Puglia Bike Tour
- Unbeatable views of ancient olive groves, 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. 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 the sparkling blue-green waters of the Adriatic. And the profusion of trulli--the region's emblematic round stone buildings with conical roofs. 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.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Read the Straight Talk
Straight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.Navigating Bike Routes
All roads lead to Rome - and locals here know the way without the need for street signs along their lovely country thoroughfares. As such, many of our bike routes follow roads with little or no signage, which may require more attention to the directions than you might expect. Be prepared to make a few more stops along the way to ensure you're on the right track. 
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Navigating Bike Routes
All roads lead to Rome - and locals here know the way without the need for street signs along their lovely country thoroughfares. As such, many of our bike routes follow roads with little or no signage, which may require more attention to the directions than you might expect. Be prepared to make a few more stops along the way to ensure you're on the right track.
Itinerary
Day
1 Unbeatable views of ancient olive groves, 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 trees 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 cathedral Taste regional wines, learn to make pasta and enjoy home-cooked Pugliese specialties at a local masseria (fortified farmhouse).
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.
Casual & Premiere 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 Città d'Arte" (The City of Art). (spa)
Masseria Torre Coccaro
Savelletri di Fasano (2 nights) Set just a short distance from the sea, this onetime refuge for pilgrims and the Knights of Malta offers unique guest rooms, each with its own private garden. (pool, spa, golf)
Le Capase Resort
Villaggio Paradiso (2 nights) Set on a bluff overlooking the Adriatic, this resort features a stunning infinity pool and walking path to the sea below. (pool)
Guest Reviews About This Trip
This trip was really a great one. The routes were truly on back roads 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 with.
This was my first Backroads trip, and it exceeded all my expectations. There was a wonderful balance of biking, cultural, and culinary activities...as well as ample time for relaxation. Each day was so full, and the week passed too quickly. Yet, it was the perfect trip length. The guide at Alberobello is perhaps the most memorable. Again, it is that love and passion for his home that comes through and makes the tour so enjoyable. That, and the limoncello, rosecello, meloncello, almondcello, etc. that we got to sample!- Washington, DC
By far the best vacation I have ever had. The people in our group were wonderful and the Puglia region is definitely somewhere I would never have gone without Backroads. I really enjoyed riding with a small group and working together to follow the map, to encourage each other and to take turns leading. It was a fabulous experience.- Birmingham, AL
Trip Dates & Prices
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
2015 CLASSIC DATES
April 2015
- 4/19 - 4/24 ( $3798 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
May 2015
- 5/3 - 5/8 ( $3698 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
- 5/10 - 5/15 ( $3598 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
- 5/17 - 5/22 ( $3698 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
- 5/24 - 5/29 ( $3698 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
June 2015
- 6/7 - 6/12 ( $3798 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
September 2015
- 9/6 - 9/11 ( $3798 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
- 9/15 - 9/20 ( $3398 per person, double occ., +$460 for single occ.
- 9/20 - 9/25 ( $3798 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
- 9/22 - 9/27 ( $3398 per person, double occ., +$460 for single occ.
- 9/27 - 10/2 ( $3798 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
October 2015
- 10/4 - 10/9 ( $3398 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
- 10/11 - 10/16 ( $3398 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
- 10/18 - 10/23 ( $3398 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ.
2015 SINGLES-SOLOS DATES
September 2015
- 9/29 - 10/4 ( $3598 per person, double occ., +$460 for single occ.
Don't see your ideal travel date? Call us at 800-462-2848 for Private Trip date availability.
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.
| 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 | 17 | 900 | ||||||||
| 2 | 23* | 1100 | 45 | 1300 | 60 | 1700 | ||||
| 3 | 27* | 1200 | 40* | 800 | 44 | 1500 | 62 | 1700 | ||
| 4 | 23* | 300 | 48 | 1000 | ||||||
| 52 | 1300 | |||||||||
| 5 | 30* | 900 | 58 | 1800 | ||||||
| 6 | 10 | 200 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
Private Trips Options & Pricing
Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.
You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.
If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Pricing for Private Trips (prices may vary based on departure date)
2015
| 2 - 3 guests from $5,298 pp dbl. occ. | 8 - 9 guests from $4,098 pp dbl. occ. |
| 4 - 5 guests from $4,698 pp dbl. occ. | 10 - 11 guests from $3,698 pp dbl. occ. |
| 6 - 7 guests from $4,298 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests from $3,398 pp dbl. occ. |
All Private Singles-Solos trips require a minimum of 16 guests.
More Recommended Trips
For 35 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.
