A perfect circumnavigation of the heel of the Italian boot, along the Ionian coast and the Adriatic Sea, this cycling journey covers the heart of the Salento, where breathtaking scenery meets the rich, and very unique cultural heritage. From the golden stone buildings of baroque Lecce, crystal-clear coastal waters and colorful Greek-influenced villages of the hinterland fresh, to the authentic flavours of the local cuisine, each day of this bike adventure brings true travel joy. Daily stages range between 45 and 55 km (28–34 miles), mainly on quiet secondary paved roads, with occasional short sections on coastal paths or compact terrain. The elevation profile naturally varies from flat stretches to rolling up-and-down sections and occasional short climbs. Some stages are almost completely flat, while others include light climbs or brief “sprints” that add variety and rhythm to the ride. The itinerary has been carefully designed to balance scenic beauty and riding enjoyment, allowing time to explore, stop, and experience the landscape. This tour is available March 1 to June 30 and August 20 to November 30. The tour can start any day of the week. If you are looking for a longer cycling holiday in Southern Italy, join this itinerary to our Puglia and Basilicata Best of Southern Italy tour, covering the beautiful regions of central Puglia and magical Matera in the nearby Basilicata region. We use our vast network in the continent to curate and offer tours operated by select local partners that we know and trust. These tours are similar in quality to those we operate directly – for example, they usually begin with an in-person briefing and bike fitting (with English-speaking local staff); bicycles are provided in optimal condition; the roadbook and navigation instructions, as well as lodging are of similar quality, as well as the routes and inclusions.
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