosing but feel free to join the guides at our favorite pizza joint in Italy, built right into the city’s fortification.

Meals: Breakfast & Gourmet picnic
Destinations visited: Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro & Santa Maria di Leuca
Accomplished: 53 km / 30 miles. Optional Century Ride (106 km roundtrip)

Day Three: Locorotondo and the Itria Valley
In the morning we will transfer to the stunning Itria Valley, outside the hilltown of Cisternino. Your guides will get your bikes prepared for your ride as you enjoy a tour and tasting at a typical Pugliese olive oil mill. You’ll learn all about the different olive varieties present only in this area of the world. From here we will begin our ride along the quiet country lanes past vineyards, orchards and, of course, the trulli (conical white buildings characteristic of the area). A leisurely spin will take us to Locorotondo, a village that appears as a round cluster of white structures perched on a ridge.  Here we will have the opportunity to explore the labyrinth of whitewashed streets and stop in one of the local trattorias for a typical lunch and some of the local wine.  After lunch, we’ll continue our ride through the stunning green countryside of rolling hills and small farms to our next luxury hotel on the outskirts of Martina Franca. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the pool, or take a trip into the city's historic core to explore the bustling streets. Before dinner, the locals’ favorite butcher will come to our hotel to explain the ancient processes still used in preparing and aging some of the best salami in Italy, all while we get to taste the fruit of his labors. Tonight we will dine at the hotel’s restaurant in a trulli special setting.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Destinations visited: Cisternino, Locorotondo, Itria Valley
Accomplished: 39 kms/ 24 miles

Day Four: Alberobello
The route to Alberobello passes through perfect cycling country; stone walls line the roads, giving way to pastures and vineyards that will delight the eyes. We'll arrive in Alberobello in spectacular fashion, passing through Puglia’s greatest concentration of trulli on our way to the main square.  You’ll have time to explore the town, ask locals about their peculiar architecture and enjoy a light lunch at one of the many restaurants and pizzerias. You can even stop in at a local butcher's shop to have them grill any of their meats before your eyes.  After lunch we will cycle through the trulli zone, passing quiet villages on even quieter roads. Arriving at the edge of the Itrian plateau, we will have a spectacular view of the coastal plain below before beginning the thrilling downhill to get there. Our destination is Torre Maizza, a luxury hotel created from a fortified estate, or masseria. The hotel houses a sleek Aveda spa, while the lush, flower-decked grounds extend in all directions. Take time to relax at this magnificent property this afternoon. If interested, your guides are more than happy to provide you with information on additional local activities such as playing nine holes of golf, doing some horseback riding, or taking advantage of the spa. In the evening we will reunite for a private cooking class with Vito, Maizza’s award-winning chef. We will cook a range of typical Pugliese dishes, including some handmade pasta and then taste the rewards with a well-earned dinner.  Today you will officially become a local and fall in love with Puglia.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Destinations visited: Alberobello, Fasano, Itria Valley
Accomplished: 50 kms/ 30 miles

Day Five: The Canali
We start our day with a short ride to a small local cheese producer to see how mozzarella is made and try some of the fresh stuff, only a few minutes old! Then, weaving our way along country lanes lined with low stone walls, we will cycle to the coast.  Riding down the coast we will pass sunbathers, swimmers, the Ancient Roman ruins of Egnazia and laid-back fishing villages like Savelletri and Torre Canne. Then, turning inland, we will explore the tiny roads, or canali, that wind through an endless plain of ancient olive trees.  A gradual climb will reward us with a stunning view of this colorful canvas: where the bright blue Adriatic embraces the browns and greens of this endless olive grove. A long downhill will bring us back to earth where a delicious lunch awaits us in the courtyard of a stunning masseria. Here our hosts, Laura and Filippo, will show us around their historic home and even let us taste some of their artisanal olive oil. After lunch you can opt for an extra challenge with a ride up the ridge to the white city of Ostuni, or spin back to the hotel to spend the afternoon at the spa or relaxing on the beach. In the evening we will get together for a wine tasting led by Torre Maizza’s sommelier before sitting down to another mouthwatering Pugliese dinner prepared by Vito and his staff. 
 
Meals: Breakfast, Gourmet Lunch & Dinner
Destinations visited: Savelletri, Torre Canne
Accomplished:  48 km/ 30 miles (Optional longer ride to Ostuni available)

Day Six: Savelletri– Your next destination!
After breakfast on the terrace, say goodbye to Masseria Torre Maizza however you see fit. Stroll the grounds, or take a morning dip in the pool lined with Roman columns. We’ll transfer you to Brindisi as you head on to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!

TRIP TOTAL: 227 KM/ 142 MILES, averaging 45 km / 28 miles per day.
Optional longer rides available each day.

More information from DuVine Adventures:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.duvine.com/tours/263/Puglia-Bike-Tour…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips