Up early and met the gang for breakfast. We walked over to the Salento Bici tour company's warehouse to pick up the bikes and gear for our friends.

Then our biking trip began! We headed out through the winding streets and alleys of Lecce and we were out in the country after about 4 km. At about 5 km, one of us had a flat tire. So, once the tube was changed and the tire checked over, all was good. Oops, another 5 km and the tire was flat again. We had it ready to go again but this time the tour company was notified and they were on their way out to check on the tire. We rode a bit farther and the tire started to go soft again. Fortunately, the company bike mechanic quickly came after that and, after inspecting the tire, he found a piece of glass in it. All fixed up once again and we were on our way.

We drove through a small fortified village called Acaya with its impressive front gate and medieval castle (1535-1536). We quickly arrived at the Adriatic Sea and drove along the coast through a WWF Natural Reserve and Protection area which was a nice shaded ride. We continued to follow the coastal route, stopping along the way to take pictures.

We stopped for lunch in San Foca and we all tried the various combinations of the fish fry meals!!

Back on the bikes we continued and stopped to look around the archaeological area of Roca Vecchia with ancient ruins of a pre-Roman era, the Messapi people. Also, in this location is the Cave of Poetry, a natural pool surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs, with caves and tunnels to the open sea.

We arrived in Otranto about 5:30 and stopped for an initial glimpse of the city. We continued on about another 7 km to our countryside accommodation, Masseria Bandino.

Dinner at the Masseria was outstanding!