Puglia is an enticing region to cycle in Italy, combining moderate cycling, quiet roads, charming towns, delicious food and wine. Beginning in Monopoli and finishing 5 days later in Ostuni you’ll see the best of this region, all the while enjoying distinctive lodging and exquisite meals. Buon appetito!
Puglia is one of our most popular trips for good reason. It appeals to people because of the climate but also the fact that the towns and villages are so appealing. The roads in Puglia and much of southern Italy may not match the pristine condition of Tuscany for example, but they add a touch of rugged charm to the journey. While our routes are generally peaceful, you might encounter the odd rough patch and occasional litter, especially near small villages. However, these are minor and are offset by Puglia’s beautiful countryside and warm hospitality.
In Puglia, we choose to stay outside of towns on certain days for several reasons. Staying at a masseria in the countryside offers many advantages: the roads are quieter, making it easier to travel to and from the property compared to staying in a city center like Monopoli. Additionally, masserias often feature large swimming pools and other amenities that city center hotels typically don’t offer. The main drawback is that if you wish to dine outside the hotel, you may need to arrange a taxi or shuttle, but the hotel can assist with this, allowing you to enjoy dining at your preferred location instead of being limited to the hotel restaurant.
Straight Talk
Monopoli, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
Day 1+2
Locorotondo, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
Day 3
Ostuni, BR, Italy
Day 4+5
| Start any date between Mar 1 and Nov 30 |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
TerrainMostly flat to gently rolling
CostClassic Accommodation: US $1,640
Single Supplement: US $410
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,120
Single Supplement: US $530
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $200
Racing Bikes: US $300
E-Bikes*: US $320
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Our trip begins near Fasano, about 15 km south of Monopoli.
You can arrive either via Rome or Bari. If you’re travelling from Rome, several daily trains run from Rome’s Termini station to Fasano. If you prefer to arrive the day the trip starts, you can take the morning train departing around 7:30 am and arriving in the area around 1 pm — giving you enough time to reach the hotel by 2 pm and still ride that day. Let us know what time you plan to arrive in Fasano, and we’ll arrange a taxi to pick you up at the station.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Bari, there are daily trains from Bari Centrale station to Fasano. We generally recommend arriving a day early to allow for a more relaxed start to the trip.
Fasano
Arrive to your hotel in Fasano and meet your Area Manager at 2 pm, this allows you time to arrive from Rome by train. Let us know your arrival time to the Fasano Train Station and we can arrange a pick up with the hotel. Our Area Manager will fit your bike and answer any questions you may have. The ride on this day is a loop ride to Egnazia, a Roman port city dating to the 5th century, where remnants of the ancient road to Rome, a beautiful Acropolis and other monuments still exist. For dinner, dine at the hotel or take a taxi into Monopoli.
Ride Distance: 20 km; elevation gain: 80 m or 27 km; elevation gain: 150 m*
Fasano
Today’s ride is along the Adriatic to the vibrant fishing village of Polignano a Mare, where white-washed buildings appear built out of the limestone cliffs and the winding streets are adorned with flowers and plants. Enjoy one of the lively cafes here before continuing on to Conversano for lunch. You’ll have an option to return directly back to Monopoli from Conversano or take a longer route via Castellana Grotte where underground caves can be explored.
Ride Distance: 7 km; elevation gain: 10 m or 14 km; elevation gain 10 m or 58 km; elevation gain: 480 m*
Locorotondo
Cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello which boasts over 1500 trulli, distinctive round stone buildings with conical slate roofs. Visit artisanal shops selling knitted goods, linen tablecloths and delightful handmade story dolls. The short option will take you directly to Locorotondo. A longer option will take in the Bosco delle Pianelle Nature Reserve. Either way, we recommend allowing time for a wine tasting in town before dinner as this region is well-known for its white DOC wines.
Ride Distance: 35 km; elevation gain: 657 m or 42 km; elevation gain: 236 m*
Ostuni
Start your day cycling to Martina Franca, an ancient city with stone walls, stunning piazzas and tiny winding streets. You’ll pass through olive groves, vineyards, and forested lands on a road with very little traffic. Enjoy a picnic in Cisternino or sample one of the specialities of this city, bombettes, a type of roasted meatball in one of the many restaurants. We’ll finish the day in Ostuni, known as the “white city” with its Arab influenced architecture and a labyrinth of streets designed to confuse invaders. Don’t miss a visit to a local hand made ceramic shop. Tonight, we have arranged a cooking class at a local trattoria where you will enjoy eating the local specialities you have learned how to make.
Ride Distance: 40 km; elevation gain: 500 m or 50 km; elevation gain: 550 m*
Depart
Depart for onward travel — there is a train station in Ostuni.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
This historic upscale property overlooks the Adriatic Sea and sits on lush farmland in an oasis of tranquility. Individually decorated guest rooms, a restaurant with open-air dining and infinity swimming pool make this a cool hotel.
This hotel comprises a group of historic apartments or casas, each unique and distinctive in the old town center.
Occupying a 13th century palace, and adjacent to St. Peter’s Benedictine monastery, this family run 4-star hotel sits in the center of Ostuni.
This historic upscale property overlooks the Adriatic Sea and sits on lush farmland in an oasis of tranquility. Individually decorated guest rooms, an upscale restaurant with open-air dining and infinity swimming pool make this a fabulous hotel.
Optional upgrade: Masseria Torre Coccaro or La Peschiera (supplement)
This boutique hotel, just 3 km outside of Locorotondo, boasts six original trulli from the 18th century and a villa built in 1900. The resort boasts a large swimming pool, charming restaurant and lovely setting.
“A romantic, stylish and refined hotel that features modern comforts and excellent personal service. Beautiful airy bedrooms in whites and pastels with ethereal drapes. Wonderful restaurant, roof top terrace and private beach just a few kilometers away. The perfect romantic getaway. ” - HG.
Optional upgrade: La Sommita Relais & Chateaux (supplement)
Tour Reviews
Bike was just like mine at home. I was very comfortable with it and it was in very good shape…I felt very spoiled every night at dinner. We ate like royalty!
Trip was fantastic, we were a family of 8 including a 8 month baby. The trip was very organized and geared to our
family. It was evident a lot of planning went into this trip to make it special and we really appreciated the attention to
all the details that made it memorable for all of us.
“Puglia is natural and wild, authentic in the true sense, rustic and traditional, friendly and safe. It is totally enchanting if these are the qualities you are searching for in a place”
“We were very pleased with the accommodations- wonderful locations and high standards. We loved the destination- would not have changed a thing. We had the trip of a lifetime! It was the perfect mixture of natural beauty, culture, food, exercise and elegance. We are counting down the days until our next trip with Randonnee!”
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