8‑Day Bike Adventure: Bari to Lecce

Day 1: Arrival & Bari Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Bari and check into your hotel. After a quick freshen‑up, pick up your rental bike and review the route.

Afternoon: Ride along the historic Old Town streets, visiting the Basilica of San Nicola and the bustling Port of Bari while enjoying the sea breeze.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant and rest early for the next day's ride.

Day 2: Bari → Polignano a Mare (≈30 km)

Morning: Depart from Bari, following the coastal bike path, and pause at the scenic Punta San Francesco for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Arrive in Polignano a Mare, explore the famous cliff‑side terraces and the historic Centro Storico, then enjoy a gelato by the sea.

Evening: Relax at a local trattoria, sampling the region’s famous tiella before a leisurely walk along the beach.

Day 3: Polignano a Mare → Monopoli (≈15 km)

Morning: Cycle along the coast to the charming fishing village of Monopoli, stopping at the **Lungomare** for sunrise photos.

Afternoon: Wander through the historic Monopoli Castle and its beautiful courtyard, then wander the narrow lanes of the old town.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a harbor‑side restaurant, tasting local olive oil and wines.

Day 4: Monopoli → Ost Ostuni (≈70 km)

Morning: Depart early, crossing the rolling hills of the Valle d’Itria; enjoy a brief rest at Alberobello to glimpse its iconic trulli houses from the road.

Afternoon: Arrive in the “White City” of Ostuni, climbing the narrow streets to the spectacular Cathedral of Ostuni for panoramic vistas.

Evening: Savor a dinner of fresh vegetables and local cheese at a rustic tavern, then enjoy the illuminated city walls.

Day 5: Ostuni → Alberobello (≈35 km)

Morning: Ride through the countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, home to hundreds of traditional trulli dwellings.

Afternoon: Explore the Trullo Sovrano and the charming streets of the Trulli District, learning about the unique construction.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in a trulli-restaurant, tasting the regional pasticciotto dessert.

Day 6: Alberobello → Martina Franca (≈45 km)

Morning: Bike through vineyards and olive groves toward Martina Franca, pausing at a local winery for a tasting of Primitivo wine.

Afternoon: Arrive in the historic center, admire the baroque Church of San Martino and stroll the elegant piazza.

Evening: Dine at a local osteria, enjoying a hearty bowl of cavatelli with tomato sauce.

Day 7: Martina Franca → Gallipoli (≈50 km)

Morning: Ride south across the Salento plateau, stopping at the scenic viewpoint of Porto Badisco for sea‑side photos.

Afternoon: Reach the seaside town of Gallipoli, explore the historic Gallipoli Castle and the lively fish market.

Evening: Enjoy fresh grilled fish at a waterfront trattoria and wander the illuminated old town.

Day 8: Gallipoli → Lecce (≈30 km) – Arrival

Morning: A gentle ride into the baroque city of Lecce, stopping at the picturesque Piazza del Duomo for photos.

Afternoon: Discover the stunning Roman Amphitheatre and the intricate Basilica di Santa Croce, absorbing the baroque architecture.

Evening: Celebrate the journey with a dinner of pasticcini and local wine, ending the trip with a night‑time stroll under lanterns.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Bike Rental (8 days) – 2 hrs/day – €120
• Bari – City walk & Basilica – 2 hrs – €10
• Polignano a Mare – Coastal walk – 2 hrs – €5
• Monopoli Castle – 1.5 hrs – €8
• Ostuni Cathedral – 1.5 hrs – €7
• Alberobello Trullo Sovrano – 2 hrs – €12
• Martina Franca – Church of San Martino – 1 hr – €5
• Gallipoli Castle – 1.5 hrs – €9
• Lecce – Roman Amphitheatre – 2 hrs – €10
• Food & Drinks – 2 meals/day – €280
• Accommodation (8 nights) – 8 nights – €640

Total Estimated Cost: €1,206

Tips

To extend the adventure, add a day in Alberobello to explore more trulli and visit the nearby Locorotondo for its wine tasting routes. If you need to shorten the trip, combine Day 4 and Day 5 by cycling directly from Monopoli to Lecce (≈120 km) in a long‑day ride, or skip the optional winery stop in Martina Franca to reduce travel time.