Puglia Biking
- 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
Bike Italy's Sun-Drenched Adriatic Coast
The map says Italy at 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 drystone 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.
Day 1 Unbeatable views of ancient olive orchards, whitewashed villages and age-old farmhouses 
Pedal to the sun-bleached fishing town of Polignano a Mare, with narrow winding streets and limestone cliffs Savor stunning coastal scenery before spinning inland toward Conversano.
Day 2 The World Heritage site of Alberobello with 1,500 trulli, unusual round stone buildings topped with conical gray slate roofs Bike into the rolling hills of the Val d'Itria, a fertile patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves and vineyards Ever wondered how mozzarella is made? It's your chance to learn.
Day 3 Swim in the crystal-clear waters at Torre Canne or simply laze on the beach 
Pedal to historic Ostuni, "the white city," which spans three hilltops and is crowned by a Gothic cathedraland.
Day 4 A two-wheeled journey 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 Along the way, 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 Bike to the "heel of the boot" on a spectacular seaside ride to the tiny village of Santa Maria de Leuca Take a final ride through sunbaked hills before the trip ends in historic Lecce, a city famed for its beautiful Baroque architecture.
Guests Reviews 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
This trip far exceeded my expectations. We had a blast. Even though I am a novice biker, I never felt like a novice. Our leaders were encouraging, and made sure that I was comfortable in whatever I choose to do.- Lansdale, PA
We saw Puglia in a way that we would never have done on our own. Our leaders were awesome. Their primary goal was our comfort and enjoyment. They couldn't do enough for us.- Philadelphia, PA
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). (spa)
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. (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. (pool)
Slovenia & Italy Biking
The Julian Alps & Friuli's Collio Wine Region
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Tuscany Biking
Timeless Landscapes & Renaissance Treasures
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
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 1 Route Option Available
- 13 miles
- 1150 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 28, 44 miles
- 1350 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 20, 32, 38, 56 miles
- 1150 - 1250 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 45, 50 miles
- 250 - 330 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 29, 58 miles
- 900 - 1750 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 9 miles
- 200 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.
