Olive trees in the countryside near the medieval white village of Ostuni

Operated by Headwater

Cycling the Heel of Italy - Alberobello to Lecce

Activity Level

Moderate

Activity

Cycling

Overview

In the heart of the Mediterranean lies Puglia, a unique landscape sandwiched between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. We explore the very best of this captivating region from our start point in Alberobello, known for its UNESCO-listed Trulli houses, to the end point in Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South’. The daily routes take you through the Murghe plateau, the Salento plain or along the coast. Discover a landscape of ancient olive groves, long fields of grain and vineyards. The architecture of the region takes you from the conical Trulli houses in Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni, past traditional masserie, coastal watchtowers and splendid Baroque towns. The region is filled with spectacular views; beautiful coastline and mouth-watering cuisine. This holiday is offered with a choice of mainly 3 Star, or mainly 4 Star accommodation. The 3 Star accommodation is listed in the accommodation section.

Key Information

Trip Code: C07PI
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Italy
Carbon Footprint: 15kg CO2e per person per day
Terrain: 95% of the cycling is on asphalt roads, with 5% on strada bianca. The routes generally keep to quieter, secondary roads although you should expect more traffic in the towns.

What's Included

7 nights in 3-star equivalent, 3-star and 4-star accommodation
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
Bike hire included, plus bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
Luggage transfers between hotels
Headwater navigation app

Don't Forget To

Request a single room or e-bike upgrade if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. A compulsory solo traveller supplement applies to this holiday. The price excludes estimated local taxes/fees of 13 EUR.

Highlights

Cycling the Heel of Italy – Alberobello to Lecce

Alberobello's fairy-tale trulli houses

Olive groves, towering limestone cliffs and Roman amphitheatres

The white city of Ostuni, the majestic castle of Otranto and Baroque Lecce

Itinerary

First Destination: Alberobello
Next Destination: Lecce

Accommodation:Trullidea
Meals included:None

Distance:49 km / 30.4 miles
Accommodation:Relais Sant'Eligio
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:55 km / 34.2 miles
Accommodation:Masseria Strazzati
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Distance:60 km / 37.3 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Joly Park
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:50 km / 31.1 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Terminal
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:53 km / 32.9 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Albania
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:55 km / 34.2 miles
Accommodation:Eos Hotel
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Alberobello
Next Destination: Lecce

Make your way to Alberobello, famous for its Trulli houses.

Accommodation:Trullidea

Cycle through the lush Valle d’Itria, passing more white-tipped trulli houses on the way. Boasting beautiful coastal views, the route takes you through the famous wine town of Locorotondo, regarded as one of Italy’s most stunning villages. After sampling some of the local sparkling white wine, continue to the white city of Ostuni – so called for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses.

Distance:49 km / 30.4 miles
Accommodation:Relais Sant'Eligio
Meals included:Breakfast

Cycle through the colourful Salentinian countryside, characterized by olive groves and red soil towards the medieval towns of Oria and Manduria with their authentic historic centres.

Distance:55 km / 34.2 miles
Accommodation:Masseria Strazzati
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Head to Torre Colimena on the Ionian Sea, then follow the coast alongside a series of beaches and the old coastal towers of Salento. Reach Gallipoli, known as the ‘Ionian Pearl’ with its Old Town situated on a rocky island. Take time to wander the narrow lanes of the historic centre to discover its baroque cathedral, elegant palazzi and enticing restaurants.

Distance:60 km / 37.3 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Joly Park
Meals included:Breakfast

Cycle towards the most southerly point of Salento at Santa Maria di Leuca, where the crystal waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Sea meet. This village is home to one of the most important lighthouses in Italy, as well as numerous villas built at the turn of the century.

Distance:50 km / 31.1 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Terminal
Meals included:Breakfast

Pedal along the south coast of the Adriatic Sea, stopping off at the famous Grotta Zinzulusa and the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea Terme. Your final destination is Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy with a stunning cathedral and Aragonese castle.

Distance:53 km / 32.9 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Albania
Meals included:Breakfast

Follow the shoreline through olive groves to the Baroque metropolis of Lecce. Known as the ‘Florence of the South’, Lecce is home to over 30 churches, an amphitheatre and a Roman theatre dating back to Emperor Augustus.

Distance:55 km / 34.2 miles
Accommodation:Eos Hotel
Meals included:Breakfast

Make your own way back to the airport for your flight home.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Hotels

Trullidea, Alberobello (3* equivalent)

Trullidea, Alberobello

A unique and authentic experience staying in a trullo, a traditional 15th century Apulian stone building with conical roof. Each trullo house is made up of a double bedroom, small bathroom with shower and living area with sofa and small kitchenette. The trulli are located in the centre of historic Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site, within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and shops.

Facilities: Hairdryer, Wifi

Relais Sant’Eligio, Ostuni (4*)

Relais Sant’Eligio, Ostuni

Situated a stone’s throw from Ostuni’s Old Town, the Relais Sant’Eligio dates back to the first half of the 1500s when Queen Bona Sforza d’Aragona imposed all coastal cities from Naples to Otranto to have a resting station. The Resting Station of Camposada – as it was then – has welcomed many couriers and royal officials from yesteryear, whilst today, each of the 22 elegant and individually decorated rooms offer every comfort for the 21st century guest.
Facilities: Aircon, Hairdryer, Wifi, Minibar, TV, Shops, Visa, Mastercard

Masseria Strazzati, Avetrana (3* equivalent)

Cycling the Heel of Italy – Alberobello to Lecce

Masseria Strazzati is an old farm estate and is set within 100 hectares of olive groves. Your evening meal is taken at the Masseria Bosco where the pool can also be used.

Hotel Joly Park, Gallipoli (3*)

Hotel Joly Park, Gallipoli

Located in the centre of Gallipoli and only a short walk from Corso Roma, Hotel Joli Park is modern and comfortable. The rooms are well equipped and contemporary. The hotels offers guests a private shuttle service to take you to and from the private beach “Lido delle Sirene”.
Facilities: Aircon, Hairdryer, Pool, Wifi, Safe, TV, Visa, Mastercard

Hotel Terminal, Leuca (3*)

Hotel Terminal, Leuca

Hotel Terminal is nestled among the eclectic villas, on the central nineteenth-century seafront dedicated to Cristoforo Colombo, the heart of the town, with a beautiful view on Punta Ristola and Punta Melis. The hotel has its own private beach that can be reached by a picturesque underpass. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped.
Facilities: Aircon, Hairdryer, Minibar, Pool, Wifi, Safe, TV, Bank, Cash Machine, Visa, Mastercard, AmEx

Hotel Albania, Otranto (3*)

Hotel Albania, Otranto

Located in the centre of Otranto, Hotel Albania owes its name to the majestic Albanian mountains which on a clear day offers guests breathtaking views and are visible from the hotel terrace. Rooms are comfortable and modern.
Facilities: Aircon, Hairdryer, Wifi, Safe, TV

Eos Hotel, Lecce (3*)

Eos Hotel, Lecce

Situated just outside of the historic town of Lecce, Hotel Eos is a modern hotel with modern facilities. Rooms are contemporary and fully furnished.
Facilities: Aircon, Hairdryer, Wifi, Safe, TV, Minibar, Visa, Mastercard

Worth knowing:

You will spend 7 nights in comfortable en suite hotels. When available we use traditional accommodation in Alberobello.
Hotels are mainly 3 star, there is also the option to upgrade to mostly 4 star accommodation for a supplement.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration.
For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.

Essential Information

This self-guided cycling holiday is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, with the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodation, route guidance and local support. Previous cycling experience is recommended, but no technical cycling skills are required.

Cycling at a Glance
Trip Style: Self-guided
Cycling Days: 6
Average Daily Distance: 51km (32 miles)
Terrain & Route: The suggested cycling is along quiet, tarmac roads (mainly traffic-free). There are a few ascents and descents along the way.
Activity Level: 2 (Easy & Moderate)
For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Navigation: Headwater Navigation App

How Your Self-Guided Holiday Works
This self-guided trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater. You’ll travel independently and at your own pace using the Headwater Navigation App, which provides expertly curated routes and directions, along with a 24-hour emergency assistance number should you need support. As there is no tour leader or organised group, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace while following the planned itinerary. Headwater are specialists in self-guided active holidays with more than 40 years of experience.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 14 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. Please do be aware that on some occasions on this trip the cycling can be along busier roads so any children must be comfortable cycling alongside traffic. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.

Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Alberobello and ending in Lecce

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Alberobello on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final Joining Instructions.

Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Breakfasts are included and consist of a continental-style buffet. However, please note that the typical Italian breakfast are generally light; usually a cup of coffee and a cream-filled or jam-filled croissant.

In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep’s ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians! On this trip there will be many opportunities to taste the best local specialities.
Suggestions of what to do for lunch and dinner are given in the cycling route notes.

Puglia enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with all year round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure that the green is never too far off. Although Puglia covers a large area it is long and narrow – not more than 30km across. This means that you’re never far from the sea which has a moderating effect on the weather. Please note that Puglia can be very hot, reaching high 30s in the summer.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.