Puglia Biking
Bike Italy's Sun-Drenched Adriatic Coast
The map says Italy. The heel of the "boot." Though at times you may feel you've strayed into Greece. And that's certainly a part of Puglia's distinctive appeal. Endless groves of silvery-gray olive trees. Low dry-stone walls hugging agricultural plots the size of throw-rugs. A rugged coastline and sparkling blue-green waters of the Adriatic. And the typically Pugliese profusion of conical-roofed stone trulli - the region's unofficial architectural emblems. Here you'll find the people welcoming and down to earth. The cuisine fresh, rustic and satisfying. Welcome to your perfect escape. Welcome to Puglia.
- Unbeatable views of ancient olive orchards, whitewashed villages and age-old farmhouses
- The World Heritage site of Alberobello with 1,500 trulli
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters at Torre Canne or simply laze on the beach
- Bike from coast to coast, from the Ionian to the Adriatic
- Superb coastal vistas and opportunities to relax en route over coffee and gelato
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Unbeatable views of ancient olive orchards, whitewashed villages and age-old farmhouses 
After a savory Pugliese picnic lunch, hop on your bike for a warm-up ride that offers the perfect introduction to the region Pedal downhill to the seaside village of Polignano a Mare, which sits upon numerous sea caves carved by powerful waves Enjoy stunning coastal scenery before turning inland and heading to Conversano and tonight's hotel.
Day 2 The World Heritage site of Alberobello with 1,500 trulli Bike into the rolling hills of the Val d'Itria, a fertile patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves and vineyards Discover the region's iconic trulli - unusual round stone buildings topped with conical gray slate roofs Sample locally produced olive oil at a fun and casual tasting.
Day 3 Swim in the crystal-clear waters at Torre Canne or simply laze on the beach 
Pedal to historic Ostuni, "the white city," and wander its cobblestone streets lined with brilliant whitewashed houses.
Day 4 Bike from coast to coast, from the Ionian to the Adriatic Spin over undulating terrain toward Otranto, an important historic and artistic center perched at the easternmost point of Italy En route, delight in views of the azure Adriatic and its picturesque white-sand beaches.
Days 5-6 Superb coastal vistas and opportunities to relax en route over coffee and gelato Pedal to the "heel of the boot" on a spectacular seaside ride to the tiny village of Santa Maria Leuca Take a final spin through sunbaked hills before the trip ends in historic Lecce, a city famed for its beautiful Baroque architecture.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Tuscany Biking Provence Biking Ireland BikingOther Italy Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I've spent these last two days telling everyone that my Puglia trip was absolutely perfect. The leaders, were wonderful, extremely professional and yet lots of fun and engaging. I will always remember them telling us to "embrace the chaos" of Puglia and we did. I learned about Italy and also learned a great deal from my fellow travelers. I was traveling alone for the first time ever and the Backroads format made everything work--a great balance of group activities, the freedom to spend time alone and the opportunity to challenge myself physically--all in a beautiful environment.- Mill Valley, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Puglia Biking
Casual Inns
Corte Altavilla
Conversano (1 night) This former nobleman's home dates back to the 11th century and features private balconies that look out onto Conversano, "La Citta d'Arte" (The City of Art).
Masseria San Martino
Pezze di Greco (2 nights) A peaceful 18th-century masseria resting in an olive grove just a few miles from the Adriatic. (spa, pool)
Masseria Panareo
Otranto (2 nights) A 15th-century country house perched on a hill, with great views of the Adriatic and the Cape of Otranto.
Puglia Biking
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 14 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 25, 29, 43 miles
- 1150 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 33, 40 miles
- 1250 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 25, 32 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 29, 66 miles
- 900 - 1750 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain