Down to Puglia
14 - 25 April 2012
On this 10 riding day
tour we explore the south of Italy along a less beaten path to Puglia. Our
first few days are similar to what you enjoy on the Down to Sicily trip
with a few exceptions on day one in reaching Sperlonga.
We reach the Amalfi
coast on day 2 with the opportunity of visiting the archaeological
site of Pompei or the the Grand Royal Palace of Caserta, the
Versailles of the South. We then enjoy a full day riding around the Amalfi
coast, having made our base in Amalfi itself. Positano, Ravello, Punta
Campanella and Faito will be our ports of call in our leisurely ride with
spectacular views and fine twisty roads.
Once we leave the Amalfi
coast and after a short visit to ancient Greek Paestum, we head
inland and reach Matera for our second double night stopover in the
Sassi ancient part of town. Our loop ride out of Matera will take
us on a very interesting ride around Basilicata, to the Small Dolomites
of the South.
On day 6 we head for Lecce
capital of the Salento region. Before reaching Lecce we visit Unesco
heritage site Alberobello, famous for its coned shaped roof
dwellings. The Salento region is the heel of Italy, the final bit of land
of Italy towards the East, the divide between Ionian and Adriatic sea. We
also stay right in the centre of Lecce for two nights. It's a good rest
day, as Lecce does have quite significant sites to visit and excellent
shopping. For those wishing to ride our destinations are Gallipoli,
Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto.
On day 8 we start our
ride back to the north as we head for the Murge regional park with a visit
to the remarkable octagonal castle, Castel del Monte, before we stay
the night in Trani right by the Cathedral on the sea, a wonderful Gothic limestone building
built by the water.
From Trani we keep
heading north along the Adriatic coast line and ride to the spur of Italy,
the Gargano peninsula. The roads are very twisty and the coastline
dramatic. We also venture through the magnificent woodlands of the Foresta
Umbra before reaching Termoli in Molise.
Our last riding day will
see us leaving the Adriatic to ride the inner roads of Molise to reach the
Abbey of Montecassino. We shall then make return to Rome via parts
of Ciociaria
click to enlarge
