Our 10-day Casual Guided Cycling Trip sells fast! 7- and 8-day itineraries are also available for interested guests. We are looking for intrepid travelers to join us in 2012 on this stunning guided tour that will take us from the ancient Sassi caves of Matera to the breathtaking Baroque architecture of Lecce. This is a real chance to see Puglia up close and personal with local guides.

The region of Puglia lies in the heel of the boot, along the sun-drenched Adriatic Sea.  Puglia offers access to the freshest seafood, crowd-free open spaces, irresistible desserts and pastries, distinct wines, and the 50 million olive trees that make this region the world’s leading producer of olive oil.  Come to Puglia and hear the voices of the past call out over the trulli houses…we promise, once you discover it, Puglia will leave a lasting impression.

Trip Highlights

• Professionally guided cycling each day
• Walking tours of Matera, Alberobello, and Lecce
• Local food & wine tastings
• Mozzarella making demonstration & tasting with local cheese artisan

2012 Trip Dates

• April 14 – 22 (8 day 14-20, 7 day 15-22

• May 12 – 20 (8 day 12 – 18, 7 day 15-20)

• June 16- 24 (8 day 16 -22, 7 day 19 -24)

• October 13 -21 (8 day 13-19, 7 day 16-21)

At-a-Glance Itinerary

Day 1 (8- or 10-day)

Matera walking tour

Food & wine tasting buffet lunch at Latteria Rizzi

Dinner & Lodging: Matera – Palazzo Viceconte

Day 2 (8- or 10-day)

Cycling: Matera-San Giuliano Lake loop 45km/28mi (long option 60km/37mi)

Picnic lunch or local tasting along the route

Dinner: Ristorante Rivelli

Lodging: Matera – Palazzo Viceconte

Day 3 (8- or 10-day)

Cycling: Laterza-Montescaglioso 50km/31mi (long option to Ginosa 70km/43mi)

Bakery visit

Lunch & Dinner on your own with our excellent suggestions

Lodging: Matera – Palazzo Viceconte

Day 4 (8- or 10-day) / Day 1 (7-day)

Cycling: Polignano-San Vito-Conversano loop 30km/19mi

Dinner: Osteria Chichibio

Lunch & Lodging: Polignano – Hotel Covo dei Saraceni

Day 5 (8- or 10-day) / Day 2 (7-day)

Cycling: Polignano-Conversano-Putignano-Castellana loop 30km/19mi (long option to the Grottoes 55km/34mi, long option to Noci 70km/43mi)

Dinner & Lodging: Polignano – Hotel Covo dei Saraceni

Day 6 (8- or 10-day) / Day 3 (7-day)

Cycling: Polignano-Monopoli-Alberobello-Locorotondo 35km/22mi (long option to Martina Franca 65km/40mi)

Alberobello walking tour

Lunch at a lovely authentic spot

Olive oil tasting, Dinner & Lodging: Pezze di Greco – Masseria San Martino

Day 7 (8- or 10-day) / Day 4 (7-day)

Cycling: Masseria San Martino-Cisternino-Ostuni loop 40km/25mi (long option along the sea 70km/43mi)

Mozzarella making class & aperitivo

Dinner: Pizzeria Il Tronco

Lodging: Pezze di Greco – Masseria San Martino

Day 8 (8- or 10-day) / Day 5 (7-day)

Transfer to Salento (the heel of the heel)

Cycling: Squinzano-Acaya-San Foca-Otranto 35, 50, or 70km/22, 31, or 43mi

Lunch: the lovely Trattoria Acaya

Lodging: Otranto – Hotel Valle dell’Idro

Day 9 (10-day) / Day 6 (7-day)

Cycling: Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca 50km/31mi (long option: loop back to Otranto 100km/62mi)

Dinner: Ristorante da Sergio

Lodging: Otranto – Hotel Valle dell’Idro

Day 10 (10-day) / Day 7 (7-day)

Morning guided walk of Lecce

Farewell from the Southern Visions Team

Archives

• April 2012
• March 2012
• February 2012
• December 2011
• November 2011
• October 2011
• September 2011
• August 2011
• July 2011
• June 2011
• May 2011
• April 2011
• March 2011
• February 2011
• January 2011
• March 2010
• February 2010
• December 2008
• January 2008
• May 2007
• April 2007
• June 2004

Our Related Websites

• La Cucina at Gelso Bianco Authentic cooking school and wine programs in Puglia, Italy.
• Villapulia A collection of the finest villas and trulli rentals in Puglia. Book now for your next holiday.
• Hello Yebo! Explore South Africa Bicycle tours through the wine country and breathtaking natural beauty of South Africa.
• Puglia in Bici Bike rentals and professional guidance for tourists. Discover Puglia on two wheels.
• A Pinch of Italy Laura Giordano’s passion for cooking has an Italian aftertaste.
• The Blissful Adventurer Follow adventurer Michael Housewright on his never ending quest for food.