PUGLIA: CYCLE THE HEEL OF ITALY

In the heart of the Mediterranean is the captivating region of Puglia, a unique landscape sandwiched between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Our journey around the remote heel of Italy's boot starts from the famous round houses of Alberobello. The 'Trulli di Alberobello' are over 5000 years old and those still standing have made this small town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After passing through the stunning 'white city' of Ostuni, a charming example of Mediterranean architecture, the route veers towards the idyllic Ionian coastline. Gallipoli is known as the 'Ionian Pearl', with its 16th century castle perched on a limestone island. The remainder of the journey takes us to the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas at the most southerly point of the region, Santa Maria di Leuca, and continues through a charming coastal landscape to the Messapian town of Otranto. The route then passes through olive orchards and limestone cliffs to Lecce, the capital of Salento, known for its impressive ampitheatre and countless churches and palaces.