Arrival

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Leece

Meeting and route briefing in Lecce. Delivery of bicycle and GPS navigator.

Lecce

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Otranto

An easy, flat route with many interesting cultural and natural sights. First you visit ACAYA – a fortified city with a huge castle -and then you ride down to “LE CESINE” – a WWF protected area, a crossing point for many species of migratory birds. From there you head towards the coast, along the ruins of Roca Vecchia – an ancient Bronze age city – and ‘ALIMINI’ LAKES. A short distance later you arrive in Otranto, where narrow streets are filled with wonders such as: the St. Peter church Byzantine frescoes, the ramparts overlooking the sea and the cathedral with its paved mosaics, a sort of figurative Middle Age encyclopedia. The day is capped off with a seafood dinner in one of the best restaurants in town.

Otranto

A day spent exploring Otranto's surroundings. After riding along the little river “Idro” (“water”), which gave the name to the city, you arrive in Casamassela, where old looms are still being used in “LE COSTANTINE” foundation. After a guided tour you cycle towards Giurdignano, crossing a Bronze age megalithic park containing huge stones (“dolmen” and “menhir”). In the late morning you’ll enjoy a LOCAL FOOD TASTING in a family owned bakery. After returning to Otranto enjoy dinner in the historical centre. Optional horse riding in the morning or in the afternoon.

Otranto

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Santa Maria di Leuca

Today you cycle along a wild Salento coastal stretch: between the ‘PALACÌA’ LIGHTHOUSE (easternmost point of Italy) and a little red lake of an abandoned BAUXITE QUARRY. Nestled among the cliffs above the sea, this road is a massive natural balcony that overlooks the Otranto Strait. With a little bit of luck we will able to see the mountains of Albania and Greece. A recommended stop is the ‘ZINZULUSA’ CAVE, which descends nearly 200 feet underground. On the way you can admire some terraces and dry walls, the ingenious historical devices used to develop arable land in barren areas. After crossing the bridge over the “Ciolo” (a small and rich in rare flora canyon carved by the waters,) you reach Santa Maria di Leuca where you visit the sanctuary, following the ancient pilgrims footsteps. Another superb seafood dinner wraps up the day.

Santa Maria di Leuca

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Ugento

Today you explore Leuca Cape, the southern part of Apulia. A visit to the spectacular defense tower situated in the centre of a small village - it is also possible to visit the enigmatic funerary monument made by big stones (its name “CENTOPIETRE”, means “hundred stones”), in Vereto, an ancient pre-romanic town situated nearby. In GIULIANO you’ll find a castle and a tenth century church. Finally you visit Leuca Piccola ('little Leuca'), an important pilgrimage station which still maintains a vast underground area. You will keep cycling through olive groves and dry stone walls you'll reach a OLIVE OIL MILL, for an olive oil tasting. Afterwards, you'll move on to Ugento to visit its archaeological museum and spend the night and have dinner.

Ugento

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Gallipoli

In the morning we'll head towards the coast for a dip in the sea of the St. Andrew’s island and "PUNTA PIZZO" NATURAL PARK. Then, we'll move on to GALLIPOLI where you can enjoy an aperitif. Located on an island, this small fisherman's village is renowned for its light, alleys and fish market. After a delicious ice cream, we ride toward the San Mauro church: one of the hidden treasure of this area, which hosts ancient Byzantine frescoes. Next we cycle to Santa Caterina, a quiet village on the borders of PORTO SELVAGGIO NATURAL PARK. In the later afternoon kayaking is an option in the Park of Porto Selvaggio. Dinner served in Villa or in a nearby restaurant (depending on the size of the group).

Gallipoli

A day dedicated to Gallipoli's surroundings. First stop is in GALATONE, where you will visit its beautiful Baroque old town and the Norman castle of Fulcignano. In the afternoon you reach GALATINA where you can admire the church of SANTA CATERINA, filled with Giotto style frescoes, and then visit the beautiful historical town center and have a tasting of local product in a traditional bottega, where the owner - Salvatore - will be happy to host you. Alternatively, the day can be centered around a unique cooking class experience which begins in the morning when one of our team members cycle with you to a local country home, where our friend Mamma Anna will cook a typical italian lunch with you and which you later will leisurely enjoy throughout the afternoon.

Gallipoli

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Lecce

Last cycling day of the trip. We’ll pass by many 19th century fortified farmhouse and villas on our way back to Lecce. We stop in Nardò to visit its decadent baroque historical center. The next stop is in Copertino to discover its impressive Norman castle and listen to stories about Joseph of Cupertino, the mystic and saint famous for his miraculous levitations and intense ecstatic visions. Just before Lecce there is a stop at the at the Martina brothers workshop, the famous artisans who keep alive the ancient art of handcrafted traditional pottery. Late afternoon arrival in Lecce and bicycle drop off. The final dinner is celebrated in one of the best restaurants in town!

Lecce

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Departure

End of tour.