Discover Puglia’s scenic Murge and Itria Valley by bike
Discover the region of Puglia in southern Italy by bike, exploring this scenic area that forms the heel of Italy's boot. The 8-day Itria Valley Cycling Tour will take you from Alberobello to Ostuni and introduce you to the beauty and charm of this breathtaking region. Cycle along beautiful stretches of Mediterranean coastline, picturesque hillside towns, and centuries-old farmland.
Be pleasantly enchanted upon arrival in Alberobello by the Trulli huts' architectural intrigue and the whimsical local legends that accompany them. Pedal among vast oak forests, dazzling vineyards, and vigorous olive groves. Continue through the elegant towns of Puglia- Lorocotondo, Martina Franca and Cisternino, to name just a few. Spend your evenings delighting in local specialties, revelling in the sumptuous flavours of the Itria Valley.
This cycling tour in Puglia is the perfect weeklong adventure for those eager for an authentic experience in this region. Exploring the exquisite natural landscapes of Puglia is a dream turned reality on this unforgettable adventure by bike.
Highlights of the Itria Valley Cycling Tour
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Itria Valley Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Receive a warm welcome to the Itria Valley as you reach your start point in the charming town of Alberobello!
After settling into your accommodations, set out on a walk to acquaint yourself with the ancient rural buildings and famous UNESCO-designated Trulli huts that make this small town unique.
Explore the bustling tourist district of Rione Monti before slipping away onto the peaceful, authentic streets of the lesser-known part of town, Aia Piccola.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alberobello
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 The Caves of Castellana
This morning following breakfast, a welcome meeting and bike fitting will take place before you set out on the road.
Today you'll become acquainted with one of the most striking natural phenomena of this region, the karst stone rock formations. Pedalling gentle hills alongside oak forests, vineyards, and olive groves, you will cycle up to Italy's largest karst stone caves. The fascinating caves of Castellana are yours to discover, running 3 km in length underground and almost 60m deep, comprised of marvellous stalactites and stalagmites jutting in every direction.
Return to the land of Trulli (Alberobello) to enjoy another evening in this marvellous town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alberobello
Distance: 35 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the Loop via Locorotondo
This morning, an enjoyable warm-up of gentle ups and downs on the hills leading to the small white village of Locorotondo awaits you. This famous wine region overlooks the heart of the Itria Valley and boasts beautifully cultivated landscapes of rich vines and grapes. Explore Locorotondo’s old town.
Returning to Alberobello, be sure to catch the sun setting over the Trulli from one of the many panoramic terraces in town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alberobello
Distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast, wine tasting
Day 4 Cycle to Martina Franca
Leaving the magical land of Trulli behind, you’ll set out on a pleasant flat route today, leading you to your ascent of Martina Franca.
The arch entrance of the old town of Martina Franca will welcome you into its world of rich and elegant Baroque architecture. Palatial homes line the pretty narrow streets that connect a myriad of piazzas. Get lost in the collection of sophisticated shops and boutiques and be sure to sample some of the local specialties, like the “Capocollo” (cured pork) and the “Bocconotto” (shortbread with cream).
Enjoy an evening at your leisure in this stylish city, delighting in its many flavours, sights, and sounds.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Martina Franca
Distance: 17 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Cisternino Loop
Today you will encounter one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy, Cisternino! This small town is famous for its mazy Oriental charm. Peruse its impressive collection of alleys, arches, stairways, and courtyards, exploring its four old districts.
Exploring this picturesque town will have no doubt worked up your appetite! Post up with a carafe of fine local wine and experience the "barbecue butcher" at Fornello Barbecue.
A final ride to cap off your day will take you along a stretch of the new Greenway of the Puglia Aqueduct, the perfect follow-up to this evening's feast.
Return to Martina Franca, pleasantly charmed by Cisternino and its gastronomical delights.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Martina Franca
Distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Gastronomic Experience in Ceglie Messapica
Today's ride will take you from Martina Franca to the beautiful town of Ostuni by way of Ceglie Messapica. A small town known for its art and cuisine, Ceglie Messapica is also home to a Norman tower rising 30m high.
A visit to the gastronomic capital of the Itria Valley would not be complete without lunch at one of its many famed restaurants. Enjoy the freshest bread and pastries, straight from the ovens fuelled by almond shells, and delight in authentic dishes comprised of the finest local produce and meats. Top off your experience with something sweet—the "cookie of Ceglie" is an excellent choice!
Finally, end the day with a ride to tonight's accommodations in Ostuni. Enjoy an evening in this old hilltop town and be sure to visit the spectacular Ostuni Cathedral.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ostuni
Distance: 35 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle the Natural Park Dune Costiere
A slice of heaven is yours today as you ride through the picturesque landscapes of the Natural Park Dune Costiere. Long stretches of beautiful beach, fossil dunes and fragrant Mediterranean vegetation are the perfect settings for your final day on the bike.
Welcomed into a charming Masseria set among century-old olive trees, you'll sample refined extra virgin olive oil as you learn about the history of this fascinating location. Explore the underground oil mill and enjoy a guided tour (included) of the historic farm.
Return to the road and make your final ascent back to Ostuni, where you'll enjoy one last evening in paradise.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ostuni
Distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast, olive oil tasting
Day 8 Depart Ostuni
If time permits before departing, check out the spectacular work of master craftsman Tonino Zurlo and his delicate creations in olive wood.
Make your way to the airport to depart. Arrivederci to beautiful Puglia!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2024 Departures:
The departures are available daily, from February 1st to November 30th.
- Single room: from $1,375 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $995 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on the Itria Valley Cycling Tour
This tour is based in 4-star hotels, charming trulli, and masserias. Accommodations are excellently located, offering modern amenities with pleasant rooms and ensuite bathrooms.
Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay for a supplement to have a private room in a hotel.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotels, B&B’s and trulli ★★★★
These charming accommodations offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, basic amenities, and a comfortable stay in an excellent location. Enjoy breakfast served daily.
What’s Included in the Itria Valley Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included, as well as 1 tasting.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transportation from accommodations to accommodations is included on this tour.
Also Included
- Travel app (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Welcome briefing and bike fitting
- Phone assistance between 8 am and 9 pm
- Olive oil tasting and guided visit on Day 7
- Wine tasting on Day 3
Not included
- Bike Rental (see Optional Extras for the pricingI)
- Flights to and from Italy
- Airport transfers
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Guide
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplements
- Solo traveller supplements
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- Bike rental
- Airport transfers
Frequently Asked Questions about Itria Valley Cycling Tour
Slow Active Tours is a tour operator specializing in "slow pace" outdoor activities, which mainly concern cycling, trekking and snorkeling in beautiful Italy. Based in Puglia, the wonderful heel of Italy, Slow Active Tours was born from a long experience in responsible and sustainable tourism, combined with a love for culture and a strong passion for traditions, history and respect for nature.
Dynamic holidays "at a slow pace", because in this way it is possible to savor every moment of a great journey, full of adventure, hearty breakfasts, moments of peaceful well-being, food and wine tastings, fresh dips in the most beautiful seas of Italy, smiles and chat with the locals.
Each trip includes everything you need to make the experience comfortable and to be free to travel safely.
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