Cycle from Alberobello to Lecce through the Heart of Puglia
Discover Puglia by bike cycling journey from Alberobello to Lecce. The route combines mostly paved roads with a small amount of unpaved terrain, making it a medium-easy cycling experience. Starting in Alberobello and finishing in Lecce, the tour gives you the freedom to explore southern Italy by bike while travelling between some of the region’s best-known destinations.
A Flexible Cycling Journey Through Southern Italy
With 95% of the route paved and 5% unpaved, the itinerary is suited to cyclists looking for an active way to experience Puglia. The route can be shortened by train on day 2, while the absence of train connections between the other tour cities means that most of the journey is completed by bike. Independent travel allows you to set your own pace as you cycle from Alberobello towards Lecce.
ROUTE
Cycle through the heart of Puglia, from the whitewashed trulli of Alberobello to the elegant Baroque streets of Lecce. The route takes you through traditional villages, historic towns and Mediterranean landscapes, offering a close-up experience of one of southern Italy’s most distinctive regions. The cycling follows a mix of paved roads and unpaved sections, taking you away from the main routes and into the quieter side of Puglia. Along the way, discover the region’s unique architecture, historic heritage and authentic local atmosphere, with the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Alberobello
Arrive independently in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its distinctive trulli, the traditional whitewashed houses with conical roofs. Take time to explore this unique Apulian town before your cycling adventure begins.
Day 2: Alberobello – Ostuni
28 miles / 45 km
Pedal through the beautiful countryside of the Murgia region, passing through Locorotondo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, and Cisternino with its charming historic centre. Continue towards Ostuni, the famous “White City”, perched on a hill overlooking the sea.
Day 3: Ostuni – Manduria Area
37 miles / 60 km
Leave the Murgia hills behind and enter Salento, cycling through a landscape dominated by ancient olive trees and distinctive red soil. Stop in Oria to explore its historic centre and castle before continuing to the Manduria area, known as the capital of Primitivo wine.
Day 4: Manduria Area – Gallipoli
43 miles / 70 km
Follow the beautiful Salento coast, riding past ancient towers and fine sandy beaches towards Porto Cesareo, where you can stop for fresh fish. Continue to Gallipoli, a fascinating town on the Ionian Sea, and explore its historic centre and traditional underground oil mill.
Day 5: Gallipoli – Santa Maria di Leuca
31 miles / 50 km
Ride along the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by pine trees, myrtles, junipers, beaches and secluded coves. Discover Punta della Suina, Lido Pizzo and the caves of Punta Ristola before reaching Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet.
Day 6: Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto
31 miles / 50 km
Follow one of the most scenic coastal roads in the region, passing whitewashed fishing villages, dramatic cliffs and natural bays along the Adriatic. Discover the Romanelli and Zinzulusa caves, continue through Santa Cesarea and Porto Badisco, then arrive in Otranto to explore its historic centre, cathedral and Aragonese castle.
Day 7: Otranto – Lecce
34 miles / 55 km
Cycle north along the Adriatic coast, passing the Alimini lakes and sandy beaches with opportunities to stop at Sant’Andrea, Torre dell’Orso or Roca Vecchia. Continue through the Le Cesine nature reserve before heading inland to Acaya, a remarkable fortified town, and finally reach Lecce, the Baroque capital of Salento.
Day 8: End of the Tour in Lecce
After breakfast, the tour ends in Lecce. Take the opportunity to explore the city’s spectacular Baroque architecture and richly decorated churches and palaces, including the impressive Basilica of Santa Croce, before continuing your journey home.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Alberobello(Departure Point)
By plane: Fly to Bari or Brindisi airports, both connected to Alberobello by public transport. Private airport transfers are also available.
By train: Alberobello is the closest train station and can be reached via regional connections.
By car: Parking is available in Alberobello for the duration of the tour, either at the accommodation or in nearby public car parks.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- 7 x overnight stays in 3* and 4** hotels
- 7 x breakfast
- Welcome briefing
- Luggage transfer
- Digital travel documents including navigation app, GPS data, and route book
- 1 x Train ticket from Chieri to Turin including bike
- Service hotline
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Digital tour information, maps, route notes and GPS tracks
- Ride with GPS app with offline navigation
- Hotel vouchers and hotel list
- Emergency assistance during the tour
NOT Included
- Travel to and from the starting and finishing points
- Meals not mentioned under “Included”
- Tourist taxesTipsSingle-room supplement
- Extra nights
- Bike rental and accessories
- Airport and other transfers
- Travel insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included”
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2027.
Departures from 13 March to 30 October.
Season 1
13–26 Mar
23–30 Oct
From
840€
Options & Supplements
✓
+110€ Gold Accommodation
✓
+360 Single Room
Season 2
27 Mar–16 Apr
9–22 Oct
From
990€
Options & Supplements
✓
+110€ Gold Accommodation
✓
+360 Single Room
Season 3
17 Apr–25 Jun
11 Sep–8 Oct
From
1090€
Options & Supplements
✓
+110€ Gold Accommodation
✓
+360 Single Room
Season 4
26 Jun–17 Jul
28 Aug–10 Sep
From
1190€
Options & Supplements
✓
+110€ Gold Accommodation
✓
+360 Single Room
Accomodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Accommodation may vary depending on availability, but the same level of comfort and hospitality is guaranteed for each category. Includes all breakfasts.
Accommodation Options
Standard Comfort
3-star hotels and guesthouses
Comfortable accommodation with a welcoming atmosphere.
Included in the tour price
Gold Comfort
Mostly 4-star hotels
A higher accommodation.
Double Room: +110€
Single Room: +420€ vs. Double Room
Alberobello
Traditional trullo accommodation may be available in both categories.
No air conditioning, thanks to the trullo’s natural thermal insulation.
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Touring Bike
120€
Bosch E-Bike
290€
Helmet
15€