La Bella Puglia
Discover the charms of Italy’s rustic southern region
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- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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Discover the charms of Italy’s rustic Southern region on this unforgettable bike trip. Named one of the “20 Places to See Now” by National Geographic Traveler, this bike tour takes you through the heart of fascinating Puglia in Italy’s southern region, with its landscapes steeped in Greek, Norman, and Arab history.
We begin our journey in Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, and pass through Otranto, a picturesque town whose complicated yet intriguing history makes it one of Puglia’s most sought-after places. We then pedal to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Baroque capital of Salento area, Lecce. Heading north, we ride through one of the enological gems of the south of Italy to Alberobello, the trulli region, spun by clusters of fantastic conical dwellings surrounded by enormous, gnarled olive trees. We end our journey in Matera, a city in the Basilicata region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, world-renowned for its sassi (cave dwellings). Spicy handmade orecchiette, bruschetta covered with juicy tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and grilled calamari satisfy our palates, and warm hospitality and friendly conversation greet us at every turn!
Enjoy our Favorite photos from La Bella Puglia!
Tour Essence
- Ride through Puglia’s most scenic coastal roads along the Adriatic, including views all the way to Albania
- Explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites—Lecce, Alberobello, and Matera
- Discover the iconic trulli of Alberobello, Puglia’s cone-roofed dwellings
- Visit Grotta Zinzulusa, a dramatic coastal cave system
- Pedal through ancient olive groves and visit a 4,000-year-old tree and underground mill
- Wander the whitewashed hill towns of Ostuni and Locorotondo
- Stay in boutique hotels, from restored Trulli to a cave hotel in Matera
- Enjoy local cuisine at every stop—orecchiette, seafood, and regional specialties
- Sample regional wines, from Salento reds to crisp Locorotondo whites
- Experience the pizzica, a vibrant southern folk dance and music tradition
- Stand at Italy’s southernmost tip in Santa Maria di Leuca, where two seas meet
- Hike Matera’s rugged canyons to a hidden cave church
- Experience warm southern hospitality and deep cultural traditions throughout the journey
Click here to download the 2026 La Bella Puglia detailed itinerary
What to Expect
Terrain
Gently rollingStart Location
Santa Maria di Leuca, ItalyEnd Location
Matera, ItalyMileage
Average Daily: 30 miles Total: 180 milesElevation
Average Daily: 1,400 ft Total: 8,600 ft

Start Location
Santa Maria di Leuca, ItalyFly Into
Rome, ItalyEnd Location
Matera, ItalyFly Out Of
Rome, ItalySanta Maria di Leuca warm-up ride
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
15 milesElevation Gain
900 ftRiding Terrain
Gently rollingMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Montirò
With a panoramic view of a flourishing Mediterranean garden, the 4-star Montirò Hotel is the only estate with over 5 hectares of uncontaminated nature to the extreme south of Apulia. A path surrounded by verdant olive trees gives access to a small “village” with stone houses that recall the shape and charm of the ancient “pajare”, the typical Salento buildings that once gave shelter to the farmers. The hotel has cozy and elegant rooms, a swimming pool surrounded by greenery, an exclusive restaurant, and a patisserie school.
Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
35 milesElevation Gain
2,200 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling along the Adriatic SeaMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Relais Valle dell’Idro
A few steps away from the old town of Otranto and the crystal-clear water of the most beautiful local beaches, Relais Valle Dell’Idro, provides breathtaking views of the old town and the sea. The accommodations are elegant and detailed at the same time.
Otranto to Lecce via San Cataldo
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
30 milesElevation Gain
900 ftRiding Terrain
Flat along the Adriatic SeaMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Palazzo de Noha
Located in the heart of Lecce’s historic center, Palazzo de Noha is a beautifully restored 15th-century residence blending classic architecture with contemporary design. This elegant 4-star hotel features uniquely styled rooms adorned with curated art pieces and marble bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a rooftop infinity pool and solarium,
Lecce to Savelletri
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
25 milesElevation Gain
600 ftRiding Terrain
Flat along the Adriatic SeaMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Casale degli Ulivi
Casale degli Ulivi is a 3-star boutique countryside retreat set among ancient olive groves near Savelletri di Fasano, in the heart of Puglia. The restored farmhouse combines traditional Apulian architecture with simple, elegant interiors. The property features comfortable rooms, landscaped gardens, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Savelletri to Alberobello
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40 milesElevation Gain
2,600 ftRiding Terrain
Gently rollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Olimpo
Grand Hotel Olimpo is an elegant 4-star hotel in the heart of Alberobello, just a short walk from the famous trulli and historic center of this UNESCO-listed town. The hotel offers comfortable, stylish rooms (many with private balconies). On-site amenities include the Eden restaurant serving local cuisine, a bar/lounge, and a garden terrace.
Alberobello to Matera
Meals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAverage Mileage
35 milesElevation Gain
1,400 ftRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAccommodations
Sant’Angelo Resort
The Sant’Angelo resort is a 5-star hotel of charm and relaxation, designed to give you the unique experience of a stay among the stones of Matera. Set as a jewel in the extraordinary amphitheater of Sassi di Matera, the Resort is located in one of the best squares in the heart of the historical center, with its unmissable view of the elaborate labyrinth of typical houses and staircases that leads down to the rugged canyon Gravina.
Matera Hike
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
2-mile hikeElevation Gain
400 ftRiding Terrain
EasyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Sant’Angelo Resort
The Sant’Angelo resort is a 5-star hotel of charm and relaxation, designed to give you the unique experience of a stay among the stones of Matera. Set as a jewel in the extraordinary amphitheater of Sassi di Matera, the Resort is located in one of the best squares in the heart of the historical center, with its unmissable view of the elaborate labyrinth of typical houses and staircases that leads down to the rugged canyon Gravina.
Arrivederci!
Meals Provided
BreakfastMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
2027
Once your trip is confirmed, we’ll provide everything you need to prepare for your adventure—from training and packing tips to practical travel information and inspiration to get you excited for the journey ahead. Our Travel Advisors are also available to help you plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Services of expert local bilingual guides throughout the program
- Full van support throughout the tour
- Ciclismo Classico Super Snacks with local specialties and fresh seasonal products
- Cycling clinics and personalized coaching
- Group shuttles at the beginning and at the end of the tour
- Cultural visits and entrance fees as per itinerary
Cycling Gear Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or equivalent)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS preloaded with daily routes and GPX tracks
- Ride with GPS navigation and route access for mobile devices
- Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional map holder on handlebars
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Cycling helmet
- Optional clipless/SPD pedals and cycling shoes
- Optional personal saddle
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
- All accommodations
Day 1: Hotel Montirò
Day 2: Relais Valle dell’Idro
Day 3: Palazzo de Noha
Day 4: Bianco Riccio Suite Hotel
Day 5: TBD
Day 6 & 7: Sant’Angelo Resort
- Guided walking tour of Lecce, the Baroque capital of Salento
- Visit to the Byzantine frescoes of Acaya Fortress
- Guided walking tour of Alberobello and its iconic trulli
- Visit to Masseria Brancati, including its ancient underground olive mill and 4,000-year-old olive trees
- 1 olive oil tasting
- “Ape” sightseeing tour of Ostuni
- 1 wine tasting with a visit to a local wine cellar
- Traditional Pizzica music and dance performance
- Hike in the Matera canyon with a local guide, including a visit to the Chiesa Rupestre Cristo la Selva
- Guided walking tour of Matera and its ancient Sassi
- Visit to Grotta Zinzulusa, a dramatic coastal cave system









