Company providing bike tours in Italy

Self Guided Bike Tour:

Puglia - short escape in south Italy

Four days cycling in Puglia! Exceptional Cycling Routes that pass through fishing villages, country lanes, ancient olive groves,vineyards, hidden coves, golden beaches, and the unparalleled Itria Valley. A trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello with its ancient Trulli houses

Itinerary:

Day one Arrive in Monopoli
Cycling: Egnazia loop ride 35km/22miles  (optional)
You will be met at the Monopoli train station, and led to your first hotel, Tenuta Chianchizza for your briefing. Your trip starts with a perfect, easy, flat, circular ride heading south from Monopoli, past ancient olive groves and along the Adriatic coast to the archaeological site of Egnazia, once the location of a Greco-Roman town dating as far back as the 4th century BC. Guests can choose to visit the local museum and archaeological park, or explore the nearby beach. We will make several suggestions on stops  

Day two Cycling: Monopoli to Conversano 29km/18miles
Today, you will embark on a charming route along stunning Adriatic coastline from Monopoli toConversano. We will suggest a stop en route to visit the small, but vibrant fishing village of Polignano a Mare, idyllically perched on the side of the rocky limestone cliffs. Pay attention to your route notes, as we will suggest a stop at one of the great gelato shops in the region, Il Supermago del Gelo – the Super Magician of Gelato! You will continue, through the quaint, picturesque village of San Vito, with its multicoloured boats moored up in the tiny port and finish your journey in the sleepy, beautiful little town of Conversano, set amid a landscape of olive and cherry trees, with its rambling alleyways and sun-baked piazza dominated by the Norman castle and Romanesque cathedral. Wow, what a day!!
Lodging: Hotel Corte Altavilla  

Day three Cycling: Conversano to Alberobello 38km/23miles
Today, you will leave Conversano and cycle towards the Valle d'Itria, or Itria Valley, and the old town of Alberobello, with its unique plethora of Trulli houses, the most famous architecture and symbol for which this region is known. Pedal through rolling countryside to the sweet aroma of mint that grows by the roadside and stop to enjoy the little towns of Putignano and Noci, with their characteristic whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. On arrival in Alberobello, you will check into your second hotel, Grand Hotel Olimpo, a perfectly situation 4-star hotel in the city. Well done on today’s activities. 
 
Day four Cycling: Alberobello Loop 49km/31miles
Spend today roaming around the historic centre, navigating your way through narrow streets, kitsch souvenir shops and tasting local products or maybe visit the museo del territorio to discover the history of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also suggest riding a circular cycle route (49km/31mi) deep into the Itria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo - nicknamed “città del vino” for its excellent dry white spumante (sparkling) wine made from verdeca grapes. Here in Locorotondo, meander the atmospheric alleyways bedecked with geraniums and citrus plants. Continue on to Martina Franca – a must-see town for its marvellously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning palazzi, an architectural jewel, splendidly positioned on the hillside with wonderful panoramic views across the Itria Valley.
Lodging: Grand Hotel Olimpo  

Day five You will depart for your flight home or next destination. We can arrange transportation to your next destination (at the time of booking) or help you extend your stay in the Puglia Region.

Difficulty : easy: very gentle rolling hills, short distance
Price : Price Euro 950 per person in double occupancy
Single supplement euro 350

 

Inclusions:

1. four nights lodging at 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts
2. four breakfasts
3. All luggage transfers
4. The finest and best maintained bikes
5. Professional Bike demo and fitting
6. Excellent detailed Maps and Route Notes
7. Local city maps and dining suggestions
8. Local guides with knowledge of the secrets of the region

Duration:4 nights/5 days
Dates:Guests may choose to start their trip any day from Monday through Saturday, during the months of April, May, June, September, October and November 2010.
Notes: Services available at additional cost Optional Shuttles to/from Bari or Brindisi Airport(s) Alberobello Walking Tour and Tasting with Native Guide