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 ancient olive trees
- Quiet roads lined with rustic stone walls, perfect for leisurely riding
- Dramatic, whitewashed trulli architecture at every turn
- Savory cuisine: grilled vegetables, handmade pasta, dense bread, amazing seafood, crisp white wines and mouth-filling red wines from Salento area
- Perfect introduction to the back roads of the true 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
203 miles - Average Mileage: 34 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
- June 2, 2012
- August 25, 2012
- September 23, 2012
- October 8, 2012
Day 1–2: Mesagne and the Salento
Day 1: The region is flat with some hills and is an ideal place for cycling. We meet at the first hotel at 1pm after lunch, for introductions, bike fitting and warm-up ride.
Day 2: Trek down to the boot of Italy, also known as “Il Salento.” Ride through the Salento area, where each town shows a different blend of architecture styles, and where each coast is a mix of rocky and sandy stretches.
Day 3: Porto Cesaro
Ride between centuries old olive trees that produce the “Terra d’Otranto” DOP, a specially labeled exquisite oil. The ride is completely flat and will allow time to enjoy some beach life at our seaside hotel.
Day 4–5: Gallipoli
Day 4: Gallipoli is an interesting city to explore with its tiny fishing villages, coves, and crystal clear waters. Not to be missed is the fish market just near the fishing boats coming back with the catch of the day. Learn how the locals negotiate the best price can be one of the unexpected highlights of the tour: outstanding!
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 easternmost tip of Italy. It is a town of Greek origins, which was also occupied by Romans and at that time it was part of the “Provincia Calabra”. It will be worth saving some time to visit the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle which dates back to XI century and represents one of the remnants of the empire of Federick II.
Day 7: Arrivederci!
There are buses for Lecce (1hr) to catch your train connection to Brindisi (20min) or, upon request, guides can also organize a shuttle in the morning to Brindisi airport (1 hr).
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.
