e-bike tour along the Apulian Aqueduct cycleway

The e-bike tour along the Apulian Aqueduct cycleway offers a captivating way to explore the scenic landscape of Apulia, Italy. Starting in Locorotondo, this 3-hour guided journey combines cycling through historic towns, crossing impressive canal bridges, and enjoying the natural beauty of the countryside. With a focus on the largest aqueduct in Europe, the tour provides a mixture of cultural, historical, and natural sights, making it a perfect choice for those interested in a relaxed yet enriching experience.

One of the standout features is the use of e-bikes, which make covering the route accessible and enjoyable even for those who prefer a leisurely pace. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. While the route includes some longer stretches, the electric assist helps keep the effort manageable, allowing everyone to appreciate the scenery and learn from the knowledgeable guides. The only consideration might be the summer heat, as some reviews mention riding under 34 degrees Celsius, but shade and breaks provide relief.

Key Points

• Starting point in Locorotondo, a charming historic town with whitewashed houses and flowers.
• Ride duration of 3 hours, with a flexible and relaxed pace thanks to e-bikes.
• Cycle along Europe’s longest aqueduct, crossing canal bridges and exploring scenic routes.
• Visit authentic trulli in the countryside, surrounded by nature and vineyards.
• Learn stories of the heroes who believed in and helped build the aqueduct.
• Small group size (up to 8), with guides speaking English, French, and Italian.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Locorotondo’s Old Town and Scenic Charm

The tour begins in Locorotondo, a town famous for its circular layout and whitewashed houses that fill the air with floral scents. Its winding streets offer a scenic introduction to the area’s charm, and the elevated position provides sweeping views of the Murgia dei Trulli. As you pedal through the town, you get a feel for local life and the quiet beauty that characterizes this part of Puglia.

The historic center is a highlight, with narrow streets perfect for relaxed riding. On the way out of the town, the group reaches the Pugliese Aqueduct cycleway, where the real adventure begins. The combination of old town charm and surrounding vineyards makes the start of this journey engaging and picturesque.

Cycling Along Europe’s Largest Aqueduct

The Pugliese Aqueduct is the core of the tour, and riding along its length is a distinctive experience. The aqueduct’s impressive scale and historical significance are made even more vivid by crossing canal bridges en route. The cycleway follows the aqueduct, offering a blend of engineering marvel and natural scenery.

This route takes you past oak forests and trulli, with the aqueduct serving as an inspiring backdrop. The e-bike assistance guarantees an easy ride, even as the route covers considerable distance. Riders can appreciate the grandeur of the aqueduct, which is the longest in Europe, and imagine the effort that went into its construction.

Visiting the Trulli in the Countryside

A notable highlight is the opportunity to explore trulli, traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs, set amidst the countryside. These unique structures are surrounded by nature, vineyards, and farms, adding a rustic charm to the experience. The tour allows close-up views of the trulli, giving insight into local architecture and rural life.

Spending time in these outdoor settings offers a peaceful contrast to the historic town, and it’s a chance to enjoy the scents of olive trees and grapevines. The scenic countryside with its ancient masserias and farms makes for a picturesque backdrop that many find especially memorable.

Rest Under a Centuries-Old Pine Forest

Along the route, the tour includes a stop where you can take shelter in the shade of a centuries-old pine forest. This is an ideal spot for a break, providing relief from the sun and a chance to absorb the tranquility of the landscape. The cool shade adds comfort to the journey, especially on warmer days, and allows for plenty of photos of the lush greenery.

This stop also emphasizes the connection between natural beauty and historical engineering, highlighting how the landscape has been shaped by both natural and human efforts over centuries.

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Learning About the Heroes Behind the Aqueduct

The tour thoughtfully includes stories about the men who believed in the creation of the aqueduct. Guides share inspiring accounts of the heroes who worked tirelessly on this great work, showcasing their dedication and vision. This historical perspective adds depth to the ride, transforming it from a simple cycling trip into a journey through history.

The narration helps visitors appreciate the engineering feat and the determination of those involved, making the experience more meaningful beyond just the physical activity.

From Locorotondo to the Countryside and Back

The return route takes you through country roads dotted with vineyards, farms, and ancient masserias. These rural pathways provide a relaxed and scenic way to go back to Locorotondo, completing the loop. The ride through peaceful countryside enhances the overall experience, combining natural beauty with the rich agricultural landscape of Puglia.

This part of the tour is especially appealing for those who enjoy slow, scenic cycling and want to see a less touristy side of the region.

Logistics and Practical Details

The tour departs from Locorotondo station or other previously agreed points, with precise coordinates at 40.75606155395508, 17.321014404296875. It lasts 3 hours, including stops, and is suitable for small groups of up to 8 participants. The guides speak English, French, and Italian, ensuring clear communication.

Participants can choose to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for travel planning. The activity is cancelable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a low-risk option for spontaneous plans or flexible itineraries.

The E-Bike Advantage and Rider Comfort

The use of electric bikes makes this tour accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. The bikes feature turbo mode, allowing riders to cover distances with minimal effort, which is especially helpful under hot conditions like 34 degrees Celsius.

Guides pay close attention to safety and comfort, making sure everyone feels secure riding on the quiet roads and cycleways. This setup encourages a relaxed pace and lets participants focus on sights and stories rather than physical exertion.

Tour Reviews Highlighting the Experience

The overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 12 reviews reflects strong satisfaction. Positive comments highlight the knowledgeable guides, beautiful routes, and excellent bikes. Many reviewers mention how the guide Rocco makes the experience engaging with detailed explanations of local history and flora.

Some reviews note the weather conditions, with riding under hot temperatures, but praise the shade stops and overall pacing. The small group size enhances the personalized feel, and the scenery along the aqueduct and countryside earns particular praise.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This e-bike tour appeals most to those interested in a combination of history, scenery, and light physical activity. It suits travelers who appreciate guided storytelling, nature, and architectural marvels like the aqueduct and trulli. While not overly strenuous, a basic level of comfort with cycling is recommended, especially in warmer weather.

The tour is ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a relaxed yet informative excursion in the beautiful region of Apulia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or beginners?
Since the route is easy and supported by e-bikes, it’s suitable for beginners and families with children who are comfortable on bikes. Small group size and guided support ensure safety and enjoyment.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable clothing. Shade stops are included, but riding under the sun requires sunblock and a hat for extra comfort.

Can I cancel or reschedule the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
The tour involves cycling on cycleways and country roads, which may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations. It’s best suited for individuals comfortable on bikes and reasonably active.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, guides speak English, French, and Italian, providing explanations and storytelling in these languages.

This e-bike tour along the Apulian Aqueduct cycleway offers a well-rounded experience of heritage, nature, and scenic beauty. With expert guides, comfortable e-bikes, and captivating sights, it promises a memorable glimpse into the heart of Puglia.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby