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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
- Dutch
Explore the Lecce countryside on a premium E-bike along an easy 28 km (17-mile) route. Ride through quiet rural roads to ancient villages and discover Salento’s traditions. In Sternatia, meet Gaetano, your local guide—a storyteller and poet who speaks Griko, the ancient Greek dialect of the Grecìa Salentina. With him, explore a 15th-century underground olive oil mill, hear a poem in Griko, and learn stories about lamp-oil traders, village life, and this unique cultural enclave.
Continue through two villages of the Grecìa Salentina, home of the Griko people, a Greek-speaking community with 3,000 years of history.
In Galatina, visit the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, famous for its 14th-century Giotto-style frescoes.
Stop at Pasticceria Ascalone, birthplace of the Pasticciotto (1740)
At 1 PM, a private taxi (included) takes you back to Lecce.
NOTE: Optional Primitivo wine tasting and traditional Puglian lunch (extra cost; private groups only; request one week in advance).
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
You will see me with the bikes waiting for you.
Itinerary
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1
After a one-hour bike ride (18 km) through the Lecce countryside—surrounded by ancient olive trees and majestic masserias—you’ll reach Sternatia, one of the nine towns of the Grecìa Salentina, where the Greek dialect Griko is still spoken today. Here you’ll enjoy a 40-minute guided visit to an ancient underground olive oil mill (Frantoio Ipogeo). Our local guide, Gaetano, will share stories of his Greek heritage and even recite a traditional poem in the Griko language, offering an authentic window into this unique cultural community.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
After a 40-minute bike ride (10 km), welcome to Galatina! Your first stop is the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, a true masterpiece of medieval art and architecture. Inside, you’ll admire extraordinary Giotto-style frescoes and a unique blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Norman, and Byzantine elements—making this one of Puglia’s most remarkable churches. Next, we visit Pasticceria Ascalone, the historic pastry shop where the very first pasticciotto was created back in 1740. Here you can taste the original recipe and experience a true local tradition. Afterward, enjoy 30 minutes of free time to explore Galatina at your own pace.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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