Wow, we visited Monopoli again this year and immediately decided to visit the wonderful Antonella and Gianni, to book 2 bike tours in our week’s holiday, after booking with them last year. They both remembered us and immediately made us feel welcome. We booked the Bike & Boat tour and also the Bike & Taste tour. We were a party of 4, 2 couples.
The Bike & Boat tour took us safely through the beautiful countryside of olive trees, enjoying the smells and sights of Puglia. We visited the Egnazia trail, beaches, troglodyte caves and churches showing us amazing frescos on the walls, hidden within private residences. We visited the archeological site at Egnazia and finally arrived at Savalletri to catch our boat to return to Monopoli. We stepped on board, riding the waves stopping along the way to enjoy some local snacks, focaccia and lovely local wine, then plunging into the sea for a relaxing refreshing swim. Arriving back to Monopoli where Gianni greeted us in the harbour and walking back to their pretty authentic shop to sample more local produce available to buy. Which of course we did!
The Bike & Taste tour, slightly more challenging but still manageable for our middle aged fitness levels! We caught a taxi pre arranged by Antonella and Gianni within the hills where they met us with the bikes, ready to go. Within a short distance we visited Maria on her farm, an amazing hard working woman, making her own cheese and bread, from her own cows. Luckily we were able to see her twin day old calves! She provided a wonderful tasting of her delicious products and of course we bought some cheese. A friendly, warm, welcoming lady despite the language barrier. Up and down a few hills, visiting an amazing church with incredible views. The following trail a long downhill ride through the 1000 year old olive trees until we reached a fortified farm, botanical gardens and finally reaching the Lapietra tomato farm, an innovation in farming growing without soil. The immense greenhouses with towering tomato vines, and yet again more local tasting of the delicious tomatoes. Mr Lapietra himself giving us a tour of the factory and generously giving us a punnet each of cherry tomatoes to take home. We cycled back towards Monopoli for a well earned beer and more local produce to sample at La Finestra sur Mare.
Antonella is fabulous, she speaks fluent English and even laughed at our jokes! Made us feel so comfortable, like we were best of friends. Her knowledge and passion is evident, she knows everything about the local history! Gianni her husband is just as lovely, conscientious and on hand with any bike problems! They will ride at your pace and accommodate any stops along the way keeping everyone together safely. Water is provided along with helmets and high vis jackets if required.
I can not recommend them enough. They are perfectly situated within the old town and nothing is too much trouble to ask. They made our holiday super special. Thank you so much Antonella and Gianni! X
