Cycle Puglia In Style
- A relaxed cycling trip staying in stylish hotels, including a UNESCO Trulli house
- Dine on typical Puglian dishes such as fresh orecchiette pasta and burrata
- The shimmering "white city" of Ostuni overlooking the Adriatic Sea
- Sleepy piazzas and medieval castles, field upon field of olive groves
- Explore rocky coves, golden sandy beaches and picturesque Alberobello
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Monopoli and overnightThe coastal town of Monopoli is easily accessible from the nearby airports of Bari or Brindisi (approx 1H to 1H30 train journey).
On arrival into Monopoli, check into your hotel and head to the terrace where you can soak up Adriatic sea views or relax by the pool. Monopoli’s beach is only a few minutes walk or you may like to head into the Piazza XX Settembre and visit the 17th century cathedral.
![1500-don-ferrante-2](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/macs-adventure-tours/hotel/BDENJ/hotelimagegallery/1500-don-ferrante-2-rsz-25112022143140314.jpg)
A 5* boutique hotel in the centre of historic Monopoli old town. It was once an ancient fortress set on the rocks above the coastline below. It has been carefully restored with its shiny limestone floors contrasting with the more natural stone of the barrel-vaulted ceilings, decorated with an emphasis on style and comfort. Bedrooms offer sea or old town views and have WiFi access and air conditioning. Upon arrival why not relax on the terrace with stunning Adriatic Sea views, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or perhaps arrange to have a massage (additional charges apply and advance booking is recommended). The hotel also has a bar and restaurant.
Your day begins with a ride along the coast to Polignano a Mare (perfect for a coastal coffee stop), before heading inland and to the town of Conversano. Dating back to the Iron Age, Conversano’s centre piece is its medieval castle which has been reconstructed to the original 11th century Norman design. Cycling south east, pedal through a patchwork of olive groves before returning to the town of Monopoli and your stylish sea front accommodation.
![1500-don-ferrante-2](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/macs-adventure-tours/hotel/BDENJ/hotelimagegallery/1500-don-ferrante-2-rsz-25112022143140314.jpg)
A 5* boutique hotel in the centre of historic Monopoli old town. It was once an ancient fortress set on the rocks above the coastline below. It has been carefully restored with its shiny limestone floors contrasting with the more natural stone of the barrel-vaulted ceilings, decorated with an emphasis on style and comfort. Bedrooms offer sea or old town views and have WiFi access and air conditioning. Upon arrival why not relax on the terrace with stunning Adriatic Sea views, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or perhaps arrange to have a massage (additional charges apply and advance booking is recommended). The hotel also has a bar and restaurant.
Pedal along the coast before peeling away and cycling inland to the town of hilltop town of Ostuni. Known as the ‘White Pearl’, the shimmering whitewashed buildings are spread across 3 hilltops. With a distinctly Greek feel, wander the maze of narrow streets which eventually lead up to the 15th century cathedral from where you can enjoy extensive views across the Adriatic Sea.
![Hotel La Terra, Ostuni](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/macs-adventure-tours/hotel/HMEZC/hotelimagegallery/HotelLaTerraOstuni-rsz-24112022141209045.jpg)
Dating back to the 13th century this historic building has been converted into a comfortable hotel located in the heart of historic Ostuni, next to the Benedictine Monastery of St Peter. Bedrooms are decorated in a clean style and are in keeping with the history of the building but with all modern comforts including WiFi access and air conditioning. The hotel has a bar and restaurant.
Today’s ride is a steady and gentle climb to Alberobello. En route visit Locorotondo, which is classified as one of Italy's most beautiful villages. it has a marvellous terrace overlooking the Murgia plateau. Sit in a bar overlooking this spectacular view and sample one of the great local wines, such as Salice Salentino. Explore the circular old quarter with its white-washed walls and houses with sharp-pointed roofs known as cummerse. Then pedal along quiet roads flanked by olive and almond groves to the UNESCO town of Alberobello, named after the Arboris Belli forest which once covered the area. Its home to over 1500 conical roofed houses, constructed from local limestone. Undoubtedly a highlight of this trip to Puglia is staying in the authentic trulli houses. Although the décor and facilities are more simplistic than the other In Style accommodation used on this trip, their character, charm and authenticity, more than makes up for it.
![Trulli Holiday Resort](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/images/theme/spacer.png)
Overnight in an authentic trullo house located in Alberobello's old town, some of which date back to the 14th century. These ancient limestone houses with their iconic conical roofs are compact but cosy and comfortable. Each varies in its size, décor, and layout to keep their original charm. There is WiFi access, and air conditioning.
![CharmingTrullis](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/macs-adventure-tours/hotel/SMWSW/hotelimagegallery/CharmingTrullis-rsz-24112022145747552.jpg)
These characterful and very welcoming trulli houses boast privacy and tranquillity with the bonus of being in UNESCO-Listed Alberobello. Some have lovely colourful gardens and a patio where you can relax in the warmth of the sun. These ancient limestone houses with their iconic conical roofs each vary in its size, décor, and layout to keep their original charm. There is WiFi access, and some have air conditioning, whilst others have a cooling fan. There unique shape and thick walls also help to keep it cool inside.
Cycle the Val d’Itria with a loop ride through the historic centres of Noci and Putignano. Break for lunch in one of the sleepy medieval piazzas before returning to Alberobello through a patchwork of olive groves. Or you may prefer to spend the day exploring the history of Alberobello and its wealth of 14th century trulli dwellings. Later relax with a large glass of bianco wine and platter of breads and creamy burrata cheese.
![Trulli Holiday Resort](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/images/theme/spacer.png)
Overnight in an authentic trullo house located in Alberobello's old town, some of which date back to the 14th century. These ancient limestone houses with their iconic conical roofs are compact but cosy and comfortable. Each varies in its size, décor, and layout to keep their original charm. There is WiFi access, and air conditioning.
![CharmingTrullis](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/macs-adventure-tours/hotel/SMWSW/hotelimagegallery/CharmingTrullis-rsz-24112022145747552.jpg)
These characterful and very welcoming trulli houses boast privacy and tranquillity with the bonus of being in UNESCO-Listed Alberobello. Some have lovely colourful gardens and a patio where you can relax in the warmth of the sun. These ancient limestone houses with their iconic conical roofs each vary in its size, décor, and layout to keep their original charm. There is WiFi access, and some have air conditioning, whilst others have a cooling fan. There unique shape and thick walls also help to keep it cool inside.
Depending on your onward travel arrangements, spend the morning relaxing in the gardens of your trulli hotel. From here you can connect to Bari or Brindisi, or if you would like more time to explore this charming region, extra nights can easily be arranged.
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate and each relaxing day takes you along quiet country roads as you roll through charming coastal and hilltops towns. Spending two nights each in Monopoli and Alberobello leaves ample time to relax in the comfort of your chic accommodation and sample the traditional pasta and seafood dishes of Puglia. Perfect for leisure cyclists that prefer a cycling tour with a touch of style!
In Style | After a day of exciting adventures and soaking up unbeatable scenery, retreat to stylish accommodations and unwind with fine food and wine. This trip type is for those who like sophisticated places to stay and are looking for active routes but still want the holiday to feel special.
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This cycling route follows a combination of quiet country roads and busier routes when approaching and departing towns and cities.
During this trip you will stay charming, upscale hotels and a traditional, stylish Trulli house. If the properties listed are full on the dates you request we will accommodate you in a hotel of equal standard. Each stay at the listed accommodation is based on a standard room.
Meals
5 Breakfasts are included. Breakfasts usually consists of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, cheeses, meats, granola and sweet cakes. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking. Lunches and dinners are not included but you will find suggestions in your route notes of local places to dine.Like the rest of Italy, Puglia’s cuisine, is fresh, simple and delicious! Signature dishes of the region include orecchiette pasta (pasta shapes resembling little pigs ears), burrata cheese (a creamy mozzarella cheese) and crunchy, dry Frisella bread.
This route is easy to follow with the assistance of the Macs Adventure Smartphone App, which we highly recommend using as you cannot get lost if you just follow the blue dot. We also provide detailed routes notes and maps in the app. More information on how to download the app to your smartphone is in your information pack.
- Overnights in stylish accommodations, including a Trulli house
- 5 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfers
- Information pack
- Access to route notes, detailed maps, and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure Smartphone App
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel to Monopoli / from Alberobello
- Bike hire (and optional upgrade to e-bike hire)
- Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
- Entrance fees
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights along the route
- Arrival or departure airport transfers
- Bike hire including a pannier
- E-bike hire including a pannier
This trip is available to start on any day from March to Mid-July and September to November.
Peak Season Availability
We recommend making your booking as soon as possible if you are considering a departure during the peak season of May, June, and September, as the region can be busy, limiting accommodation availability.
Time of Year
The springs months offer warm sunshine, fewer crowds, and pleasant cycling conditions. May is when most wildflowers are coming into bloom. The autumn months are also a favourable time of year, boasting cooler weather and a striking landscape made up of autumnal colours. It's worth noting that the later in the year you choose to travel the higher the likelihood of rain. Also come late October through November some local shops, and restaurants may have reduced opening times or have closed for the winter. July is a good month to go but can be very hot for cycling and therefore isn’t best suited for everyone. You will have to start early to miss the heat of the day and carry a lot of water (additional weight) with you. Although the towns and villages are buzzing at this time of year which is great to see.
Monopoli does not have an airport but can be easily reached from either Bari or Brindisi Airports. Both have extensive services across Europe. Bari Airport Train Station has regular services to Monopoli via Bari's Central Train Station (journey time approx 1H15). From Brindisi Airport take the airport shuttle to Brindisi centre and change here for train services to Monopoli (journey time approx 1H30).
Please visit www.trenitalia.com for train times, prices and tickets.
The closest airport to Alberobello is Bari. From Alberobello you can take the train to Bari Central Train Station and then change for services to the airport (journey time approx 2H30). A bus service from Alberobello connects with Brindisi Airport, though takes around 3H. However this involves 2 buses and a train via Monopoli, so we advise if you are flying from Brindisi, to arrange a private transfer. Contact your Destination and Adventure Specialist should you require this transfer as far in advance of your trip as possible. Please visit www.trenitalia.com for train times, prices and tickets.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight stay. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Bike hire is an optional extra for this tour. We can rent a bike for you or you are welcome to bring your own bike. If you intend to bring your own bike, please do let us know at the time as extra transfer arrangements may be required for any large bike cases/boxes.
Rental bikes are 21-speed touring bikes equipped with a basic repair kit, 1 pannier bag, a pump and helmet (though we recommend using your own). Specific male and female frames are available. If you’d like to hire a bike, we will ask for your height and the frame size you currently ride so we can make sure your rental bike is the best fit. E-bikes are also available (subject to availability) if you would prefer a power-assisted ride.
Minimum age for ebike hire is 16yrs.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
This trip is graded easy to moderate. Once you have left the towns and cities much of the cycling is on quiet country or coastal roads. You will encounter some stretches of shallow hills throughout the tour. We can arrange the rental of Ebike if you would like a power assisted ride.
It's a good idea to get out on your bike for a couple of consecutive days in the lead up to your trip so you get used to riding back to back days. However, it’s not all cycling. Each day there are plenty opportunities to visit historic sights and sample locally produced food and wine.
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