Make your way to your hotel in Lecce and the rest of the day is yours to explore this delightful old town with its baroque limestone buildings, charming piazzas and historic palazzi. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow winding streets, perhaps stopping off at one of the many pavement cafes or restaurants for sustenance before continuing your exploration. Sights to see include the 2nd century Roman amphitheater, the beautiful Piazza del Duomo with its 70m bell tower and the completely over-the-top baroque facade of the Basilica di Santa Croce.

Your first day’s ride leads you south along quiet, country lanes lined with gnarled old olive groves and ancient stone walls. This peaceful and enjoyable ride ends at the fortified port town of Gallipoli on the Ionian coast. The town occupies a strategic position and this has resulted in its long and bloody history. A visit to the impressive fortress will provide you with more details on its violent past. The narrow, winding streets of the old town have a Moorish feel to them and are the perfect place for an evening stroll.

Today you continue south along the Ionian coastline, the coast here is quite rugged but there are a few beaches along the way so it’s a good idea to have your swim things packed in your pannier today. After this lovely coastal ride you arrive in the small town of Santa Maria di Leuca. The town marks the point where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet and has that lovely end-of-the-earth, remoteness about it. This is probably why it has attracted quite an eccentric population many of whom live in the numerous, quirky but luxurious villas that abound here. You’ll spend the night in this pleasant little town

Bid the Ionian Sea farewell and say hello to the Adriatic as you head northwards along its rocky coastline. Today is all about superb sea-views, pretty coastal villages and quaint ports. The swim spots are not as frequent as on yesterday’s ride but they do exist so be sure to pack the swim stuff again. You could also stop off at the Zinzulusa Cave, a stunning Grotto with clear turquoise waters and/or the spa town of Santa Cesarea, known for its sulphurous mineral springs and mud therapy treatments. Otranto itself is an enchanting old town and the waterfront promenade is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal after the day’s activities.

Your last day of cycling takes you further along the coast past the Alimini Lakes to Torre dell’Orso – a great place for a swim. Here you can also visit the Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry) a natural swimming pool built into the rocks. A little further on the beach at Le Cesine is idyllic and well worth another quick stop. The route then leads you through the peaceful wetland bird reserve and then inland and back to the Baroque city of Lecce. Historically, Lecce was always the powerhouse of Puglia and this is evident in its opulent and ornate architecture. Perhaps celebrate your achievement with a nice meal in one of the town’s many restaurants.

After breakfast it is time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.