Cycle Tour for connoisseurs: Culinary delights & wine (9 Days)

Begin your adventure in the enchanting city of Lecce, where you will arrive independently and settle into your accommodation. Upon arrival, you will be greeted for a comprehensive travel briefing and receive your bicycle and all necessary accessories, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey ahead. Enjoy your first evening exploring Lecce’s vibrant streets and savoring local cuisine at your leisure.

Set off from Lecce and pedal through the scenic countryside to the fortified town of Acaya, where its impressive castle stands as a testament to the region’s history. Continue to the tranquil Le Cesine nature reserve, a haven for migratory birds. Passing the evocative ruins of Roca Vecchia and the shimmering Alimini Lakes, you reach the coastal gem of Otranto. Here, marvel at the Byzantine frescoes in the Church of San Pietro, stroll along the ancient city walls, and admire the intricate mosaic floor of the cathedral. Cap your day with a sumptuous seafood dinner at a renowned local restaurant (or similar), and unwind in your charming Otranto accommodation.

Today, explore the picturesque surroundings of Otranto. Follow the gentle course of the Idro River to Casamassella, where you’ll discover the traditional weaving techniques preserved at the Le Costantine Foundation. Continue to Giurdignano, traversing a remarkable megalithic park dotted with ancient dolmens and menhirs. Enjoy a tasting of regional specialties at a family-run bakery before returning to Otranto for a leisurely evening. Optional horse riding excursions are available for those seeking a unique perspective on the landscape.

Embark on a breathtaking ride along the wild Salento coastline, where the Palacia Lighthouse marks Italy’s easternmost point. Marvel at the surreal red lake in a former bauxite quarry before enjoying panoramic views of the Strait of Otranto. Descend into the depths of the Zinzulusa Cave and cross the dramatic Ciolo Bridge, surrounded by rare flora. Arrive in Santa Maria di Leuca, where you’ll visit the revered sanctuary that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. Relish a dinner of fresh seafood at a top-rated local restaurant (or similar) and rest in your comfortable accommodation.

Venture into the southernmost reaches of Apulia, exploring Capo di Leuca’s hidden treasures. Visit a historic defensive tower in a quaint village, then uncover the enigmatic Centopietre monument near the ancient city of Vereto. In Giuliano, admire a medieval castle and church before continuing to Leuca Piccola, an important pilgrimage site with fascinating underground chambers. Cycle through olive groves and past traditional dry stone walls to an olive oil mill, where you’ll sample the region’s prized olive oil. Arrive in Ugento, tour its archaeological museum, and enjoy a delightful dinner and overnight stay at a welcoming local hotel (or similar).

Begin your day with a refreshing swim along the coast near the island of Sant’Andrea and within the pristine Punta Pizzo Nature Park. Continue to the lively fishing village of Gallipoli, where you’ll be treated to a generous aperitif. Wander the atmospheric old town, famed for its winding streets and bustling fish market, and enjoy a sweet treat of local gelato. End the day with a visit to the Church of San Mauro, home to a remarkable cycle of Byzantine frescoes, before settling into your Gallipoli accommodation.

Delve into the heart of Salento’s interior, beginning with the baroque charm of Galatone’s old town and the imposing Norman Fulcignano Castle. In the afternoon, reach Galatina, where the Church of Santa Caterina dazzles with its Giotto-inspired frescoes. Explore the historic center and sample local delicacies at a welcoming bottega, or opt for a hands-on cooking class in a traditional country house, where you’ll prepare and enjoy classic Italian dishes. Accommodation is provided in Galatina (or similar).

On your final cycling day, journey through the countryside, passing elegant fortified farmhouses and stately 19th-century villas. Pause in Nardò to admire its splendid baroque old town, then continue to Copertino, where the formidable Norman castle awaits and tales of Saint Joseph of Copertino, the 'Saint of Flight,' come to life. Arrive back in Lecce in the late afternoon, return your bicycles, and celebrate your adventure with a farewell dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants (or similar).

Conclude your unforgettable journey in Lecce. Depart at your leisure or continue your travels, with optional airport transfers available upon request. Take with you memories of Salento’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.