Puglia Vespa Tour - riding the heel of Italy

Lecce and its coast by Vespa

60km by Vespa

You finally get into the heart of Puglia Vespa Tour, with the delivery of the Vespa and the itineraries to follow.
The first Vespa itinerary begins with a gastronomic stop at Lu furnu te la Masseria Giammatteo, where you can taste typical baked goods, before leaving for the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate. The origin of Cerrate Abbey is between the 11th and 12th centuries: it is one of the most important monastic centers of the Byzantine rite of southern Italy. Over the centuries the monastery was transformed into an agricultural farm. Since 2012 it has been entrusted to the Italian Environment Fund (FAI) of the Province of Lecce.
After a recommended visit to the abbey, get back in the saddle to ride the Adriatic coast on your Vespa, from Torre Rinalda to Frigole. Sandy coasts, wind-sculpted tamarisks and the horizon of the sea, will be the companions of your Puglia Vespa Tour today.
Along the coast you can stop at the beach for a restorative bath, then return to Lecce for a local wine experience in a Bistrot in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Lecce.

Loop around Gallipoli by Vespa

70km by Vespa

The Puglia Vespa Tour will introduce you to the surroundings of beautiful Gallipoli.
Ride towards Nardò, getting off the Vespa you will immediately notice that the old town here holds a rare beauty. The heart of Nardò is Piazza Salandra, and in its center is the spire of the Immaculate Conception. The square also overlooks other precious historic buildings: the Sedile with the statue of St. Gregorio Armeno, the Universitas building and the Caccialupi clock.
Also visit Galatina, where time is marked by the beat of the tambourines: here art and faith traditionally meet the dance of the taranta. Look for and visit the Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, one of the most beautiful frescoed churches in Italy.
Return in Gallipoli for overnight.

Loop Vignacastrisi - Otranto by Vespa

50km by Vespa

Today's Vespa route starts and ends in Vignacastrisi revealing green glades, hidden gardens and prehistoric stone monuments.
Riding your Vespa you can breathe the charm of a primordial story. Among the roads lined with olive trees and rural buildings, you will reach La Cutura, an important botanical garden which we recommend you visit, here you can admire eleven wonderful gardens, more than three thousand succulents and tropical plants. Then ride through Giurdignano and admire the Megalithic Garden of Salento and its peaceful land: numerous dolmens and menhirs scattered in the area that testify to the presence of man at the dawn of civilization.
Remember to take time to visit the beautiful Otranto (and its cathedral with a wonderful floor mosaic), which you will also pass by tomorrow.
Tonight dinner will be the result of your pasta making to which you will dedicate yourself in the late afternoon.
Second overnight stay in Vignacastrisi.

Arrivederci Puglia

Awakening in Lecce in another beautiful historic palace.

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.
Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each rider can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.