Articles

THE BEST OF APULIA ON A VESPA

8 Days/7 Nights - Self-Guided

A week to discover Italy’s ’Heel of the Boot’, known for its ancient farmlands crisscrossed with stonewalls, small authentic villages, and hundreds of kilometres of coastline. Today Puglia maintains its own distinct and authentic identity, and an eclectic mix of cultures. In a land where the cuisine is all-important, Puglia's ‘cucina povera’ (peasant cooking) is legendary, featuring olive oil, grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, artichokes, peppers, mushrooms, olives, cheese, fresh seafood...and the wine is world renowned. Along the way there are ample opportunities for swim stops in the clear blue sea at secluded coves and lovely beaches. What better way to explore this peninsula than on a Vespa ...!!

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Lecce

Explore the Roman amphitheatre and wander the Old Town rich in Baroque art.

Day 2 Circuit ride (45 km)

The theme of today’s ride is the ancient pilgrims’ route towards the ports of Leuca and Otranto where they took passage on boats to the Holy Land. Visit a medieval settlement where monks once lived plus a traditional farmhouse where you can try some regional specialities and fresh produce from the farm.

Day 3 Lecce – Gallipoli (approx. 50km)

Travel to the Ionian coast to the beautiful town of Gallipoli. Stop enroute at Copertino to view its lovely castle and the magnificent Baroque piazza in Nardo. Admire the view of the bay and the tower at Porto Selvaggio. Ride past rocky and sandy beaches, small villages, and typical fish restaurants until you reach Gallipoli.

Day 4 Gallipoli – Salve (approx. 50km) + cooking class

Follow the coastline past Torre San Giovanni, a small harbour set between volcanic low cliffs and fine white sand. Take a swim stop in the wonderful rocky bay of San Gregorio, a natural harbour. Turn inland from here to reach Salve, a pretty village set in the countryside amidst olive groves and native Mediterranean scrub. This evening enjoy a cooking class and dinner in a beautiful historic building.

Day 5 Salve – Leuca – Otranto (approx.. 65km)

Ride to Leuca to join a boat trip to discover the many sea caves. Reaching Punta Ristola, you will be at the edge of the Salento peninsula where there is a wonderful view of the harbour of Leuca and Punta Melisso. From Leuca you ride a panoramic route overlooking the sea. See the Ciolo Canyon, then the small bay of Acquaviva, the beautiful village of Castro, the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea, always enjoying endless sky and sea. Arrive Otranto, a town rich in history and stories, having been a connection point between the western and the eastern world.

Day 6 Otranto (approx. 30km)

Explore the outskirts of Otranto: the Megalithic Park; mysterious outcropping rocks in the Massi della Vecchia; the Menhir of St.Paolo and La Cutura Botanical Garden. Once back in Otranto a ‘must visit’ is the Norman Cathedral, which preserves the largest and most complex paved Mosaic in southern Italy. This work contains so many ancient mysteries: you can see King Arthur, the Puss in Boots, the Calendar, the Board, the three-headed Dragon, and many others.

Day 7 Otranto – Lecce (approx.. 55km)

Ride between the two Alimini lakes to reach the coast. Continue up to Roca Vecchia, an important archaeological site, and then to the Natural WWF Park “Le Cesine”, the last piece of coastal marsh that once stretched up to Brindisi. Before arriving in Lecce, stop at Acaya, the most important Renaissance fortified town in southern Italy, built in defense of the city of Lecce and commissioned by Emperor Charles V.

Day 8 Lecce

Tour ends after breakfast. If you have not done so yet, visit the archaeological Museum Faggiano in the historic centre, a treasure discovered by chance in very recent times.

TERRAIN: . It is highly recommended all drivers have previous experience on a scooter or motorbike - If you have not ridden a scooter or motorbike before, then you should take some lessons, and practice before you do this trip.