Italy: Puglia, Alberobello & Lecce

7 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Experience VBT's passion for Puglia! From the moment you meet your Pugliese Local host in Alberobello, you’ll feel like family—discovering deep cultural insights that add dimension to your independent exploration. Stay in the white-washed city of Ostuni, in a 13th century palace turned into a small intimate hotel, and stroll the maze of narrow and winding all...
From$3,295
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Stay overnight in the white-washed city of Ostuni, in a 13th-century palace turned into a small intimate hotel
    • Cycle the Ionian and Adriatic coastlines at your own pace, stopping to explore whatever and whenever you wish
    • Stay in the seaside towns of Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto, rich in ancient history and legend
    • Enjoy ample opportunities to swim at sandy beaches and Mediterranean coves tucked under limestone cliffs
    • Ride into Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its exuberant Baroque architecture

What's this trip about?

    Experience VBT's passion for Puglia! From the moment you meet your Pugliese Local host in Alberobello, you’ll feel like family—discovering deep cultural insights that add dimension to your independent exploration. Stay in the white-washed city of Ostuni, in a 13th century palace turned into a small intimate hotel, and stroll the maze of narrow and winding alleyways. Cycle the cobalt-blue shores of the Ionian Sea to Gallipoli—a walled medieval city, where you can indulge in fresh local seafood, including prawns, oysters, and (if you're feeling adventurous) even sea urchins. As you pedal the turquoise coast to Santa Maria di Leuca at the very heel of Italy's boot, you'll experience the magical confluence of the Ionian and Adriatic seas. With the support of your friendly Pugliese host available 24/7, you'll experience the perfect balance of navigation and imagination on this one-of-a-kind Self-Guided Cycling Vacation.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIndependent
Age range13 to 80 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAlberobello
End CityLecce

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alberobello
  • Bari
  • Lecce
  • Puglia

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Self-Guided & Independent

Trip includes

    • Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
    • Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
    • Support Vehicle
    • Luggage Transportation
    • Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
    • Welcome Reception
    • Facilitated Cultural Experiences
    • Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1: VBT Self-Guided Bicycle Vacation begins / Loop ride Alberobello to Ostuni

We suggest arriving in Italy at least one day prior to the start date as your Puglia Self-Guided Biking Vacation begins at 12:30 p.m. Make your own way to Alberobello, where you will begin your self-guided adventure. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook.

Whe...

DAY 2: Travel to Ionian Coast and Cycle Porto Cesareo to Gallipoli & Sannicola/ Move on Day

After breakfast, at 9:00 a.m. a 60-minute drive takes you to the Salento Peninsula on the magnificent Ionian Coast, where sandy beaches and the cobalt-blue waters of inviting inlets are sure to lure you in for a refreshing dip. Your initial destination is the seaside ...

DAY 3: Sannicola to Santa Maria di Leuca / Move on Day

Relish another day cycling as your Puglia self-guided biking tour takes you along the Ionian Sea, where each crystalline beach seems more inviting than the last. You might want to plan on an early start so you can take as many swim breaks as you wish. There will also ...

DAY 4: Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto / Move on Day

Today’s ride continues along the dramatic Adriatic Coast with the sea on your right for the entire day, as your Puglia self-guided biking tour takes you descending into enticing crystalline coves. Later, some invigorating climbs lead to high bluffs with breathtaking v...

DAY 5: Otranto / Stay Put Day

Enjoy a Stay Put Day to do as you please. If you just can’t stay off the saddle, take a loop ride into the interior away from the sea, following quiet country roads. An initial slight ascent lifts you above Otranto and then flattens out as it winds through olive grove...

DAY 6: Otranto to Lecce / Move on Day

Leaving Otranto today, you’ll savor the last ride of your Puglia Self-Guided Biking Vacation along the dramatic Adriatic coast. Ride along the Strait of Otranto before turning into a countryside of enormous olive and oak trees. This scenic route leads to the small Ren...

DAY 7: Lecce / VBT Self-Guided Bicycle Vacation ends

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Lecce and depart on your own. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook. Depending upon your destination, it may not be possible to depart for the U.S. on the last day of your Puglia Self-Guided Biking Vacation. Please check airline sche...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,295
Price per day$471
Last Updated: 12/8/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with VBT Bicycling Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

VBT Bicycling Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
579
Great
42
Average
11
Disappointing
4
Terrible
3
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Ginger

Nov 2023

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The best vacation ever

This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. T...

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This trip is unbelievably fantastic. Two of the best rides of my life, were on this tour. The guides were very good and this was just the start, when we met them, at...

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DonaandConnie

Nov 2023

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Absolutely stunning scenery with relatively easy cycling.

This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns ...

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Tour Operator

VBT Bicycling Vacations

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Since 1971, VBT has crafted immersive and authentic biking vacations for active travelers. When you travel with VBT, you’re not just another tourist—you’re a traveler. With us, you’ll experience your destination with the help of a local, bilingual trip leader with a passion for sharing their home with you. You’ll eat in local restaurants, stay in accommodations that have been family-owned for generations and cycle through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. 


With VBT, you won’t just visit a place—you’ll immerse yourself in it. You might follow a centuries-old pasta recipe while taking a cooking class in Rome—or learn a folk dance in Croatia, followed by sharing a bottle of locally-produced Grk wine with your new friends. Exploring the world on two wheels lets you experience your surroundings on a deeper level.

 

VBT offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Simply put, no other US-based active travel company offers an experience this rich for such a reasonable price. On our tours, you can see more sights, have more local experiences, and enjoy more delicious, authentic meals—all while staying in high-quality, boutique hotels and charming, family-run inns.

 

All you have to do is show up at the airport—we’ll handle the rest! From tour consultants who help you find the perfect vacation to expert local trip leaders who show you the best place for gelato, we take care of all the little details that make your trip memorable. We book your flights, arrange all your transportation and accommodations, and move your luggage between hotels. Our support vans are available to give you a lift up a hill or quickly fix a flat tire. VBT takes care of your travel details and creates unique itineraries so you can relax and enjoy your small-group vacation from start to finish.

 

Friendly camaraderie, cultural immersion, and casual comforts are the hallmarks of our vacations. Discover delightful people, beautiful hotels, foreign cultures, and fascinating lifestyles that will enrich your life and provide memories for years to come.

What they’re known for
VBT Cycling are renowned for offering exceptional guided and self-guided bicycle tours worldwide.

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Logistics

Accommodation

6 nights in boutique hotels

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Age Requirements
13 to 80 years
Additional Information

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain and moderate hills and is ideal for beginner and experienced cyclists. Rides are on relatively flat paved roads and bike lanes paralleling the seacoast. Expect more rolling Mediterranean landscapes inland and semi-urban riding into historic centers. Please verify your bike selection for this tour as it is not always possible to change bikes once you arrive on tour. Travel with your friends and family—we can accommodate multiple guests on this self-guided vacation. Our 24/7 support system is available if needed.

Daily Mileage: 15 - 32 miles| Biking: 2 - 5 hours

Trip ID
vbt-vbt-ItPuAlLe

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