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 7 days later in Otranto you’ll see the best of this region, all the while enjoying distinctive lodging and exquisite meals. Buon appetito!
Location
Monopoli
Monopoli, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
Day 1+2
Locorotondo
Locorotondo, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
Day 3
Ostuni
Ostuni, BR, Italy
Day 4
Otranto
Otranto, Province of Lecce, Italy
Day 5+6+7
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
6 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Cooking class included
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Can start any date between March and November
Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
7 days / 6 nights, with 6 days of cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Monopoli / Otranto
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate (you spend two nights in two locations, so you can take time off from cycling on some days).
TERRAIN
2 days are flat; 2 days are gently rolling; 2 days are moderately rolling
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $2,250
Single Supplement: US $570
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,750
Single Supplement: US $690
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$280
E-Bikes: US$480
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.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Getting There
Our trip starts in Monopoli. If you stay in Bari the night before the trip begins, you can take a train from Bari Centrale station to Monopoli (25 minutes). Taking the train to Monopoli from Rome, Milan or Florence.From Rome: There are several daily departures from Rome’s Termini station to Monopoli. We recommend arriving in Bari or Monopoli a day early, but if you choose to leave Rome on the day the trip begins, you could take a train from Rome’s Termini station around 7:30 am arrives in Monopoli just before 1 p.m. and we’ll arrange for the Area Manager to meet you on arrival.
From Milan or Florence: Train travel from Milan or Florence is also an option, but it is a long trip. Average travel time from Milan to Monopoli is 9 ½ hours; average travel time from Florence to Monopoli is 8 hours. There is one overnight train from Florence to Monopoli, arriving in the early morning, but otherwise to travel from either of these destinations, you need to plan on arriving in Monopoli the day before the trip starts.
1
Day 1
Monopoli
The meeting time is usually at 1pm at the first hotel, which allows you to arrive from Rome by train in the morning. 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: 19 km, elevation gain 53 m or 11 km, gain 26 m.*
2
Day 2
Monopoli
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, gain 10 m or 58 km, gain 480 m .*
3
Day 3
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, gain 236 m.*
4
Day 4
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: 34 km, elevation gain 382 m or 43 km, gain 399 m.*
5
Day 5
Otranto
This day will start with a transfer by local train to Squinzano for a coastal ride with the aquamarine Adriatic at your side. The seaside town of San Foca awaits you for lunch (we recommend a gelato here) and afterwards you’ll continue south to historical Otranto, the most eastern point on the Italian peninsula.
Ride Distance: 70 km, elevation gain 240 m.*
6
Day 6
Otranto
We save the best ride for last! For those who want the challenge, we’ve included a century ride option all the way to Marina dei Leuca and back. Both rides will take in Santa Cesarea Terme, boasting architectural and natural beauty in one of the region’s most serene locations. Back in Otranto, enjoy the lively nightlife in this town.
Ride Distance: 35 km, elevation gain 238 m or 77 km, gain 1278 m.*
7
Day 7
Departure
We recommend allowing time to visit Lecce on your departure day.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Masseria Donnaloia , Capitolo di Monopoli
The 5-star Masseria Donnaloia boasts outstanding views of the sea, 200 m away. It is a historic property, with beautiful rooms, many with sea views. There is a spa on site, swimming pool, excellent restaurant, and beach club nearby that guests can utilize in high season.
Hotel Le Cummerse, Locorotondo
This hotel comprises a group of historic apartments or casas, each unique and distinctive in the old town center.
La Terra Hotel, Ostuni
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.
Masseria Bandino, Otranto
This former 17th century manor house sits in 5 ha of park and features an outdoor pool and large comfortable rooms. The surrounding area is rich in olive trees, citrus plantations, and the Salentine beaches are only a few kilometres distance.
Luxe
Casale Murgese, Savelletri di Fasano
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.
Leonardo Trulli Resort, Locorotondo
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.
La Sommita, Ostuni
Built around an historic 16th century Palazzo, with Moorish-styled walled gardens with citrus trees, a dipping pool and parapets that look out to the shimmering Adriatic. There is a one-star Michelin restaurant in the hotel. Please note, there are no twin rooms here; the 10 doubles each have king-size beds.
Masseria Montelauro, Otranto
Located 2.8 km outside of Otranto, this wonderful luxurious masseria was built in 1878, originally as a monastery. Lovingly restored with attention to its historical significance, and surrounded by orchards with a large pool in its courtyard, this is an exquisite hotel.
Trip Reviews
“The accommodations were really nice! The cooking class was absolutely the highlight of the trip – they were so hospitable and we had so much fun! The bikes were great. It was just nice to have all of the planning done for us.”
“The Adriatic Coast is beautiful. Loved all accommodations and food. Our Area Manager was great – trustworthy, kind and helpful. The sense of accomplishment, physical exertion and beauty of being able to be on a bike in another country was wonderful. The luxe package definitely is worth it for the pampering component we all like as well. I can’t imagine all that goes into what you do, but it’s a lot of work and your efforts and attention to detail shows!”
“Tour very well organized – as always Randonnee does a great job of organizing and providing great boutique hotels and dining recommendations.”
“The cooking lesson was fantastic and the rides were amazing!”
“We had a fabulous trip and loved the region! We were very happy with the accommodations. Our Area Manager was very helpful, kind and patient. Amazing views, roads, stops, and food! We loved the towns – did lots of exploring and dining. Our cooking class was fabulous! We absolutely loved seeing this part of Italy on our bikes – the transfers were smooth, the hotels were wonderful, and the routes were truly spectacular! We had a magical first-time self-guided biking trip and look forward to more!”
“Love the Puglia region and the bike routes were great. Accommodations at the boutique hotels were excellent. The Area Manager was great!”
“Our Area Manager went over and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. Ride with GPS is excellent and I liked having several options for riding.”
“It was wonderful. We really enjoyed the variety of countryside from Adriatic sea to the hill-towns, trullis, and farming fields. You did a good job of curating less trafficked roads that took us through those beautiful places. We really enjoyed the bike path through the nature reserve on Day 5. I wasn’t sure we would do well without a guide along the way, but the GPS bike rides were great. Beautiful region, colder than I expected, but it didn’t rain, so it was a win. The cooking class was excellent! We were lucky to go during the low season because we got extra attention throughout. We liked all the accommodations and the breakfasts were excellent. Good bikes. Our Travel Advisor was very responsive, thanks! Our Area Manager was excellent! We like to use tour companies local to the place we are travelling if possible, but we know Randonnee does a good job and uses local tour guides. I have already recommended Randonnee to several friends and family, some of whom have done trips with you because of it.”
“Nice variety and good locations of hotel. The staff at all locations was helpful and we did not experience any language or luggage issues… Our Travel Advisor was good and very helpful when we called and asked questions. She was very prompt and thorough with her email as well. Our Area Manager did a great job providing us all materials for the trip and getting the bikes ready for us. He was readily available by phone and helped as much as he could. The overall experience: It was a good tour for a couple with a variety of cycle touring experience. It got us to a part of Italy that we would not have seen had it not been for a suggestion from our Travel Advisor. We would definitely do it again. “
“A supreme tour, excellent office and area manager service.”
“Accommodations: Great from start to finish. Cooking class was so much fun. What a lovely addition to the trip!”
“The accommodation in Monopoli – Masseria Donnaloia – was excellent. Lovely location, great staff, good food. The accommodation in Otranto – Masseria Bandino was excellent as well. We were very pleasantly surprised. Excellent – bikes, accommodation, routes.”
“This was our fourth bike trip with Randonnee and we are very happy and loyal clients. We have found everyone at Randonnee to be very helpful and professional, both in Canada and in Italy, France and Spain.”
“This was the first trip that we booked the B & B option and we were very impressed! All of the places we stayed were great. The cooking class in Ostuni was very good (and fun), and it was nice to have variety in the type of accommodations. The meals that were included were excellent, and your restaurant recommendations were very good.”
“Your choices of accommodations were fantastic! We loved them all… including the people, the food etc. Your office service is fantastic. The area manager was great.”
“We loved the Masseria Donnaloia, it was really fabulous.”
“The overall experience: It was a good tour for a couple with a variety of cycle touring experience. It got us to a part of Italy that we would not have seen had it not been for a suggestion from your Travel Advisor. We would definitely do it again.”
“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”
Leave a Review