Take a traveling holiday in Salento! Explore the beautiful region cycling through the olive trees, baroque palaces, farms, ancient villages and farms, without ever losing sight of the sea. During this 8-day bike tour, you will visit Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Lecce, and Gallipoli. The tour crosses the century-old olive trees and the evidence of the civilization of stone: dolmen, menhir, and cyclopean stones. Your bike will be the perfect travel companion, perfect for seeing as many things as possible.
Come to Puglia and discover Salento in its true essence!
Arrival and meeting at Brindisi airport. Transfer to Lecce. Guided tour of Lecce. Hotel accommodation, briefing and welcome dinner.
Departure from the historic center of Lecce to reach the coast, and the fortified town and castle of Acaya, up to the WWF ‘Le Cesine’ protected oasis. Seafood lunch, and start ride to the coast up to the Alimini lakes, one more oasis of peace and tranquility. Finally, guided tour to Otranto and dinner.
Enter the valley of the Idro river to discover the ancient crafts of the place and exploring the megalithic garden of Giurdignano. A mandatory stop is the botanical garden of La Cutura, kingdom of tropical succulents, unique in Europe for the variety of cacti it hosts. From here, the tour continues to farms where you will be able to taste local products. The return trip will be characterized by a visit to the bauxite quarry and a dive in its very unique fresh water. Cycle south, along one of the most suggestive spots of Salento, meeting the flagship lighthouse Palascìa to get to Torre Sant’Emiliano. Finally, a small trekking and aperitif on the splendid tower and typical dinner.
After breakfast by the sea, proceed towards Torre Minervino, where the panorama is truly unique. The environment becomes wild as the itinerary takes you to Santa Cesarea, a place wedged between walls of ancient tuff quarries and the characteristic historical center of Castro; the visit to the Zinzulusa cave will be unforgettable. Dry stone walls, ancient terracing, pine forests and coastal villages will be the frame along which the itinerary to the deep south develops. A few kilometers from Leuca is the Canalone del Ciolo: a limestone canyon of geological and archaeological interest; a last splendid stretch of coast road to get to the sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca. Typical dinner in a restaurant and return to Leuca.
Day dedicated to the discovery of Capo di Leuca among incredible Messapic settlements, towers, underground oil mills, castles and churches, areas of great historical and archaeological interest. Arrival at Novaglie for a seafood lunch by the sea. Then, set sail for the excursion by boat visiting the countless sea caves. Return to the port to reach the village of Gagliano del Capo where, at Palazzo Comi, you will attend a pasta making class. Homemade dinner with freshly made pasta and return to the base.
Let’s proceed along the clear beaches to reach an old farmhouse to taste the typical local products. Continue to Gallipoli, and visit its beautiful city center. A ride at sunset to enjoy the colors of the sea and an excellent aperitif. Dinner at the Hotel and free evening in Gallipoli.
On the way back to Lecce, explore Salentinan Greece, an area rich in history, art, and traditions. Heading East towards Cutrofiano where you will visit the ancient “Salvino” workshop and learn how to work terracotta. Reach Galatina, where you can visit the entirely frescoed church of S. Caterina d’Alessandria, and the splendid historical center. From here you will get to Soleto, for a visit to the ancient church of Santo Stefano. Get back to Lecce. Last dinner together.
Free morning and return to Brindisi.
Changes in the itinerary may incur. Organizers may modify the tour accordingly to weather conditions to ensure the safety of participants.
Participants can choose between classic bikes or electric bikes. Both are bicycle touring bikes with 28-inch wheels, 21 gears and front shock absorbers that allow you to cover long stretches in comfort with the various terrain. They are equipped with luggage racks and travel bags with inner tubes, repair kits and first aid.
Sharewood can also offer the following services:
