Puglia Self-Guided Biking Duration: 6 Days/ 5 Nights Start: Boutique hotel Don Ferrante, Monopoli Finish: Brindisi Price From: $3,895 pp (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request your date for exact pricing. Designed by Christina Cain From her love of biking to her infectious energy to her travel experience world-wide, Christina Cain was practically made to be a B&R Trip Planner and guide. After living in Italy for more than 10 years and becoming an internationally certified sommelier, she shares our passion for both the country and its wine. With guiding experience across Italy, Slovenia, Greece, Myanmar, Croatia and Vietnam, Christina now calls the Canary Islands home. This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. All pricing in U.S. dollars. 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
Discover Puglia Olive groves, gorgeous whitewashed villages, charming locals, and luscious food and hospitality sampled against the stunning aquamarine Adriatic all play a part in this delightful trip through idyllic Puglia and its enchanting historic towns capturing the true magic of old Italy.The history, landscape and architecture reflect the myriad civilizations that were drawn to the region because of its influential port towns and position on the Adriatic; the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Normans and Spanish all left their mark here. Our routes feature sublime coastal roads, whitewashed towns, fortified farms, and distinctive stone trulli, while the culinary highlights include fresh seafood, local wine and olive oil. What s more, given its relative underdevelopment, Puglia offers some of the best and quietest biking we know. Day 1 Alberobello This morning you ll meet with B&R Local Host, Andrea, at the Don Ferrante boutique hotel in Monopoli for a briefing and to learn a bit about your bikes and the week ahead. After a quick transfer to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello you ll have a chance to check out the town center lined with whimsical trulli; idiosyncratic buildings that are undoubtedly the most distinctive feature of Puglia. Their exact origin is still a bit of a mystery; similar structures are found in many parts of the Mediterranean, from Cappadocia in Turkey to Provence, Greece, Egypt, Sicily and Sardinia. Your discovery continues on two wheels as you pedal through the countryside dotted with trulli, rolling landscapes of vineyards and surrounded by picturesque hilltop towns. Your ride rewards you with a sweeping downhill bringing you sea level where you continue on a flat route back to your hotel. Enjoy downtime this evening with a dip in the pool, exploring the town or relaxing on the terrace of your hotel prior to dining at the various recommended restaurants a short stroll from your hotel. Meals: N/A Activity: A 35 km (22 mi.) ride from hilltop town of Alberobello through 1,000-year-old olive groves and then seaside to your hotel. Day 2 Conversano & Polignano a Mare The next morning, a loop ride starting from your hotel in Monopoli, heads through the countryside to the hilltop town of Conversano then on to Polignano a Mare, a charming little hamlet perched on a limestone cliff along the Adriatic coast. The old town offers many options to stroll and enjoy a lunch
overlooking the azure sea before heading back to Monopoli. For avid riders, there is also a possibility to add some extra miles to your ride today before heading home. Meals: Breakfast Activity: A 46 km (28.6 mi.) loop ride on gently rolling terrain from your hotel through the countryside HOTEL Don Ferrante, Monopoli Don Ferrante is a boutique hotel centrally set in the heart of Monopoli s old town. Once an ancient fortress on the reef, now, an elegantly furnished retreat. The stunning view of the Mediterranean sea makes for a magical start to your day and perfect position to enjoy an aperitivo at sunset. Day 3 Ostuni & Otranto Today you have two options for a morning of biking: The first is a flat leisurely ride along the ancient via Traiana built in 109 AC. This ancient road was built to better connect Brindisi in order to facilitate trading with the Far East. The route brings you to the fascinating archeological site of Egnazia where you can stop in to visit the museum and park. Egnazia was the ancient city of the Messapii, and acted as their frontier town dating back to the Bronze Age. Take a stroll around the ruins and check out the museum to learn a bit about these fascinating people. The ride finishes with a short uphill climb to Ostuni. If you re keen for a more challenging option you can head across the Itria valley with rolling hills to nearby hilltop towns bringing you onward to Ostuni. Regardless of the route you choose, you will be rewarded with magical views of the white city. Its charm lies in the characteristic white walls of the houses in the old town with winding alleys adorned with lush plants and flowers hanging from brightly painted windows. All the houses in the historic centre are only painted using white lime paint. The entire old town is a collection of age-old buildings seemingly one built on top of the other crowned by the Ostuni Cathedral. After enjoying lunch at one of the many recommended restaurants as well as time for gelato, a one hour shuttle (Note: Transfer rendezvous at 3pm from Ostuni main square) will take you south to your next hotel located on the outskirts of Serrano, a sleepy little village in the heart of the Salento region. Weather permitting, dine on the hotel s outdoor terrace enjoying regional dishes with the creative touch of Chef Alessandro Pascali. Meals: Breakfast Activity: A 48 km (30 mi.) relatively flat ride finishing with a short climb or 57 km (36 mi.) ride on challenging rolling hills up to hilltops towns and on to Ostuni.
Otranto & the Adriatic Coast Loop Day 4 Today s ride will take you along the Adriatic Coast with many options to stop along the way at the quaint towns that once protected the natives from Turkish invasions. This is some of the most spectacular riding of the trip as exhilarating as bicycling can be. Stop for a swim in the crystal blue water, choose a scenic cliff-side grotto to explore and pause for lunch in one of the panoramic port towns along the route. Avid riders can take on the long option down to Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina. Your afternoon route ultimately loops you back to Furnirussi. This evening you might want to consider experiencing Otranto at night, walking along the port front and dining at one of our favourite seaside restaurants. A return taxi can be organized through the hotel leaving you to enjoy the evening at your own pace. Meals: Breakfast Activity: A 50 km (31 mi.) flat ride through sleepy villages to reach the coast, with a gently rolling section along the sea on the way to Otranto. Optional 20 km (12.5 mi) rolling ride south along the coast. HOTEL Furni Russi Resort, Otranto This newly opened estate is situated in the heart of the Grecìa Salentina and just a few km away from Otranto, the famous Porta d Oriente (Eastern Gate). Tranquilly set in the countryside the hotel is surrounded by a 20-hectar fig plantation with more than 4500 trees. Composed of 26 Jr Suites, it incorporates contemporary design with styles from around the Mediterranean. Day 5 Lecce This morning the last leg of riding will bring you through endless olive groves, natural reserves and sandy beaches along the Adriatic coast until reaching the thriving city of Lecce, the jewel in the crown of Spanish Baroque in Italy, and a city cultured enough to be nicknamed the Florence of the South. Once in Lecce, you ll have time to explore the old town and get a chance to sharpen your knowledge on Apulian wines with a local wine expert. Often considered a trip highlight, our friend Angela will give you the in on the difference between a Primitivo and Negroamaro through an informal yet informative wine stroll through Lecce s old town. Alongside the various wines you ll taste regional items including cheese, cured meat and sample olive oil.
Meals: Breakfast Activity: A 53 km (33 mi.) flat ride through olive groves with a stretch along the sea. HOTEL Manta te lu re, Lecce More of an exclusive boutique guest house than traditional hotel, Mantatelurè is both discreet and refined with beautifully appointed rooms and a relaxing interior courtyard to sip a glass of wine following a day of exploration. The property s location is just steps from Lecce s historic centre in an ideal position to reach artisan shops, vibrant cafes and restaurants plus Lecce s key points of interest. Day 6 Homeward Bound Based on your outbound flight time and onward travels we have organized a transfer to Brindisi airport. Arrivederci! Meals: Breakfast
The Details Price: US$4,295 per person based on two travellers US$3,895 per person based on four travellers US$3,695 per person based on six travellers Start: Finish: Best time to visit: Bari or Brindisi airport to hotel transfer 10:00 AM Guide rendezvous at Boutique Hotel Don Ferrante, Monopoli Brindisi airport April through October LEVEL OF ACTIVITY This trip is rated Recreational. Daily biking distances usually vary from 35 to 50km (19 to 31 mi.), with options on some days as far as 66 km (40 mi.). The terrain is generally flat, with a few hills along the way in the Ostuni area and along the coast. The difficulty of the ride often depends on which way the wind is blowing. WHAT S INCLUDED 5 nights hotel accommodation (Deluxe room category in first hotel; Junior Suites in middle and final property) All breakfasts Set up and support in case of emergency by local representative (know that a local representative is never more than an hour away) Use of B&R bicycle and helmet, water bottle, front bar bag, lock, repair kit with two extra tubes per person and one small pump Wine tasting event Detailed maps, route suggestions and personalized travelogue with information for independent sightseeng and dining Transfer to Alberobello on Day 1 Transfer to Serrano on Day 3 Group pick up from Bari/Brindisi airport and group drop off at Brindisi airport on last day All baggage transportation WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Optional taxi transfers to Otranto on Day 3 or 4 evenings) Optional transfers in case you wish to skip or shorten a ride Entrance fee or tour guide for Egnazia Items of a personal nature Gratuity for local guide Hotel Room upgrades
About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, back your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to www.butterfield.com/tripfinder/?ftt=private to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at 1-800- 387-1147. Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailormake a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price is finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Contact us at 1-800-387-1147 or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions, or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip.