Apulia with guide | Bari - Lecce

Arriving in Bari, you'll be greeted by the vibrant energy of Apulia's capital, a city teeming with history and charm. Your tour guides will be eagerly waiting for you at 7:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby, ready to usher you into the heart of Bari's old town. As you stroll through its picturesque alleys and quaint squares, you'll be enchanted by the romantic flair and architectural beauty that define this hidden gem. Your evening unfolds in a small trattoria, where the warm ambiance and rustic charm set the stage for a culinary journey through the region's traditional "Cucina di Terra." Here, amidst the cozy interior and authentic flavors, you'll savor the essence of Puglia's rich culinary heritage, delighting in dishes that reflect the land's bounty and the warmth of its people.

Bari's Centro Storico, with its centuries-old history and architectural harmony, offers a glimpse into the city's storied past. Despite being a bustling metropolis with over 300,000 inhabitants, Bari's old town retains an intimate charm, inviting exploration and discovery around every corner. Nestled along the magnificent avenue Corso Cavour, just a stone's throw from the Teatro Petruzzelli, your accommodation at the Oriente Hotel**** offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. 

After a hearty breakfast, your day promises to be filled with exploration and adventure as you journey to Castel del Monte aboard a comfortable bus. Perched majestically atop a hill in the hilly Murgia region, the castle of Emperor Friedrich II awaits, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Apulia and earning its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you traverse through the Alta Murgia National Park, spanning nearly 680 square kilometers, you'll be immersed in the breathtaking beauty of this protected landscape. The Murge plateau, characterized by its limestone terrain and fertile soil, presents a striking contrast of rugged rock formations and verdant fields.

Amidst vineyards, orchards, and limestone boulders, you'll traverse winding country lanes, each turn revealing a new facet of this captivating region. A stop at a traditional "masseria" offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in an authentic Apulian lunch or picnic, savoring the flavors of the region amidst the rustic charm of the countryside. As the day draws to a close, your return transfer will whisk you back to Bari, where you'll find yourself once again amidst the vibrant energy of the city. With the evening at your leisure, you'll have the chance to explore Bari's charming old town, dotted with inviting bars and restaurants offering a taste of local life. As you retire to the comforts of the Oriente Hotel, you'll carry with you the memories of a day filled with discovery and the promise of more adventures to come.

Embarking on a picturesque journey through the charming Itria Valley, your day begins with a scenic bus transfer (56 km) to this idyllic region. As you traverse the undulating landscape adorned with stacked field stone walls, you'll be immersed in the tranquility of the countryside. Arriving in Alberobello, the quintessential center of trulli architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll marvel at the whimsical districts comprised almost entirely of these iconic cone-shaped structures. Despite the bustling atmosphere brought on by numerous excursionists, don't let it detract from the magic of this unique destination.

After a guided tour exploring the enchanting trulli-lined streets, your cycling adventure continues towards Locorotondo. Along the way, scattered trulli, olive groves, almond trees, and vineyards paint a picturesque backdrop as you pedal towards your day's destination. Nestled amidst the rural landscape, the Hotel Relais Il Palmento beckons with its charming trulli-inspired architecture, offering a tranquil retreat for the night. Here, amidst the rustic charm of a complete trulli village, you'll indulge in a delightful dinner before retiring for a restful overnight stay. As you drift off to sleep, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Itria Valley, you'll carry with you the memories of a day filled with discovery and the promise of more enchanting experiences yet to come.

Starting at the foot of Martina Franca's town hill, your cycling adventure through the captivating landscape of Murgia begins, adorned with endless groves of olive trees and the distinctive red earth that characterizes the region (transfer to the bike start: 13 km). Pedaling through this picturesque terrain, you'll be enchanted by the natural beauty that surrounds you, as the gentle breeze carries the scent of olive blossoms through the air. 

Either side of the Gravina San Marco gorge, Massafra boasts a spectacular location that captivates the imagination. Here, amidst the rugged cliffs and dramatic landscape, you'll pause for a leisurely lunch, soaking in the breathtaking vistas that unfold before you. In the afternoon, a transfer awaits to whisk you further into the heart of Salento, the southern "boot heel" of Italy (78 km). As you pedal through olive groves and pastoral scenery, you'll make your way to the Club Azzurro Hotel**** in Porto Cesareo, your tranquil oasis nestled amidst the rural idyll of the countryside. Arriving at the hotel, you'll be greeted by the warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere that awaits. After a day of exploration and adventure, indulge in a delicious dinner, savoring the flavors of the region, before retiring for a restful overnight stay. Here, amidst the serene beauty of Salento, you'll find peace and tranquility under the starlit sky, ready to embrace the adventures that lie ahead.

Today's cycling route offers a mesmerizing journey along the stunning Ionian Sea, tracing the coastline of the Gulf of Taranto. As you pedal along, you'll be greeted by kilometer-long sandy beaches and charming bathing resorts that dot the shoreline, drawing visitors seeking summer relaxation. Your path leads you through the coastal nature park of "Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano", where a longer climb awaits. For those who prefer, your tour guides are on hand to offer a ride on the terranova bus to conquer this ascent.

In the afternoon, the scenic ride continues along the coast, passing by picturesque seaside villages and vibrant beachfront scenes. Eventually, you'll arrive at Gallipoli, renowned as one of the most beloved towns along the Gulf of Taranto. Founded by Greeks from Taranto, the city's name translates to "beautiful city," a testament to its rich history and Byzantine cultural heritage, which thrived until the Norman Conquest. The Greek Orthodox influence endured here until 1513, leaving behind a legacy of architectural marvels and cultural significance.

Gallipoli's old town sits atop an island connected to the mainland by a bridge, offering panoramic views of the sea and the crescent-shaped "Baia Verde" from every angle. Tonight, you'll be treated to a stay at the modern 5-star Hotel Palazzo del Corso***** just before the bridge to the old town island. Before dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, protected by a fortified castle, and immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of this coastal gem. 

Today's cycling adventure takes you on a scenic journey through the heart of the Italian boot heel, offering a diverse landscape to explore. Starting from your hotel, you'll pedal along the picturesque Baia Verde, home to one of Apulia's most popular sandy beaches, stretching over 5 kilometers along the coast. As you cycle along this idyllic shoreline, you'll bask in the beauty of the azure waters and golden sands that define this captivating bay.

Leaving the coast behind, your route delves into the interior of the Salento region, where Mediterranean landscapes unfold before you, dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and quaint villages. Absorb the tranquil ambiance as you meander through this sparsely populated countryside, soaking in the essence of rural Apulia.

Before reaching the Adriatic coast near Otranto, today's cycling excursion concludes, and you'll be whisked away by bus to the vibrant city of Lecce, approximately 40 kilometers away. Here, you'll spend the next two nights in the comfort of a charming hotel nestled within the historic old town. Lecce, often hailed as the "Florence of the Baroque," boasts a festive baroque ensemble crafted from honey-colored tuff, showcasing Italy's finest architectural treasures. This bustling metropolis exudes a timeless charm, inviting you to immerse yourself in its rich cultural tapestry and southern Italian flair. In the late afternoon, a knowledgeable city guide will lead you on a captivating tour of Lecce's architectural marvels, offering insights into its storied past and vibrant present. As the evening unfolds, you'll have the opportunity to explore the lively streets and bustling squares of the historic center at your leisure. 

Today marks the culmination of your cycling journey as you embark on the final stage, tracing a scenic route from Lecce towards the Adriatic Sea. A short transfer of 19 kilometers transports you to the starting point of your cycling adventure, where you'll set out along the breathtaking Adriatic coast. The route unfolds amidst stunning coastal vistas, with glimpses of historic watchtowers such as Torre dell'Orso, standing sentinel against the backdrop of azure waters.

Leaving the coast behind, you'll veer inland towards the picturesque hinterland, where charming villages and bucolic landscapes await. As you pedal through this idyllic countryside, you'll encounter the tranquil beauty of nature reserves and inland lakes, such as Alimini Piccolo & Alimini Grande, teeming with fish and birdlife. Your cycling odyssey culminates in the enchanting town of Otranto, renowned for its pristine beaches, fortified old town, and scenic promenade nestled on a picturesque peninsula. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a leisurely lunch and explore the town's historic charms at your own pace.

In the afternoon, a return transfer of 47 kilometers brings you back to Lecce, where you'll have ample time to wander through the cobbled streets and quaint alleyways of the old town. As evening descends, you'll gather for a memorable farewell dinner at a stylish restaurant in the heart of this baroque city, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories forged along the journey. Retire to the comfort of your hotel, where you'll spend your final night immersed in the timeless allure of Lecce's historic ambiance, savoring the essence of Apulia's rich cultural heritage.

After indulging in a hearty breakfast, the time will come to bid farewell to the enchanting region of Apulia. At
around 9:00 a.m., we'll whisk you away on a comfortable transfer to the airport of your choice (price on request).