Puglia Biking
- 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
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 strawberries and 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 to Marina Franca, rich in Baroque and medieval architecture. 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, and impressive limestone plateau Ever wondered how mozzarella is made? Learn how it's done at a visit to an agriturismo with a mozzarella master 
Visit Savelletri di Fasano, a beautiful old Roman town located on the Adriatic.
Days 5-6 Dine on organic homemade Pugliese dishes with a wine pairing at each course 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.- Rochester, MN
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.- Boston, MA
This was just the perfect vacation. Biking through beautiful and peaceful countryside in the company of a fun and diverse group was relaxing and enjoyable. It was a great release physically and emotionally - a true get-a-way!- Cherry Hill, NJ
Premiere Inns
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
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
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)
Slovenia & Italy Biking
The Julian Alps & Friuli's Collio Wine Region
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Puglia Biking
Bike Italy's Sun-Drenched Adriatic Coast
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Tuscany Biking
Timeless Landscapes & Renaissance Treasures
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 12, 16 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 33, 40 miles
- 1500 - 2300 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 25, 40, 51 miles
- 1300 - 2400 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 37, 57 miles
- 800 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 25, 38 miles
- 820 - 1900 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 9 miles
- 50 feet elevation gain
More Recommended Trips
For 33 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.
