Awaiting us is our first flying refueling and the Baroque wonders of Martina Franca and its old town, which we will walk through to fully admire its architectural wonders and opulent stately palaces.

Back in the saddle and off we go again to Pineta Ulmo and its majestic trees, from which begins the 13-kilometer stretch to be traveled on a beaten white road: this is the Ciclovia dell’Acqua (Water Cycleway) that branches out among Mediterranean scrub and endless bridges with breathtaking views of the ancient service roads of the Pugliese Aqueduct, a historic and precious work for our “thirsty land.”

We are more than halfway through our tour and already on the horizon is the enchanting Cisternino, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. But to reach such beauty a little bit we have to “suffer” on the first real roughness of the day that will take us to the foot of the ancient medieval fortifications. From there, in a continuous succession of alleys, arches and widenings to walk through we will reach Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III for the second refreshment among walls and stones that taste of history.

At the touch of the Clock Tower it will already be time to get back in the saddle, not before taking one last look at the Itria Valley, which can be seen in all its beauty from here. We can already see the next stop on the horizon amidst the continuous ups and downs of the back roads that pass through some of its 147 contrade: it is Locorotondo, also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and an orange flag of the Touring Club Italia. The paved ascent of Via XX Settembre launches us onto the Belvedere, a white balcony over the Murgia dei Trulli and the Itria Valley that will once again repay our labors.

As the sun begins to set and the shadows lengthen, Alberobello awaits our passage, when the whiteness of the lime and the limestone chianche of the trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be invaded and pervaded by the golden glow of the golden hour.

The finish line now seems closer, but just when everything seems to be gently drawing to a close, here we are at the foot of the last difficulty of the route: the climb that leads to the Church of Santa Maria di Barsento, an ancient 6th-century A.D. church set on a hill between Alberobello and Noci. Here the last refreshment with fresh fruit and water to recharge energy for the sprint to the finish line in the central Piazza Garibaldi in Noci. The curious looks of the children, the applause of the adults, and the enthralling party notes at “La Matta Village”…fatigue set in, but will it have been worth it?

The route is about 90km with 1000mt of total elevation gain: spirit of adventure, equipment for all eventualities (punctures, unforeseen events) and some training are highly recommended!