Gay Group Trip: Cycling Polignano a Mare to Gallipoli
Trip Summary:
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At a glance
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Our group trips are a great chance to travel with others. We also recommend adding in a few extra nights tailor-made to ensure you build the perfect itinerary.
Join a gay cycling tour and discover the Italian region of Puglia from north to south. This is a great way to discover the food, wine, art and architecture that makes Italy so glorious. You’ll visit ancient Roman olive groves, kayak along the clear waters of Porto Selvaggio, visit the “Florence of the South” and unwind on white sand beaches.
We’ll be covering around 40-60km a day. This trip is suitable for keen cyclists – the initial stretch of our journey will cover a fair amount of hilly terrain. You’ll be travelling with a group of like-minded gay cyclists through one of the most attractive parts of Italy.
More Information
Italy offers a mix of progress and challenges when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. LGBTQ+ individuals benefit from anti-discrimination laws that protect against bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and same-sex couples have had access to civil unions since 2016. These unions provide many of the legal rights associated with marriage, such as inheritance and hospital visitation. However, same-sex marriage itself is not recognized, and joint adoption rights for same-sex couples remain unavailable, reflecting gaps in full equality.
In recent years, the political landscape has become more conservative, with policies that complicate family recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes restrictions on surrogacy, both domestically and abroad, which have disproportionately impacted same-sex couples looking to start families. Despite these setbacks, public opinion is gradually becoming more supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, driven by younger generations and urban communities.
Northern cities like Milan, Turin, and Venice generally offer welcoming, cosmopolitan environments where same-sex couples encounter little hostility, while Rome has developed vibrant gay districts around areas like San Giovanni and Testaccio.
However, more conservative regions, particularly in the rural south, may present challenges for openly LGBTQ+ visitors. Italy’s luxury hospitality sector, particularly international hotel chains and high-end properties, maintains professional standards that welcome all guests regardless of orientation, while major cities host established Pride celebrations and maintain active gay scenes.
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In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1: Polignano
Polignano a Mare is a picturesque town on the Adriatic coast. Check into the hotel and explore at your own pace. We’ll meet up in the evening for a welcome dinner in the Old Town. You’ll meet your fellow cyclists and tour guides and we’ll discuss the adventures that lie ahead.
Meals included: Dinner/Aperitif
Day 2: Polignano to Alberobello
After breakfast, we’ll collect our bikes and our Italian cycling adventure begins. We’ll cycle through the country to Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site. Your luggage will be transferred throughout the trip. Explore this quirky town at your own pace in the evening. Dinner on your own and perhaps a drink or two in the local bars.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Alberobello to Ostuni
Enjoy a hearty breakfast as we’ll be covering a lot of ground today. We’ll cycle to the white city, Ostuni. Here we’ll visit an olive mill surrounded by ancient Roman olive groves. You’ll be greeted with spectacular 180-degree views of the Adriatic Coast. Overnight in Ostuni.
Day 4: Lecce & Masseria
We’ll transfer to Lecce by bus after breakfast. It’s known as the Florence of the south. You’ll be charmed by its Baroque splendour. More stunning architecture awaits in Otranto, the setting of Ann Radcliffe’s famous novel. We’ll have dinner at a farmstead where we’ll spend the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Otranto
Enjoy a day at leisure to recover from all the cycling. You can join an optional cooking class or explore at your own pace. A day on the beach could be in order.
Day 6: Otranto to Gallipoli
After breakfast, we’ll cycle back to Gallipoli. Here we’ll explore the Old Town and sample some local cuisine. There are also some gay bars and beaches to explore.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Kayak, Cycling & Wine Tasting
Today we’ll try our hand at kayaking in the clear waters of Porto Selvaggio. We’ll swim in a nature reserve. Later, we’ll cycle to Nardo where we’ll visit a local winery and taste Salento’s finest. You can spend the rest of the day on the beach, relax at the hotel or explore the Old Town.
We’ll have a farewell dinner in the evening, and indulge in some proper Italian pizza and beer/wine.
Day 8: Departure
Our Italian cycling adventure draws to a close today. It’ll be time to say Ciao Italia, until next time.
More Information
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Trip Highlights
- Daily bike rides
- Taste local cuisine and learn how to make it
- Cycle Puglia North to South
- Tour the ancient olive groves
- Kayak along the Porto Selvaggio coast
- Pizza and beer in Gallipoli
- Make new friends from all over the world
- Two local tour guides
Why book with us?
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We want to ensure you have the best experience with us so we’ll keep working on your itinerary until perfect. You will have your own personal dedicated member of our team who will help build a trip that is bespoke to you.
Call our travel experts on +44 (0)20 7157 1570
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