If B&R were a Michelin-star restaurant, Bistro trips would be our spin-off bistro next door. Same brilliant kitchen, same renowned chefs—just a little more casual and pared down.

Smitten with coastal riding? Then say buongiorno to Puglia, your beautiful new seaside paramour. Featuring sun-soaked villages, glorious secular olive groves, delicious all-organic food and mile upon seemingly endless mile of soul-stirring biking, we’re baffled as to why Italy’s heel isn’t overrun with visitors. Not that we mind; after an intimate dinner at a 12thC castle, an exclusive olive oil tasting (the region produces more wine and olive oil than any other in Italy), a visit to the UNESCO-protected trulli and a glass (or two) of prosecco in the shadow of a famous cathedral, you’ll be glad you had the place virtually to yourself.

Bistro trips offer more independence (more meals on your own), and the hotels tend to be 3 or 4-stars instead of off-the-chart. But the heart of every one is exactly the same as our marquee trips—same incredible routes, events, insider access and, of course, B&R guides.

Day 1 Ride into Otranto, then take a historic walking tour of this former Byzantine stronghold
Day 2 Cycle along the coast past ancient stone villages, prehistoric menhirs and Byzantine crypts, all the way to the southern tip of western Europe if you choose
Day 3 Spend the first of two nights in the heart of Lecce, a baroque marvel and vibrant university town
Day 4 Savour lunch and an olive oil tasting at Tenuta Monacelli, a fortified farmhouse set among the groves
Day 5 Connect the “White City” of Ostuni with Alberobello the  “City of Trulli” and a UNESCO world heritage site
Day 6 Breakfast in Fasano, then arrivederci in Bari