A cycling tour through Puglia that combines the blue of the Adriatic Sea with the untamed charm of the Ionian Sea, passing through iconic villages and timeless countryside. We set off from Bari Vecchia, cycle along the coast to Polignano a Mare, visit the Castellana Caves, and traverse the fairytale-like Itria Valley among the typical trulli and dry-stone walls, until we reach Taranto, the city of the two seas. Just two departures, but during the best seasons, when Puglia offers mild temperatures, golden light, fewer crowds, and the intense scents of the countryside. It’s the ideal time for a cycling trip in the deep South, perfect for those who want to ride stress-free, at a relaxed pace, with full organizational support. The distances are manageable, and the pace is designed to savor every stop: this is a trip that prioritizes experience over performance, perfect for those who love discovering authentic places, meeting people, and experiencing beauty “on two wheels.”
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Program
First day
Bari Vecchia
The meeting place is in the heart of Bari, among the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, when the city is just waking up and the air smells of freshly baked bread and laundry hanging out to dry. Cycling through those streets is like stepping into the living room of a large family: chairs being dragged across the floor, laughter, and the voices of women transforming dough into culinary gold—orecchiette. This is Puglia, and its embrace is warm and welcoming!
Second day
From the Adriatic coast of Polignano to the Castellana Caves
We cycle between the Basilica of San Nicola and the courtyards, breathing inthe authentic atmosphere of the South and letting ourselves be guided by the glare of the white stone towards the sea. We leave the city following a stretch of the Via Francigena, with the Adriatic always by our side. The route is flat, ideal for warming up our legs. The arrival in Polignano a Mare is exciting: the cliffs overlooking Lama Monachile offer us one of the most iconic views in Puglia. It's the moment when you stop, take a deep breath, and understand why you set off. We leave the coast to enter the hinterland: here, the effort of the ups and downs is rewarded by the wonderful landscapes with centuries-old olive trees and dry stone walls. We visit the spectacular Castellana Caves: an underground journey among stalactites and monumental cavities. Overnight stay in the city.
Third day
In the heart of the Itria Valley
We continue towards the Itria Valley, the rural heart of the region. Here, cycling is the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the silence of the countryside, among farms and vineyards. We enter the fairytale landscape of the trulli by visiting Alberobello, a UNESCO site famous for the Rione Monti district. We cycle among conical roofs that seem to sprout from the red earth. We then reach Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where white is the dominant color. The whiteness of the houses is so dazzling that we close our eyes, but we immediately reopen them with a glass of wine (also white) in our hands, accompanied by some excellent traditional taralli. We continue our adventure in the countryside, where the sound of cicadas deafens us and celebrates summer. We are not just visiting Puglia, we feel it on our skin, we are breathing it in. In the afternoon, we arrive in Martina Franca, elegant and baroque, where we feel like lords among the noble palaces in front of the Basilica of San Martino.
Fourth day
Towards the Ionian Sea: arrival in Taranto
And then it arrives: the destination. The descent towards Taranto is liberating. You feel that the air is different, warmer, more enveloping; we are about to encounter another sea, the Ionian Sea. The entrance to Taranto is one of the most intense moments of the journey: when you cross the Ponte Girevole (Revolving Bridge ), you feel like you have accomplished an epic feat.
Taranto welcomes us with the power of its millennial history and a unique sunset over two seas that embrace each other. We can leave our bikes for a moment and visit the Aragonese Castle and the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA), which houses treasures from Magna Graecia, or listen to the true story of the Count of Monte Cristo. Our mission is accomplished, let's all celebrate together!
Fifth day
It's time to say goodbye. How many things we have loved: the smell of bread in the alleys of Bari, the intense blue of the Adriatic Sea, the underground wonders of Castellana, the silence of the Itria Valley among trulli and centuries-old olive trees, the glasses shared in the white villages. Now, facing the sparkling outline of the Ionian Sea, we feel that this journey has not only been a bike ride, but an experience made up of light, encounters, and small moments to cherish. We experienced the thrill of cycling in Puglia at a slow pace, respectful of the places as only cycling can teach. We carry in our hearts and legs much more than a few kilometers: we take home the memory of a true Jonas vacation.
accommodation in double rooms
bike transfer from Taranto to Bari station
breakfasts and one dinner
escort
medical and baggage insurance
luggage transport and support devicetravel, drinks, meals not mentioned, train ticket from Taranto to Bari, and anything not listed under "Includes."
Single supplement: on request.
B&Bs and 3-4 star hotels
Accommodation in Bari, Castellana Grotte, Martina Franca, Taranto
Bari is served by high-speed trains and numerous Intercity trains that connect it directly with Rome, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Naples, and other major Italian cities.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is connected to many Italian cities by direct flights. From the airport, you can reach the city center in about 20 minutes by metropolitan train, shuttle bus, or taxi.
Do you need more information?
The soundtrack to this Jonas experience
Listen on Spotify
You may also be interested in
Everyone experiences travel in their own way: whether riding a bike, sailing a boat, exploring on foot, or riding a horse.
