Visit Tortorella: the complete guide
The picturesque village of Tortorella dominates the surrounding valleys and gorges from its 600...
13.03.2024
Private tour 
Cycling
Southern Puglia from coast to coast
Salento - PugliaDifficulty path:Easy
Private tour · CyclingDuration: 6 daysCode: bg019
departure on request
Highlights
Have you already thought about a nice tour of the Salento coasts by bike, but you found it difficult to go alone?
Choose a date and leave with a group of active and cheerful people, together with a local guide to enjoy a carefree journey!
Choose a date and leave with a group of active and cheerful people, together with a local guide to enjoy a carefree journey!
Book your PRIVATE TOUR:
choose your date and travel with your own group, always accompanied by one expert local tour leader.
Like a crescent moon in the May sun,
the cup of coffee, the lost words,
now I live in the things my eyes look at:
I become an olive tree and the wheel of a slow wagon,
a hedge of prickly pears, a bitter land
where tobacco grows.
But you, mortal and turbid, so mine,
so alone,
say it is not true, that it is not all.
…
Vittorio Bodini, Apulian poet
Program
Day1
Lecce
Individual arrival in Lecce.
Spend some time in this city that will surprise you with its elegant Baroque architecture and its artisan shops. You will meet your tour leader and the rest of the group for a first dinner together, to start exploring ... the local gastronomy!
Overnight in Lecce.
Day2
Cycling Lecce - Gallipoli
50km
After a hearty breakfast we will go to our bikes, and after listening to the guide's advice, we will follow him to get out of the city traffic.
In the blink of an eye, we will immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the countryside, skirting the ancient Rudiae and following small roads between ancient villas, cultivated fields and dry stone walls.
After passing Copertino and the beautiful Nardò, we will be very close to the sea and the wonders of the Puglia west coast. Saracen towers, fine sandy bays and long cliffs will accompany us to the legendary Gallipoli and there will be plenty of opportunities for a regenerating dip.
Overnight in Gallipoli.
Day3
From Gallipoli to Leuca
50km
After a last goodbye to the islet of Gallipoli, we will get back on our bikes for a long, relaxing ride to the tip of the Heel of Italy.
The route follows a low and linear coastline alongside the Island of S.Andrea and Punta Pizzo coast Regional Nature Park, surrounded by dunes and maquis shrubland. In Torre San Giovanni we will opt for a light lunch in front of the sea and, after a typical coffee on ice with almond milk, we will have the energy to continue.
We will admire the Cape of Leuca, with its great lighthouse, from the suggestive Punta Ristola, a place of legends and mythical caves.
The white Santa Maria di Leuca will welcome us in its proverbial quietness for an overnight stay close to the sea.
Day4
From Leuca to Otranto
55km
Surrounded by the atmosphere of this border place, we will cycle to the De Finis Terrae Sanctuary and there we are sure to meet some local cyclists who, superstitiously, pass by here on every ride to "greet" the Madonna.
And then off along the most beautiful coastal road in Puglia! The Ciolo Bridge, Tricase Porto, the Zinzulusa Cave, Santa Cesarea Terme, Porto Badisco, the Punta Palascìa Lighthouse, the sheer cliffs, the medieval towers, the immense blue of sky and sea, will fill your eyes and spirit with pure beauty.
Overnight in Otranto, a splendid town devoted to the 800 martyrs beheaded for their faith.
Day5
From Otranto to Lecce
55km
After breakfast, we will say a final farewell to Otranto with a group photo along its beautiful coastline.
We will cycle along quiet paths around the Alimini Lakes and return to the sea to catch a glimpse of the impressive stacks of Sant'Andrea. And again the sea accompanies us, in all its forms: long beaches, natural pools, watchtowers, rocky views, up to the tranquility of the Le Cesine marshy Reserve.
Heading inland, we will discover that Acaya was a key place to warn the inhabitants of neighbouring fiefdoms from invaders arriving from the sea.
We will return to Lecce for the last night and to look for a nice souvenir from Salento.
Day6
Lecce
Arrivederci! We greet the new friends who have accompanied us on this fantastic bike tour of Salento.
→ If you have a few hours to spare, we recommend a visit to one of the city's museums.
Tour programme variations
Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 5 nights with breakfast in shared double/twin room
- English Speaking locale guide during excursions and included dinner
- Welcome dinner day 1
- Luggage transportation
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Bike rental
- Other meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and what's not listed as Included
Departures and prices
Low Season20/03/2024 => 23/03/2024
Standard750 € /p
Mid Season24/03/2024 => 21/06/2024
Standard850 € /p
High Season22/06/2024 => 19/07/2024
Standard1050 € /p
Peak Season - ON REQUEST20/07/2024 => 01/09/2024
Mid Season02/09/2024 => 26/10/2024
Standard850 € /p
Low Season27/10/2024 => 30/10/2024
Standard750 € /p
Supplements per person
4 days Trek bike rental
Standard80 € /p
4 days Gravel bike rental
Standard120 € /p
4 days E-bike rental
Standard150 € /p
Transfer Brindisi Apt-Lecce (min 2 pax)
Standard45 € /p
Transfer Bari Apt-Lecce (min 2 pax)
Standard100 € /p
Other Information
Grade
This guided bike tour along the southern coasts of Puglia is suitable to anyone with a minimum of training to the bicycle. The daily mileage varies from 50 to 55 daily km, with programmed pause for the visits and the refreshments.
Mostly flat. The bike will be a way to work off the good food and enjoy the many landscapes offered by this land. There will also be strictly cultural moments and the possibility of a refreshing swim in the clear sea of Puglia.
Accomodations & Meals
Accommodation in Charming B&B and selected 4* hotel.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1+1 nights in Lecce
- 1 night in Gallipoli
- 1 night in Leuca
- 1 night in Otranto
5 breakfasts and 1 dinner included. All other meals are not included.
Private tour
Holiday designed for small pre-arranged groups of friends, families and colleagues (quotation is per person and based on a group of 6-12 people). The presence of an expert local guide is guaranteed during the scheduled excursions.
→ Departures every day on request.
Choose your departure date, who you are going with and ask us for a personalised quote!
Price per person
The price varies according to the services requested and the number of people.
Support
You will be accompanied during the excursions and dinners by one of our expert tour leader, coordinator of the group and passionate about travel, nature and the territory visited. He/she will support you, becoming a travel companion and trying to meet the needs of the group, while being attentive to individual requests.
He/she will help make your vacation authentic, relaxing and fun.
Travel documents
A few days before departure you will receive by email the documentation containing the latest information relating to your holiday.
Arrival and Departure
Getting to Lecce
Lecce is easily reachable by car, train, bus and by air.
BY TRAIN. Trenitalia connects the main Italian cities with the capital of Salento. On www.viaggiatreno.it you can find update informations about train routes.
BY AIR. The closest airports are Bari and Brindisi, both connected with the most important Italian and foreign cities.
The Salento airport of Brindisi is about 40 km from Lecce, and the airport of Bari-Palese is about 160 km from Lecce. From Bari and Brindisi there are several public transport solutions to reach Lecce. More info on the website Aeroporti di Puglia.
BY BUS. Lecce is also accessible by bus. Here some of the major operating companies: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Busmiccolis, Sais autolinee, Buscenter.
BY CAR. The main highways are the A14 Bologna-Taranto and the A16 Napoli-Canosa. We recommend you exit the motorway in Bari and continue along the highway to Brindisi, then take the SS613 towards Lecce. maps.google.com can help you with the directions.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.