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Puglia Biking
Biking Italy's Sun-Drenched Adriatic Coast
The map says Italy, but there's a distinctly Greek feel to the Puglia region, nestled between the spur and the heel of the country's boot-shaped perimeter. Experience the Mediterranean Old World by biking with Backroads through quiet villages of whitewashed cottages, gently rolling hills and stretches of sunny Adriatic coastline, all wrapped in a relaxed pace of life. Amid acres of centuries-old olive groves and almond orchards you'll discover Roman ruins, picturesque masserie (farmhouses) and intriguing trulli structures unique to the area. Evenings, dine on rustic and savory Pugliese cuisine - a bounty of seafood and fresh vegetables - and overnight in luxurious historic lodgings.
Request an itinerary here or reserve this trip now.
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• Unbeatable views of ancient olive orchards, whitewashed villages and age-old farmhouses
• Ride on quiet one-lane orchard roads, cooled by sea breezes
• A sommelier-led tasting of full-bodied Primitivo and other notable Pugliese vini
• The World Heritage site of Alberobello with 1,500 trulli
• Dine on organic homemade Pugliese dishes with a wine pairing at each course
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Days 1-2 Monopoli
Meet in Bari. Feast your eyes on a sea of shimmery olive orchards, evidence that Puglia is Italy's largest producer of olive oil. Visit the sun-bleached port town of Polignano a Mare, with narrow winding streets, limestone cliffs and whitewashed buildings. Sample some of the region's finest wines with our local expert.
• Two nights at Il Melograno. A historic Relais & Chateaux lodging with antique-filled guest rooms and renowned Pugliese cuisine.
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Day 3 Martina Franca
Follow rolling country roads lined with ancient stone walls up to the Murgia, an impressive limestone plateau, and through the fertile Val d'Itria. See how mozzarella is made before savoring it and many other regional delicacies. Arrive in Martina Franca, rich in Baroque and medieval architecture.
• One night at Relais Villa San Martino. This stylish country resort features elegant guest rooms and a sparkling swimming pool.
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Days 4-6 Savelletri di Fasano
Explore the hilltop town of Alberobello, a World Heritage site and home to thousands of curious trulli - round white-stone buildings with conical roofs. Pedal peaceful lanes to Ostuni - la cittá bianca (the white city). Spanning three hilltops and crowned by a Gothic cathedral, Ostuni's cobblestone streets and sun-splashed whitewashed houses invite exploration. Spin to Egnazia, ruins of a Roman port city dating to the 5th century B.C.
• Two nights at Masseria San Domenico. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this luxurious haven was once a 15th-century Knights of Malta stronghold and is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
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"I'm already dreaming about next year's trip."
Kitty Brooks
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Dates: May 16-21, May 30-Jun 4, Sep 12-17, Sep 19-24, Sep 26-Oct 1, Oct 10-15
Length: 6 days/5 nights
Level: 2 to 4
Cost: $3998 to $4198
Single Supplement: $910
Meals: All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner.
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