Puglia E-Bike Adventure

Monopoli in southern Italy is your starting point for our Puglia cycling adventure and is a fabulous introduction to the delights of the Puglia region. This lovely town is a hidden gem perched on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. Known for its atmospheric old town, Monopoli features narrow cobblestone streets and historic landmarks, with a laid-back ‘Mediterranean vibe’. The town’s seafront is dotted with historic fortifications, including the impressive Castello di Carlo V, and its harbour with fishing boats. Monopoli’s beaches, vibrant piazzas, and the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral (Basilica Concattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia) are highlights for visitors. 

After checking in, take the opportunity to wander through the maze of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and take in the atmosphere of its picturesque squares and the historic Marchesale Arch, once the original gateway to the old town. In the afternoon, you may like to relax with a glass of local white wine and indulge in the region’s famous “taralli” biscuits. Monopoli is renowned for its fine seafood and there are plenty of fine restaurants where you can get an introduction to the local specialities.

If you arrive early or have added on additional nights there are numerous beaches to enjoy. You may like to take a boat trip to further explore the coastline, or some additional sightseeing further afield – a visit to Polignano a Mare is definitely recommended if time permits.

This day MUST be a Saturday. If not, a supplement will apply. 

Today begins your cycling adventure, and your e-bike will be delivered to you this morning. After departing Monopoli there is a gradual ascent as you ride from the Adriatic Sea to the rolling hills of the Itria Valley, passing through the classic open Puglian landscape with its olive groves and fields bordered by low stone walls. Stop for a break at Castellana Grotte, where you can explore one of Europe’s largest underground cave systems.

Afterward, continue your ride towards Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Puglia. This remarkable town is famous for its iconic trulli – more than 1,000 unique, whitewashed traditional stone houses with conical roofs that give the town its fairytale charm and make Alberobello such a special destination. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, particularly the Rione Monti district, where the clusters of trulli create a magical atmosphere and explore the shops, cafés, and historical sites.

500m ascent, 100m descent

Meals: B

Today you ride through a series of picturesque villages on your journey from Alberobello to Ostuni. Along the way, stop at Locorotondo, an exceptionally pretty hilltop village known for its circular layout, well preserved historic centre and panoramic countryside views. A visit to the historic Church of Madonna della Greca and the town’s beautiful cathedral is recommended. Your ride continues to Cisternino, famed for its mouthwatering meats and cheeses. This region is also known for excellent DOC wines and high-quality olive oil, which feature in Puglia’s rich culinary traditions.

Ostuni, often referred to as the “White City” due to its gleaming whitewashed buildings, is a fortified hilltop town with a timeless Mediterranean charm. Although located inland it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside to the Adriatic Sea, especially at sunset. Its maze of narrow streets, winding staircases, and charming alleyways are a delight to explore. The town’s impressive Gothic cathedral stands at the highest point, while the vibrant piazzas offer plenty of cafes and local life to enjoy.  

300m ascent, 500m descent

Meals: B

This morning, you’ll cycle to Ostuni train station and catch the local train to Lecce (frequent departures, duration approximately 50 minutes) with your bike. When you book your train ticket remember to advise that you will be travelling with your bike so it is noted on your ticket. Alternatively a private transfer from Ostuni to Lecce can be added at the time of booking your trip.

After departing Lecce you’ll quickly leave the town behind as you pedal southwest across the Salento region to the Gulf of Taranto. The route takes you through a serene, sparsely populated landscape with sprawling olive groves, followed by coastal pine forests and sand dunes. As you approach the lively mediaeval fishing town of Gallipoli, you’ll pass ancient coastal watchtowers, enjoy stunning sea views and pass several inviting spots to take a break for a refreshing swim.

Gallipoli is a historic fishing town known for its blend of historic charm and vibrant coastal life, with bustling fish markets, beaches, and a rich maritime history. The town is now divided into two parts: the busy, modern new town and the enchanting old town, which sits on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. The old town is a maze of narrow streets lined with baroque churches, whitewashed buildings, cafes and charming piazzas with sea glimpses at every turn. These walls and towers, once built for protection, now provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters.

240m ascent, 330m descent

Meals: B

Today as you ride from Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca you will follow a coastal road that leads to the southernmost point of Puglia, where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet. Along the way you may like to take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters at Torre del Pizzo beach, with its soft, white sands. After your beach break, continue pedalling south to Santa Maria di Leuca, a seaside resort town with a unique flavour.

Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its beaches, charming waterfront promenade, eclectic, colourful mansions and its vibrant fishing port – if you arrive early enough you may like to take a short optional boat trip to visit some nearby caves and grottos, or watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch. If energy permits we recommend a visit to the Leuca lighthouse and the iconic Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, which overlooks the town and offers breathtaking panoramic ocean and countryside views from its hilltop location.

200m ascent, 170m descent

Meals: B

Today’s ride from Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto is on a scenic undulating coastal path that at times hugs the cliffs, offering breathtaking views and a multitude of inviting places to stop to rest, explore or for a refreshing swim. There are plenty of coves and grottos to discover, including the Grotta Zinzulusa, a spectacular sea cave known for its striking rock formations. Continuing on, you’ll arrive in Otranto, a historic port town with a rich blend of Greek and Roman influences. 

Otranto, sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to the East,” is a captivating port town nestled along the Adriatic Sea. The town is famed for its vibrant mediaeval quarter or ‘Centro Storico’ with its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways. The centrepiece is the magnificent Otranto Cathedral, known for its impressive mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life. Be sure to take in the sunset views from a vantage point on the walls of the impressive Aragonese Castle, which dates from the 15th century and dominates the town.  As dusk falls enjoy strolling with the locals along the picturesque waterfront and the atmospheric old town, where you’ll encounter small boutiques, arts and crafts shops and inviting cafes and restaurants offering plenty of delicious local cuisine, including traditional Puglian dishes and an abundance of fresh seafood – the calamari is to die for! 

520m ascent, 530m descent

Meals: B

Cycle from Otranto to Lecce on the last leg of your Puglian adventure today. As you pedal through the countryside of this area known as ‘Greek Salento’, you’ll uncover more remnants of its rich history and ancient colonies, that are still reflected today in the local dialect, traditional cuisine, and architectural styles. Striking white buildings stand out beautifully against the deep blue of the sea, and create a stunning contrast. 

Upon arriving in Lecce, drop off your bikes before heading out on foot to explore this elegant and vibrant city.

120m ascent, 90m descent

Meals: B

Today is a full day at leisure to rest up after your cycling adventure, and to discover some of the many delights Lecce has to offer.

Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” is a captivating city renowned for its beautiful Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. As you wander through the historic streets you can discover the intricate facades of its churches and palaces, including the Basilica di Santa Croce, with its elaborate carvings and impressive rose window. The vibrant piazzas, lined with cafes and bustling markets are a great place to soak in the lively atmosphere, especially as dusk falls. Lecce is also famous for its traditional crafts, particularly its exquisite papier-mâché works, which make for unique souvenirs. For those interested in exploring some less visited parts of the city while learning more about Puglian cuisine and culture, an optional half-day street food walking tour with a local guide can be added on request at the time of booking.

With its rich blend of history, art, architecture and culinary delights, Lecce is the perfect place to finish your Puglia cycling adventure.

Meals: B

You are free to check out of your hotel any time before 10am. If you would like to explore further you are able to leave your bags with reception.

Meals: B

The closest airports to Monopoli are Bari (BRI) and Brindisi (BDS) airports. From either Bari and Brindisi you can travel to Monopoli by train (frequent trains, duration approx. 30–40 minutes) or an optional arrival transfer can be added from either of these airports to Monopoli. It is also possible to fly to Rome or Naples and travel by train to Monopoli, although these journeys do take longer and some changes of trains may be required. 

For departure, Lecce is well connected to both Bari and Brindisi cities by train, although Brindisi is closer. An optional private departure transfer can also be added from your hotel in Lecce to either Brindisi or Bari Airport. For travellers planning to travel further afield in Italy, Lecce is well connected to Rome by comfortable direct trains (journey duration approx. 5 hours 30 minutes).

• Accommodation with private bathrooms in approx. 3-star hotels, cosy family-run B&Bs or agriturismo (farm stays) 
• Breakfast daily
• Luggage transfers on cycling days
• Use of GPS Map navigation app with walk notes and PDF maps
• 24-hour emergency support in Italy
• Pre-trip planning and guidance
• E-bike from Day 2 to Day 7 inclusive: Scott Axis e-Ride 30 or similar (hybrid non-e-bikes are available on request if preferred)
• Phone holder, 1 rear bag, basic repair kit, odometer and padlock
• Helmet

• Single supplement ($650) 
• Solo traveller surcharge (price on request)
• Supplement for non-standard cycling start day 
• Lunches and dinners 
• Luggage transfers on non-cycling days 
• City taxes: to be paid locally in each place
• Flights
• Train tickets
• Buses, local taxis and transfers 
• Arrival or departure transfers
• Travel insurance

Contact us to add a private arrival transfer from Bari or Brindisi Airports to the starting point hotel in Monopoli, and/or private departure transfer from Lecce to either Bari or Brindisi Airport.  Private transfer from Ostuni to Lecce may also be arranged (subject to availability) with surcharge payable.

You can tailor the itinerary by adding an additional pre-night in Monopoli or extra post-trip accommodation in Lecce. 

Upgraded accommodation may be possible in Lecce on request, with surcharge payable

In Lecce an optional half-day street food walking tour may be added on request at the time of booking, with surcharge payable.

Puglia (also called Apulia) is a stunning region in southern Italy, located in the heel of Italy’s “boot”. It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the regions of Molise, Basilicata, and Campania to the north and west.

This e-bike itinerary is generally moderate, and although not mountainous you should expect some uphill sections. Daily climbs typically range from 300–500m, with Day 6 being the most challenging due to some longer and steeper climbs as you approach Otranto. There is usually little to no shade on the roads which presents an added challenge in the bright sun, and it does get very hot during the summer months from June to late August when extreme heat warnings are not unusual. While most of the route is on well-paved country lanes and quiet secondary roads with minimal traffic, you can expect to ride on some busier roads when approaching and leaving larger towns.

The best time to cycle in Puglia is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons provide the perfect combination of mild weather, vibrant landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences for cycling.

Some prior biking experience is recommended. You should be comfortable navigating hills, riding on mixed surfaces, and sharing roads with vehicles. Since these are self-guided trips, it’s also important to have some problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a good sense of direction. You’ll need to feel comfortable with map-reading, using a travel app, and following road signs. Basic bike maintenance skills are required (e.g., fixing a punctured tire, adjusting the chain). If you’re unsure, please feel free to reach out to our cycling expert, who can answer your questions and provide more details.

Our e-bikes are the most current models and are equipped with the new Bosch 4a motor, a battery of 625Wh, which allows for up to 100km on each charge, dependent on the level of pedal assistance chosen.These are ‘Pedelec’ bikes meaning you still need to pedal and the bike motor assists you up to 25km/h, which is the legal limitation. The bike has MTB geometry with 27.5″ – 29″ wheels (Size XS: 27.5″) and Shimano Deore gears. There is an easy to read handlebar display that gives you all the stats you need including speed/distance. Please note the E-Bike model supplied may vary according to availability on any chosen date but will be of a similar quality and range.

Helmets are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to. Each bike comes equipped with a phone holder, rear bag, a padlock, a pump, odometer, a spare inner tube, and a puncture repair kit with tyre levers, allowing you to carry your essentials and stay prepared throughout the day. If you’re more comfortable with your own equipment, you’re welcome to bring additional gear such as gel seats, allen wrenches, or multi-tools. You may also like to bring your own cycling gloves, as these are not provided.

E-bike batteries are classified with a battery wattage: for instance a 650W battery will have a much longer range than a 250W battery. Then how long that battery will carry you depends upon a few factors:

1. The terrain you are riding – steep uphills will use up your battery far faster than level terrain
2. The level of assistance you choose: ECO, TOUR, EMTB and TURBO – each uses progressively higher levels of assistance and therefore your battery life shortens. So riding in Turbo assist all the time will significantly reduce your range compared to ECO which gives a light level of assistance. It is easy to switch between modes with your handlebar controls.
3. The weight you carry – The bikes are capable of carrying a combined weight of bike, rider and luggage of up to 150kg. The bikes weigh around 28kg and if you are a heavier rider plus carrying more gear then you will use up the battery faster than a lighter rider also carrying less gear in their panniers.

It’s important to note that while it may be tempting to use the TURBO setting and zip through the route, services along the way follow standard operating hours and will not adjust for early arrivals. This means that if you race through the day and reach your planned lunch stop by 10am or your hotel by midday, these services are highly unlikely to be available, as they operate during regular hours.

You will need to recharge the battery after each day’s ride unless you have had it on minimal assistance and/or medium distances. Each e-bike comes with a power pack and cable which you just plug one end into a mains power point and the other into a socket on the bike. Typically it’s about 4 hours to get a full charge and your handlebar display tells you how much charge you have in the battery when riding it or when recharging it.

Hotels in Puglia are used to riders with e-bikes and so it should be easy enough to find a suitable charging point each night, they can advise you on where to charge and securely store the bike each evening.

Directions will be provided through an app that you can download once you receive your trip pre-departure information at approximately 4 weeks prior to your e-bike trip start date. On the app you’ll have access to the itinerary with route information, including some tourist highlights and regional tips. You’ll mount your phone to your handlebars to follow GPS guidance directly from the app.

Your directions are there for reassurance, but you’ll have the flexibility to travel at your own pace and explore off the beaten path or even take different roads if you refer. If you get off track, don’t worry. You can always ask locals or other cyclists for help, and getting back on course is all part of the adventure. Self-guided cycling is all about flexibility, and it’s a style of travel many cyclists love to come back to again and again.

It’s important to be familiar with basic bike maintenance before setting off, as handling simple repairs – such as fixing a flat tyre or reattaching a dropped chain – is your responsibility. While we provide a toolkit for basic repairs, it’s essential to feel confident managing these tasks on the road.

If you’re unsure about bike maintenance, there are plenty of resources to help you prepare. We recommend watching bike repair tutorials online (such as those on YouTube) or visiting your local bike shop for a hands-on demonstration. Many shops offer workshops or individual lessons to help you practice basic repairs like fixing a puncture or attaching dropped chains. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”.

Weather is unpredictable, so maintaining a flexible approach will help you make the most of your journey while staying safe. Since itineraries cannot be adjusted last minute due to weather, it’s essential to prepare with the right gear to stay comfortable and safe in all conditions. Be sure to pack rain gear, quick-drying clothing, along with reflective gear to ensure visibility, especially in poor weather or low light conditions. That said, we do not recommend cycling in severe weather, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms or hail. If you encounter such conditions, it’s best to pull off the road and seek shelter until the weather clears.

If you’re near a train or bus line, you can check to see if they allow bikes on board, giving you the flexibility to skip a day’s ride if you’re uncomfortable cycling in bad weather. Not all trains or buses permit bikes, so be sure to confirm this before boarding with your bike.

In Puglia a siesta period (known locally as ‘la pausa’) is traditionally observed from around 1 or 2pm to 4pm, when locals rest and relax indoors during the heat of the day. Many businesses including restaurants and cafes will close between 2pm to 4pm, and towns will seem peaceful with few people around. This means that if you race through the day and reach your planned lunch stop by 10am or your hotel by midday, these services are highly unlikely to be available, as they operate during regular Puglian business hours.

We recommend you plan your daily activities accordingly to make the most of your experience and avoid any disappointment – take your time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, cycle at a relaxed pace, stop at interesting spots to explore and take a well earned dip in the turquoise sea. You should plan to break for lunch between noon to 1:30pm, and intend to arrive at your hotel around 4pm to check-in, when rooms will typically be available.