Salento is in the south-eastern most region of Italy lying in the so-called "heel of the boot"; Situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, this region is filled with memories of the different civilizations that inhabited it, from the Messapi, to the Greeks, followed by the Romans and then the Normans. Crossing Salento with a bicycle is like cycling through an open- air museum. Prehistoric Dolmen, Byzantine shrines hidden in the caves, Baroque cathedrals, secluded corners of the coast... are all but a few of the things you can see when visiting this area. Salento is also internationally renowned for its characteristic cuisine which combines flavors from the sea and the earth and the fantastic rhythm of its folk music: most notably the Pizzica Pizzica. Salento is a region that is almost completely flat, making the ride a pleasant journey for any level of rider. We will be cycling approximately 30 km a day (about 3 hours of leisurely cycling), mainly crossing secondary roads, with sea- breaks, guided visits and Italian lessons. "Salento bici tour" follows the philosophy of "slow-moving" to fully enjoy the surrounding landscape and culture with all its different aspects. GPS maps will guide you through the most suggestive and less busy roads, as if some of our expert guides you by hands.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN LECCE
Meeting in Lecce. Bicycle delivery, with GPS navigator. Briefing about the route.

DAY 2: FROM LECCE TO OTRANTO (DISTANCE 58 KM)
Flat route today, with many interesting cultural and naturalistic sights. first you will visit Acaya �\" a fortified city with a huge castle -and then you plunge down to "le Cesine" �\" a wwf protected area, crossing point for many species of migratory birds. from there we head towards the coast, along the ruins of Roca Vecchia �\" an ancient bronze age city �\" and ‘alimini' lakes. some more kilometers and you are in Otranto, where narrow streets reveal wonders at every corner: The Saint Peter church byzantine frescoes, a walk along the ramparts overlooking the sea and finally the cathedral with its paved mosaic, a sort of figurative middle age encyclopedia.

DAY 3: OTRANTO'S SURROUNDINGS (DISTANCE 29 KM)
Exploring Otranto's surroundings day. Riding along the little river "Idro" ("water"), which gave the name to the city, you arrive in Casamassela, where old looms are still being used in "LE COSTANTINE" foundation. After a guided tour, you move toward Giurdignano, crossing a Bronze age megalithic park containing huge stones ("Dolmen" and "Menhir"). In the late morning you'll enjoy a LOCAL FOOD TASTING in a family - owened bakery. Optional horse riding in the morning or in the afternoon.

DAY 4: OTRANTO �\" LEUCA COAST (DISTANCE 52 KM)
Today you cycle along the wildest Salento coastal stretch. You visit ‘PALACÌA' LIGHTHOUSE (eastern most point of Italy) and a little red lake surfaced in a disused bauxite quarry. Then you carry on riding along the coast: nestled among the cliffs above the sea, this road is a huge balcony that looks onto Otranto Strait. With a little bit of luck, you will able to see the mountains of Albania and Greece. You could visit ‘ZINZULUSA' CAVE, going down nearly 200 feet into the earth bowels. On the way we admire some terraces and dry walls, the ingenious devices of peasants to get arable land in barren and impervious areas. After crossing the bridge over the "ciolo" (a small and rich in rare flora canyon carved by the waters), you reach Santa Maria di Leuca where you visit the sanctuary, following the ancient pilgrims' footsteps.

DAY 5: FROM LEUCA TO GALLIPOLI (DISTANCE 61 KM)
Today you will discover Leuca Cape, the southern part of Apulia. After an astonishing defense tower situated in the centre of a small village - it is time to visit an ancient mill, dug into the rock, and then an enigmatic funerary monument made by big stones (its name "centopietre", means "hundred stones"), coming from Vereto, an ancient pre-romanic town situated nearby. Finally, you visit Leuca piccola (little Leuca), an important pilgrimage station which still maintains a vast underground area. Through olive groves and dry stone walls you ll reach Ugento, maybe to visit its archaeological museum. In the afternoon you'll reach again the ionic coast until the St. Andrew's island and PUNTA PIZZO" NATURAL PARK. In Gallipoli you could enjoy an aperitif on a terrace overlooking the sea. located on an island, this small fisherman village is striking by its light, its alleys and its fish market.

DAY 6: GALLIPOLI'S SURROUNDINGS (DISTANCE 60 KM)
This a day dedicated to discovering Gallipoli's inland. The first stop is Galatone, where you can see examples of Leccese baroque architecture. Next stop is in the town of Galatina, where we suggest to dedicate some times to visit the ‘Santa Caterina d'Alessandria Basilica', which is a splendid example of the Romanic style in Puglia with Gothic influence. On the way back, you pass by the cheese farm of our friends Mariangela and Antonio. You will pass through Alezio, where you can visit the Messapian Civilization Museum, and learn more about the people living here before the Greek and Roman conquests.

DAY 7: WAY BACK TO LECCE (DISTANCE 52 KM)
Last day of your trip. You'll pass by many 19th century fortified farmhouse and villas on our way back to lecce. you stop in nardò to visit its decadent baroque style historical center. next stop in copertino to discover its impressive norman castle and listen to stories about "the hopi of flights2 some km before Lecce a last stop at a handcraft traditional pottery, at the Martina brothers, skillful keepers of this ancient art. Late afternoon arrival in Lecce and bikes drop off.

DAY 8: ONWARD TRAVEL