Gay biking in Puglia with Lodging at 14c Villa

Cycling in Puglia, Italy with Alyson Adventures

It's easy to get to know the other travelers in our small, friendly, gay and lesbian groups.

An active, outdoors vacation with Alyson Adventures.

Bike along the ancient Appian Way and lightly traveled roads through countryside that reflects centuries of pilgrims, soldiers and other travelers. Stay in a villa that has stood since the 14th century, and which has been restored to its ancient splendor by an American with deep family roots in the soil of Puglia.

Puglia Villa & Biking Experience: Cycling in Puglia, Italy

Biking along the Appian Way

Bike along the ancient Appian Way and lightly traveled roads through countryside that reflects centuries of pilgrims, soldiers and other travelers. Stay in a villa that has stood since the 14th century, and which has been restored to its ancient splendor by American with deep family roots in the soil of Puglia.

During our week in Puglia, we'll have five biking days, each a little longer and more strenuous than the one before it. On our first riding day we'll head over to the nearby village of Terlizzi to meet our neighbors, and perhaps sample a bit of the local cuisine. We'll ride on to Sovereto, once a medieval sanctuary of the Knights Templar. We ride a little farther the next two days to the former necropolis of Ruvo di Puglia and the Adriatic port of Giovinazzo.

Mid-week we have a rest day from biking and take a mini-bus to the Basilicata region, where we will explore the hill town of Matera, with its winding streets and cave dwellings. We finish the week with rides to the National Park of La Murgia and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castel del Monte, a castle perched on a hill.

Each day we enjoy the food and wine of the region at our villa and at restaurants in Terlizzi and around the area.

Dates and Price:
May 26 to June 2, 2012: SOLD OUT $2,998: A trip for gay men.

September 22 to 29, 2012: OPEN $2,998: A trip for gay men.

Highlights:

Reside for a week in the authentic 14th century Villa Cappelli, perched next to the fabled Appian Way.
Cycle through medieval towns and villages ranging from Adriatic coastal fishing ports to inland market towns.
After a day or riding, relax by our private pool in the villa's courtyard.
Dine on local delicacies prepared in the villa's kitchen, using olive oil produced at the villa and exported to gourmet shops.
Taste wine produced at the villa and nearby and sample the vintage of nearby vineyards.
Meet neighbors who rarely meet tourists, and who enjoy mingling with the guests of the villa.
The top floor of the villa has three rooms that share a huge living room and one bath, which could be a fun location for friends traveling together.
Clothing optional pool area

Is it the right vacation for you? This trip offers daily biking through countryside with few tourists. Roads near our villa are quite flat but longer rides in a hilly national park are available. Biking days cover 30-80 km, with options each day for longer or shorter days.

Past travellers comment on this trip: "As the owner of Villa Cappelli, it is my pleasure to welcome Alyson Adventures cyclists to our authentic villa, surrounded by the land my ancestors once called home."— Paul Cappelli, New York, N.Y.

"As the chef for many of the meals at Villa Cappelli, I am excited to introduce you to the cuisine of Puglia, featuring locally grown produce including olive oil from our own orchard."— Steven Crutchfield, New York, N.Y.

Prices are per-person, based on double occupancy. Tours often fill up months before departure. We regularly update our travel schedule to show the status of this and other trips.

Travelling Alone?
So are most of the people who travel with us. You do not need to pay extra to travel by yourself. Prices are per-person, and the single supplement applies only if you'd like a room by yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can't match you with someone.

Location: Starts and ends in Bari, Puglia, Italy

Price includes: Lodging for 7 nights in double occupancy at Villa Cappelli (some rooms share a bathroom); Limited single rooms upon request if available; All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners, including local wine or soft drinks for group dinners at the villa or in Terlizzi; Services of Alyson Adventures bike guide and one guide from Puglia; Van support to get luggage (and tired riders!) to destination; Use of bike (hybrids if available); Regional map and detailed route instructions for primary routes on biking days; Transfer from designated flight into Bari on the first tour day, and back to Bari airport for a designated flight on departure day. (Transfers at other times are on your own for the 20-minute ride between the villa and the airport.)

Not included: Transportation to and from Bari, Italy; 2 Dinners and 4 lunches; Personal items such as souvenirs, snacks, faxes, telephone calls and alcohol other than at included dinners; Admissions not described as included in the itinerary; Gratuities for guides.

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