1. Ten (10) Day Self-Guided Trip 2012
This is a beautiful Southern Visions ten (10) day self-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
 Exceptional cycling routes that pass through fishing villages, country lanes, ancient olive groves
and vineyards, hidden coves, golden beaches, and the unparalleled Itria Valley
 A trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello with its ancient trulli houses
 Optional guided walking tours of Monopoli, Alberobello, and Lecce
 Insider look at the region’s hidden treasures
 All luggage transfers
2012 Flexible Trip Dates
 Guests may choose to start their trip any day from Monday to Saturday, during the months of
March, April, May, June, September, October and November 2012.
At the beginning of your trip, a Southern Visions team member will meet you at the Monopoli train
station at a predetermined time. You will find your representative holding a Southern Visions sign. (If
you choose, we can provide optional shuttles from and to the Bari or Brindisi airport or train station for
an additional fee – ask a Southern Visions/Active Cultures representative for details.) After we meet, we
will have a briefing, custom fit you to your bikes, and provide you with proprietary, exceptional maps
and route notes to help you navigate your way along the countryside and find special hidden gems to
stop, explore, and dine. (Guests are expected to make their own travel arrangements to Puglia. See the
end of this itinerary for recommendations on arriving to and departing from the area).
Prior to arrival we will send you a very a brief guide on the region of Puglia, which we suggest you
read thoroughly. Welcome to Puglia!

2. Day 1: Arrive in Monopoli
Cycling: Monopoli-Egnazia loop 35km/22mi (optional)
Lodging: Tenuta Chianchizza www.tenutachianchizza.it
You will be met at the Monopoli train station and led to your first hotel, Tenuta Chianchizza, for your
briefing. Your trip starts with a perfect, easy, flat, circular ride heading south from Monopoli, past
ancient olive groves and along the Adriatic coast to the archaeological site of Egnazia, once the location
of a Greco-Roman town dating as far back as the 4th century BC. Guests can choose to visit the local
museum and archaeological park or explore the nearby beach. We will make several suggestions on
stops along the route for dining and exploration. Have a great first day!!
Day 2
Cycling: Monopoli to Conversano 29km/18mi
Lodging: Hotel Corte Altavilla www.corte-altavilla.com
Today, you will embark on a charming route along stunning the Adriatic coastline from Monopoli to
Conversano. We will suggest a stop en route to visit the small but vibrant fishing village of Polignano a
Mare, idyllically perched on the side of the rocky limestone cliffs. Pay attention to your route notes, as
we will suggest a stop at one of the great gelato shops in the region, Il Supermago del Gelo – the Super
Magician of Ice! You will continue through the quaint, picturesque village of San Vito, with its multi-
coloured boats moored up in the tiny port, and finish your journey in the sleepy, beautiful little town of
Conversano, set amid a landscape of olive and cherry trees, with its rambling alleyways and sun-baked
piazza dominated by the Norman castle and Romanesque cathedral. Wow, what a day!!
Day 3
Cycling: Conversano to Alberobello 38km/24mi
Lodging: Trulli e Puglia www.trulliepuglia.com/en/index.htm
Today, you will leave Conversano and cycle towards the Valle d'Itria, or Itria Valley, and the old town of
Alberobello with its plethora of unique trulli houses, the most famous architectural symbol for which
this region is known. Pedal through rolling countryside savouring the sweet aroma of mint that grows by
the roadside and stop to enjoy the little towns of Putignano and Noci, with their characteristic
whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways. On arrival in Alberobello, you will meet local superstar
Mimmo, who will guide you to your own private trullo in the centre of town. Well done on today’s
activities!
Day 4
Cycling: Alberobello-Locorotondo-Martina Franca loop 49km/31mi (optional)
Lodging: Trulli e Puglia www.trulliepuglia.com/en/index.htm
Spend today roaming around the historic centre, navigating your way through narrow streets, browsing
in kitsch souvenir shops, and tasting local products or maybe visit the museo del territorio to discover
the history of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also suggest riding a circular route
(49km/31mi) deep into the Itria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo - nicknamed “città del vino” for its
excellent dry white spumante (sparkling) wine made from local Verdeca grapes. Here in Locorotondo,
meander the atmospheric alleyways bedecked with geraniums and citrus plants. Continue on to Martina
Franca – a must-see town for its marvellously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and

3. stunning palazzi; a jewel splendidly positioned on the hillside with wonderful panoramic views across
the Itria Valley.
Day 5
Cycling: Alberobello to Pezze di Greco 40km/25mi
Lodging: Masseria San Martino http://www.masseriasanmartino.com/index_ing.htm
Today, you will leave the lovely town of Alberobello and our friend Mimmo and cycle to Pezze di Greco,
pedalling down beautiful scenic country lanes lined with weathered stone walls. After progressing over
some rolling hills to the edge of the plateau, you will enjoy a long downhill run with panoramic views of
the Adriatic coastline and the lower fertile plains. This incredible descent will bring you down to Capitolo
and south along an ancient farming road, finishing through a patchwork of almond orchards, olive
groves, vineyards, and gloriously coloured fields of fresh tomatoes and peppers. Your home for the next
two nights will be the pastoral farmhouse Masseria San Martino, situated only 7 km from the sea with
natural food and old-time charm.
Day 6
Cycling: Pezze di Greco-Cisternino-Ostuni loop 68km/42mi (optional)
Lodging: Masseria San Martino http://www.masseriasanmartino.com/index_ing.htm
Today, you ride from the Masseria San Martino to Cisternino, one of the most lovely and chic hilltop
towns in Puglia. Here you will soak in sweeping views of the Itria Valley below and see firsthand why this
town is starting to gain some serious international repute. We will then ride past olive groves and rock-
strewn fields to the stunning “città bianca” or “white city” of Ostuni. Here you can enjoy a fabulous
lunch on your own while breathing in the clean air from the sea just 6km away. Then you will pedal back
down to Pezze di Greco and your lovely Masseria home.
Day 7
Cycling: Squinzano to Otranto 68km/42mi
Lodging: Relais Valle dell’Idro http://www.otrantohotel.com/hotel/en/home.html
Today you will catch the train to Squinzano and then cycle along the beautiful Salento coast to Otranto.
Along the way you can have a lovely local lunch in the picturesque castle town of Acaya. From there,
you will ride through numerous olive groves and nearly empty roads to reach the coast before pedaling
into one of the best jewels of all Puglia: Otranto. Here you will lodge in the gorgeous Relais Valle
dell’Idro. Thanks to its unique location, you will enjoy a panoramic view of all Otranto, including the sea
with its pristine beach, the old town centre, architectural beauties such as the Martyrs’ Cathedral and
the Byzantine Church of Saint Peter, and much more. There are numerous options for a lovely dinner as
well as one of Puglia’s best pizza joints right in the giant main piazza. Welcome to Otranto!
Day 8
Cycling: Otranto-Santa Maria de Leuca loop (optional) 55 or 110km/34 or 68mi
Lodging: Relais Valle dell’Idro http://www.otrantohotel.com/hotel/en/home.html
We have saved the best ride for last! You will pedal along the coast south and west of Otranto where
you will see the easternmost and southernmost points of Puglia both on the same day. You can also visit
the Castel di Salve winery on your way to the city of Santa Maria de Leuca, which appears gleaming
white as you approach from the sea and is known for its position as De Finibus Terrae (“the end of the

4. earth”). You can make today as relaxing or as challenging as you like, as your route notes cover a loop of
110km but also make it easy for you to turn around and head back at any time. Or you can cycle to Santa
Maria di Leuca and then catch a shuttle back (must be pre-arranged). And, of course, whatever option
you choose, it will be easy to find places to stop for food and sightseeing along the way!
Day 9
Cycling: Otranto to Lecce 37km/23mi
Lodging: Palazzo Rollo http://www.palazzorollo.it/palazzorollo/
Today, you will head down to the wonderful town of Lecce, choosing to be shuttled by Southern Visions
staff or, if you still have energy, take one final ride on your bike. If you opt to cycle to Lecce, known as
the Florence of the South, you will find the terrain is mostly flat, passing among endless olive orchards.
Your ride will lead you through the small enchanting villages of Borgagne, Melendugno, Castri’ di Lecce e
Lizzanello... all villages in which time seems to have stopped. So, be sure to stop and smell the olives .
Your final hotel destination, the Palazzo Rollo, is a charming bed and breakfast located in a 17 th century
palace in the heart of Lecce’s historic centre. This beautiful structure is just steps from some of Lecce’s
most amazing Baroque masterpieces. No matter how you choose to spend the day, be sure to stop for a
coffee and the amazing pastry known as Pasticciotto Leccese (filled with yummy custard cream). Take in
all that Lecce has to offer on this, the last day of your Pugliese cycling holiday!
Day 10
You will depart for your flight home or next destination. Your hotel is within walking distance of the
Lecce train station, where there are frequent trains that will lead to all points in Italy. The Southern
Visions team can also shuttle you back to Monopoli (upon request) or help you extend your stay in the
Puglia area. We are sure that your time in this region will have changed your life for the better, as it has
all of ours!
WHAT YOU GET!!!
 An outstanding adventure travel experience
 Peace of mind that you are with the most professional cycling company in Puglia
 9 nights lodging at 3- and 4-star hotels and Bed & Breakfast-style establishments
 9 breakfasts
 All luggage transfers
 Use of the finest and best-maintained bikes in Southern Italy
 Welcome drink and snack
 Thorough briefing and bike fitting
 Exceptional, detailed maps and route notes
 Local city maps and dining suggestions
$2319 per person based on double occupancy
$900 single supplement
Services available at additional cost
 Optional shuttles from/to Bari or Brindisi airport or train station
 Room upgrades

5.  Rental of prepaid local cellular phone
 Cooking classes (see details below)
 Alberobello walking tour and tasting with native guide
 Mozzarella making demonstration and tasting with local cheese artisan
Cooking Classes with Laura Giordano
Local chef and food expert Laura Giordano will pick you up from your hotel one morning
after breakfast and take you to a local market to select ingredients for your lunch. There
she will introduce you to local vendors and products. Your day could also include a visit to a
local bakery, an olive orchard for a grove walk and oil tasting, or a cheese factory for a fresh
mozzarella making demo & tasting!
Then, Laura will take you to the Southern Visions
cooking school, La Cucina at Gelso Bianco, or to
an authentic trullo house owned by our friend
Giacomino for your hands-on cooking adventure.
Have you ever dreamed of making your own
ricotta? What about fresh crudaiola sauce on
handmade orecchiette pasta? Laura can make it
happen! She will share secrets of local dishes as
you help her chop fresh tomatoes and choose
the perfect olives. Don’t forget to gather some
basil leaves from the onsite garden! After the
class, you will all enjoy a delicious lunch
together, and Laura will introduce you to some
of her favorite local wine.
Number of Participants Price per Person Total Price What’s Included
2 € 139 € 278 Chef Fee
4 € 99 € 396 Souvenir Spatula
6 € 79 € 474 Recipe Booklet
8 € 69 € 552 Food & Wine for Lunch
Arrival and Departure Logistics
After reviewing the following information, please inform us of your arrival and departure plans. Please
be sure to note these important contact numbers, in case you need assistance before, during, or after
your trip – Puglia: +39 340 264 4128 or +39 392 185 7704; USA +1 800 737 5760.

6. Flight arrangements
We recommend flying into Milan or Rome. You can catch a flight to Bari (airport code: BRI) or Brindisi
(airport code: BDS) from either city. Or, if you prefer to see the countryside and perhaps enjoy a pre-
tour stay in another Italian destination, you can make your way to Puglia by train. The trip from Rome
takes about 5 hours; from Florence, it’s about 7 ½ hours; from Milan, expect approximately 8 ½ hours of
travel.
Transportation between the Bari airport and train station
A taxi ride between the airport and train station takes 25-30 minutes and costs around €20. An
Autolinee Tempesta bus takes approximately 30 minutes and costs €4.15.
Booking Italian train travel
You can purchase Italian rail tickets from any train station in Italy. Many stations are equipped with
automatic ticket machines, from which you can purchase tickets and reservation coupons for travel
throughout Italy and for principal cross-border routes. The machines accept cash, credit card, or ATM
card with PIN. There are sometimes unpredicted system outages in the smaller stations, so we
recommend booking your entire journey in advance of your trip (see below) or at a major train station at
the start of your trip.
For more information on train travel in Italy, visit www.trenitalia.com. There you can purchase tickets
and make seat reservations with your credit card. There is also a great website called
www.raileurope.com where you can purchase individual rail tickets as well as rail passes. Another
option is to purchase tickets and make reservations through your own travel agent.
If you travel on one of Italy’s faster trains, such as Eurocity, Intercity, or Eurostar, you’ll be charged a
supplemental fare in addition to the regular ticket price. If you travel on one of these trains without a
supplemented ticket, you’ll be fined. Don’t panic, though; it is almost impossible not to get the proper
ticket nowadays, especially if you buy online or from a machine, where the supplement is automatically
included in the cost.
Intercity and Eurostar trains require a seat reservation. Reserving a seat is not mandatory on other
trains; however, you may want to pay the extra charge for a guaranteed seat, especially if you travel
during a peak period or local holiday. Otherwise, you risk having to stand for a part or all of your trip.
On Italy’s slower trains (Rapido, Espresso, Regionale, Inter Regionale, and Locale), reservations and
supplemental tickets are not necessary.
Boarding the train
The platform number will be listed at least 10 minutes prior to departure on the small TV screens and
larger schedule boards in the main station area. If you are traveling without a seat reservation, you will
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 time on the open ticket to prevent multiple uses). If
you forget to stamp your ticket before boarding, tell the on-board inspector immediately to avoid a
supplementary fee.

7. WHERE TO STAY BEFORE & AFTER YOUR TOUR
BARI
PALACE HOTEL HOTEL ADRIA
Via Francesco Lombardi 13 Via Zuppetta 10
70122 Bari 70121 Bari
Tel +39 080 521 6551 Tel +39 080 524 6699
www.palacehotelbari.it/eng/index.html www.adriahotelbari.com/english/hotel.php
GRAND HOTEL LEON D’ORO HOTEL BOSTON
Piazza Aldo Moro 4 Via Piccinni 155
70122 Bari 70122 Bari
Tel +39 080 523 5040 Tel +39 080 521 6633
www.grandhotelleondoro.it/e_index.php www.bostonbari.it/index.php?&lang=en
HOTEL VILLA ROMANAZZI
Via Giuseppe Capruzzi 326
70124 Bari
Tel +39 080 542 7400
www.villaromanazzi.com
MATERA
LA CASA DI LUCIO HOTEL RIDOLA
Via San Pietro Caveoso 66 Via Morelli 13
75100 Matera 75100 Matera
Tel +39 083 531 2798 Tel +39 083 531 8811
www.lacasadilucio.it/en/ www.hotelridolamatera.it/index.php?lang=en
HOTEL SANT’ANGELO ALBERGO DEL SEDILE
Piazza San Pietro Caveoso Recinto Sedile 4 (Piazza del Sedile)
75100 Matera 75100 Matera
Tel +39 083 531 4010 Tel +39 083 533 3436
www.hotelsantangelosassi.it/en/ www.albergodelsedile.it
LOCANDA DI SAN MARTINO HOTEL IN PIETRA
Via Fiorentini 71 Via San Giovanni Vecchio 22
75100 Matera 75100 Matera
Tel +39 083 525 6600 Tel +39 083 534 4040
www.locandadisanmartino.it/en/hotel/ www.hotelinpietra.it/page/home_e.php
ALBERGO ITALIA
Via Ridola 5
75100 Matera
Tel +39 083 533 3561
www.albergoitalia.com/eng/

8. LECCE
HOTEL PATRIA PALACE GRAND HOTEL TIZIANO
Piazzetta Riccardi Viale Porto d'Europa
73100 Lecce 73100 Lecce
Tel +39 083 224 5111 Tel +39 083 227 2111
www.patriapalacelecce.com/eng/index.htm www.grandhoteltiziano.it/index_en.asp
HOTEL DELLE PALME B&B PALAZZO ROLLO
Via Leuca 90 Via Vittorio Emanuele II 14
73100 Lecce 73100 Lecce
Tel +39 083 234 7171 Tel +39 083 230 7152
www.hoteldellepalmelecce.it www.palazzorollo.it/palazzorollo/