Self-guided bike tour in Salento

7-night tour itinerary. The 5-night tour excludes days 4 and 6. Day One: Arrival in Lecce and check-in. Day Two: Lecce - Gallipoli Head out of Lecce and on to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast, passing through vineyards, olive groves and small villages on the way. Just before you reach the coastal road you can stop off at the beatiful Porto Selvaggio (leaving your bikes at the top of the hill and walking down). A lovely, unspoilt spot for a dip in the sea, though not ideal for sunbathing. There are small sandy beaches to stop off at before you reach Gallipoli. Here you can go for a wander through the warren-like lanes of the old town, where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets along with your aperitivo. Overnight in Gallipoli Distance: 50km Day Three: Gallipoli – Leuca Take the coastal road south and maybe stop off at one of the golden sandy beaches at Baia Verde or Pescoluso before heading on to Punta Ristola to enjoy the views over Leuca at the very tip of the peninsula. Leuca itself doesn't have an old town, but has a number of beautiful villas built in the mid 1800s in all kinds of weird and wonderful styles. Overnight in Leuca Distance: 50km Day Four: Leuca – Vignacastri Today is the prettiest, and the most hilly, part of the route. There are lots of opportunities to stop off on the way, including the tiny cove at Ciolo just outside Leuca with its emerald green waters and caves, a coffee or lunch stop at the pretty village of Castro (uphill pedalling required) on the coast, before heading slightly inland to Vignacastri, where you will stop for the night. Overnight in Vignacastri Distance: 30km Day Five: Loop around Vignacastrisi A day around Vignacastrisi, which has a strategic position to reach postcard places. You can explore magical places such as the Megalithic Park near the village of Giurdignano, that preserves an evocative atmosphere of rituals and legends, myths and pagan cults related to the peoples who over the millennia have inhabited and traversed these lands. Before returning to Vignacastrisi, you can decide to visit the a beautiful botanical garden, born from a man's love for travel and... succulents! Or you can choose whether to take a nice walk towards the town of Castro Marina, to visit the historic center with the beautiful castle, relax by the sea or visit the Zinzulusa cave. Overnight in Vignacastrisi. Distance: 35km Day 6: Vignacastrisi - Otranto From Vignacastrisi you will reconnect with one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Salento, which fascinates with its views of the sea, nature and the typical dry stone buildings of this area. Enjoy the rocky bays to relax, take a swim or taste some typical specialties in the bars and restaurants you find. Stops at the Palascìa lighthouse and bauxite lake recommended. Overnight in Otranto. Distance: 25km Day Seven: Otranto – Lecce Head north along the Adriatic coast stopping off wherever you like for your last bit of beach time (like the large bay at Torre dell'Orso) then inland through the Le Cesine Natural Park and the village of Acaya before arriving back in Lecce. Overnight in Lecce and end of tour Distance: 55km Please note that the itinerary could undergo some changes before or during the tour depending on weather conditions and other factors. Luggage transfers: Luggage needs to be left at reception by 9am and will be dropped off at your next hotel by 5pm at the latest.