Magical Puglia: More Miles for Less
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Photo Gallery: La Bella Puglia
Magical Puglia: More Miles for Less
More Pleasure, Less Effort in Italy's Fascinating Heel
Highlights
- Spectacular fields of huge, ancient olive trees
- Quiet roads lined with rustic stone walls, perfect for leisurely riding
- Dramatic, whitewashed trulli architecture at every turn
- Hearty cuisine like homemade orecchiette pasta, roasted chicory, and torta di ficho (fig tart)
- Perfect introduction to the back roads of southern Italy
Description
For centuries, empires fought over Puglia for its fertile lands and its strategic location at the frontier of the European mainland and the Adriatic. Those days are long, long past, and Puglia today is a prime destination for anyone who craves a laid-back Italian cycling experience. The terrain may be mostly flat, but with Ciclismo Clasico, you can count on high points every day.
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Price
$2,695
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Single Supplement
$400
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Ability Level
Easy
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Terrain
Mostly flat
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Distance
156 miles
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Departing
Otranto
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Arriving
Mesagne
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Bike Rental
Included
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- May 13, 2012
- June 2, 2012
- August 25, 2012
- September 23, 2012
- October 8, 2012
Day 1–2: Mesagne
The region is flat with some hills and is an ideal place for cycling. We meet at the first hotel at 1pm for a light lunch, bike fitting and warm-up ride. Day 2, trek down to the boot of Italy, where each town shows a different blend of architecture styles.
Day 3: Porto Cesaro
Ride between centuries old olive trees that produce some of the most exquisite oil in the region.
Day 4–5: Gallipoli
Gallipoli is an interesting city to explore with its tiny fishing villages, coves, and crystal clear waters. Day 5, we ride back inland to see several "masserie": fortified farmhouses built between the 13th and 14th centuries (and are still in use today).
Day 6: Otranto
Otranto is a monumental city on the easternmost tip of Italy. It will be worth saving some time to visit the cathedral and the castle.
Day 7: Arrivederci!
After breakfast, we offer one group shuttle in the morning to the Brindisi airport.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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Amy C., New York NY had this to say about La Bella Puglia:
I loved everything about Puglia! The food, the people, the architecture.... it was "trulli" a life-changing experience! -
Phylis F., Graham NC had this to say about La Bella Puglia:
The two picnics really gave us a feel for the local cultures. The landscapes were unbelievable. -
Marisa M., Boston MA had this to say about La Bella Puglia:
One of my best trips ever-I'm already planning my next one. Members of the group were very friendly and inclusive. By the end of the tour, my fellow cyclists felt like an extended family.
