Cycling Puglia in Comfort Short Break
Cycling Puglia in Comfort Short Break
Cycling Puglia in Comfort Short Break
6 Days Starting and ending in Lecce
Visiting: Lecce, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
518
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Apulia region of south-eastern Italy has quite a story to tell, having been in the rule the ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Ottomans, the Spaniards and others, each of whom have contributed to the region’s dialects, flavourful cuisine, and distinctive architecture. This is Italy’s best kept secret for outstanding cycling and cultural exploration
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Lecce
Location: Lecce
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Delle Palme or similar
Arrive in the Baroque masterpiece of southern Italy: Lecce has a lovely historical centre (centro storico) where you can easily spend a day exploring its picturesque little lanes and discovering its treasures: the architecture and the Baroque churches. This lovely town will charm you with its attractive countryside, seashore and small towns close to it.
Day 2 : Lecce To Gallipoli
Location: Lecce, Gallipoli
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel 33 Baroni or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will pedal across the flat countryside, surrounded by olive trees, pine forests and dunes. The natural morphing of the scenery is spectacular, and the area is very sparsely inhabited, so you will be able to enjoy a beautiful quiet section. Pass ancient seaside watch towers as you approach the medieval fishing town of Gallipoli, bursting with life.
Cycling for the day: 50km, approx 5h, ↑200m ↓140m
Day 3 : Gallipoli To Santa Maria Di Leuca
Location: Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Terra or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
A coastal road takes you to the southernmost point of Puglia, which divides the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. But first, take a swim in the turquoise waters of paradise at the Torre del Pizzo beach and lie upon the fine white sands. Then continue south to Santa Maria di Leuca, a magnificent village of fantastic beaches and wacky, wild, colourful mansions.
Cycling for the day: 50km, approx 5h, ↑200m ↓170m
Day 4 : Santa Maria Di Leuca To Otranto
Location: Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel San Giuseppe or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Revel in the sea breezes as you ride along the high coastal route, winding your way along the gentle, undulating ridges of the cliffs. Stop for a glimpse of the spectacular cave, the Grotta Zinzulusa, and then continue to Otranto, a Greek-then-Roman port town, often frequented by merchants and thrill seekers in the past.
Cycling for the day: 52km, approx 5h, ↑520m ↓530m
Day 5 : Otranto To Lecce
Location: Otranto, Lecce
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Delle Palme or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you visit the Alimini Lakes, which run parallel to the sea. Cycle your way through the Greek Salento countryside, where traces of the former colonies are still present in the dialect, cuisine and bright style of architecture. The white cliffs shine against the turquoise blue of the sea. Returning to Lecce, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy the charming city and reflect on your cycling adventure.
Cycling for the day: 53km, approx 5h, ↑120m ↓90m
Day 6 : Departure
Location: Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked extra nights in Lecce or a transfer to the airport.
What's Included
-
5 nights in 4-star hotels
-
5 breakfasts
-
Luggage transfer on all cycling days (1 piece per person)
-
A detailed digital information pack, route notes and maps with tracks.
Please note that the info pack is emailed to you prior to departure, and no printed documents are mailed or provided locally
-
24/7 phone support by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
-
Airfare and connecting land transfers
-
Lunches and dinners, drinks and snacks
-
Bike rental
-
Local tourist tax and entry fees (payable on the spot)
-
Personal expenses
-
Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘Included’ in the programme
-
Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
Check out our Q&As
-
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
This holiday is not available for Solo Travellers, however, a supplement applies to members of a group travelling together who require a single room / single use of a double room
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, in Lecce, please enquire for details
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they are not included, but we can provide these for an additional cost. Please ask for details.
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
-
Difficulty and terrain
The rides go mostly on well-asphalted country lanes and secondary roads with little traffic, however, note that sometimes you will have to cycle on more highly-trafficked roads when approaching and riding in the larger towns. Average daily distances of 50km, with daily elevation gain ranging from 120m to 550m. The trip is suitable for regular cyclists who have an active lifestyle. Once you arrive at your first hotel you will receive a detailed information package, including a destination manual, route notes, and maps. Prior to the start date, you will also be sent GPS tracks, which you can load on any Garmin device or smartphone application that you are used to working with.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Friday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 25, 2025 - May 30, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.