Highlights
Salento is in the south-eastern most region of Italy Puglia lying in the so-called “heel of the boot”. Situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, this region is filled with memories of the different civilizations that inhabited it, from the Messapi, to the Greeks, followed by the Romans and then the Normans. Crossing Salento with a bicycle is like cycling through an open-air museum. Prehistoric Dolmen, Byzantine shrines hidden in the caves, Baroque cathedrals, secluded corners of the coast… are all but a few of the things you can see when visiting this area. Salento is also internationally renowned for its characteristic cuisine which combines flavors from the sea and the earth and the fantastic rhythm of its folk music: most notably the Pizzica Pizzica.
-
Itinerary - click for more
Salento is a region that is almost completely flat, making the ride a pleasant journey for any level of rider. We will be cycling approximately 30 km a day (about 3 hours of leisurely cycling), mainly crossing secondary roads, with sea-breaks, guided visits and Italian lessons. “Salento bici tour” follows the philosophy of “slow-moving” to fully enjoy the surrounding landscape and culture with all its different aspects. GPS maps will guide you through the most suggestive and less busy roads, as if some of our expert guides you by hands.
Day 1: Arrival Bari Airport. Meet your driver and private transfer to Lecce. Check into your hotel relax and late in the day a briefing on your trip and receive your gear and GPS navigators. Overnight
Day 2: From Lecce to Otranto (58 km). Today travel a flat route today, with many interesting cultural and naturalistic sights. First you will visit Acaya, a fortified city with a huge castand then you plunge down to “le Cesine” a world protected area, that is the crossing point for many species of migratory birds. From there we head towards the coast, along the ruins of Roca Vecchia an ancient bronze age city – and ‘alimini’ lakes. Travel a few more kilometers and you are in Otranto, where through the narrow streets each corner reveals incredible wonders: The church of Saint Peter with byzantine frescoes. A brief walk along the ramparts overlooking the sea and finally reach the cathedral with its paved mosaic, knows as a sort of figurative middle age encyclopedia. Overnight
Day 3: Otranto’s Surroundings (29 km). Today expore the area around Otranto. Riding along the little river “Idro” (“water”), which gave the name to the city, you arrive Casamassela, where old looms are still being used in “Le Costantine” foundation. After a guided tour, you move toward Giurdignano, crossing a Bronze age megalithic park containing huge stones (“Dolmen” and “Menhir”). In the late morning you’ll enjoy a local food tasting in a family owned bakery. Optional horse riding in the morning or in the afternoon can be requested. Overnight
Day 4: Otranto-Leuca Coast (53 km). Today you cycle along the wildest part of the Salento coastal stretch. You visit ‘Palacia Lighthouse’ in the eastern most point of Italy, and as well a little red lake surfaced in a disused bauxite quarry. Then you carry on riding along the coast: nestled among the cliffs above the sea, this road is a huge balcony that looks onto Otranto Strait. With a little bit of luck, you will able to see the mountains of Albania and Greece. You could visit ‘Zininzulusa Cave” going down nearly 200 feet into the bowels of the earth.. On the way we admire some terraces and dry walls, the ingenious devices usdec by peasants to claim arable land in barren and impervious areas. After crossing the bridge over the “ciolo” (a small and rich in rare flora canyon carved by the waters), you reach Santa Maria di Leuca where you visit the sanctuary, following the ancient pilgrims’ footsteps. Overnight
Day 5: From Leuca to Gallipoli (61km). Today you will discover Leuca Cape, the southern part of Apulia. See an astonishing defense tower situated in the centre of a small village. Visit an ancient mill, dug into the rock, and then an enigmatic funerary monument made by big stones (its name “centopietre”, means “hundred stones”), coming from Vereto, an ancient pre-romanic town situated nearby. Finally, you visit Leuca piccola (‘little Leuca’), an important pilgrimage station which still maintains a vast underground area. Through olive groves and dry stone walls you’ll reach Ugento, maybe to visit its archaeological museum. In the afternoon you’ll reach again the ionic coast until St. Andrew’s island and Punta Pizzo Natural Park. In Gallipoli you could enjoy an aperitif on a terrace overlooking the sea. This small fisherman villages located on an island and striking by its light, its alleys and its fish market. Overnight
Day 6: Gallipoli’s surroundings (30/60km). Today is dedicated to Gallipoli’s surroundings. First stop is in Sannicola to discover its Underground Olive Oil Mill. Contine to Tuglie with its amazing “rural culture museum”. You’ll go to Galatone to visit its beautiful Baroque old town and the Norman Castle of Fulcignano. in the afternoon you reach Galatina where you can admire the church of Santa Caterina, which is totally painted with frescoes in Giottesco style, and then visit the beautiful historical center of the town. Overnight
Day 7: Way back to Lecce (52km). Last day of and you journey back to Lecce. You’ll pass by many 19th century fortified farmhouses and villas. stop in Nardo to visit its decadent baroque style historical center. next stop in Copertino to discover its impressive Norman Castle and listen to stories about ‘the hopi of flights’. A few km’s before Lecce stop at a traditional Handicraft pottery market of the Martina brothers, skillful keepers of this ancient art. Late afternoon arrival in Lecce and bikes drop off. Overnight
Day 8: After breakfast time to say Arrivederci to Puglia
Note:
Supplement available: Private Transfer from accommodation to Bari or Brindisi Airport
Departures every Friday and Saturday from March to July and from August to October. Other days on request with Supplement.
Included
Not Included
Dates & Rates On Request
The CAD ($) rate is indicative of Euro price and subject to change.
Price per person in CAD $ Dollars.