Puglia Family Bike + Adventure Tour

Our guides meet you in Lecce and transfer you to the enchanting seaport of Otranto where our adventure begins. After we cover the essentials at a safety talk and bike fitting, we’ll set out for our first ride. As you pedal past endless olive groves, you’ll quickly understand why Puglia is the biggest olive oil-producing region in Italy. After passing through a series of small towns, our ride leads us back to the coast. Swim to your heart’s content in the bright, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, then get settled into our elegant hotel which was once a monastery. Tonight we’ll experience the famous local flavor during our first Pugliese dinner.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Otranto, Minervino, Uggiano la Chiesa
Accomplished: 19 miles / 31 km, elevation gain: 771 feet / 235 meters
Shorter Option: 16 miles / 25 km, elevation gain: 597 feet / 182 meters
Accommodations: Masseria Tenuta Centoporte

Today we ride on one of Europe’s most stunning coastal roads punctuated by breathtaking views of cliffs, bays, and the endless sea. Pass through fishing villages like Porto Badisco and Santa Cesarea Terme and explore sea caves before stopping for lunch at our friend’s seaside restaurant. Dive into the Adriatic for a swim or opt to take a longer, more challenging ride to the lighthouse and sanctuary at the southeastern tip of Italy. This evening your guides will be happy to recommend their favorite local restaurants for a special family dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro, Tricase Porto
Accomplished: 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 846 feet / 258 meters
Longer Option: 32 miles / 51 km, elevation gain: 2,034 feet / 620 meters
Accommodations: Masseria Tenuta Centoporte

Trade your pedals for a paddle on today’s kayaking adventure. We begin near Otranto, exploring the rocky coastline dotted with sea caves and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Then, head to a local farmhouse to see how mozzarella is made and taste the fresh-pulled cheese (along with other products grown onsite) for lunch. After, we’ll transfer north to Alberobello, famous for its unique conical stone buildings called trulli. We’re greeted by our friend Mimmo and his family who welcome us to stay in their renovated trullo at the heart of the historic town center and serve us a home-cooked meal highlighting the best of Southern Italian hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Otranto, Alberobello
Accomplished: Kayaking; snorkeling
Accommodations: Trulli e Puglia

Back on our bikes, we ride through the whitewashed Itria Valley on quiet country lanes to the village of Locorotondo. The picturesque, narrow streets are a real-life labyrinth that lend themselves to our signature high-speed scavenger hunt. In the town of Cisternino, lunch is served at a traditional rosticceria, a butcher shop-and-restaurant hybrid that is a beloved Italian experience in itself. After lunch, keep riding or opt for a lift in the shuttle to our final farmhouse hotel. Our hosts Filippo and Laura are passionate about local agricultural traditions and organic farming, making them the perfect teachers for our cooking class. We’ll pick fresh produce from the garden, mill our own flour, then dine on the fruits of our labor!

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino
Accomplished: 13 miles / 21 km, elevation gain: 522 feet / 159 meters
Longer Option: 21 miles / 34 km, elevation gain: 833 feet / 254 meters
Accommodations: Masseria Salamina or Masseria Marzalossa

This morning we’ll head to Polignano, one of Puglia’s most picturesque seaside villages. Board a private boat bound for our favorite snorkeling spot, stealing glimpses back at Polignano’s whitewashed dwellings perched on the sea cliffs. After a morning on the water, tuck into the port of Monopoli for lunch, then explore the town’s tantalizing warren of narrow streets. After lunch, opt to spend the afternoon at the beach or take a final bike ride, following the coast back to the hotel. This evening we gather at our favorite local restaurant for a final Pugliese feast.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Polignano, Monopoli, Savelletri
Optional Ride: 18 miles / 28 km, elevation gain: 695 feet / 212 meters
Accommodations: Masseria Salamina or Masseria Marzalossa

After breakfast, use your last morning in Puglia for a leisurely stroll on the masseria grounds, a morning swim, or a trip to the beach. Your guides will then transfer you to the Bari Airport and send you off to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast