Puglia Family Bike + Adventure Tour

Our guides meet you in Lecce and transfer you to the enchanting seaport of Otranto where our adventure begins. After we cover the essentials at a safety talk and bike fitting, we’ll set out for our first ride. As you pedal past endless olive groves, you’ll quickly understand why Puglia is the biggest olive oil-producing region in Italy. After passing through a series of small towns, our ride leads us back to the coast. Swim to your heart’s content in the bright, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, then get settled into our elegant hotel which was once a monastery. Tonight we’ll experience the famous local flavor during our first Pugliese dinner.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Otranto, Minervino, Uggiano la Chiesa
Accomplished: 19 miles / 31 km, elevation gain: 771 feet / 235 meters
Shorter Option: 16 miles / 25 km, elevation gain: 597 feet / 182 meters
Accommodations: Tenuta Centoporte

Today we ride on one of Europe’s most stunning coastal roads punctuated by breathtaking views of cliffs, bays, and the endless sea. Pass through fishing villages like Porto Badisco and Santa Cesarea Terme and explore sea caves before stopping for lunch at our friend’s seaside restaurant. Dive into the Adriatic for a swim or opt to take a longer, more challenging ride to the lighthouse and sanctuary at the southeastern tip of Italy. This evening your guides will be happy to recommend their favorite local restaurants for a special family dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro, Tricase Porto
Accomplished: 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 846 feet / 258 meters
Longer Option: 32 miles / 51 km, elevation gain: 2,034 feet / 620 meters
Accommodations: Tenuta Centoporte

Trade your pedals for a paddle on today’s kayaking adventure. We begin near Otranto, exploring the rocky coastline dotted with sea caves and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Work up an appetite and savor freshly pulled local mozzarella at lunch, then transfer north to the Val d’Itria to check into our final hotel. The design of the property is anchored by its restored trulli, the conical stone structures unique to Puglia. Meet the chef this evening for an immersive cooking class, highlighting the flavors of Southern Italy. Later, throw off your aprons and sample the fruits of your labor while dining al fresco on the stunning grounds.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Otranto
Accomplished: Kayaking; snorkeling
Accommodations: Ottolire Resort

Back on our bikes, we ride through the whitewashed Itria Valley on quiet country lanes to the village of Locorotondo. The picturesque, narrow streets are a real-life labyrinth that lends themselves to our signature high-speed scavenger hunt. Then continue riding to Alberobello where we’ll meet our friend Mimmo to learn about the trulli. We’ll savor a home-made lunch cooked by his mother and served in their private garden. After lunch opt to head straight back to the hotel to enjoy the pool or challenge yourself with a longer ride.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Alberobello, Locorotondo
Accomplished: 13 miles / 21 km, elevation gain: 886 feet / 270 meters
Longer Option: 27 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 1,624 feet / 495 meters
Accommodations: Ottolire Resort

This morning we’ll head to Polignano, one of Puglia’s most picturesque seaside villages. Board a private boat bound for our favorite snorkeling spot, stealing glimpses back at Polignano’s whitewashed dwellings perched on the sea cliffs. After a morning on the water, tuck into the port of Monopoli for lunch, then explore the town’s tantalizing warren of narrow streets. After lunch, opt to spend the afternoon at the beach or take a final bike ride, following the coast back to the hotel. This evening we gather at our favorite local masseria (fortified farmhouse) for a final Pugliese feast.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Polignano, Monopoli, Savelletri
Optional Ride: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 1,834 feet / 559 meters
Accommodations: Ottolire Resort

After breakfast, use your last morning in Puglia for a leisurely stroll on the grounds or a morning swim. Your guides will then transfer you to the Bari Airport and send you off to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast