Contrasts of Puglia Cycling

Contrasts of Puglia Cycling

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8 Days From

$2795

Contrasts of Puglia Cycling

8 Days Starting in Conversano and ending in Monopoli

Visiting: Italy

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07PU

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $2795

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Contrasts of Puglia Cycling" tour and discover the unspoilt beauty of Italy's Puglia region. This cycling adventure takes you through historic wine towns, vibrant fishing villages, and along white sandy beaches, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Stay in hand-picked accommodations, including a unique trullo house in UNESCO-listed Alberobello and a beautifully restored 17th-century masseria. Enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine and excellent wines as you pedal through ancient olive orchards and tiny farming hamlets. With GPS route directions, high-quality bikes, and luggage transfers, this tour ensures a seamless journey. Explore charming towns like Conversano, Alberobello, and Monopoli, and indulge in the region's culinary delights. Whether you're cycling through the Itria Valley or relaxing by the Adriatic coast, this tour promises a captivating blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Beautifully unspoilt region, full of contrasts and interest-packed cycling.

  • Explore historic wine towns, colourful fishing villages, and white sandy beaches.

  • Cycle through ancient olive orchards and tiny farming hamlets unchanged over the years.

  • Visit unique Alberobello and its plethora of trulli houses, the architectural symbol of the region.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains.

  • Cycle past the colourful fishing village of Savelletri and the archaeological site of Egnazia.

  • Discover the stunning coastline all the way to the beautiful Polignano a Mare.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive At Conversano

Arrive at the Relais Corte Altavilla. There's time to explore the historic town before choosing one of the many restaurants for dinner (payable locally)

Day 2 : Conversano To Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's pedalling takes you through the rolling hills of the Valle d'Itria where the air is perfumed with wild mint and herbs. Stop off in the little towns of Putignano and Noci, and view their characteristic whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. It's then off to unique Alberobello and its plethora of trulli houses, the architectural symbol of the region. On arrival you'll be met by one of the staff, who will show you to your own private trullo house.

Day 3 : At Alberobello

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore the narrow streets and kitsch souvenir shops, or visit the Museo del Territorio. Alternatively, cycle into the Itria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo, with its panoramic views across the valley. Continue on to Martina Franca, with its beautiful Baroque architechture and stunning palazzi.

Day 4 : Alberobello To Pezze Di Greco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You'll spend this morning cycling along beautiful undulating country lanes lined with weathered stone walls, before enjoying a long downhill run with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. This incredible descent will bring you down towards Capitolo and finishes through a patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves, vineyards and gloriously coloured fields of fresh tomatoes and peppers.

Day 5 : At Pezze Di Greco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Relax by the hotel's pool, or cycle to the nearby beach. For the more energetic, ride to charming Ostuni whose whitewashed houses are neatly piled on hills rich in olive groves and vineyards.

Day 6 : Pezze Di Greco To Monopoli

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning you leave the masseria and head back to the Adriatic coast on a gentle flat route. You will cycle past the colourful fishing village of Savelletri, a perfect stop for an authentic Italian espresso or to indulge in a delicious seafood lunch. Your ride will continue past the archaeological site of Egnazia, once the location of a Greco-Roman town, dating as far back as 4 B.C.. You then return to the picturesque coastal town of Monopoli and the Albergo Diffuso in time for a stroll before choosing your evening restaurant from one of the many eateries in the heart of the old town.

Day 7 : At Monopoli

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's route takes you along the stunning coastline all the way to the beautiful Polignano a Mare. Take the time to explore this vibrant fishing village before continuing to the picturesque village of San Vito with its multi-coloured boats. Head back to Monpoli and enjoy an aperitivo in the old town's square watching the world walk past.

Day 8 : Leave Monopoli

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast in Monopoli.

What's Included

  • All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals

    The tour includes all continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals.

  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

    The tour is managed by a local Headwater-appointed agent.

  • GPS route directions and maps

    GPS route directions and maps are provided for the tour.

  • RideWithGPS navigation app

    The RideWithGPS navigation app is included for the tour.

  • High Quality Bikes

    High quality bikes are provided for the cycling tour.

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

    Luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included in the tour package.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.

  • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

    Single accommodation is not included and is available on request with a compulsory supplement.

  • Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

    A solo traveller supplement applies if only one person is travelling on a departure date.

  • Local tourist tax (pay hotel locally)

    Local tourist tax is not included and must be paid directly at the hotel.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included in the tour package.

  • Arrival & departure transfers

    Arrival and departure transfers are not included in the tour package.

Food

In Puglia you will find genuine regional cooking that has strong links to the land and the sea. To give you just a small list of the types of food on offer in Puglia: Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, olives, the pasta delicacy Orecchiette served with a sauce of turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata (soft mozzarella and cream cheese), plus excellent wines. This region is a food lovers paradise and the abundance of delicious vegetables makes it a perfect destination for vegetarians! On this trip there will be many opportunities to taste the best local specialities.

Accommodation

Your accommodation is as varied as the landscape, with each place specially chosen for its unique charm and character. In Conversano, your beautiful 12th century former court house, with barrel-vaulted ceilings, is just a stone's throw from the elegant Romanesque cathedral; in Alberobello, you cannot fail to be seduced by the authentic trullo houses (limestone dwellings with conical roofs that are the architectural symbol of Puglia); in Pezze di Greco, you spend two nights in a beautifully restored 17th century masseria (fortified farmhouse) with lovely pool and in Monopoli, you stay in characterful rooms set in various locations just 3 minutes from the beach.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes high-quality bikes for cycling through the picturesque landscapes of Puglia. Luggage transfers between hotels are provided, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The RideWithGPS navigation app and GPS route directions and maps are included to guide you through the scenic routes.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The accommodation is varied and specially chosen for its unique charm and character. You will stay in a 12th century former court house in Conversano, authentic trullo houses in Alberobello, a beautifully restored 17th century masseria in Pezze di Greco, and characterful rooms in Monopoli just 3 minutes from the beach.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes all continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals. Other meals are not included and can be enjoyed at local restaurants.

  • What kind of cycling routes can I expect on this tour?

    The cycling routes vary from rolling hills in the Valle d'Itria to undulating country lanes with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline. There are also gentle flat routes along the coast and through picturesque villages.

  • What is the luggage arrangement during the cycling tour?

    Luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour, so you don't have to worry about carrying your bags while cycling.

  • What are some of the highlights of the cycling tour in Puglia?

    Highlights include cycling through historic wine towns, colorful fishing villages, white sandy beaches, ancient olive orchards, and tiny farming hamlets. You will also stay in unique accommodations like trullo houses in Alberobello and enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine and excellent wines.

  • Is there any support provided during the cycling tour?

    Yes, the tour is managed by a local Headwater-appointed agent, and you will have access to GPS route directions, maps, and the RideWithGPS navigation app.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 02, 2024
$2795

Monday - Monday

Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 04, 2024
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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