PUGLIA, ITALY 6-Day Cycling Tour SELF-GUIDED TOUR SUMMARY PUGLIA, ITALY Italy’s Sundrenched Heel

TOUR LENGTH 6 Days / 5 Nights

In the heel of Italy, Puglia is undiscovered and untouched relative to the rest of the country. The people are warm and authentic with life here fitting around slow, pastoral rhythms START & END unique to Italy’s deep south. The whitewashed villages and emerald waters of the Adriatic are reminiscent of Greece. Indeed, the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Turks and Spanish Bari have all left their marks on the region’s architecture, the culture and the cuisine.

A network of quiet country lanes and gentle terrain make this a great destination for BEST TIMES TO VISIT beginner and intermediate riders. April to November NOTE: August can be quite warm SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS RIDE OPTIONS Private transfer from Bari with bike set up and Leisure OPTIONAL EXTRAS full route briefing at the start of your tour Intermediate Alternative start/end location at Bilingual guides delivering superior service Bari Airport Challenge* Select accommodations with breakfast Cooking classes Epic On-call roadside assistance Private wine tours * There is limited riding for Luggage moved between lodgings and optional Challenge riders - typically Sailing & motor yacht participant transfers along the routes combining two Intermediate excursions GPS units, maps, directions and guidebook rides. Customize your route Private transfer back to Bari at the end of your tour BIKES AVAILABLE DAY-BY-DAY FLOW Hybrid Day 1 Bari to Alberobello Road Day 2 Alberobello Loops eBike Day 3 Alberobello to Ostuni Premium Road Day 4 Ostuni Loops See Bike Choices page for bike Day 5 Ostuni to Monopoli rental rates Day 6 Monopoli to Bari

2  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ABOUT US WHY LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES

OUR SELF-GUIDED TOURS At the start of your self-guided tour, your guide transfers you from your hotel, sets up your bike, and gives you a full route briefing. They then take care of all the behind-the- scenes logistics while you guide yourself along the routes; riding at your own pace and choosing a route that best suits your ability. Our support vans are nearby should you require assistance and your guide is also available by phone.

Your GPS unit and cycling maps help you navigate while our best-in-class guidebooks tell you about the towns you will visit and the sights along your route. We also recommend places to eat and would be pleased to make reservations for you.

When customizing your itinerary, you select your accommodation, trip duration, when you travel, and what type of bike you ride. This customization, support and insight helps make our self-guided tours the most personalized and well-supported in the industry.

OUR GUIDES LifeCycle Adventures Typical Feature Self-Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours Our expert guides live in the areas in which you tour and have the passion and knowledge to deliver Dates & Duration Fully flexible Limited & fixed superior service and exceptional insight.

Accommodation From Budget to Luxury Set YOUR GUIDE TO PUGLIA

Routes From Leisure to Epic Some choice

Day 1 in person Ride Briefings None or limited Daily by phone

Van on call Ride Support None or limited Guide by phone

Lunches & Dinners Help with reservations On your own My name is Antonello and I will be leading the team taking care of you Pre- and Post-Tour Transfers Yes No during your tour.

I was born in Puglia but traveled widely as a professional cyclist. My passion now is to share the cuisine, PRIVATE TOUR SPECIALISTS SINCE 2004 landscapes, and culture of my home region with other travelers. My aim With our unique blend of customized itineraries and personal service we create perfect is to allow you to enjoy an authentic cycling vacations for those who want to explore on their own terms. From the moment experience of this beautiful region. you contact us until the end of your tour, you will find us responsive, attentive and totally focused on creating your perfect cycling vacation. I look forward to meeting you at the start of your tour. We donate 10% of our profits to cycling advocacy and reduce our carbon footprint using offsets while working towards making all our operations carbon neutral. Antonello Losito

3  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ABOUT US BOOK AND TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE

MORE FLEXIBILITY AND ENHANCED SAFETY IN A TIME OF COVID It is always our objective to make your booking and travel as easy and worry-free as possible. To that end, we have taken tours that were already well-suited to safe travel and added a number of new features to truly make this a great way to explore in these challenging times.

A Great Way to Vacation Book with Confidence Travel Safely

Our Self-Guided and Private In these times of uncertainty, Our health-screened guides are Guided tours have always been we have improved our already available throughout your tour perfect for those wanting to get generous cancellation policy. and will wear masks and take off the beaten track and avoid distancing precautions. the crowds. Cancel penalty-free until March 1, 2021 for any tour starting Overnight accommodations Our tours have never mixed after April 30. After March 1, have been screened to help strangers together and have 2021, you have the choice of a ensure they follow distancing always been limited to just your refund or a credit for a future protocols and sanitize rooms group. All transportation is tour.* between guests. private – for just you and your travel companions. If you are unable to travel due Our equipment, from bikes to to travel restrictions, you can vans, are sanitized before and You are in control: stop as much choose to postpone your tour after serving guests. or as little as you like, eat where for up to two years.* you choose, and only visit the sights you want.

* - See the Terms and Conditions at the end of this itinerary for details of our cancellation policy.

4  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1

Bari to Alberobello RIDE OPTIONS The Intermediate ride starts with a van transfer to Leisure Castellana Grotte; a town famous for its spectacular 10 miles limestone caves. Your route starts out over rolling Nothing quite prepares 500 feet of climbing farmland with vibrant green fields in spring and you for the bizarre golden wheat fields in the summer. The network Intermediate of tiny byways, bordered with drystone walls, makes wonder of the Zona di 20 miles this ideal cycling territory for those who like to 1,000 feet of climbing explore at a gentle pace. Trulli in Alberobello Challenge With a mid-morning start you will easily reach 40 miles Noci for lunch. Noci is an attractive and relatively 1,950 feet of climbing undiscovered town. The small, historical center is a maze of winding cobbled streets and small courtyards. Noci is also famous for its mozzarella OVERNIGHT TOWN and there are several good cheese shops in the town. From Noci, it is back onto the small lanes for Alberobello a gentle ride on to your overnight destination of The Zona di Trulli is a UNESCO Alberobello. World Heritage Site at the heart of this pretty provincial town. The The Leisure ride starts in Noci and then follows the zone is a dense mass of hundreds intermediate route described above. of beehive-shaped cottages built from flat stones without mortar. The starts at the coast in Polignano a Challenge This is an exceptional example of a Mare. This adds 10 miles and some extra climbing. building technique that has survived from prehistoric times.

DAY 2

Alberobello Loops RIDE OPTIONS You could spend several contented days in and Leisure around Alberobello and its UNESCO World Heritage Locorotondo is a 15 miles Site. The surrounding countryside is also full of 600 feet of climbing fascinating villages and sites. There are two good sparkling hilltop city intermediate rides. bedecked with red Intermediate 20 miles / 950 feet of climbing The first Intermediate ride heads to the geraniums set against 35 miles / 2,300 feet of climbing spectacular towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca. Locorotondo is a sparkling white city on a hill. whitewashed walls Challenge The old town is bedecked with blood-red geraniums 55 miles set against the whitewashed walls. Martina Franca 3,250 feet of climbing makes a great lunch stop – it is famous for its local cuisine and has impressive Baroque architecture. OVERNIGHT TOWN The Leisure ride follows the above route but loops back from Locorotondo. Alberobello The Zona di Trulli is a UNESCO The ride heads east to second Intermediate World Heritage Site at the heart Savelletri on the coast. This charming fishing of this pretty provincial town. The hamlet has a couple of great seafood restaurants zone is a dense mass of hundreds clustered around the small harbor. The coast here of beehive-shaped cottages built is spectacular with rocky cliffs and small coves. from flat stones without mortar. This is an exceptional example of a The Challenge ride combines the two intermediate routes. building technique that has survived from prehistoric times.

5  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 3

Alberobello to Ostuni RIDE OPTIONS Today you leave the fanciful world of Trulli and head Leisure to the gleaming white city of Ostuni. In Cisternino eat fornello 10 miles 650 feet of climbing The Intermediate route meanders past centuries- pronti – meat grilled by old olive trees to the slow-paced city of Cisternino Intermediate – designated borghi più belli (one of Italy’s most butchers that you eat at 25 miles beautiful towns). The town is also famous for its 1,000 feet of climbing fornello pronti – meat grilled by butchers that you a table in their store eat at a table right in their store. Very tasty and Challenge perfect for a picnic lunch. 45 miles 2,100 feet of climbing After lunch you enjoy an easy ten-mile ride to Ostuni across craggy limestone terrain with expansive views down to the Adriatic. For many, the arid, Mediterranean terrain and whitewashed villages are OVERNIGHT TOWN as reminiscent of Greece as they are of Italy. Ostun Ostuni is one of the most stunning riders will take a van transfer to start their Leisure cities in southern Italy. The city ride in Cisternino. gleams on its hilltop as you approach it. Inside, the streets criss- Challenge riders will add on a loop ride down to Ceglie Messapica after arriving in Ostuni. cross on multiple levels all linked together by staircases and cobbled alleyways. At every other turn, there are spectacular views down to the sparkling Adriatic.

DAY 4

Ostuni Loops RIDE OPTIONS Ostuni has enough to entertain for several days Leisure and the old section of the city rewards those who Torre Guaceto is one 15 miles wander without purpose. There are also several 660 feet of climbing good bike rides into the hinterland. of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Intermediate The first Intermediate ride is to the Torre Guaceto 30 miles / 1,200 feet of climbing nature reserve: one of the most beautiful stretches Puglia with sandy bays 20 miles / 1,100 feet of climbing of coast in Puglia with sandy bays and clear water. The nearby town of Torre Santa Sabina has a couple and clear water Challenge of good seafood restaurants overlooking the small 50 miles harbor. The route is via a network of bike paths 2,300 feet of climbing that pass olive trees that are thought to be over two thousand years old. The Leisure ride follows this route but turns around at the walled city of OVERNIGHT TOWN Carovigno before the coast. Ostun The second Intermediate ride is inland to Ceglie Ostuni is one of the most stunning Messapica. The city dates back to Messapian times cities in southern Italy. The city (500 BCE) but most of the visible buildings are gleams on its hilltop as you “merely” 14th century. The sleepy city is a fine lunch approach it. Inside, the streets criss- stop with pleasant piazzas, Baroque balconies and a cross on multiple levels all linked medieval castle. Ceglie Messapica is also something together by staircases and cobbled of a gastronomic capital in the region with a alleyways. At every other turn, there surprising number of excellent restaurants. are spectacular views down to the sparkling Adriatic. The Challenge ride combines the coastal and the inland routes. 6  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 5

Ostuni to Monopoli RIDE OPTIONS Today you head up the Adriatic coast to the ancient Leisure port-city of Monopoli. Ride past small sandy 10 miles The Intermediate ride starts with a gentle 10- beaches and rocky coves 310 feet of climbing mile descent to the Dune Costiere National Park: - just yards from the Intermediate an unspoiled stretch of sand dunes and beaches. 25 miles From here, you ride up the coast alongside a series emerald waters of the 350 feet of climbing of small sandy beaches and rocky coves. In several places you are riding just yards from the emerald Adriatic Challenge waters of the Adriatic. 50 miles 1,200 feet of climbing You pass through small fishing villages with great seafood restaurants: notably Savelletri and Capitolo. Shortly before Monopoli, you reach the Greco-Roman ruins of Egnazia – perhaps the most OVERNIGHT TOWN important archaeological site in Puglia. Monopoli Monopoli is a charming walled riders will take a van transfer to Torre Leisure port city. The old town is a maze of Canne on the coast and join the Intermediate ride alleyways and there is an interesting there. cathedral which dates back to the 12th century. Challenge riders will do a loop ride via Conversano and Polignano after arriving in Monopoli.

DAY 6

Monopoli to Bari - Last Day RIDE OPTIONS There are a couple of choices today – depending Leisure on how much time you have. Either have a relaxing Polignano is a 5 miles day in town or ride north up the coast to Polignano. medieval city perched 200 feet of climbing Today’s Intermediate ride takes you north up the precipitously on Intermediate coast to Polignano a Mare – via the inland town of 25 miles Conversano. Conversano is off the beaten track limestone cliffs 960 feet of climbing – which is part of its charm along with rambling alleyway and sunbaked piazzas – a perfect place overlooking the Adriatic for a late-morning cappuccino. From Conversano you descend to Polignano on the coast. Polignano is a small port with a whitewashed medieval center perched precipitously on the edge of limestone cliffs. There are several good restaurants on the OVERNIGHT TOWN edge of these cliffs overlooking the sea. This isa great place to enjoy lunch before being met by your None guide for the transfer back to Bari. As this is the last day of your tour, there is no overnight The Leisure ride heads directly up the coast to accommodation unless explicitly Polignano. requested on booking. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed morning in Monopoli exploring the narrow streets and small harbor before being met back at your hotel by your guide for your transfer back to Bari.

7  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ACCOMMODATION LUXURY

Alberobello: Le Alcove In the heart of the old town, this is a charming luxury resort set among the trulli of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Each room is unique and many of them are in the beautifully-renovated 16th century building. Breakfast is served in a tranquil courtyard. A peaceful retreat yet walking distance to all the main sites and restaurants. ACCOMMODATION NOTES Properties in our Luxury category Ostuni: are some of the nicest full-service hotels in the area. They typically Relais La Sommità include spa facilities and a good This exclusive refuge is discreetly hidden away in restaurant. the highest part of Ostuni. The hotel comprises 15 See page 2 for prices. suites and rooms which ooze discreet luxury. The property’s terraces have outstanding views across ancient olive groves down to the sparkling waters of Mix & Match the Adriatic. Their restaurant, Cielo, is the only one in Ostuni with a Michelin Star. You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices. Monopoli: Don Ferrante Dimore di Charme Tips & Notes This small, luxury hotel with modern facilities is located in a refurbished 16th-century castle The Don Ferrante hotel provides overlooking the Adriatic. The comfortable rooms a free shuttle to Lido Sabbiadoro: have vaulted ceilings and limestone floors. A a private beach 7 KM south of terrace overlooks the sea and an outdoor pool. The Monopoli. There is a charge at the property is in the heart of the old town so all the beach of €40/couple. sites and restaurants are easy to walk to.

8  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ACCOMMODATION CLASSIC

Alberobello: Tipico Resort in Trulli The guestrooms of this resort are in trulli buildings scattered around the center of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Tastefully converted, rooms are several trulli connected via large open arches. Furnishings are simple but tasteful, walls are exposed stone or whitewashed. Many rooms have separate sitting areas. ACCOMMODATION NOTES Properties in the Classic category Ostuni: are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal Hotel Monte Sarago service sometimes including wine A newly built hotel located just outside of the tasting or evening hors d’oeuvres. historic old town on a ridge. The rooms are clean, See page 2 for prices. bright and spacious. The hotel also has a pool along with a terrace with fantastic views of the old town. The hotel is a one-kilometer walk from the center Mix & Match of the old town. You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices. Monopoli: Palazzo Indelli Tips & Notes This chic, newly refurbished hotel is housed in a converted palace at the corner of a bustling piazza in The Palazzo Indelli hotel can the heart of the city. Rooms are tastefully decorated sometimes impose a 3-night with polished wood floors and high ceilings. Rooms minimum in high-summer that at the front of the hotel have balconies overlooking requires guests to choose a hotel in the square – great for atmosphere but can be noisy. another category.

9  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] ACCOMMODATION BUDGET

Alberobello: Hotel Silva An unpretentious, family-run hotel towards the edge of this small town. The owners are very friendly and helpful and well-informed about the area. This is not a luxurious hotel but clean, simple and modern. Similarly, breakfast is nice but basic. It is a 10-minute walk to the center of town. ACCOMMODATION NOTES Properties in our Budget category Ostuni: are typically simpler B&Bs and more modest inns or hotels. However, all i 7 Archi Guest House the properties are well-kept with en A series of small apartments clustered into the old suite facilities. town. The rooms are basic, clean and characterful See page 2 for prices. but not luxurious. Some have their own terraces, and many have views over the rooftops. There is no formal reception area, rather you are met at the Mix & Match property by the friendly owners at a prearranged time. Breakfast is delivered to your room. You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices. Monopoli: Casa Cimino Tips & Notes This family-run B&B is in an old fisherman’s house in the center of the old town close to all the main restaurants and sites. Rooms are clean and simple with tiled floors and private bathrooms. The property has a shaded roof terrace with views across rooftops to the Adriatic. Note there is sometimes a 3-night minimum that precludes the use of this hotel.

10  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] BIKES BIKE CHOICES

HYBRID BIKE Hybrid bikes are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. They have a relaxed riding position and are great for beginners and intermediate riders. A typical model is the Bianchi Camaleonte with Shimano components and high-pressure road tires for better cycling efficiency than your typical hybrid.

ROAD BIKE Our road bikes are a racing style bike with drop handlebars. The road bikes are faster bikes than the hybrids with a less upright riding position and will be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced riders. A typical model is the Bianchi Nirone 7 with aluminum frame, carbon forks, and Shimano 105 components. BIKE RENTAL RATES Bike Per Day Per Week Hybrid $30 $180 Hybrid eBIKE Our Hybrid eBikes are designed to give you a Road $45 $270 little extra assistance when climbing hills. The ride eBike $55 $330 position is very similar to our hybrids. We typically rent Scott Silence eRide bikes equipped with Bosch motors. If one rider in a couple is stronger than the other, an eBike can be a great choice for the less- OPTIONAL EXTRAS strong rider. Receiving & Assembly $100 per bike charge to receive bike from shipper, assemble the bike and repack it and deliver it to a shipper YOUR BIKE at the end of the tour. If you have a favorite bike, we can help you get it to Bike Boxes $100 your destination as well as set it up once it is there. a per box charge for the extra Please ask about options for bike shipping and logistics needed to handle bike assembly. boxes during a tour. Note: this fee can be avoided if you leave your box with your start/end hotel. Tandem Bike $100 a per bike fee for the extra logistics to handle a tandem bike that is brought by a guest.

11  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS SERVICES & OPTIONS

THE TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: Private transfer from/to downtown Bari or Bari Railway Station.

Bike set up and detailed map briefing at the start of your tour.

GPS units, cycling maps, and a custom guidebook; one set per couple.

Guide available by phone from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On-call roadside assistance available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues.

Luggage transported between lodgings and wine collection service.

Transfers along all or part of the route to coincide with luggage moves – to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance.

Snacks and ride food.

Concierge service for activity and meal reservations. Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning NOTES: (unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier). Prices quoted are per person but assume there are two people sharing a room. We book standard rooms with one bed unless an upgrade is requested and then extra charges may apply. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

THE TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Lunches and dinners though we are pleased to make reservations for you.

An on-bike guide.

Transfers to sites to which it is not practical to ride. We are pleased to arrange for such transfers for a fee.

Activities such as wine tours, cooking classes, and spa treatments - though we are pleased to make suggestions and reservations on your behalf.

12  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS SERVICES & OPTIONS

OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Transfers from/to Bari Airport Typically, we collect guests from their hotel in downtown Bari or Bari Railway Station. There is a $100 charge per couple, per transfer for pick-ups or drop-offs at Bari Airport. These transfer are only available on the first and last days of the tour.

Cooking Classes The best overnight town for a cooking class is Ostuni. Courses start from $100 per person. Please ask for more details.

Private Wine Tours Please ask for details if you are interested in arranging any private wine tours.

Sailing and Motor Yacht Excursions For those staying in Monopoli, you have the chance to get out on the water on either a catamaran or a motor yacht. Excursions can either be shared or private and typically explore the intricate coastline with time for aperitifs, hor d’oeuvres and swimming. Prices start at $55 pp for shared tours and $600 for private tours. Please ask for more details. NOTES: Route Customization If you would prefer alternative routing – staying in different overnight towns or with more or fewer loop days – we would be pleased to customize this itinerary.

13  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected] THE AREA ABOUT PUGLIA

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR Guests typically stay in Bari before and/or after their trip. We have had good feedback for the following hotels and B&Bs:

Bari Hotels Grande Albergo delle Nazioni https://www.ih-hotels.com/en/our-hotels/ih-hotels-bari-grande-albergo-delle-nazioni.html

Palace Hotel http://www.palacehotelbari.com/en/

Hotel Oriente http://www.orientehotelbari.com/

CLIMATE The Southern-Mediterranean climate means that it is possible to ride in Puglia throughout the year. However, the best months to visit are April through mid-July and September through to the end of October, when the temperatures are pleasantly warm and the risk of rainfall lower.

For some, August is a little too warm though there is usually a cooling sea breeze. Early spring and late fall are also great times to ride as there are few other tourists but you do need to be prepared for some rain. Winter temperatures are similar to those in San Francisco.

The charts to the right show the monthly average temperatures (in Fahrenheit) and rainfall (in inches) for Ostuni.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATION Bari has a medium-sized airport with flights to many European cities including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Rome. There are no direct flights from the U.S. If we are not collecting you at the airport, the easiest way to get into Bari from the airport is by taxi.

Bari also has a railway station (Bari Centrale) with direct services to and from Rome. The fast trains (Frecciargento) take about four hours..

14  415.366.3806  lifecycleadventures.com & [email protected]