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Puglia Villa – Gay Travel Italy Bike Tour
A Gay Travel Bicycle Adventure in Italy
May 2 to May 9, 2026
Prices listed are per person:
Shared Room: $4998
Private Room and Shared Bath: $5648
Private Room and Bath: $6748
Deposit: $1000
Spend a week cycling along ancient Roman lanes, coastal drives, and mountain paths. Each night, relax at an authentic gay owned and operated agriturismo, enjoying a glass of wine from the villa’s vineyards, gourmet meals, and a dip in the pool, with cute locals always stopping by to enjoy the festivities. Read a personal account of this tour on our Gay Travel Blog.
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.
Relax by our private, clothing optional pool in the villa’s courtyard and enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour every night.
Dine on local delicacies prepared in the villa’s kitchen, using olive oil produced at the villa and exported to gourmet shops.
Meet neighbors who rarely see tourists and who enjoy mingling with the guests.
See what “La Dolce Villa” is all about: this a very authentic Italian experience without any “tourist” traps.
Travel with friends and request the top floor of the villa (three rooms that share a huge living room and one bath).
Leisure travelers may enjoy the Puglia Villa Culinary Experience, featuring the same delicious regional cuisine, with sightseeing to nearby towns and markets, historical and agricultural sites accomplished by van. Bicycles would be available for optional rides/sightseeing.
Overview
A Week at 14th-century Villa Cappelli
Cycle along the ancient Appian Way and quiet country roads that have carried pilgrims, soldiers, and travelers for centuries. You’ll stay at Villa Cappelli, a 14th-century estate (with portions even older) restored to its former beauty by a gay American with deep family roots in Puglia.
Our gay Italy bike tour includes five days of riding. Each day, you’ll be fully supported by a van, an SUV with a bike rack, and two Italian guides. Most routes follow back roads you’d never find on your own, keeping traffic to a minimum and giving you access to landscapes few visitors ever see. From working fishing villages to the UNESCO-listed Castel del Monte to ancient Roman bridges, this region offers an incredible variety of scenery and history.
Every evening, enjoy regional food and wine—either prepared in the villa’s kitchen or served at our favorite restaurants in Terlizzi and nearby towns.
Itinerary
Map:
Day 1: Welcome to Puglia!
All travelers should plan to arrive in Bari today. Upon arrival at Bari airport or the Terlizzi train station (connecting in Barletta), a transfer will be provided to Villa Cappelli, located on a quiet portion of the ancient Appian Way, a few kilometers inland from the Adriatic Sea.
After settling into our rooms, a light lunch will be available for those arriving early enough for lunch.
In the afternoon we will adjust our bikes so that we’ll be ready to go in the morning. The rest of the afternoon will be free to explore the grounds. Later we will enjoy snacks and some local wine. Tonight, we will enjoy our welcome dinner at the villa.
Day 2: Ruvo di Puglia Necropolis & Molfetta
Today we ride to a few neighboring towns. It will be medium difficulty. Starting slightly above sea level and then riding gradually downhill for the first part of the day.
The morning bike ride will be through the serene countryside, orchards, and vineyards to the necropolis of Ruvo di Puglia and the Jatta Museum, famous for its Grecian Urns. Many of Ruvo’s Urns are on display in the Greco-Roman Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City.
Then, it’s off to Molfetta. Here, bikers, can dip their toes in the Adriatic. After Molfetta, we lunch together in a delightful seafood restaurant right on the water.
After lunch, we’ll take a quick ride to the seaside town of Giovinazzo and explore the quaint seaport and the magnificently restored medieval town center with a quick walking tour.
The ride back turns into a gentle climb back uphill all the way to our endpoint, making the second half a bit more challenging.
For dinner tonight, we’ll enjoy a local Terlizzi restaurant together.
Day 3: A Gravina we will go
We begin the day by driving to the practically undiscovered town of Gravina, where we’ll start with a guided tour of its historic center. The town’s dramatic ravine and ancient Roman bridge offer some unforgettable views.
After the tour, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, then begin our ride back to the villa. The route takes us through La Murgia, with open fields, traditional trulli, and wide, scenic stretches of countryside. Dinner tonight will be in Terlizzi.
This ride is a bit easier than the first day’s route, making it a comfortable and enjoyable way to take in the scenery. And as always, our support team is with you every step of the way.
Day 4: Castel del Monte
This morning we drive to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously featured on the Italian Euro cent. Built in the 13th century by the Swabian emperor Frederick II, the castle sits high on a hill with sweeping views across Puglia and the Adriatic. Its perfect geometry and long list of legends, making it one of the region’s most intriguing landmarks.
After touring the castle, we’ll get on our bikes and begin the ride back to the villa, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. The route is mostly downhill and filled with beautiful scenery, with a few stops along the way to take in notable sights.
Tonight dinner is at the villa.
Day 5: A Day Off the Bikes — Matera and Polignano a Mare
Today we will take a break from cycling and explore two of southern Italy’s most unforgettable towns.
Our first stop is Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It’s famous Sassi—ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs—create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Walking through Matera’s narrow lanes and stone stairways offers a glimpse into centuries of history and a culture shaped by its dramatic setting.
After our visit, we’ll get back in the van and head to Polignano a Mare. It is a stunning seaside town perched on cliffs above the Adriatic. We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch by the water, taking in the views and the charm that have made Polignano one of Puglia’s most photographed destinations.
Later in the afternoon, we return to the villa and enjoy dinner here this evening.
Day 6: Castle to Castle
We will start the morning with a drive to Garagnone, a dramatic ruined castle perched high in the Alta Murgia. From the drop-off point, we’ll hike up to the fortress ruins, where sweeping views of the surrounding plains and rocky hills make the climb well worth the effort.
After taking in the scenery, we’ll get on our bikes and begin the ride toward a second historic castle. Along the way, the landscape opens into rugged stretches of farmland and rolling hills—a true taste of inland Puglia. We’ll stop at the castle for a picnic lunch, enjoying a tour of the castle and the views before continuing our ride.
In the afternoon, we’ll bike on to a nearby town, then load into the van and return to the villa for dinner at the villa that evening.
This is the most challenging day of riding on the tour, with plenty of hills and sustained climbs. The effort is real, but the scenery is unforgettable—vast horizons, ancient stonework, and castle views that reward you at every turn.
Day 7: Trani
Today on our final bike ride, we will make our way to the beautiful seaport of Trani. Traveling along quiet backroads lined with olive trees, we’ll stop to admire a few sights and enjoy the rolling Pugliese landscape. It’s a nice casual and flat ride, again ever so slightly “downhill” as you are headed to the coast.
In Trani, we’ll visit the town’s striking Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino. Which is a massive Romanesque church that rises directly from the edge of the Adriatic. Its pale stone façade and waterfront setting make it one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in all of Italy.
After lunch in Trani, we will have the option to bike back to the villa or ride back in the van. Tonight we will gather for a relaxed pizza night at the villa, our farewell dinner and a final taste of Puglia together.
Day 8: Homeward Bound
Today we bid farewell to our friends and to Puglia. A morning group transfer will be offered to Bari Airport for flights back to Rome and beyond.
Please note that for some flight routings, an overnight stay in Rome will offer the most choices of flights heading home.
Price Includes
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, lunches, dinners, including local wine or soft drinks for group dinners at the villa or in Terlizzi; Services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants); and Local bicycling guide from Puglia; Van support to get luggage (and tired riders!) to destination; Use of a bike; 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.); HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.
Not included: Transportation to and from Bari, Italy; Personal items such as souvenirs, snacks, faxes, telephone calls; Admissions not described as included in the itinerary; Gratuities for guides and host.
Optional Tour Choices:
$500 Upgrade to Garden Room at Villa
$500 Upgrade to Courtyard Room at Villa
$500 Upgrade to Regina Room at Villa
Extensions
When you travel “Back-to-Back” on two or more of our tours, you are eligible for a discount! Contact us for details.
Tour Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delay, illness, or injury. Click Here to learn more about our Insurance partner.
FAQ
This tour starts and ends in Bari, Puglia, Italy.
Airplane Travel: Most flights to Bari are from Rome, so North American travelers can depart home the evening before our tour starts, arrive in Rome in the morning, then connect on a late morning or early afternoon flight to Bari. Please allow a minimum of two hours to connect in the often-chaotic Rome airport (three hours if possible). There are a few direct flights to Bari from Milan’s domestic airport, Munich and other European hubs. If you take one of these flights, allow a long connection window since there are far fewer flight choices to get to Bari than there are from Rome.
Rail Travel: The Villa is a 6-8-hour train ride from Rome or Milan. If you take the train, the closest station is Terlizzi, a four-minute ride from the Villa. Take the express train to Barletta Centrale (Barletta C. Le) then transfer to the local commuter railway for the last leg to Terlizzi. Trains run every 40 minutes for most of the day, and schedules are at this website: www.ferrovienordbarese.it/home (click on the British flag in the upper right for English)
To check national rail schedules and Italy rail pass options, see www.raileurope.com or check the Italian Railway site www.trenitalia.com for trains from Rome, Milan or other Italian cities to Barletta.
For those returning to North America after our tour, you will need a morning flight from Bari to connect with most international flights. If you have time, you may prefer a leisurely late morning flight from Bari to Rome, a night or two in Rome, then your flight home.
Does this sound confusing? We’re here to help! Our flight/rail specialists have been helping guests arrange travel to the Villa for years, and will be happy to assist you too! Please Contact Us if you’d like travel assistance for this tour.
Airplane Travel: Most flights to Bari are from Rome, so North American travelers can depart home the evening before our tour starts, arrive in Rome in the morning, then connect on a late morning or early afternoon flight to Bari. Please allow a minimum of two hours to connect in the often-chaotic Rome airport (three hours if possible). There are a few direct flights to Bari from Milan’s domestic airport, Munich and other European hubs. If you take one of these flights, allow a long connection window since there are far fewer flight choices to get to Bari than there are from Rome.
Rail Travel: The Villa is a 6-8-hour train ride from Rome or Milan. If you take the train, the closest station is Terlizzi, a four-minute ride from the Villa. Take the express train to Barletta Centrale (Barletta C. Le) then transfer to the local commuter railway for the last leg to Terlizzi. Trains run every 40 minutes for most of the day, and schedules are at this website: www.ferrovienordbarese.it/home (click on the British flag in the upper right for English)
To check national rail schedules and Italy rail pass options, see www.raileurope.com or check the Italian Railway site www.trenitalia.com for trains from Rome, Milan or other Italian cities to Barletta.
For those returning to North America after our tour, you will need a morning flight from Bari to connect with most international flights. If you have time, you may prefer a leisurely late morning flight from Bari to Rome, a night or two in Rome, then your flight home.
Does this sound confusing? We’re here to help! Our flight/rail specialists have been helping guests arrange travel to the Villa for years, and will be happy to assist you too! Please Contact Us if you’d like travel assistance for this tour.
As is befitting a centuries-old building, every room at Villa Cappelli is unique. 8 of the rooms are on the second and third floors of the main building, some with private bathrooms, and some with shared bathrooms.
3 of the rooms are standalone, across the courtyard from the main building. Regina Room: accessible directly from the courtyard with a double bed, private bathroom, kitchenette, sofa, and private bathroom. Courtyard Room: down three steps from the courtyard, with a double bed, fireplace and adjoining large private bathroom. Garden Room: adjoining the garden behind the main building with a double bed, fireplace, private bathroom one level below ground, and whirlpool and small terrace located up a steep set of stairs from the ground-level bedroom area.