Cycling
Puglia and Salento
- IT035 / Italy
- Cycling Cycling tours Cycling holiday with accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport, assistance. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
- By the sea By the sea Coastal itinerary or travel programme that leaves room for relaxation by the sea.
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Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct
- 6 days
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- round tour Lecce - Otranto - Lecce
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
A short tour to discover the wonders of Salento by bike: be captivated by the unexpected baroque architecture of Lecce, admire the breathtaking coastal landscapes, and be spoiled by the rich local gastronomy.
- The exuberance of Lecce Baroque
- The sea and beaches of Salento, among the most beautiful in Italy
- Santa Maria di Leuca: the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas
What awaits you
Six days in Salento along a mostly flat route with short hilly sections on mostly paved, low-traffic roads (outside of peak season). Attention should be paid to traffic when entering and leaving cities.
The stages include wonderful stretches of coastline.
1. Arrival in Lecce, the capital of Baroque
“The Florence of the South?” Not really! You realize it as soon as you arrive: Lecce is truly unique. Like the Tuscan capital, it is full of magnificent historic buildings, but Baroque architecture dominates here. Churches, houses, and palaces are built in the typical light-colored Lecce stone, which gives the city a regal majesty, tempered by the rustic and homely air of the many small restaurants that enliven its streets. Browse the streets of the city and devote yourself to discovering the local cuisine.
2. First ride in Salento, land of "sun, sea and wind" to Gallipoli
The route alternates between country roads and undemanding dirt paths and is almost completely flat. In Copertino, you can take a break and visit the castle, while the center of nearby Nardò represents a true riot of Baroque art, especially the refined Piazza Salandra.
After Nardò, you have a good 12 kilometers of coastline on which to make a pleasant stop and have your first swim in the Ionian Sea. Your destination today is Gallipoli, an authentic pearl of the Ionian Sea. We recommend a walk through the historic center and a visit to the underground oil mill.
3. Southern charm all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca
A whole day dedicated to the sea, with all the colors and scents that these Mediterranean coasts have to offer: pines, myrtles and junipers against the backdrop of the deep blue Ionian Sea, which presents itself with a thousand coves, beaches and inlets. This stage is flat, with only a few short ups and downs at the end. A few kilometers out of Gallipoli, we recommend the detour to Punta della Suina, and with a walk along the coast you can also reach the nearby Lido Pizzo. Just before you reach your destination, you can stop at Punta Ristola, with its beautiful caves. Finally, just where the land ends and the two seas (Adriatic and Ionian) meet, Santa Maria di Leuca (from the Greek “leukos,” meaning white) awaits you. A sunset toast on the Sanctuary Square is a must!
4. Coastal landscapes, vestiges of the past and arrival in Otranto
You are on one of the most scenic roads in the world, undulating all along the way, past small fishing villages with whitewashed houses, cliffs surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, and the deep blue of the Adriatic, which indulges with fantastic inlets and natural bays. Not to be missed are the Romanelli and Zinzulusa caves, where fish have been found that are considered living fossils. Past the spa towns of Santa Cesarea and then Porto Badisco, you’ll reach Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy and your destination today. Don’t miss a walk through the old town, with its stone-paved streets, cathedral and famous Aragonese castle.
5. Last day of bike and sea, heading back up to Lecce
Today you go up along the Adriatic coastline, crossing the Alimini lakes and their distinctive Mediterranean scrub, as well as small coastal towns with fine sandy beaches. For a relaxing break by the sea, you can stop at Sant’Andrea, Torre dell’Orso or Roca Vecchia. Then arrive at the nature reserve “Le Cesine,” where an incredible number of birds from Africa and Asia rest between migrations. Say goodbye now to the sea and the coast and head inland, where you have a chance to visit the small town of Acaya, an example of a 16th-century Southern Italian fortified town. Finally, arrive in Lecce, a splendid Baroque city and the capital of Salento.
6. End of tour in Lecce
Before you leave Lecce, take the chance to visit the city again: the capital of Salento is distinguished by the richness and exuberance of the 17th-century Baroque style of the churches and palaces in the center, built in the local Lecce stone. Absolutely not to be missed is the Basilica of Santa Croce.
You will sleep in 3*/4* hotels, carefully selected for you. All rooms have air conditioning. The hotels are easily accessible from the indicated route and located near major points of interest, so you can easily visit each new city that you reach. Breakfast is always included to start the day on the pedals with the right fuel.
2025
Departures on Monday
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Accommodation
- 5 nights accommodation
Meals
- 5 breakfasts
Hotels usually serve a continental breakfast. However, in some smaller hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink, such as cappuccino or coffee, with fresh pastries, such as cake, croissants or toast and jam.
Luggage transfer
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel every day starting from the first day of the standard tour until the last day of the tour.
For the luggage transportation we accept only 1 piece of luggage per person with max. 20 kg.
The service is not included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Before your departure, you will receive detailed guidance on allowable baggage, luggage labels, service hours.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
- the hotel list
- the hotel vouchers to show to the hotel reception upon arrival
- the link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
When you arrive at the first hotel you will find the luggage labels.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 25% from 29 to 21 days prior to departure date
- 50% from 20 to 14 days prior to departure date
- 80% from 13 to 6 days prior to departure date
- 100% from 5 days prior to departure date and no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
- Tourist taxes (10-15 € per person)
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. - Tips
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
You can also cycle with your own bike, just make sure it is in perfect shape and suitable for your tour.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single room
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Lecce before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Transfer
You can book a transfer from Brindisi or Bari airport to Lecce and vice versa - Everything not mentioned in the section “What’s included”
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Route profile
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 205 km
- Terrain: 100% paved
- Train connections between tour cities: none
- Possibility of shortening stages by train: none
How to get there
Lecce is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Lecce is connected with the following airports: Brindisi: 50 km, Bari: 180 km.
From Brindisi Casale airport (BDS):
- bus to Lecce, stop Piazza Carmelo Bene (approx 40 min)
- alternatively, shuttle bus STP from airport to Brindisi train station (approx. 15/20 min). From here train to Lecce (approx. 30 min)
From Bari Wojtyla airport (BRI):
- train (approx. 20 min) or shuttle bus Tempesta (approx. 30 min) to Bari Centrale train station. From here direct train to Lecce (approx. 2 hours)
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
Private transfer
You can book a private transfer from both airports at the moment of the booking (approx. 1h15).
By train
Lecce is the closest station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the following websites: Trenitalia and Ferrovie del Sud Est.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park it in Lecce for the whole duration of the tour. Some hotels have a private parking place, while in other cases you have to use alternative car parks. No reservation is possible and you have to pay on site. You’ll receive all relevant information in the Final Tour Details.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Italian.
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for Italy is +39.
Emergency telephone numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
113 – Police Help Number
115 – Fire Department
118 – Medical Emergencies
Electricity
The Italian electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Sockets are Schuko bipolar and comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
Special diets
- If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you bring your own snacks just in case.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Francesca
Published: 04 Oct 2024
Luisa
Published: 01 Aug 2024
Maurizio
Published: 26 Jul 2024
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