For a similar trip, see
Puglia Family Breakaway Bike Tour New!
- 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
This trip is currently not available. For a similar trip, see Tuscany Family Breakaway 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 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.
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 
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)
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)
Guest Reviews About This Trip
The landscape in Puglia is pretty flat so the riding on this trip is quite doable for a variety of abilities. There's beautiful coastal scenery to enjoy, intriguing trulli structures to visit (like little stone Hobbit houses), atmospheric whitewashed towns and of course, some of the most delicious seafood and pasta you'll find anywhere in Italy. Hope to see you and your family there!- Regional Coordinator, Italy
Trip Dates & Prices
For dates and prices, please give us a call at 800-462-2848, daily 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., Pacific time. Or chat online,
e-mail us or schedule a call.
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
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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.
