The harbor in beautiful Bari, Puglia | Expa Travel

Bicycle trips

Italy

By bike through Puglia – at your own pace

Cycling in Puglia – discover Southern Italy on your own

Southern Italy from the bicycle saddle – Puglia on your own

Olive groves, whitewashed houses, and that lovely breeze from the Mediterranean. On this tour, you roll through Puglia exactly as it suits you – at your own pace, on your own.

Here, small villages with trulli houses, cobblestone streets snaking through old towns, and coastal cities where life moves a little slower await you. Take a break at a winery, enjoy the view where the seas meet, or just feel the atmosphere in Gallipoli and Otranto.

History is built into the walls here – with traces of Greeks, Romans, and Normans.
And the olive oil? YES, it is as good as the rumors say.

Quick facts about the trip

Approx. 300 km spread over 8 days – flat, easy cycling and with plenty of time to enjoy food, culture and sea views.

The Puglia region is so flat that it is often called "Italy's table". Apart from a few small climbs and descents along the route, most of this trip is along flat, paved roads. If you travel outside the high season, most of the roads will be largely free of traffic.

Perfect for anyone over the age of 14 who likes to combine activity with experiences along the way.

Quick facts about the trip

Approx. 300 km spread over 8 days – flat, easy cycling and with plenty of time to enjoy food, culture and sea views.

The Puglia region is so flat that it is often called "Italy's table". Apart from a few small climbs and descents along the route, most of this trip is along flat, paved roads. If you travel outside the high season, most of the roads will be largely free of traffic.

Perfect for anyone over the age of 14 who likes to combine activity with experiences along the way.

Highlights

  • Gallipoli, a gem of a town with a lively fish market

  • Alberobello, the capital of Bari, with the delightful Trulli houses

  • Ostuni – the "white town"

  • Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point in Puglia

  • Otranto, one of the most beautiful places in Salento

  • Lecce, the capital of the same-named province in Southern Italy

  • Luggage is transported from accommodation to accommodation - you therefore cycle without luggage on your bike

Available dates & Contact info

March – Oct, optional date

from
NOK 11,990

Would you like more information about the trip?

Program

The daily program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make adjustments for any typos / currency fluctuations. 

The daily program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make adjustments for any typos / currency fluctuations. 

Day 1Arrival Day Alberobello

Trullihus i gamlebyen i Alberobello, Puglia, Italia | Expa Travel

Flight tickets are not included in the price, you book these yourself. The same applies to transfer from the airport to the accommodation in Alberobello.

The rental bike will be ready at the hotel upon arrival.

Once you have arrived, we recommend a stroll through the charming streets of Alberobello. The town is famous for its unique trulli houses with round stone roofs – a distinctive feature that has secured the town a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Here you can wander among whitewashed structures like no other, enjoy local food – and snap some photos along the way.

You can enjoy dinner at one of the town's many pleasant restaurants (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Alberobello

Day 2Alberobello – Ostuni

Ostuni – den berømte hvite byen i Puglia, Italia | Expa Travel

Enjoy a wonderful day on a bicycle through the beautiful Valle d’Itria – one of Southern Italy's most charming cultural landscapes. We recommend a stop in Locorotondo to taste the local wine, and perhaps a light lunch along the way (not included).

Today's goal is Ostuni, the famous “white city”, which sits beautifully on a hill overlooking the sea. Here you check in for the night and can explore the narrow streets and historical surroundings at your own pace.

You can enjoy dinner at one of the town's many pleasant restaurants (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Ostuni
DistanceApprox. 40 km

Day 3Ostuni – Avetrana area

Nydelig natur i Avetrana-området i Puglia | Expa Travel

After breakfast, you set course towards Avetrana. Today's stage takes you through beautiful olive groves, vineyards, and lush fruit crops. Along the way, you will find several nice places to take a break and enjoy lunch (not included).

Avetrana is a small, historic town located along the ancient Via Appia – the legendary Roman road that once stretched from Rome to Brindisi. Today you can still cycle on parts of the paved Via Appia Antica and feel the whisper of history.

Once you arrive in the Avetrana area, you check in for the night.

The evening ends with dinner at a local restaurant of your choice (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in the Avetrana area
DistanceApprox. 60 km

Day 4Avetrana area – Gallipoli

Gallipoli i Puglia, Italia – historisk gamleby på steinete halvøy omgitt av hav | Expa Travel

After breakfast, you roll away from quiet Avetrana and head towards the sea. The first stop is a short visit to the historic tower Torre Culimena, before continuing along the coast via Porto Cesareo – known for its great beaches and crystal-clear water.

For the rest of the day, you follow the coastline with sea views and sandy beaches as your steady companion. Lunch can be enjoyed wherever it suits you along the way (not included) – maybe fresh seafood at a small beach restaurant tempts you?

Today's goal is beautiful Gallipoli, a city that truly stands out. The old town is dynamically located at the very end of a rocky peninsula, surrounded by the sea on all sides. Here you can stroll through narrow streets, explore churches and small museums, or watch the fishermen bring in the day's catch.
Did you know that Gallipoli was once the world's largest exporter of olive-based lamp oil? The city's history is embedded in its walls – and the view is just as impressive from the north as it is from the south.

You arrange dinner yourself at one of the city's many restaurants (not included), preferably with fresh fish on the menu!

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Gallipoli
DistanceApprox. 60 km

Day 5Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca i Puglia, Italia – kystby med historiske kirker og unike villaer fra 1800-tallet | Expa Travel

Today you cycle all the way to the southernmost point of the Salento peninsula – beautiful Santa Maria di Leuca. Here you get to experience something truly special: the place where the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea meet. The waves from two seas clash right in front of your eyes – powerful!

Santa Maria di Leuca has long been a destination for both pilgrims and vacationers, known for its churches and peaceful atmosphere. At the end of the 19th century, wealthy and eccentric families built lavish villas here – in all kinds of imaginative styles. Today, they give the town a completely unique character, like a small architectural treasure by the sea.

You will find lunch along the route (not included), and once arrived in Leuca, you can enjoy the evening with ocean views and dinner at one of the local restaurants (not included). Here you can just sit back and enjoy the peace – you have reached “the end of Italy”.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Santa Maria di Leuca
DistanceApprox. 50 km

Day 6Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto

Otranto i Puglia, Italia – mål på sykkeltur med Expa Travel, kjent for bymur, fort og sjarmerende gamle bygater

Today you follow the spectacular coastline northwards along the Adriatic Sea – a stage full of scenic views, small villages, and exciting stops. The goal for the day is Otranto, one of Puglia's genuine gems. The old town here is surrounded by an impressive city wall, and inside you will find both a majestic fort and pleasant streets to explore.

Along the way, we recommend a stop at the fascinating Grotta Zinzulusa – the only cave along the coast that is open to visitors. A perfect place for a small detour before you roll on.

If you have the time and desire, you can also treat yourself to a visit to Santa Cesarea Thermal Spa – known for its hot springs and relaxing atmosphere.

You will find lunch along the way as usual (not included), and once in Otranto, an evening in historic surroundings awaits with dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Otranto
DistanceApprox. 52 km

Day 7Otranto – Lecce

Siste stopp på Puglia på sykkel-turen er vakre Lecce | Puglia med Expa Travel

The last stage on the bike takes you through green olive groves and along the coast towards beautiful Lecce – often called the “Baroque capital of Southern Italy”. Along the way, we recommend a stop at Torre dell’Orso beach, known for its bright limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water. Perfect for a short break or maybe a swim before rolling on.

Once you arrive in Lecce, a city filled with history, art, and architecture awaits. Here you will find over 30 churches, elegant palaces, and not least an impressive Roman amphitheater and theater from the imperial era. The city's unique style and lively atmosphere make Lecce a worthy conclusion to the trip.

Lunch is enjoyed as usual along the way (not included), and you spend the evening in Lecce with dinner at one of the city's many restaurants (not included). Here you just have to enjoy the final evening in true Italian atmosphere!

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Lecce
DistanceApprox. 50 km

Day 8Departure or possible extension of the stay

Bari i Puglia | Sykkeltur på Puglia med Expa Travel

The tour ends in Lecce, and it is time for the journey home – with luggage full of memories (and perhaps some olive oil).

The airports in Bari or Brindisi are easily accessible by train, but we can also arrange transport if you wish.

For those of you who don't quite want to go home yet, there are options to extend your stay – contact us if you want help with this.

The program is preliminary. Expa Travel reserves the right to make changes, typos, and currency adjustments.

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival Day Alberobello

Trullihus i gamlebyen i Alberobello, Puglia, Italia | Expa Travel

Flight tickets are not included in the price, you book these yourself. The same applies to transfer from the airport to the accommodation in Alberobello.

The rental bike will be ready at the hotel upon arrival.

Once you have arrived, we recommend a stroll through the charming streets of Alberobello. The town is famous for its unique trulli houses with round stone roofs – a distinctive feature that has secured the town a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Here you can wander among whitewashed structures like no other, enjoy local food – and snap some photos along the way.

You can enjoy dinner at one of the town's many pleasant restaurants (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Alberobello

Day 2Alberobello – Ostuni

Ostuni – den berømte hvite byen i Puglia, Italia | Expa Travel

Enjoy a wonderful day on a bicycle through the beautiful Valle d’Itria – one of Southern Italy's most charming cultural landscapes. We recommend a stop in Locorotondo to taste the local wine, and perhaps a light lunch along the way (not included).

Today's goal is Ostuni, the famous “white city”, which sits beautifully on a hill overlooking the sea. Here you check in for the night and can explore the narrow streets and historical surroundings at your own pace.

You can enjoy dinner at one of the town's many pleasant restaurants (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Ostuni
DistanceApprox. 40 km

Day 3Ostuni – Avetrana area

Nydelig natur i Avetrana-området i Puglia | Expa Travel

After breakfast, you set course towards Avetrana. Today's stage takes you through beautiful olive groves, vineyards, and lush fruit crops. Along the way, you will find several nice places to take a break and enjoy lunch (not included).

Avetrana is a small, historic town located along the ancient Via Appia – the legendary Roman road that once stretched from Rome to Brindisi. Today you can still cycle on parts of the paved Via Appia Antica and feel the whisper of history.

Once you arrive in the Avetrana area, you check in for the night.

The evening ends with dinner at a local restaurant of your choice (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in the Avetrana area
DistanceApprox. 60 km

Day 4Avetrana area – Gallipoli

Gallipoli i Puglia, Italia – historisk gamleby på steinete halvøy omgitt av hav | Expa Travel

After breakfast, you roll away from quiet Avetrana and head towards the sea. The first stop is a short visit to the historic tower Torre Culimena, before continuing along the coast via Porto Cesareo – known for its great beaches and crystal-clear water.

For the rest of the day, you follow the coastline with sea views and sandy beaches as your steady companion. Lunch can be enjoyed wherever it suits you along the way (not included) – maybe fresh seafood at a small beach restaurant tempts you?

Today's goal is beautiful Gallipoli, a city that truly stands out. The old town is dynamically located at the very end of a rocky peninsula, surrounded by the sea on all sides. Here you can stroll through narrow streets, explore churches and small museums, or watch the fishermen bring in the day's catch.
Did you know that Gallipoli was once the world's largest exporter of olive-based lamp oil? The city's history is embedded in its walls – and the view is just as impressive from the north as it is from the south.

You arrange dinner yourself at one of the city's many restaurants (not included), preferably with fresh fish on the menu!

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Gallipoli
DistanceApprox. 60 km

Day 5Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca i Puglia, Italia – kystby med historiske kirker og unike villaer fra 1800-tallet | Expa Travel

Today you cycle all the way to the southernmost point of the Salento peninsula – beautiful Santa Maria di Leuca. Here you get to experience something truly special: the place where the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea meet. The waves from two seas clash right in front of your eyes – powerful!

Santa Maria di Leuca has long been a destination for both pilgrims and vacationers, known for its churches and peaceful atmosphere. At the end of the 19th century, wealthy and eccentric families built lavish villas here – in all kinds of imaginative styles. Today, they give the town a completely unique character, like a small architectural treasure by the sea.

You will find lunch along the route (not included), and once arrived in Leuca, you can enjoy the evening with ocean views and dinner at one of the local restaurants (not included). Here you can just sit back and enjoy the peace – you have reached “the end of Italy”.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Santa Maria di Leuca
DistanceApprox. 50 km

Day 6Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto

Otranto i Puglia, Italia – mål på sykkeltur med Expa Travel, kjent for bymur, fort og sjarmerende gamle bygater

Today you follow the spectacular coastline northwards along the Adriatic Sea – a stage full of scenic views, small villages, and exciting stops. The goal for the day is Otranto, one of Puglia's genuine gems. The old town here is surrounded by an impressive city wall, and inside you will find both a majestic fort and pleasant streets to explore.

Along the way, we recommend a stop at the fascinating Grotta Zinzulusa – the only cave along the coast that is open to visitors. A perfect place for a small detour before you roll on.

If you have the time and desire, you can also treat yourself to a visit to Santa Cesarea Thermal Spa – known for its hot springs and relaxing atmosphere.

You will find lunch along the way as usual (not included), and once in Otranto, an evening in historic surroundings awaits with dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Otranto
DistanceApprox. 52 km

Day 7Otranto – Lecce

Siste stopp på Puglia på sykkel-turen er vakre Lecce | Puglia med Expa Travel

The last stage on the bike takes you through green olive groves and along the coast towards beautiful Lecce – often called the “Baroque capital of Southern Italy”. Along the way, we recommend a stop at Torre dell’Orso beach, known for its bright limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water. Perfect for a short break or maybe a swim before rolling on.

Once you arrive in Lecce, a city filled with history, art, and architecture awaits. Here you will find over 30 churches, elegant palaces, and not least an impressive Roman amphitheater and theater from the imperial era. The city's unique style and lively atmosphere make Lecce a worthy conclusion to the trip.

Lunch is enjoyed as usual along the way (not included), and you spend the evening in Lecce with dinner at one of the city's many restaurants (not included). Here you just have to enjoy the final evening in true Italian atmosphere!

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Lecce
DistanceApprox. 50 km

Day 8Departure or possible extension of the stay

Bari i Puglia | Sykkeltur på Puglia med Expa Travel

The tour ends in Lecce, and it is time for the journey home – with luggage full of memories (and perhaps some olive oil).

The airports in Bari or Brindisi are easily accessible by train, but we can also arrange transport if you wish.

For those of you who don't quite want to go home yet, there are options to extend your stay – contact us if you want help with this.

The program is preliminary. Expa Travel reserves the right to make changes, typos, and currency adjustments.

MealsBreakfast

Day 1Arrival Day Alberobello

Trullihus i gamlebyen i Alberobello, Puglia, Italia | Expa Travel

Flight tickets are not included in the price, you book these yourself. The same applies to transfer from the airport to the accommodation in Alberobello.

The rental bike will be ready at the hotel upon arrival.

Once you have arrived, we recommend a stroll through the charming streets of Alberobello. The town is famous for its unique trulli houses with round stone roofs – a distinctive feature that has secured the town a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Here you can wander among whitewashed structures like no other, enjoy local food – and snap some photos along the way.

You can enjoy dinner at one of the town's many pleasant restaurants (not included).

AccommodationAccommodation in Alberobello

Day 2Alberobello – Ostuni

Ostuni – den berømte hvite byen i Puglia, Italia | Expa Travel

Enjoy a wonderful day on a bicycle through the beautiful Valle d’Itria – one of Southern Italy's most charming cultural landscapes. We recommend a stop in Locorotondo to taste the local wine, and perhaps a light lunch along the way (not included).

Today's goal is Ostuni, the famous “white city”, which sits beautifully on a hill overlooking the sea. Here you check in for the night and can explore the narrow streets and historical surroundings at your own pace.

You can enjoy dinner at one of the town's many pleasant restaurants (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Ostuni
DistanceApprox. 40 km

Day 3Ostuni – Avetrana area

Nydelig natur i Avetrana-området i Puglia | Expa Travel

After breakfast, you set course towards Avetrana. Today's stage takes you through beautiful olive groves, vineyards, and lush fruit crops. Along the way, you will find several nice places to take a break and enjoy lunch (not included).

Avetrana is a small, historic town located along the ancient Via Appia – the legendary Roman road that once stretched from Rome to Brindisi. Today you can still cycle on parts of the paved Via Appia Antica and feel the whisper of history.

Once you arrive in the Avetrana area, you check in for the night.

The evening ends with dinner at a local restaurant of your choice (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in the Avetrana area
DistanceApprox. 60 km

Day 4Avetrana area – Gallipoli

Gallipoli i Puglia, Italia – historisk gamleby på steinete halvøy omgitt av hav | Expa Travel

After breakfast, you roll away from quiet Avetrana and head towards the sea. The first stop is a short visit to the historic tower Torre Culimena, before continuing along the coast via Porto Cesareo – known for its great beaches and crystal-clear water.

For the rest of the day, you follow the coastline with sea views and sandy beaches as your steady companion. Lunch can be enjoyed wherever it suits you along the way (not included) – maybe fresh seafood at a small beach restaurant tempts you?

Today's goal is beautiful Gallipoli, a city that truly stands out. The old town is dynamically located at the very end of a rocky peninsula, surrounded by the sea on all sides. Here you can stroll through narrow streets, explore churches and small museums, or watch the fishermen bring in the day's catch.
Did you know that Gallipoli was once the world's largest exporter of olive-based lamp oil? The city's history is embedded in its walls – and the view is just as impressive from the north as it is from the south.

You arrange dinner yourself at one of the city's many restaurants (not included), preferably with fresh fish on the menu!

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Gallipoli
DistanceApprox. 60 km

Day 5Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca i Puglia, Italia – kystby med historiske kirker og unike villaer fra 1800-tallet | Expa Travel

Today you cycle all the way to the southernmost point of the Salento peninsula – beautiful Santa Maria di Leuca. Here you get to experience something truly special: the place where the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea meet. The waves from two seas clash right in front of your eyes – powerful!

Santa Maria di Leuca has long been a destination for both pilgrims and vacationers, known for its churches and peaceful atmosphere. At the end of the 19th century, wealthy and eccentric families built lavish villas here – in all kinds of imaginative styles. Today, they give the town a completely unique character, like a small architectural treasure by the sea.

You will find lunch along the route (not included), and once arrived in Leuca, you can enjoy the evening with ocean views and dinner at one of the local restaurants (not included). Here you can just sit back and enjoy the peace – you have reached “the end of Italy”.

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Santa Maria di Leuca
DistanceApprox. 50 km

Day 6Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto

Otranto i Puglia, Italia – mål på sykkeltur med Expa Travel, kjent for bymur, fort og sjarmerende gamle bygater

Today you follow the spectacular coastline northwards along the Adriatic Sea – a stage full of scenic views, small villages, and exciting stops. The goal for the day is Otranto, one of Puglia's genuine gems. The old town here is surrounded by an impressive city wall, and inside you will find both a majestic fort and pleasant streets to explore.

Along the way, we recommend a stop at the fascinating Grotta Zinzulusa – the only cave along the coast that is open to visitors. A perfect place for a small detour before you roll on.

If you have the time and desire, you can also treat yourself to a visit to Santa Cesarea Thermal Spa – known for its hot springs and relaxing atmosphere.

You will find lunch along the way as usual (not included), and once in Otranto, an evening in historic surroundings awaits with dinner on your own (not included).

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Otranto
DistanceApprox. 52 km

Day 7Otranto – Lecce

Siste stopp på Puglia på sykkel-turen er vakre Lecce | Puglia med Expa Travel

The last stage on the bike takes you through green olive groves and along the coast towards beautiful Lecce – often called the “Baroque capital of Southern Italy”. Along the way, we recommend a stop at Torre dell’Orso beach, known for its bright limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water. Perfect for a short break or maybe a swim before rolling on.

Once you arrive in Lecce, a city filled with history, art, and architecture awaits. Here you will find over 30 churches, elegant palaces, and not least an impressive Roman amphitheater and theater from the imperial era. The city's unique style and lively atmosphere make Lecce a worthy conclusion to the trip.

Lunch is enjoyed as usual along the way (not included), and you spend the evening in Lecce with dinner at one of the city's many restaurants (not included). Here you just have to enjoy the final evening in true Italian atmosphere!

MealsBreakfast
AccommodationAccommodation in Lecce
DistanceApprox. 50 km

Day 8Departure or possible extension of the stay

Bari i Puglia | Sykkeltur på Puglia med Expa Travel

The tour ends in Lecce, and it is time for the journey home – with luggage full of memories (and perhaps some olive oil).

The airports in Bari or Brindisi are easily accessible by train, but we can also arrange transport if you wish.

For those of you who don't quite want to go home yet, there are options to extend your stay – contact us if you want help with this.

The program is preliminary. Expa Travel reserves the right to make changes, typos, and currency adjustments.

MealsBreakfast

Map

Included & practical info

Included & practical info

Included

Additions

Other information

Guides

Self-guided tours with Expa Travel

Self-guided tour - no guide

This is a self-guided tour. We at Expa Travel have planned the routes for you, and using GPS as a tool, you cycle / walk / drive the stages at your own pace.

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Packing list

Packing list

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.

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