dossier

Contrasts of Puglia Cycling

CONTRASTS OF PUGLIA CYCLING | WHERE YOU STAY

Tenuta Chianchizza  AAAA
Monopoli  Days 1+2

The agriturismo Tenuta Chianchizza originates from the end of the 18th century, when the building was originally used as an old olive mill and agricultural farm for breeding cattle. The property is located on the outskirts of Monopoli, about a 10-minute cycle ride from the town centre and is set in 16 hectares of agricultural land, ancient olive orchards and fields of carob and almond trees. Within the accommodation there are 7 comfortable bedrooms, each tastefully furnished with a natural theme:- mandarin, water, carob, cherry, lemon, almond and olive. Facilities in each room include: fast connection internet, mini-bar, direct-dial phone, television, hairdryer. The rooms open out onto external wall to provide patio/terrace area to read and relax.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1 Arrive at Monopoli

We meet you at Bari airport and take you to your hotel (50mins) for a welcome briefing and dinner . You spend two nights here.

Day 2 Monopoli circular cycle 38km/24mi (optional)

A perfect start with an easy, flat, circular ride heading south from Monopoli, past ancient olive groves then along the Adriatic coast to the archaeological site of Egnazia, once the location of a Greco-Roman town dating back to the 4th century BC. Visit the museum & archaeological park, or explore the nearby beach.

Day 3 Monopoli to Conversano 29km/18mi

A charming route takes you along the stunning coastline from Monopoli before heading inland to Conversano. En route take time to visit the small, but vibrant fishing village of Polignano a Mare, idyllically perched on the side of the rocky limestone cliffs. Continue - through the quaint, picturesque village of San Vito, with it’s multi-coloured boats moored up in the tiny port - before finishing your journey in the sleepy, beautiful little town of Conversano. Set amid a landscape of olive and cherry trees, its rambling alleyways and sun-baked piazza are dominated by the Norman castle and Romanesque cathedral.

Relais Corte Altavilla  ****
Conversano  Day 3

The 4-star hotel Corte Altavilla Relais & Charme is located right in the historic centre of Conversano, just off one of the main squares - Piazza Conciliazione. The hotel is in an old medieval building with inner courtyard that once served as an old medieval courthouse for the town. Following major renovation works in 2002 the hotel opened as an elegant four-star boutique hotel with 32 elegant rooms and appartments, each with its own personality and charm, with white stone walls, wrought iron furnishings, wooden-beams and vaulted ceilings. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities including: air-conditioning, satellite-TV, direct-dial telephone, safe, Internet and mini-bar/fridge.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 4 Conversano to Alberobello 38km/24mi

Today’s pedalling takes you through the rolling hills of the Valle d’Itria where the air is perfumed with wild mint and herbs. Stop off in the little towns of Putignano and Noci, and view their characteristic white washed houses and narrow alleyways. It’s then off to unique Alberobello and its plethora of trulli houses - the architechtural symbol of the region. On arrival you’ll meet Mimmo, a sommelier and well-known character of the town, who will show you to your own private trullo house.

Trulli e Puglia  AAA
Alberobello  Days 4+5

While in Alberobello you’ll have the unique opportunity to stay in your very own private trullo house. You may be asking, what exactly is a trullo? A trullo is a small, quirky, beehive-shaped stone dwelling, traditionally built without any cement or mortar and topped with a conical roof made of impermeable stone. The trullo house that you’ll stay in whilst in Alberobello will be one of eight clean and nicely furnished guest accommodations. Each trullo house is made up of a double bedroom, small bathroom with shower and a spacious living area with a sofa and small kitchenette.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 5 At Alberobello

Spend today roaming around the historic centre, navigating your way through narrow streets, kitsch souvenir shops and tasting local delicacies. Or maybe visit the museo del territorio to discover the history of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, a circular cycle route (49km/31mi) takes you deep into the Itria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo - with wonderful panoramic views across the Itria Valley. Continue on toMartina Franca – a must-see town for its marvellously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning palazzi.

Day 6 Alberobello to Pezze di Greco 43km/27mi

You’ll spend this morning cycling along beautiful undulating country lanes lined with weathered stone walls, before enjoying a long downhill run with panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. This incredible descent will bring you down to Capitolo and finishes through a patchwork of almond orchards, olive groves, vineyards and gloriously coloured fields of fresh tomatoes and peppers.

Masseria Salamina  ****
Pezze di Greco  Days 6+7

Masseria Salamina is a large 17C fortified farmhouse, set in 173 acres of rich agricultural farmland. The property is surrounded by orchards of secular olive trees that are up to 400 years old, used in the production of their own high quality, extra virgin, olive oil. Inside the masseria, there’s a large and welcoming restaurant where you can taste specialities of sumptuous Southern Italian cuisine, served in the suggestive atmosphere of the open-air courtyard. The rooms here are simple yet comfortable and with all the necessary amenities and have been created out of the conversion of the masseria’s outbuildings. The common areas comprise of the meeting hall, bar, lounge & TV room and the outdoor swimming pool with views reaching across to the sea.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 7 At Pezze di Greco

Today you could just relax by the hotel’s pool, or cycle to the nearby beach. For the more energetic - a circular cycle route (46km/29mi) takes you to charming Ostuni with its whitewashed houses.

Day 8 Return home

We take you to Bari airport for flights home.

Note: Please note that starting in Spring 2011, cycling helments are compulsary for children under 16.  As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

For extra nights we recommend Monopoli or Prezze di Greco.