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Puglia Biking

Overview
Lodging
Reviews
Route Rating
More Trips
Trip Highlights
  • Unbeatable views of ancient olive orchards, whitewashed villages and age-old farmhouses
  • Ride on quiet one-lane orchard roads, cooled by sea breezes, under big blue skies 
  • A sommelier-led tasting of full-bodied Primitivo and other notable Pugliese vini
  • The World Heritage site of Alberobello with 1,500 trulli
  • Dine on organic homemade Pugliese dishes with a wine pairing at each course

Call 800-462-2848, Every day 7am–5pm,PST

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Italy's Sun-Drenched Adriatic Coast

It's just a complete contradiction. It reminds you of whitewashed coastal villages of Greece but it's distinctly Italian. There's an island-like easiness but it's part of the mainland. You'll ride along the deep blue waters of the Adriatic that are still one moment and dramatic the next. The people are welcoming and down-to-earth but the foods are explosive and even piccante (spicy) at times. Authentic farmhouses have been transformed into exquisite inns. Every turn on your adventure will feel familiar and foreign at the same time. Welcome to Puglia.

Days 1-2 Unbeatable views of ancient olive orchards, whitewashed villages and age-old farmhouses  Bike past fields of fennel and a sea of shimmery olive trees  The sun-bleached fishing town of Polignano a Mare, with narrow winding streets and limestone cliffs, is yours to explore  Join us for a sommelier-led tasting of full-bodied primitivo and other notable vini Pugliesi.

Day 3 Alberobello: a World Heritage site with 1,500 cone-roofed trulli  Embark on a walking tour with a local guide to learn about these unique stone buildings, constructed without mortar Pedal rolling country roads through the fertile Val d'Itria  Get cooking with local Pugliese chefs during an unforgettable culinary lesson.

Day 4 Ride on quiet one-lane roads, cooled by sea breezes under big blue skies Ever wondered how mozzarella is made? Learn how it's done at a visit to an agriturismo with a mozzarella master Visit the charming town of Monopoli, a labyrinth of narrow streets and a magnificent cathedral.

Days 5-6 Dine on organic homemade Pugliese dishes Peaceful lanes lead to Ostuni, la città bianca (the white city), which spans three hilltops and is crowned by a Gothic cathedral Spin to Egnazia, ruins of a 5th-century B.C. Roman port city.

Guests Reviews About This Trip

This was my 11th Backroads trip and it fulfilled all my expectations of what a great Backroads trip should be: relaxed, fun, moderate activity level, beautiful natural surroundings, lovely hotels, fantastic food, interesting local culture, and most of all, enthusiastic and knowledgable Backroads leaders.
Margaret Weglinski - Rochester, MN
The best vacation I have ever taken. It was a great mix of exercise and fun. The trip was expertly run with no detail missed. The level of service was beyond my highest expectations. I'm looking forward to doing another Backroads trip.
Beth Flynn - Hoboken, NJ
This was my first Backroads trip and overall it was a fantastic experience! The countryside of Puglia is beautiful and the trip was extremely well planned. My husband (who was also on the trip) is Italian and it was lots of fun to explore a part of Italy that we had not been to together. It truly felt like a vacation and the only "work" was the peddling of the fabulous titanium bikes! I think I am addicted.
Susan Adler - Boston, MA

Premiere Inns

Il Melograno
Il Melograno

Monopoli (2 nights) A tastefully restored 17th-century masseria (fortified farmhouse) surrounded by orchards of olive trees. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa, tennis)

Relais Villa San Martino
Relais Villa San Martino

Martina Franca (1 night) A stylish and intimate country resort with expansive gardens and attentive service. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)

Masseria San Domenico
Masseria San Domenico

Savelletri di Fasano (2 nights) An Andrew Harper Grand Award recipient with "a winning combination of international comfort and refined rusticity," overlooking the Adriatic Sea. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)

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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3

Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options
Day EASYGOING ACTIVE AVID
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain
1 15 300
2 26* 1000 33 1500 41 1600
3 18* 1400 34 1900 46 2200 46 1700
4 19* 800 35 1000 55 1100 57 1000
5 20* 800 25* 1800 39 1900
6 9 100
 
note:

* Includes a shuttle

Crank it up While this trip is best for guests looking for a level 1-3 cycling experience, on several days additional riding is possible, with plenty of climbs to boot.

For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Puglia tour experts. See our award-winning Europe Italy biking tours, Europe Italy walking and hiking tours and Europe Italy multisport tours.