Cycling the Heel of Italy - Alberobello to Lecce

Experience Overview

We explore the very best of this captivating region from our start point in Alberobello, known for its UNESCO-listed Trulli houses, to the end point in Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South'. The daily routes take you through the Murghe plateau, the Salento plain or along the coast. Discover a landscape of ancient olive groves, long fields of grain and vineyards.The architecture of the region takes you from the conical Trulli houses in Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni, past traditional masserie, coastal watchtowers and splendid Baroque towns. The region is filled with spectacular views; beautiful coastline and mouth-watering cuisine. This holiday is offered with a choice of mainly 3 Star, or mainly 4 Star accommodation. The 3 Star accommodation is listed on the hotels page.
Profile
— 7 nights in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels — 6 days cycling — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Self-guided holiday. Min age 14 yrs
At a Glance
— 7 nights in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels — 6 days cycling — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Self-guided holiday. Min age 14 yrs
Trip For You
Cycling conditions This is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more important information on classification and grading. Av. daily ride: 51km (32 miles). No. of days cycling: 6. Terrain & route: The suggested cycling is along quiet, tarmac roads (mainly traffic-free). There are a few ascents and descents along the way. Vehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Families Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 14 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. Please do be aware that on some occasions on this trip the cycling can be along busier roads so any children must be comfortable cycling alongside traffic. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number (operating between 0830 and 2000hrs). In emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
Breakfasts are included and consist of a continental-style buffet. However, please note that the typical Italian breakfast are generally light; usually a cup of coffee and a cream-filled or jam-filled croissant. In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians! On this trip there will be many opportunities to taste the best local specialities. Suggestions of what to do for lunch and dinner are given in the cycling route notes.
Transportation
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you.
Joining Instructions
Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Alberobello and ending in Lecce Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Alberobello on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final Joining Instructions. Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. Flights  We are able to offer package flights on this trip - from London or from other regional airports. Flights from London are available with Alitalia (via Milan Linate) and Easyjet into Bari and out of Brindisi.  British Airways also fly from London Gatwick to Bari. Low cost airline Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Brindisi and Bari. This may be a convenient and good value option for some clients.
Transfer Details
Transfers It is possible to add arrival/departure airport transfers tailored to your flight times at a supplement, payable in advance.
Weather Information
Puglia enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with all year round sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure that the green is never too far off. Although Puglia covers a large area it is long and narrow - not more than 30km across. This means that you're never far from the sea which has a moderating effect on the weather. Please note that Puglia can be very hot, reaching high 30s in the summer.
Spending Money
— The train ticket from Ostuni to Lecce is included in the package price and whilst the Puglian authorities currently don’t charge for carrying bikes on the train, this is subject to change, at which point a charge of 3.50€ per bike would be payable locally.For lunches and dinners allow about €170 depending on the standard of restaurant chosen.LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay and during the season some variations may occur:Matera: 3* hotel €2, 4* hotel €4;Alberobello: 3* hotel €0.80;Ostuni: 4* hotel €2;Gallipoli: 3/4/5* hotel €1.50 - €2;Santa Maria di Leuca: 4* hotel €1 - €2;Otranto: 3* hotel €1.50 - €2.50, 4* hotel €2 - €3;Lecce: 3/4* hotel €1 - €2

Highlights