Southern Italy’s Puglia Bicycle Tour

Puglia, an emerging destination in southern Italy, is now being touted as the next Tuscany. This is an ancient world — its hills and small coastal towns are steeped in history. Located on the eastern coast, it’s a place deep in the heartland of Greek mythology, and Puglia does have a distinctly Greek feel, but its ruins also feature Gothic and Byzantine architecture, among others. What better way to explore this mysterious region of olive groves and emerald waters than by bicycle?

We love venturing off the beaten path to discover ancient footpaths and isolated villages, seeing the Italy Hannibal knew, and tasting truly authentic food. This is Puglia, and it awaits modern-day adventurers. You’ll cycle past castles both small and grand, and old stone trulli dwellings. You’ll swim in the Adriatic and Ionian seas and view the Strait of Otranto. You’ll sleep in ancient masserias — fortified country homes renovated into elegant inns — and explore cities with histories that stretch back thousands of years. With all that surrounds you, you might even feel that you’re in some bewitching fairy tale.