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!
STRAIGHT TALK:
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.
Monopoli, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
Day 1+2
Locorotondo, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
Day 3
Ostuni, BR, Italy
Day 4
Otranto, Province of Lecce, Italy
Day 5+6+7
| Can start any date between March and November |
|---|
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate (you spend two nights in two locations, so you can take time off from cycling on some days).
Terrain2 days are flat; 2 days are gently rolling; 2 days are moderately rolling
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,450
Single Supplement: US $620
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,050
Single Supplement: US $770
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US $420
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.
| Destination | Italy |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
Getting There
Our trip starts in the region of Monopoli. Please refer to your Tour Details as the hotel we use may be closer to Fasano (one train stop past Monopoli). If you stay in Bari the night before the trip begins, you can take a 30 min train from Bari Centrale station to Monopoli or Fasano. We do not generally recommend staying at the trip hotel extra nights because it is located outside of town. Should you wish to arrive to the Monopoli early, we recommend that you stay in Monopoli center at Palazzo Indelli, which is close to restaurants etc.
From Rome: There are several daily departures from Rome’s Termini station to Monopoli/Fasano. Assuming 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/Fasano around 1 p.m. and we’ll arrange for the Area Manager to meet you at the first hotel at this time.
Monopoli/Fasano
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: 20km; 80m or 30km; 125m .*
Monopoli/Fasano
We have three ride options for you to consider today. The shortest is a flat ride along the Adriatic to Monopoli and back. The medium ride has some moderate hills and takes you through small villages to Monopoli for lunch and then a flat ride back to the hotel. The long option includes Conversano and Polignano a Mare, a vibrant fishing village where white-washed buildings appear built out of the limestone cliffs and the winding streets are adorned with flowers and plants. Ride Distance: 35km; 175m or 54km; 420m or 64km; 500m.*
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.*
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.*
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.*
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.*
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.
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 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 kilometrs distance.
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.
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 kilometeres away. The perfect romantic getaway. ” - HG.
Optional upgrade: La Sommita Relais & Chateaux (supplement)
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.
Tour Reviews
“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”
“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.”
“We loved the Masseria Donnaloia, it was really fabulous.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Accommodations: Great from start to finish. Cooking class was so much fun. What a lovely addition to the trip!”
“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. “
“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.”
“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.”
“Love the Puglia region and the bike routes were great. Accommodations at the boutique hotels were excellent. The Area Manager was great!”
“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!”
“The cooking lesson was fantastic and the rides were amazing!”
“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!”
“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.”
“We have enjoyed the attention to detail that Randonnee has demonstrated for our trips and the people we have dealt with have been more than accommodating and pleasant. We found our Area Manager to be very helpful and quick to respond to questions and enquiries. They were excellent in explaining how the bikes worked, let us try the bikes to make sure we were comfortable with how they worked, very patient and took the time to make sure we were fully satisfied. The sections along the water were beautiful, the trullis were very attractive, the towns were fun to explore. The cooking class was delightful and we really enjoyed both the class. Our Travel Advisor was wonderful to deal with – always willing to answer questions and very patient as I tried to decide where to have the birthday cake for my husband delivered.”
“Appreciated that we could choose our start and end date, loved the option of classic or luxury accommodations and really appreciated that we could create our custom tour to suit our needs. Loved our Area Manager – so knowledgeable and enthusiastic – what a kick off to our tour having someone like her meet us! She was always available with any questions we had and gave us great recommendations for local food and drink. The Italian lady who gave us the pasta lesson was so sweet! Such an authentic experience. The RideWithGPS couldn’t have been easier! We enjoyed having a distance choice each day. My Travel Advisor was great! I had so many questions and requests and she always responded promptly to all my emails. I really appreciated that every place we stayed at knew of my peanut allergy. We loved knowing that all the details were looked after so we could just enjoy each day. Friendliness, competence and attention to detail were always present throughout our tour.”
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