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Cycling Route of the Apulian Aqueduct
The Cycling Route of the Apulian Aqueduct is a 9-day, 8-night self-guided gravel tour that crosses Puglia from Barletta on the Adriatic to Santa Maria di Leuca at the region's southern tip, a 460 km journey of moderate difficulty overall along the line of the Ciclovia dell'Acquedotto Pugliese. You ride through Canosa, Venosa in Basilicata, Castel del Monte and the Alta Murgia National Park, the trulli of Alberobello and the Itria Valley, Grottaglie, Manduria and baroque Nardò. The aqueduct was built to bring water to a land with almost no rivers, and where the route follows its service roads you ride on quiet gravel, far from traffic.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Barletta
Arrive at your own pace in Barletta, the elegant Adriatic town remembered for the Challenge of Barletta between Italian and French knights. Its castle seems to rise from the water, while the cathedral and Palazzo Marra frame Piazza del Duomo; the town also holds a fine collection of Impressionist paintings. Overnight in Barletta.
- Day 2
Barletta – Venosa
70 km · +850 m
After the bike handover and briefing you head inland through Canosa di Puglia, with its mausoleums, cathedral and Swabian castle. A steady climb brings you to the gentle hills of Venosa in Basilicata, hometown of the Roman poet Horace, whose archaeological park, catacombs and unfinished abbey church, the Incompiuta, are well worth a visit. Overnight in Venosa.
- Day 3
Venosa – Castel del Monte
65 km · +750 m
Near Venosa you meet the first traces of the Apulian Aqueduct. Through Palazzo San Gervasio and Spinazzola you ride back into Puglia and finish below one of its great symbols: Castel del Monte, Frederick II's octagonal castle, a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Overnight in the Castel del Monte area.
- Day 4
Castel del Monte – Cassano delle Murge
58 km · +400 m
Today you cross the Alta Murgia National Park, an open landscape of woods, pastures, fields and dry-stone walls, far from traffic. The stage ends in Cassano delle Murge, on the edge of the plateau. Overnight in Cassano delle Murge.
- Day 5
Cassano delle Murge – Alberobello
60 km · +400 m
Between farms and fields you ride through Gioia del Colle, known for its Primitivo wine, and Noci, before reaching Alberobello, the capital of the trulli. Its cone-roofed stone houses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Alberobello.
- Day 6
Alberobello – Grottaglie
55 km · +350 m
Leaving Alberobello, you cross some picturesque aqueduct bridges before reaching Locorotondo, the white village built in a circle. You then ride through the heart of the Itria Valley to Grottaglie, famous for the finest ceramics in Puglia and dotted with small artisan workshops. Overnight in Grottaglie.
- Day 7
Grottaglie – Nardò
Grottaglie – Manduria (stage split in two) 30 kmManduria – Nardò (stage split in two) 50 km
The longest leg of the route is easy and mostly flat. It takes you into Salento through San Marzano and Manduria, home of Primitivo wine and its Museum of the Civilisation of Primitivo Wine, to the baroque town of Nardò. If 80 km feels too long, the stage can be split in two: Grottaglie – Manduria (30 km) and Manduria – Nardò (50 km). Overnight in Nardò.
- Day 8
Nardò – Santa Maria di Leuca
72 km · +470 m
The final stage passes typical Salento villages such as Ruffano and Montesardo on its way to the Cape of Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Puglia. This is where the Apulian Aqueduct ends, in a monumental cascade above the sea, below the lighthouse and the sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. Overnight in Santa Maria di Leuca.
- Day 9
Santa Maria di Leuca
After breakfast your tour comes to an end. Arrivederci Puglia!
Tour details
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Tour type
- Self-guided gravel tour, with navigation app
- Area
- Puglia and Basilicata
- Distance
- 460 km
- Level
- Moderate
- Departures
- Daily
- Participants
- Minimum 2
- Accommodation
- 8 nights in B&Bs or 3* hotels (Economy category) or in 4*/5* hotels (Deluxe category).
- Meals
- Breakfast every day. Lunches and dinners are not included.
- Bikes
- Gravel bike, E-bike
Prices and services
Prices per person in a double room
| Category | Low season | Mid season | High season |
|---|---|---|---|
| EconomyB&B / 3* hotel | € 1,200 | € 1,425 | € 1,675 |
| Deluxe4*/5* hotel | € 1,675 | € 2,125 | € 2,575 |
Seasons
| Season | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Low season | 7 Jan – 31 Mar · 7 Apr – 31 May · 21 Sep – 21 Dec | 7 Jan – 21 Mar · 5 Apr – 18 Apr · 3 May – 31 May · 21 Sep – 21 Dec |
| Mid season | 1 Jun – 13 Jul · 25 Aug – 20 Sep | 22 Mar – 4 Apr · 19 Apr – 2 May · 1 Jun – 12 Jul · 25 Aug – 20 Sep |
| High season | 28 Mar – 6 Apr · 14 Jul – 24 Aug · 22 Dec – 6 Jan | 13 Jul – 24 Aug · 22 Dec – 6 Jan |
Included in the price
- 8 nights' accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Gravel bike rental
- Bike equipment: rear pannier and lock (helmet and water bottle on request*)
- Repair kit: spare inner tube, pump, tyre lever
- Luggage transfers from one accommodation to the next
- Access to our navigation app with preloaded GPS tracks, roadbook and practical and tourist information
- Telephone assistance
- *Reduce waste: we encourage you to bring your own helmet and refillable water bottle. If you need them, just let us know in advance.
- Travel insurance (medical and luggage) – see the insurance information
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Airport transfers (available on request)
- Minivan support
- Tourist taxes
- Anything not listed under “What's included”
Supplements
| Single room | +30% on the base price |
| Single traveller (bookings for 1 participant only, to cover per-person logistics costs) | € 420 |
| August supplement (1–24 Aug), Economy | € 255 per person |
| August supplement (1–24 Aug), Deluxe | € 505 per person |
| E-bike rental | € 180 per bike |
Prices are per person in a double room and based on a minimum of 2 participants. Travelling solo? You are welcome: the single traveller supplement applies.
Bikes available for this tour
Gravel bike
E-bikeRoute map
Questions about this tour
How long is the tour and how much does it cost?
9 days and 8 nights, from €1,200 per person in the Economy category (B&Bs and 3* hotels, low season, double room). The Deluxe category with 4*/5* hotels starts at €1,675.
Where does the tour start and end, and how do I get there?
It starts in Barletta and ends in Santa Maria di Leuca, at the southern tip of Puglia. Bari airport is the most convenient for arrival and Brindisi airport for departure; airport transfers are not included but can be arranged on request.
How difficult is it and how many kilometres will I ride?
Moderate overall: 460 km in 7 riding days, 55 to 80 km a day, with the biggest climbs (+750 to +850 m) on the first two stages through Basilicata. The 80 km Grottaglie – Nardò stage is mostly flat and can be split in two.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn are ideal for long days in the saddle. In 2026 low season runs 7 Jan–31 Mar, 7 Apr–31 May and 21 Sep–21 Dec; from 1 to 24 August a supplement of €255 (Economy) or €505 (Deluxe) per person applies.
Which bikes are available? Can I ride an e-bike?
Yes. A gravel bike with aluminium frame, carbon fork, disc brakes, 28" wheels and rear rack is included; an e-bike is available for €180 and is recommended unless you ride regularly.
What is included in the price?
8 nights with breakfast, gravel bike with pannier, lock and repair kit, daily luggage transfers, our navigation app with GPS tracks and roadbook, luggage and medical insurance and telephone assistance.
