Overview:
The Salento Bike Tour was so outstanding, we’re going again!
For those who want the full Puglia Experience, the Salento is unmissable! Join us for four extra days adventuring by bike down through this very ancient land to the southernmost tip of the peninsula at Santa Maria dei Leuca, also called “Finibus Terrae” Land’s End.
Spectacular, fully-supported biking along the gorgeous coastline through fishing villages, with swimming stops, and incredible ancient towns straight out of an untouched film.
We’ll be staying in style in premium luxe accommodations. Two very beautiful Masserias hand-picked for their superb hospitality and atmosphere.
We’ll stay two nights in Otranto to allow a relaxing day exploring this beautiful ancient town right on the sea and to revel in the fine beaches there.
After a superb ride along one of the most scenic roads in Italy we’ll arrive at land’s end where we will base for two nights in a beautiful, historic fortress-masseria dating rom the 15th Century.
Our final day of cycling will be through the most ancient, off-the-beaten track villages and antiquities, discovering a side of Puglia few tourists experience.
OR you can opt for a relaxing beach day on the amazing beaches here with such crystalline, shallow waters it’s known as the “Maldives of Salento.”
And of course, we’ll be indulging in the excellent seafood and local Pugliese cooking in our favorite restaurants all along the way. Worth it all by itself.
Salento Itinerary
5 days/4 nights Bike adventure on the magical Salento Peninsula, to the southernmost tip of Puglia.
Fully supported by our two excellent local guides Vito and Giancarlo, including a support van and trailer for bike transport.
Days 1-2: After breakfast we will shuttle by van to Lecce and start our bike ride from there to Otranto.
The ride will take us along the coast (pretty flat) through small villages and the WWF nature preserve. Stop for lunch in a village with option for a swim in the turquoise Adriatic before arriving in the beautiful medieval town of Otranto, right on the sea.
We will stay two nights here in a gorgeous Masseria in the countryside, with all the trimmings including a spa (massages can be booked ahead.) Dinner tonight is in our Masseria’s excellent restaurant.
Day 2: Morning yoga opens a relaxing free day of enjoying the great beaches and sea, and exploring the beautiful town and sights. Dinner out in Otranto’s atmospheric old city.
Day 3: After yoga and breakfast we set out by bike along a spectacular route that follows the coast. Bike along a quiet, panoramic road, past lighthouses and authentic villages with spectacular views all along the way.
We’ll stop for lunch in a tiny port with great swimming, and a gelato or a pastry at the most famous pasticceria in the land.
We finish our ride at Santa Maria di Leuca, on the tip of the peninsula where the Adriatic and Ionian seas merge. A massive fortified basilica stands on the cliff which is an important place of pilgrimage as the spot where the Apostle Peter landed from the Holy Land on his way to Rome.
Set in the peaceful countryside we settle in for two nights at our enchanting fortress-masseria dating rom the 15th Century, with tons of atmosphere and an exceptionally beautiful pool. Dinner tonight is out in an excellent trattoria in a tiny town straight out of a vintage film.
Day 4: Yoga and a sumptuous breakfast to start. Today the options include a round-trip bike route to the spectacular town of Gallipoli, on the Ionian Sea,
OR enjoy a beach day on the white-sand beaches of the Maldives of Salento, or poolside at our serene property.
This afternoon we’ll visit an ancient, underground olive mill known only to immediate locals, dating from the time of Ancient Greece. Farewell Dinner at the locally-loved Ruri Pulcra Masseria restaurant.
Day 5: After breakfast and goodbyes, shuttles to Brindisi Airport for departures or onward travels.
What’s Included
We will stay in gorgeous lodgings and all breakfasts and dinners will be included. We will have simple biker lunches traditional Puglia-style on the go, and sumptuous dinners out to sample the local seafood, traditional cooking and wines. Three guides, van support, and the spirit of discovery will accompany us.
5 Days/4 Nights.
• Premium accommodations
• All Breakfasts and Dinners
• Daily Yoga
• Services of our Experienced Bike Guides
• Support Van and Luggage Transfer
• Transportation to the Start point
• Curated restaurants and stops
• Local-color and local insight
• Assistance organizing your travel onward
• Pre-travel Trip Priming and Inspiration
PRICES: (per person)
Standard room $2195 double occupancy
Deluxe room $2395 double occupancy.
(Supplements are per room)
+ $200 Junior Suite , +$320 Sea View Suite.
Private room (single occupancy) supplement +450
Not included:
Bike rental
Massages/additional activities
Alcohol
Transfer back to Brindisi (cost shared by riders)
For any questions, planning assistance, or just to chat about the trip – don’t hesitate to contact me!