1. Southern Visions Puglia 7 Day Cycling Premier Trip
This is a luxurious Southern Visions’ seven (7) day guided cycling trip through the region of Puglia,
Italy, which lies in the heel of the boot, along the sun drenched Adriatic Sea. Puglia offers access to
the freshest seafood, crowd-free open spaces, irresistible desserts and pastries, distinct wines, and
the 50 million olive trees that make Puglia the world’s leading producer of Olive Oil. Come to Puglia
and hear the voices of the past call out over the trulli houses…..we promise, once you discover it,
Puglia will leave a lasting impression.
Trip Highlights
 Bari walking tour
 Pugliese cooking demonstration
 Walking tour of Alberobello
 Several DECADENT dinners at local, famous establishments
 Farewell festivities and party
WHAT YOU GET!!!
 An outstanding adventure travel  The finest and best maintained bikes in
experience Southern Italy
 Peace of mind you are with the most  Professional Olive Oil Tasting and Walk
professional cycling company in Puglia in the Olive Groves.
 Local, native guides with knowledge of  Professional Mozzarella Making Demo
the secrets and mysteries of the region and Tasting
 6 nights lodging at 4 and 5 star hotels  Daily snacks and happy hours
and resorts  3 professional walking tours
 7 breakfasts  Professional Bike demo and fitting
 5 Dinners  Detailed Maps and Route Notes
 3 Lunches
 All luggage transfers
 Guest Shuttles
€3399.00
€799.00 Single Supplement

2. We will meet in the lobby of the Palace Hotel of Bari at 9:30 a.m. You will find your Guide in a red and
orange Southern Visions t-shirt.
We suggest you arrive at least the night before – please check for flights or night trains from Milan,
Rome, and Venice, arriving in Bari between 6 and 8 p.m. the night prior to our first day. (See the end
of itinerary for recommendations on arriving and departing from the area).
Day 1
Bari Walking Tour
Pugliese Cooking Demo and local buffet Lunch
Cycling: Polignano – San Vito – Conversano Loop 30km
Lodging & Dinner: Polignano Borgo Bianco ***** Resort and Spa http://borgobianco.it
Your adventure begins at 9:30 am when our local SV guide meets you at the Palace Hotel in beautiful
downtown Bari for a walking tour of what may be Italy’s most underrated and vibrant urban center. We
will then immerse you in depth into the art of flavor and freshness that is Pugliese cuisine with a cooking
demonstration and spectacular buffet lunch in Bari’s signature cooking and culinary education facility.
After lunch we will brief you shuttle you the absolutely stunning and brand new five star Borgo Bianco
resort and Spa where you will settle into your sublimely appointed room and join us for your expert bike
fitting and magical first ride up to the beautiful city of artists, Conversano. You will have time for a look
around at the ancient and beautiful Aragonese castle as well as the all important Pugliese coffee drink,
the Espressino. The leisurely ride finishes down the hill and back along the sea for a well deserved and
elegant evening and dinner at the hotel’s lovely sea view restaurant.
Day 2
Cycling: Polignano-Castellana Loop (Long option to the Grottoes: Pro Option to Noci ) 50/70/90 km
Afternoon Aperitivo Wine Tasting and Talk
Dinner: PASHA in Conversano
Lodging: Polignano Borgo Bianco ***** Resort and Spa http://borgobianco.it
We find our bikes once again and prepare for a beautiful ride into the northern reaches of the Itria valley
where you will find ancient olive groves and some hidden trulli houses covered by nut and cherry trees.
We will climb slightly back towards Conversano before turning to Putignano and onward to the
Castellana Grotte where we can have an optional tour of the amazing caverns and stop for lunch. After
lunch our relaxed riders may want to head back to the hotel while our ambitious 2 wheelers will want to
ride on the beautiful town of Noci before heading home for the afternoon. There will be a nice period in
the afternoon to hit the pool or have a nap or to even indulge in some of the fabulous spa treatments at
the resort before we meet in the early evening for a guided wine tasting with a local winemaker or
sommelier and then we shuttle into Conversano for dinner at Pasha, one of the most fabulous
restaurants in all of Puglia. Wow, what a day!

3. Day 3
Guided Tour of Alberobello and lunch at Il Poeta Contadino
Cycling: Polignano – Monopoli-Alberobello-Locorotondo-Savelletri (Long Option: Martina Franca)
60/80km
Lodging and Dining: Savelletri: Masseria Torre Maizza ***** www.masseriatorremaizza.com
This is our first big moving day and some seriously great riding. We crank up and head inland towards
the western side of Monopoli (our home in Puglia!) and head upwards to the forests and the Unesco
Heritage Site of Alberobello. This ride will take a little time as we have to get through the amazing array
of ancient olive trees, medieval dolmens, and the occasional Ape (Italian 3 wheeled farm truck). As we
descend into Alberobello the beauty of the 1500+ Trulli (conical roofed homes and businesses) it
becomes readily apparent why this is the postcard capital of Puglia. Here we will meet our old friend
Mimmo who will guide us through the history, culture, and artisanal products of the region and set our
appetites in motion for the feast of the poet at Il Poeta Contadino, another singular restaurant of the
region known for its grass fed meats and use of local produce. After an amazing lunch we ride for
Locorotondo and the Cummerse buildings (buildings of local stone with Pyramid shaped roofs).
Locorotondo is known for its light white wine and the beautiful views of the whole Itria valley. From
there our group diverges as the long riders head for the next hilltop and the town of Martina Franca and
the others dive down the big hill headed for the sea with stunning coastal views and the spectacular and
most famous hotel in Puglia, Masseria Torre Maizza awaiting where you can relax in absolute luxury
while your dinner is prepared in their renowned kitchen.
Day 4
Cycling: Savelletri –Cisternino-Ostuni Loop (Long Option along the sea to Torre Cane) 55/75km
Dining: La Peschiera
Lodging: Savelletri: Masseria Torre Maizza ***** www.masseriatorremaizza.com
This morning we set out on a lovely climb into the chic and beautiful Cisternino where you will see some
of the most sweeping views of the Itria Valley. In Cisternino you can have a coffee or gelato to recharge
before a lovely ride along the ridge to Ostuni, La Citta Bianca (the white city) which is a stunning temple
on the hill and gateway to the sea and a ride through the most densely packed and beautiful forest of
the Itria Valley. In Ostuni you will have many diverse lunch options and a chance to enjoy one of the
many preparations of the ubiquitous orecchiette pasta (little ears shape). The long option will reward
the diligent rider with a gorgeous and breezy ride along the sea before making their way back to the
hotel. This evening will begin with a white wine apertitivo followed by a meal at the temple of seafood,
La Peschiera where the very best of the daily catch is prepared with grace and aplomb. La Peschiera is
an amazing finish to your journey in the Itria valley.
Day 5
Transfer to the Salento (the heel of the heel)
Lunch: Acaya at the lovely Trattoria Acaya

4. Cycling: Squinzano – Acaya – San Foca-Otranto
Lodging: Otranto –Masseria Montelauro ****www.masseriamontelauro.it
This is one of the coolest days ever to be on a bike. After a lovely farewell breakfast at Torre Maizza we
shuttle you to the beautiful Masseria Melcarne where you begin an amazing day of riding in the stark
and contrasting beauty of the Salento region. The Salento; the southernmost peninsula of Puglia and
home to amazing beaches, the best wines in Puglia, and the amazing town of Otranto! Here we will see
amazing beaches where we can stop for a swim before getting back on the bike and moving on. The sea
almost always in view, the warm sun warming your heart and souls, and the knowledge that your trip
continues to shape you makes this Southern Visions program like no other. The ancient city of Otranto
is a must see! One part beach resort, one part middle-eastern, many parts Italian, and every part a
whole lot of fun! We will stay in the beautiful 4 Star Masseria Montelauro two kilometers from the
Otranto city center in the peaceful silence of the countryside. On the way in we will stop at the famous
castle city of Acaya for a lovely walk around and a killer local lunch. We will bring you into Otranto this
evening for an amazing stroll by the sea and dinner on your own (we highly recommend the pizza in
Otranto).
Day 6
Cycling: Otranto-San di Leuca (long option loopback to Otranto) 50/100km
SV Farewell Party with Maneka Folklore Band
Lodging & Dining: Otranto –Masseria Montelauro ****www.masseriamontelauro.it
At Southern Visions we save the best rides for last. This is one of Italy’s most memorable rides. Hills,
breathtaking sea views, natural hot springs, grottoes, pine forests, and the knowledge that you have
really lived while you were here as a participant in the joyous lifestyle of Puglia. This is the real heel of
the boot. This is south of south and opportunities for wine tastings, cave visits, beaches, and even a
shuttle back to the hotel in Otranto are all options on this ride. We will ride down to Santa Maria de
Leuca, a place the Romans called Finnibus Terrae (the end of the earth) and you will stand on the
Southern most point in Puglia and gaze out into the inviting sea. We will stop for a lovely cave visit on
the way down and always for coffee. For the big rider who wants a challenge you can take the long
option and ride back to the Masseria. Those of more relaxed persuasions can catch our shuttle back
home and get ready for an amazing farewell party Pugliese style with a fabulous local band playing the
rousing native rhythms and followed by a fond farewell dinner from your expert guides.
Day 7
Morning Guided walk of Lecce
Farewell from the Southern Visions Team
We will shuttle you to Lecce, known as the Florence of the south, to the oldest bar in the region for
coffee and a chance to enjoy the amazing local pastry known as Pasticcio Leccese (filled with yummy
custard cream) and we continue with a professionally guided walking tour of this amazing architectural
gem of a city and the opportunity to continue your journey on your own. Of course, if you would like to

5. stay longer, Southern Visions will help you extend your stay or guide you in the right direction home.
Always keeping in mind you will be changed for the better after Puglia, for it is a place that has changed
us all.
All tours finish in Lecce where the shuttle will take our guests to the station or to Brindisi airport.
ARRIVING AND DEPARTING - LOGISTICS
After reviewing the following information, please inform us of your arrival and departure plans on the
Personal Information Form.
Arrival
We suggest you arrive at least the night before – please check for flights or night trains from Milan,
Rome, and Venice, arriving in Bari between 6 and 8 p.m. the night prior to our first day.
Conclusion of the trip
On the last day of the trip, an SV shuttle is available to the Lecce train station and to Brindisi airport. The
shuttle stops at the rail station, where you can catch an afternoon train for Rome or Milan (if you catch
the train to Milan you can change in Bologna to Florence). To Rome there is one train at noon and one
after 5.00 pm; to Milan there is one train at around 2.00 pm and then one in the evening arriving the
next morning.
Flight arrangements
We recommend flying into Milan or Rome. You can then catch a flight to Bari (airport code: BRI) from
either city. Or, if you don’t mind the longer travel time and the possibility of delays, you can take the
train to Bari. You can see below.
Getting from the Bari airport to the Bari train station
A taxi ride from the airport to the train station takes 25-30 minutes and costs around €20. An Autolinee
Tempesta bus ride to the Bari train station takes approximately 30 minutes and costs €4,15.
Taking the train to Bari from Rome, Milan or Florence
The trip from Rome takes about 5 hours; from Milan it’s about 8 ½ hours; from Florence, expect
approximately 7 ½ hours of travel.
Train travel in Italy
We suggest purchasing rail tickets and making reservations through your own travel agent. For more
information on rail travel in Italy, visit the web www.trenitalia.com. There you can purchase tickets and
book your seat by using your credit card.

6. You can purchase Italian rail tickets from any train station in Italy, but some very small stations. Many
stations are equipped with automatic ticket machines, from which you can purchase tickets and
reservation coupons for travel in Italy and for principal cross-border routes. The machines accept cash,
credit card and ATM card with your PIN.
If you travel on one of Italy’s faster trains, including Eurocity, Intercity and Eurostar, you’ll be charged a
supplemental fare in addition to the regular ticket price. If you travel on these trains without your
supplemental ticket, you’ll be fined. Eurostar and Intercity trains require a seat reservation for travel at
all times. For travel on intercity trains, reservations are not mandatory; however, you may want to pay
the extra reservation charge for a guaranteed seat, simply for peace of mind. If you know you’ll be
taking the train during a peak local travel period, such as a holiday, you’ll definitely want to make
reservations or you risk standing for your entire trip. Italy’s slower train (Rapido, Espresso, Regionale,
Inter regionale and Locale) don’t require a reservation or a supplement ticket.
Boarding the train
To find your platform, which will be listed at least 10 minutes prior to departure, check the small TV
screens or the larger schedule boards in the main station area. If you are travelling without reservations,
you’ll need to validate your “open” ticket by stamping it at one of the small yellow machines located on
each train platform (the machine stamps the date and the time on the open ticket to prevent multiple
uses). If you forget to stamp your ticket before boarding, tell the on-board ticket inspector immediately
to avoid a supplementary fee.
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE & AFTER YOUR TRIP
BARI
PALACE HOTEL HOTEL ADRIA
Via Lombardi 13 Via Zuppetta 10
70122 Bari 70121 Bari
tel. +39 080 5216551 tel. +39 080 5246699
www.palacehotelbari.it www.adriahotelbari.com
GRAND HOTEL LEON D’ORO HOTEL BOSTON
Piazza Aldo Moro 4 Via Piccinni 155
70122 Bari 70122 Bari
tel. +39 080 5235040 tel. +39 080 5216633
www.grandhotelleondoro.it www.bostonbari.it
HOTEL VILLA ROMANAZZI
Via Giuseppe Capruzzi 326 HOTEL VICTOR
70124 Bari Via Nicolai 71
tel. +39 080 5427400 70122 Bari
www.villaromanazzi.com tel. +39 080 5216600
www.victorservice.com

7. MATERA
LA CASA DI LUCIO HOTEL IN PIETRA
Via S. Pietro Caveoso, 66 Via San Giovanni Vecchio, 22
75100 Matera 75100 Matera
Tel. +39 0835 312798 tel +39 0835 344040
www.lacasadilucio.it www.hotelinpietra.it
HOTEL SANT’ANGELO ALBERGO ITALIA
Rione Pianelle - Piazza San Pietro Caveoso Via Ridola 5
75100 Matera 75100 Matera
tel. +39 (0)835 314010 tel: 0835 333561, 0835 337689
www.hotelsantangelosassi.it www.albergoitalia.com
LOCANDA DI SAN MARTINO
Via Fiorentini, 71
75100 Matera
tel +39 0835 256600
info@locandadisanmartino.it
HOTEL RIDOLA - Albergo in dimora storica
Via Morelli 13
75100 Matera
tel. +39-0835-318811
info@hotelridolamatera.it
ALBERGO DEL SEDILE
Recinto Sedile n. 4 - Piazza del Sedile
Matera
tel +39.0835.333436
www.albergodelsedile.it

8. LECCE
Hotel Patria Palace
Piazzetta Riccardi
73100 Lecce (Lecce), Italy
+39 0832 245111
www.patriapalacelecce.com
Hotel delle Palme
Via Di Leuca, 90
73100 Lecce (LE), Italy
+39 0832 347171
www.hoteldellepalmelecce.it
Grand Hotel Tiziano
Viale Porto d'Europa, s/n
73100 Lecce
tel. +390832 272111
www.grandhoteltiziano.it
B&B Palazzo Rollo
Via Vittorio Emanuele II, n°14
Lecce
Tel. +39.328.9540585 - +39.0832.307152
www.palazzorollo.it
FINAL THOUGHTS
Please be sure to note these important contact numbers, should you need assistance before, during, or
after your trip:
Puglia: +39.340.264.4128 or +39.080.416.0030
U.S.A: +1.713-540-0989
All tours operated by Active Cultures LLC