Cycling the Heel of Italy - Alberobello to Lecce

Cycling the Heel of Italy - Alberobello to Lecce

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8 Days From

$1715

$1634

Cycling the Heel of Italy - Alberobello to Lecce

8 Days Starting in Alberobello, Italy and ending in Lecce, Italy

Visiting: Alberobello, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto, Lecce

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07PI

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

14-99

Trip Styles:

Active

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1715 $1634 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$81

NB: Prices correct on 22-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on an enchanting cycling journey through the heel of Italy, from the whimsical trulli houses of Alberobello to the Baroque splendor of Lecce. This tour invites you to pedal through the lush Valle d'Itria, past the whitewashed beauty of Ostuni, and along the stunning coastlines of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. Discover the medieval charm of Oria and Manduria, the historic allure of Gallipoli, and the picturesque meeting point of Santa Maria di Leuca. As you cycle, enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of olive groves, limestone cliffs, and Roman amphitheaters. With high-quality bikes, GPS navigation, and luggage transfers provided, this adventure offers a seamless exploration of Italy's rich cultural tapestry and culinary delights, including the region's renowned wines and fresh seafood. Conclude your journey in Lecce, the 'Florence of the South,' with its impressive churches and ancient theaters.

Highlights

  • Alberobello's fairy-tale trulli houses

  • Cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria and visit the wine town of Locorotondo

  • Explore the white city of Ostuni

  • Discover the medieval towns of Oria and Manduria

  • Visit Gallipoli, known as the 'Ionian Pearl'

  • Reach Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic Sea meet

  • Explore Otranto with its stunning cathedral and Aragonese castle

  • Experience the Baroque metropolis of Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South'

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive in Alberobello

Location: Alberobello

Accommodation: Hotel

Make your way to Alberobello, famous for its Trulli houses.

Day 2 : Alberobello to Ostuni

Location: Ostuni

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle through the lush Valle d'Itria, passing more white-tipped trulli houses on the way. Boasting beautiful coastal views, the route takes you through the famous wine town of Locorotondo, regarded as one of Italy's most stunning villages. After sampling some of the local sparkling white wine, continue to the white city of Ostuni - so called for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses.

Day 3 : Ostuni to Avetrana

Location: Ostuni

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle through the colourful Salentinian countryside, characterized by olive groves and red soil towards the medieval towns of Oria and Manduria with their authentic historic centres.

Day 4 : Avetrana to Gallipoli

Location: Gallipoli

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Head to Torre Colimena on the Ionian Sea, then follow the coast alongside a series of beaches and the old coastal towers of Salento. Reach Gallipoli, known as the 'Ionian Pearl' with its Old Town situated on a rocky island. Take time to wander the narrow lanes of the historic centre to discover its baroque cathedral, elegant palazzi and enticing restaurants.

Day 5 : Gallipoli to Santa Maria di Leuca

Location: Santa Maria di Leuca

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle towards the most southerly point of Salento at Santa Maria di Leuca, where the crystal waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Sea meet. This village is home to one of the most important lighthouses in Italy, as well as numerous villas built at the turn of the century.

Day 6 : Santa Maria di Leuca to Otranto

Location: Otranto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Pedal along the south coast of the Adriatic Sea, stopping off at the famous Grotta Zinzulusa and the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea Terme. Your final destination is Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy with a stunning cathedral and Aragonese castle.

Day 7 : Otranto to Lecce

Location: Lecce

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow the shoreline through olive groves to the Baroque metropolis of Lecce. Known as the 'Florence of the South', Lecce is home to over 30 churches, an amphitheatre and a Roman theatre dating back to Emperor Augustus.

Day 8 : Leave Lecce

Location: Lecce

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make your own way back to the airport for your flight home.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and 1 evening meal

    The tour includes all breakfasts and one evening meal.

  • 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.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included in the tour.

  • 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 is required if only one person is travelling on a departure date.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included in the tour.

  • Arrival & departure transfers

    Arrival and departure transfers are not included in the tour.

  • Hotel Upgrades

    Hotel upgrades are not included and are available for a supplement.

Food

Breakfasts are included and consist of a continental-style buffet. However, please note that the typical Italian breakfast are generally light; usually a cup of coffee and a cream-filled or jam-filled croissant.



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.

Suggestions of what to do for lunch and dinner are given in the cycling route notes.

Accommodation

You will spend 7 nights in comfortable en suite hotels, with traditional accommodation in Alberobello when available. Hotels are mainly 3-star, with an option to upgrade to mostly 4-star accommodation for a supplement. Prices are based on 2 persons sharing, with a compulsory supplement for single rooms.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of bicycles are provided during the tour?

    The tour provides high-quality bikes for participants to use throughout the journey.

  • Are luggage transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.

  • Is there an additional charge for solo travelers?

    Yes, solo travelers incur an additional charge to cover transfer costs.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Participants will stay in comfortable en suite hotels, mainly 3-star, with an option to upgrade to mostly 4-star accommodation for a supplement. Traditional accommodation is used in Alberobello when available.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes all breakfasts and one evening meal.

  • What is the starting point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Alberobello, Italy.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The tour concludes in Lecce, Italy.

  • What kind of support is provided during the tour?

    The tour is managed by a local Headwater-appointed agent, and participants are provided with GPS route directions, maps, and access to the Headwater navigation app.

  • What are some of the culinary highlights of the region visited during the tour?

    Puglia offers genuine regional cooking with dishes like Bread from the Murge, durum wheat pasta, Orecchiette with turnip-tops or fresh tomato and sheep's ricotta-cheese, Cavatelli with pulses, aubergine and parmesan bake, grilled fish and seafood, burrata, and excellent wines. The region is known for its delicious vegetables, making it a perfect destination for vegetarians.

  • 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

Jane Holdaway (Google Reviewer)  

Had an exceptional holiday with...

24-Mar-2025

Had an exceptional holiday with Exodus during which we travelled extensively around Sri Lanka and got a real taste of the country and the people who live there. The itinerary was packed with interesting trips and activities and all of the hotels were very comfortable. We had an excellent local guide who looked after our group brilliantly and became a friend by the end of the tour. This was not the cheapest tour we looked at but we don't regret a penny spent on it because of the quality and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend Exodus!

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!

Roger Wells (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

12-Feb-2025

We have just returned from a 2 week Exodus trip to Egypt, Alexandria to Aswan. We had a great time, enjoyable company, with an excellent guide, Sayed. All worked out as described. The 3 day Red Sea extension was relaxing. Even the train journey, Cairo to Aswan, was a great part of the experience

Sian Anstey (Google Reviewer)  

I have just returned from...

31-Mar-2025

I have just returned from the most fabulous cycling holiday to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It was without doubt the best holiday you could ever wish for. Excellent in every possible way. Thank you Exodus. I just can’t decide which holiday to do next.

Damian Cannon (Google Reviewer)  

We've been on several group...

21-Mar-2025

We've been on several group trips with Exodus to destinations such as India and Jordan where we'd rather let some one else do the organising. In all cases these trips have been excellent with wonderful guides and well designed itineraries. We have always returned with happy memories. In cases where things have gone wrong Exodus have never disappointed us with their service. During one case our plane was diverted at the start and we joined the tour 3 days late. But despite this Exodus organised everything, including a driver, required to let us catch up. Equally during the pandemic our trip was cancelled twice and in the end we decided to take a full refund which Exodus handled properly. Having just returned from our latest trip we're already considering where we can go next. It's possible that we wouldn't bother to use Exodus in Europe because we can organise everything ourselves but further afield we'll definitely be travelling with Exodus again.

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
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.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$1715 $1634 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$81 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025
$1715 $1634 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$81 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025
$1715 $1634 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$81 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$1715 $1634 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$81 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025
$1715 $1634 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$81 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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