« Return to Normal Layout
Puglia Biking

Puglia Biking

The map says Italy but there’s a distinctly Greek feel to Italy’s Puglia region, nestled between the spur and the heel of the country’s boot-shaped perimeter. Join Backroads on a bicycling journey along the rugged coastline and through the typical Pugliese countryside of endless olive groves and crumbling masserie (fortified farmhouses) and intriguing trulli structures. Evenings, dine on rustic Pugliese cuisine—an abundance of seafood and fresh vegetables—and overnight in authentic regional hotels.

Day 1 Conversano

Meet in Monópoli A warm-up ride offers the perfect introduction to the region First head inland, then continue along the coast amid the low stone walls and agricultural fields that characterize the landscape of Puglia Passing groves of huge old olive trees, you’ll soon understand why Puglia is Italy’s premier olive oil producer.

Days 2-3 Pezze di Greco

Bike into the rolling hills of the Val d’Itria, a fertile patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves and vineyards Make your way up to the murge, an impressive limestone plateau dotted with trulli—unusual round stone buildings topped with conical gray slate roofs A visit to Puglia certainly wouldn’t be complete without an olive oil tasting and a demonstration of mozzarella making! Pedal to historic Ostuni, the “White City,” and wander its cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses.

Days 4-6 Otranto

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 the Salentine coastline, with its picturesque beach towns and rocky shoreline Before saying our goodbyes, we’re treated to a guided tour of Lecce, a city famed for its beautiful Baroque architecture.

big map Puglia Biking

ADRIATIC REFUGES : Casual Inns

Hotel Corte Altavilla (1 night): This restored hotel in the center of town is set in front of a beautiful Romanesque cathedral.

Masseria San Martino (2 nights): Resting in an olive grove just a few miles from the Adriatic, this simple 18th-century manor house offers spacious guest rooms and a tranquil garden.

Masseria Panareo (2 nights): A 15th-century country house perched on a hill with great views of the Adriatic and the cape.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Puglia Biking
Trips 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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

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.
Kate Gruen - Mill Valley, CA
The leaders really made this trip an exceptional adventure. The beauty of the countryside coupled with the leader’s local knowledge and sincere concern for each of us to share and understand all that the region offers made this a lifetime experience.
Nancy Ceridwyn - Oakland, CA
This trip was unforgettable! Of course, the weather cooperated, but we had so much fun. The riding was sometimes challenging and I finally met a hill I couldn't walk (very well)! Celebrating my 69th birthday on a bike with great people, superb guides, and gorgeous scenery couldn't have been better! I am always hesitant to try a new bike, but these were beautifully maintained, very forgiving, responsive, comfortable, and easy to get used to. I had thought about bringing my own bike, but yours were better.
Emily Oetjen - New Haven, CT
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.
Cathy DiBonaventura - Philadelphia, PA
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.
Martha Custer - Lansdale, PA
Fabulous trip! The group was perfect and our leaders could not have been better. They were the greatest!! Their caring, compassion and knowledge was outstanding. They truly made our trip terrific! I so enjoyed learning about the area and meeting the people.
Kate Rau - Chicago, IL
My husband and I have been fortunate to travel to Italy on several previous occasions but never have we so thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in every sense of the word. From our adorable and wonderful leaders, to the food and accommodations, to the beautifully exotic countryside of Puglia, we LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF OUR TRIP.
Beth Schmid - Charlottesville, VA
This trip was really a great one. I feel I had an opportunity to explore and experience a part of Italy that is not yet overrun with tourists. The routes were truly on Backroads with little traffic and beautiful scenery. Our trip seemed to be filled with extra experiences from exploring a sea grotto to olive oil tasting to dancing with a local band. I cannot think of one thing that I was unhappy.
Barb Tokunaga
You will love staying at the charming masserie typical of Puglia. Your efforts on your bike, along scenic inland and coastal routes, provide the ideal justification for you to indulge in the homemade pastas and local specialties of the region. Can you say fresh, fresh, fresh mozzarella! For the more adventurous, Puglia is an undiscovered jewel.
Kathleen Maich - Regional Manager, Italian Trip Operations
I would like to know what brand/model of seats you had on the bikes. I've bought several in the past years and this seat was by far the most comfortable I've ever tried.
Samantha Brow - Bayfield, CO