8 Day Puglia Guided Motorcycle Tour in Italy

Overview

Riding through Puglia means taking the time to cruise through the miles against a quintessentially Mediterranean backdrop.

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Bari
• Ride scenic coastal and inland roads across Puglia and the Gargano region
• Discover historic towns and legendary stops
• Experience Adriatic coastlines, forests, and rolling hills
• Follow smooth, flowing routes ideal for relaxed and enjoyable riding
• Explore southern Italy’s culture, cuisine, and seaside atmosphere
• 7 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Bari

   You arrive at the tour’s starting point in Bari. Check in at the hotel. Optional tour of Bari. Welcome cocktail and group briefing.

2. Day 2: Bari - Vieste (195 kilometers / 121.17 miles)

   The first day follows the Adriatic coast toward Trani, known for its cathedral overlooking the sea, then Barletta and its rich historical heritage. The route then gradually leaves the coast to climb in elevation and reach Monte Sant’Angelo, the gateway to the Gargano Mountains. The landscape becomes wilder, with wooded hills offering sweeping views. The day ends in Vieste on the shores of the Adriatic.

3. Day 3: Vieste - Termoli (232 kilometers / 144.16 miles)

   Starting from Vieste, the day begins along the coast before reaching Peschici, a fishing village perched above the Adriatic Sea. The route then heads into the Gargano massif, a more inland and wooded area, passing through San Giovanni Rotondo. The scenery alternates between forests, plateaus, and rolling roads. The end of the day marks the return to the sea, via Lake Lesina, before reaching Termoli, a pleasant stop on the Adriatic coast.

4. Day 4: Termoli - Matera (265 kilometers / 164.66 miles)

   Starting from Termoli, the route gradually leaves the coast and heads inland. The road passes through Lucera and then Troia, two towns with a rich medieval history nestled on gentle hills. The route continues across the vast agricultural plains around Cerignola, before a stop at the Roman ruins of Canosa di Puglia. The day concludes in Matera, where the Sassi provide a spectacular finish and mark a distinct change in atmosphere.

5. Day 5: Matera - Santa Maria di Leuca (260 kilometers / 161.56 miles)

   Leaving Matera, the road heads due south, passing through increasingly open landscapes as it heads toward the Ionian coast. The stretch through Taranto marks the entrance into a maritime Italy, oriented toward the sea and its ancient history. The route continues through the warm lands of Salento, between Manduria and Gallipoli, before following the coast to Santa Maria di Leuca, a symbolic point where the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic meet.

6. Day 6: Santa Maria di Leuca - Monopoli (230 kilometers / 142.92 miles)

   From Santa Maria di Leuca, the road heads north, gradually returning to the Adriatic coast. You leave the coast behind for a visit to Lecce, where you can discover one of the most beautiful Baroque complexes in southern Italy. The route then passes through the vineyards of Salice Salentino, an iconic Salento landscape, before reaching Alberobello and its famous trulli, unique symbols of the region. The day ends in Monopoli on the shores of the Adriatic.

7. Day 7: Monopoli - Bari (225 kilometers / 139.81 miles)

   The final leg leaves Monopoli and heads inland. The route passes through the ancient site of Egnazia, a major testament to the Roman era, before reaching Gravina in Puglia and its impressive stone bridge overlooking the canyon. The route continues across the Apulian plateaus, with their open, rocky landscapes, to Castel del Monte, an iconic silhouette standing amidst the fields. The return to Bari marks the end of the journey.

8. Day 8: Bari

   Departure after breakfast.

Ride Details

Terrain

mix of asphalt and off-road

Bike

personal or rental bike (Can-Am Spyders or Categories A, B, C, or D models)

Mileage

1410 kilometers / 876.12 miles

Daily rides

195 - 265 kilometers / 121.17 - 164.66 miles

Riding gear

not included: helmets, jackets, gloves, etc.

Meals

all breakfasts, 1 dinner

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in three-star hotels.

Food

You will be served daily breakfast, a welcome aperitif, and a closing dinner included in the price.

Getting There

The tour will take place in southern Italy. Puglia is a region unlike any other in Italy. Nestled between two seas, it offers the perfect playground for a motorcycle trip. Here, there are no congested highways, just a dense network of secondary roads connecting villages, olive groves, ancient sites, and wild coastlines. The ancient sites of Canosa di Puglia, Eguezia, and Gravina in Puglia. The Gar