Your trip starts in the aesthetically pleasing town of Monopoli where whitewashed buildings are set above the crashing waves of the turquoise waters- the perfect welcome to the Puglia region. Once you are checked in you can make your way through narrow streets to the picture perfect old town where every doorway, shutter dressed window and whitewash building is waiting to be captured on film. Take time to enjoy a coffee in one of the quintessential cafes; take in the views from Castello de Carlo, standing proud above the harbour; or stretch your legs with a walk up Via Luigi Cadorna to take in the Il Bastione del Molino Ruins, which once protected the town from plundering pirates and the Spanish Armada.

In the evening, dine in one of the many restaurants offering warm hospitality and fresh local fare and enjoy sipping on one of the lovely local white wines as the sun goes down.

Your first ride of the week will take you on a gradual climb away from the vibrant blue of the Adriatic coast to the gently undulating valley of Itria. As you make your way through fragrant olive groves and farmlands framed by low stone walls, you will have plenty of time to pause and take in the typical Murgia landscape. You will soon arrive in the town of Castellana Grotte, home to an immense underground cave system (the biggest in Europe) where it is possible to undertake a tour of the vast karst caves- a real masterpiece of nature. Castellana Grotte also make for a great lunch stop before making your way on to the star of the day; Alberobello, the trulli capital of the world. Hopping off your bike you will have plenty of time to explore this magnificent UNESCO site with over 1000 trulli houses, known for their unique white wash stone structures and conical roofs. The advantage of spending the evening in Alberobello is that you can linger a little longer and enjoy the joy of the town after the day trippers have left, and staying in a trulli house yourself this evening you can get a real taste for life in these curious buildings.

Waking up in your own little trullo you can enjoy breakfast before hopping back on your bike to make your way through the excellent DOC wine and olive producing region with time to stop and enjoy the quaint villages along the way- and perhaps sample some local produce. As you make your way along your ride you will soon arrive in the charming town of Locorotondo, whose name directly translates to 'the round place' on account of the perfectly round design of its old town which form a perfect cap for the hill on which the town sits. Take time to meander through the old town, enjoy a coffee in the central piazza, and perhaps snack on the regions delicacy; Taralli. If you would prefer a little more active exploring then take a ride around the old protective walls for fantastic views over the quilt of vineyards and farmlands below. Your route next takes you to the equally charming town of Cisternino, a town famed for its barbequing butchers. This is great local tradition and makes for a delicious lunch, you simply make your dinner choice with the butcher, grab a seat outside, and the butcher will bring it to you when it's ready.

Your final goal to today is Ostuni, perched on top of a hill dominating the Adriatic with its strong defensive walls and imposing Archbishop's Palace. Checking in to your hotel, you will have time to explore the town, take in the magnificent views and feast on more fantastic local dishes in one of the restaurants.

Today's ride is one to pack your swimming costume in your pannier, with several lovely inviting swimming opportunities along your ride. Your day begins by taking the train further down Italy's heel to Lecce. You will have time to enjoy a morning coffee stop and purchase supplies to fuel your ride before heading out of town into the Salento region, otherwise known as Italy's heel, to arrive at the heavenly Gulf of Taranto. With the clear turquoise waters set against the white washed houses, you would be forgiven for confusing vistas of this part of Italy as somewhere on a Greek island. Making your way through tranquil countryside punctuated with large olive trees, fragrant coastal pine forests and sand dunes, you will soon approach the medieval fishing town of Gallipoli, an explosion of life as you pedal from the rural landscapes.

Gallipoli is a town of two halves; the modern town resides on the mainland, while its historic centro storico sits on a small island connected to the mainland by a 17th century bridge. This beautiful city has a vibrant past having been frequently under siege thanks to its strategic position. It will therefore come as no surprise that it is heavily fortified and its centre is filled with impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi paid by the town's former wealth as a key trading port. Take time to get lost in the towns narrow streets, stroll along the promenade and enjoy dinner in one of the many pavement restaurants as the sun sets on another great day of cycling.

Waking to the salt air of the Ionian Sea you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps a further explore of Gallipoli before riding along the coast to the southernmost point of Puglia, dividing the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. Take time to stop off at Punta Pizzo for a cooling dip in the sea along your way, with its medieval Torre del Pizzo watch tower originally used for sighting and defending, it is one of 171 watch towers that once kept guard along the coast of Salento. Cycling on, you will soon arrive at Santa Maria di Leuca, once thought to be the end of the earth by the Romans. It may not be the end of the earth, but, it is the divider of the Ionian and Adriatic sea, providing beautiful undisturbed views over the blue waters. It is said that it is here that apostle Peter passed through the town on his way to Rome and Christianised the temple at the tip of promontory. Today, flocks of faithful pilgrims visit the Basilica inscribed with the words 'portal to paradise', as you watch the sun sets on another great day cycling, it is easy to believe this!

Feeling refreshed, your ride today will take you along the high coastal route above the clifftops towards Otranto. Phenomenal views will make you feel like you are part of a National geographic cycling feature! Along the way, you will note the difference in the coastline with the dramatic grottos and cliffs along the Adriatic coast compared to the long sandy beaches of the Ionian coast to the west yesterday. You will have opportunity to stop along the way, in the little towns and villages, to explore and enjoy a morning coffee stop before arriving in Castro, a perfect place to stop for lunch before discovering the dramatic karst cave of Grotta Zinzulusa. Translated it means rags, a name given as the vast stalactites and stalagmites resemble rags hanging from the ceiling. Alternatively, there is a lovely open-air swimming pool along from the caves where you can enjoy a cooling swim before completing your ride to Otranto.

Arriving in Otranto you will have time to be enchanted by its compact old quarter and visit the macabre artefacts that lay in glass cabinets behind the altar of the cathedral- the bones of 813 martyrs who brutally fought in the infamous battle with the Turks in 1480. Though if you prefer less morbid jaw dropping artwork we suggest taking a look at the floor which is adorned in magnificent medieval mosaics. In the evening venture to one of the local restaurants to enjoy more of the regions fantastic specialities.

Your final ride of the week takes you north of Otranto, first to the beautiful Alimini lakes and on to Lecce, a city full of palaces and treasures for you to discover. Arriving at Alimini Lakes you will have time to explore the beauty of the two lakes (Alimini Grande and Alimini Piccolo) alive with birdlife, and perhaps enjoy a relax on the fine sand beach or a dip in the crystal blue waters before pedalling on to your final goal of the week- Lecce. With its architecture so distinctive it has been given its own name, Barocco Leccese, it is a riot of cherubs and gargoyles. This is a city to experience and be captivated by as you soak in the cities architecture and character, be sure to take time to get lost in the narrow streets unveiling hidden piazzas and extravagant churches. In the evening, delight in local cuisine and raise a glass to a great week of cycling dolce vita in Puglia.

Delight in a relaxing breakfast and soak up the Lecce openhearted atmosphere and baroque charm a little longer before making your onward journey.