Pedalling through Puglia

Overview

Leisurely routes: Enjoy quiet roads and relaxed coastal rides. Fascinating culture: Charming traditions and incredible cuisine await. Explore Lecce: Admire the city's iconic Baroque architecture up close. Traditional stays: Masserie or agriturismi accommodation and a historic hotel. Striking landscapes: Expect olive groves, rolling hills, and pristine beaches. 8 nights | 7 dinners | 8 breakfasts | luggage transported | high-quality bicycle | route notes | GPS navigation. Holiday type: Cycling. Grade: Easy-to-moderate cycling featuring undulating routes with more frequent short ascents, and a mix of shorter and longer days. Terrain: Coastal roads, country lanes and tracks. Average carbon footprint: 145kg CO₂e per person, excluding travel. Nights: 8. Accommodation: Four agriturismi / masserie (working farms); one historic hotel. Meals: Breakfast every day, 7 dinners. Bikes: Prices are based on push bikes as detailed in the FAQs, but e-bikes can be requested. See 'Prices & Travel' for details. Price (excluding flights): From £2,131pp. Travel options: We can arrange flights and connecting transfers (or simply the latter) – see ‘Prices & Travel’. Alternatively, please contact us about travelling by train from London. Start: Any day except Sunday. Season: 01 April 2026 - 30 June 2026, 01 September 2026 - 31 October 2026. The gently rolling plains of Salento form the heel of Italy, a bucolic landscape dotted with traditional masserie - ancient villa estates that have survived the turmoil of centuries, and which still maintain the countryside in time-honoured fashion. All have left their mark across the plains and along the coast, where crumbling watchtowers stand in decaying splendour. The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on almost any day of the week, and are free to add extra nights. Average temperatures and rainfall data provided for Jan-Dec. Day 1: Vernole to Porto Badisco: 54km. Begin by following quiet lanes to the walled village of Acaya (whose castle is worth a visit), then cycle through Le Cesine, an important wetland habitat for birds, to reach the sea. Roca Vecchia provides a good opportunity to get off your bikes briefly for a wander along the low cliffs to admire caves and some spectacular seascapes. Passing abandoned watchtowers and freshwater lakes, you continue south along the jagged coastline to reach the historic port of Otranto, where you can stop for a wander and refreshments. Then, pedal along a panoramic road above the coast to reach the wonderfully secluded Masseria Panareo near Porto Badisco, where you stay for two nights. Day 2: Circular route from Porto Badisco: 35km. If you can tear yourself away from the pool, we recommend an easy and delightful circuit exploring a number of villages and sights of the interior, including the Baroque town of Poggiardo and the botanical gardens of La Cutura. You cycle mainly along quiet country lanes among the extensive olive groves and simple but colourful farming country that characterises this corner of Puglia. Day 3: Porto Badisco to Gagliano del Capo: 42km. Today you continue south along the wild coastline, which is honeycombed with caves, rock arches and grottoes. Stop off for morning coffee at the elegant spa town of Santa Cesarea Terme, characterised by Art Nouveau and Moorish style buildings, then take our recommended short detour to visit the spectacular Zinzulusa Cave, where there is also a panoramic restaurant for lunch. Later on, pause to admire Castro Marina, a harbour which still has a castle, a 12th-century cathedral and most of its 16th-century ramparts intact; and the small harbour and natural inlet at Tricase Porto, with its tiny beach. Continue along to the coast, eventually turning off to reach Masseria Alcorico, a short distance inland just outside Gagliano del Capo, with its palm-shaded pool. Day 4: Circular route from Gagliano del Capo: 31km. Today's circuit is a varied and very enjoyable one. First you cross the bottom of Italy's 'heel' along country lanes through olive groves via the interesting town of Patù (whose narrow streets you can explore in seeking out the fascinating Centopietre - a tomb of a 'hundred stones'), en route to the beaches of Torre Vado on the Ionian coast. We recommend stopping for a delicious seafood lunch here, or perhaps delaying until you reach the port of Marina di Leuca close to De Finibus Terrae (Italy's 'Land's End'). Here you can visit the iconic lighthouse and remarkable basilica, located on the very tip of Puglia where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. From here, it's just a short ride - again inland across colourful agricultural land characterised by deep-red earth and dry-stone walls - back to your hotel. Day 5: Gagliano del Capo to Gallipoli: 58km; shorter option: 19km. Although lengthy, today's route around the coast to Gallipoli could scarcely be any simpler (or flatter), and makes for a very enjoyable ride. Pause at inviting beaches and interesting coastal towns before reaching the wide arc of Baia Verde ('Green Bay'), where we recommend a dip in the sea from the extensive golden sands before continuing to Gallipoli for an overnight stay at Relais Corte Palmieri. Alternatively, you can start with a transfer, leaving you with just a short distance to cover to reach your destination. Whichever route you choose, it's a joy to explore the Old Town (where your hotel is situated), connected to the mainland via an arched bridge and perched on a limestone islet. Known as Kallipolis ('beautiful city') in Greek, Gallipoli's walls, ramparts and towers once defended the city from foreign raiders, and now shelter it from rough seas, as well as lending it a very special allure. Day 6: Gallipoli to Sternatia: 39km. Today, you head north-east via the 'Grecia Salentina', a group of sleepy towns and villages where traces of the Greek-Byzantine civilisation linger on and Griko, the idiom or dialect that is close to modern Greek, still survives. Eventually you pass through the small town of Sternatia to reach the elegant and stylish Masseria Chicco Rizzo, located amid its own olive groves. Day 7: Explore Lecce. You may wish to do no more than relax by the pool or pootle around locally on your bike. However, our suggestion is to take the train (Monday to Saturday only) to Lecce, the 'Florence of the South'. It is the most complete Baroque town in southern Europe, whose sumptuous architecture, enhanced by the pale honey-coloured local stone and featuring elaborately sculpted gargoyles and animals, lends it great charm. We provide detailed notes for a city walk taking in the Roman amphitheatre, parts of the old walls, and several of its wonderful churches. Accommodation: You stay in a delightful selection of traditional working masserie or agriturismi - as well as a historic hotel in Gallipoli. In some places, we work with more than one hotel, as shown below. All are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation. Masseria Copertini, Vernole: This is a typical Salento masseria (farmstead), forming an ancient courtyard which occupies an isolated spot in the countryside. The buildings are made of local stone and are surrounded by fields, meadows and olive groves. The bedrooms feature exposed stone walls and pleasant views. The restaurant, located in the farmhouse, is part of the Slow Food Alliance, serving dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers. Masseria Panareo, near Porto Badisco: Boasting glorious views towards the coast, this welcoming, family-run agriturismo enjoys a magnificent, secluded position on its own hillside amid vineyards and olive groves, just a mile from the sea. The vaulted dining room provides an atmospheric setting for delicious dinners made from fresh, regional produce. The bright rooms are simply furnished and classic in style. A panoramic outdoor pool completes the picture. Masseria Alcorico, Gagliano del Capo: Located just 800 metres inland from the coast, this delightful agriturismo has a farmland setting and a palm-shaded swimming pool. There is a simple, homely restaurant serving buffet-style breakfasts and authentic evening meals with a choice of fresh daily-changing dishes. The elegant rooms have exposed stone ceilings and tiled floors. Relais Corte Palmieri, Gallipoli: Making the most of original features such as vaulted ceilings and terracotta floor tiles, this centrally located hotel, dating back to 1700, exudes character and elegance. The focal point includes several terraces, including a spacious roof terrace with ample seating where gourmet dishes are served (weather permitting). The hotel also features a splash pool. Masseria Chicco Rizzo, Sternatia: This elegant and very welcoming hotel - a renovated 18th-century staging post - is located in the rolling countryside. It is surrounded by extensive gardens in which vegetables and other fresh organic produce are grown for the restaurant. There is a cosy lounge and bar, and the inviting outdoor pool is another highlight. The rooms are finely furnished with distinctive features and furnishings made by local artisans. Extend your stay: Cycling Pedalling through Puglia - Extended 10 nights, from £2,528pp. Enjoy rewarding routes through distinctly southern landscapes, with the chance at the end to explore the unique trulli of Alberobello. Prices are in £ sterling (GBP). Currency converter available. Prices (£ per person based on 2 sharing) Cycle price 8 nights: 01 April 2026 - 30 June 2026 & 01 September 2026 - 31 October 2026. Start any day except Sunday | End by latest date(s) shown above. Electric bikes available: pricing confirmed at time of booking. Book your flights through us and we 'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel. Recommended airports: Brindisi or Bari. As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London. Flight options listed for Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester. Travelling from outside the UK: recommend flying via Rome. We can arrange onward connecting travel. Connecting travel options provided for flying via Brindisi and Bari, including direct taxi and rail options. Reviews: Customers are encouraged to write a review. Any reference to maps in customer reviews is now out of date. FAQs: What sort of bike is provided? Hybrid bike with 27 gears; waterproof map case on handlebars; panniers/saddlebags; pump; puncture repair kit; and a lock. Electric bikes are available as an upgrade. Can I hire a helmet? Yes, can be hired locally for a small fee. Do you provide GPS navigation? Yes, GPX tracks provided. How does self-guided hotel-to-hotel cycling work? Route notes provided, luggage transferred. Any tips on locking up the bikes? Responsible for damage or loss; always lock to an immovable object and remove accessories. Can I book my flights through Inntravel? Yes, for convenience and ATOL protection. Travel from the UK by rail? Absolutely, experts in tailored rail travel. Book travel arrangements for customers from outside the UK? Can't book flights originating outside the UK, but can arrange onward travel from UK or continental Europe. Travelling alone? Recommend calling to discuss plans. How do I make a booking? Provide party details, pay deposit, secure room, then book travel. Do I need travel insurance? Yes, insist on it for medical emergencies, cancellation, etc. Do I need a visa or anything health-related for Italy? UK citizens need a passport, not a visa. Check requirements for other citizens. Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) recommended. What else do I need to know about travelling to Italy? Language is Italian, currency is Euro, time is GMT/UTC + 1. How does Brexit affect travel to Europe? Visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein. Where can I find general travel advice? UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included