The winter sea by bike
«We're almost going to the seaside!» and so, in the middle of winter we decide to cross a small...
01.07.2024
Self guided 
Walking
The Rotta dei due Mari on foot
PugliaDifficulty path:Moderate
Self guided · WalkingDuration: 8 daysCode: ws043
from 655 €per person
Highlights
Welcome to the Route of the Two Seas, the evocative path that connects two ancient cities overlooking the sea: Polignano a Mare and Taranto. In this splendid strip of land you will cross, one step at a time, ancient paths framed by dry stone walls, you will observe the landscape changing colors and shades, going from the intense blue of the sea and the green of the centuries-old olive trees to the white stone of the Trulli, from the coasts jagged overlooking the Adriatic to the beautiful sandy beaches of the Ionian.
A journey on foot to discover the wonders of the Apulian hinterland and coast where nature has designed works of extraordinary beauty.
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The natural galleries of Castellana Grotte
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The magic of Alberobello’s Trulli
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The charm of Locorotondo's sloping roofs
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The baroque elegance of Martina Franca and Crispiano
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The Pianelle Natural Park: hidden jewel of the Murge
Program
Day1
Welcome to Polignano a Mare!
Individual arrival in Polignano a Mare.
Breathe deeply the fresh and delicate sea breeze that accompanies the sound of the sea breaking on the pebbles of the shore. Polignano is a small fishing village overlooking the splendid shores of the Adriatic Sea. We recommend you visit the wonderful tangle of streets in the historic center, among its gentle ups and downs that end with the splendid natural terraces that overlook the sea.
Day2
From Polignano to Castellana Grotte
20 km
The Route of the Two Seas starts from the fascinating Polignano a Mare, home town of Domenico Modugno and raw seafood. After a tasty breakfast, leave the jagged coasts of the Adriatic and the suggestive panorama they offer, to head towards Castellana, the undisputed capital of the enchanting karst caves and one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in Italy. In the final stretch of the route, monumental carob trees provide a pleasant coolness among the secondary streets surrounded by well-kept gardens.
NB If you want to plan a visit to the caves lasting approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, keep in mind that you arrive in Castellana in time.
Day3
From Castellana to Alberobello
19 km
A sweet awakening in the warm atmosphere of Castellana will give you the right energy to enjoy every nuance of this exciting second stage towards Alberobello.
The fascinating blue line of the Adriatic is now far away, we find ourselves today in the lush Apulian countryside, with landscapes skillfully painted in various shades of colors. In this exciting stage you will cross a route marked by the charm of dry stone walls, where white roads framed by the intense green of the Apulian countryside lead to ancient farms and small houses marked by white lime.
The arrival in Alberobello inspires and captures the gaze of visitors of every era: among the narrow alleys of the historic center, in fact, you can admire the fantastic Trulli, a UNESCO heritage site since 1996, true architectural masterpieces for their extraordinary and characteristic conical shape, custodians of an ancient technique and eternal witnesses of never-dormant rites and traditions.
Day4
From Alberobello to Locorotondo
20 km
Today's stage begins with a warm embrace of this enchanted landscape, unique in the world.
Among oaks and centuries-old olive trees you will gently enter the heart of the Itria Valley, surrounded by evocative vine terraces kissed by the sun for most of the year. Once you cross the Cecca bridge, from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, Lorotondo appears on the horizon and its particular circular shape from which it takes its name, which, one step after another, becomes closer and closer.
The arrival in the historic center of Locorotondo is dotted with the typical "a cummerse" houses with the characteristic sloping roofs covered with “chiancarelle”, a pleasant discovery that cheers up the gentle slopes of this fascinating village, custodian of ancient knowledge. In fact, one of the most famous PDO white wines in the region is grown in the area: Locorotondo wine, which comes from the Verdesca and Bianco d'Alessano vineyards to which Malvasia, Bombino and Fiano grapes are added
Day5
From Locorotondo to Martina Franca
17 km
Locorotondo retains with it the charm and emotion of a magical place and the impression that there is still everything to be discovered and known. After breakfast you will have the right energy to continue the journey towards the elegant Martina Franca. Once you reach the highest point of the eastern Murgia, among the white lime houses that reflect the sun of Puglia region, and the meticulous baroque decorations set like jewels among the city's monuments, Martina Franca appears even closer. Once you arrive, abandon yourself to discover the labyrinth of streets tangled around the houses that characterizes its fascinating historic center.
Day6
From Martina Franca to Crispiano
30 km
After yesterday's short stage, we resume the journey full of energy. The timeless charm of Eastern Murgia makes the journey less tiring. In fact, the spicy scent of the Mediterranean scrub will also lull you on the gentle slopes of the route. Upon arrival in Crispiano, the ancient city of 100 masserie, you pass from the mysterious charm of the Trulli to the prehistoric caves scattered throughout the area. The ancient town preserves important historical evidence such as a very interesting tomb kit dating back to the 4th century which constitutes one of the most important pieces of the famous "Taranto Golds " preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Taranto.
Day7
From Crispiano to Taranto
28 km
Last day of walking on this exciting journey on foot which has led us from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea. Taranto is now close, step by step the sea becomes more and more present, first with the smell of the salt brought by the breeze and then with the fascinating colors of the Mar Piccolo that embraces the ancient village.
But before arriving in the city there is still time, Gravina di Crispiano is in fact a spectacular view to enjoy and share with your travel companions.
Day8
Goodbye Taranto!
After breakfast, end of the ride!
We recommend letting yourself be lulled by the sweet alleys of the old city, and abandoning yourself to the discovery of ancient Taras, shaped by the rigidity of Sparta and the taste for beauty that guided the artists and architects of Magna Graecia, the cradle of modern civilization. Taranto is a city of undoubted charm and timeless beauty, in which two souls coexist: on one side the old city, on the other the Borgo Nuovo with its frenetic rhythms dictated by the shops, renowned boutiques and restaurants.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 7 nights with breakfast in double room
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Luggage transportation
- Telephone assistance 8:00-20:00
- Pilgrim Passport
Not included
- Transfer IN and Transfer OUT
- Meals and drinks
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxe
- Insurance and what's not listed as Included
Departures and prices
Mid Season24/03/2024 => 21/06/2024
Standard730 € /p
High Season22/06/2024 => 19/07/2024
Standard780 € /p
Peak Season - ON REQUEST20/07/2024 => 01/09/2024
Mid Season02/09/2024 => 26/10/2024
Standard730 € /p
Low Season27/10/2024 => 30/11/2024
Standard655 € /p
Supplements per person
Transfer Bari Apt-Polignano (min 2 pax)
Standard55 € /p
Transfer Brindisi Apt-Polignano (min 2 pax)
Standard80 € /p
Transfer Taranto - Bari Apt (min 2 pax)
Standard70 € /p
Single Room | Low Season
Standard190 € /p
Single Room | Mid Season
Standard220 € /p
Single Room | High Season
Standard250 € /p
Extra night in double room | Low Season
Standard58 € /p
Extra night in double room | Mid Season
Standard65 € /p
Extra night in double room | High Season
Standard75 € /p
Extra night in single room | Low Season
Standard85 € /p
Extra night in single room | Mid Season
Standard90 € /p
Extra night in single room | High Season
Standard100 € /p
Solo Traveller
Standard190 € /p
Other Information
Grade
The itinerary you will find on the Route of the Two Seas is suitable for anyone used to walking long distances. The length of the stages ranges from a minimum of 17 to a maximum of 30 km, with differences in altitude and easy routes and travel times between 3 and 6.5 hours.
The excursions wind along paths and country roads, with some rare but essential passages on busy roads.
We recommend equipping yourself with comfortable shoes suitable for trekking, trekking poles (strongly recommended), hat, water, sunscreen, swimsuit and raincoat in case of rain.
Accommodation & Meals
The tour includes overnight stays in central B&Bs and selected three-star hotels.
All rooms have an en-suite bathroom.
- 1 night in Polignano a Mare
- 1 night in Castellana Grotte
- 1 night in Alberobello
- 1 night in Locorotondo
- 1 night in Martina Franca
- 1 night in Crispiano
- 1 night in Taranto
7 breakfasts included.
Support
For the entire tour you can contact our assistance numbers directly.
Travel documents
A few days before departure you will receive the Service List with instructions for using the Travel App.
Upon your arrival, ask at reception for the info pack with:
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Updated Services List;
- Luggage Labels.
Arrival and Departure
Getting there
Reaching Polignano a Mare will not be a problem, whether by car, bus, train or plane.
BY TRAIN. Trenitalia connects Polignano a Mare with Bari Centrale station. From here you can reach the major Italian cities. To find out about cancellations or additions of stops, delays, route detours and much other useful information for those traveling by train with Trenitalia, consult Viaggiatreno .
BY PLANE. The two reference airports are those of Bari and Brindisi with flights departing from the most important Italian and foreign cities.
Brindisi Salento airport is approximately 71 km from Polignano. Bari Palese airport is closest with a distance of approximately 50 km. From both airports it will then be easy to get to Polignano a Mare by bus, train or taxi. Visit the Airports of Puglia website for more detailed information.
BY BUS. Polignano a Mare can also be reached by bus. Below are the major companies that operate the service: Autolinee Ferrovie Sud-Est, Flixbus. From the Bari Largo Ciaia terminal, continue with local trains from the Bari railway station.
BY CAR. By car you need to use the A14 Bologna-Taranto or A16 Napoli-Canosa motorways with exit at Bari Nord. From Bari Nord, continue on the ring road to Brindisi. On the SS16 - E55 after about 30 km you will find the Polignano a Mare exit. For those arriving from Taranto, follow the SS100 exit Mottola, then Noci, Putignano, Castellana Grotte and finally Polignano a Mare.
Return to Polignano a Mare
From Taranto , the last stop on this tasty trip to Puglia, it is possible to reach Polignano a Mare using the train. Or you can easily reach the airports of Bari and Brindisi.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure.