Gioia Del Colle might not be as famous as nearby Bari or Lecce, but it’s a hidden treasure for cycling enthusiasts who want to combine scenic riding with authentic regional experiences. Thanks to its gentle hills, lush vineyards, and olive groves, this town offers some of the best bike adventures in Apulia. We love the E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience because it blends a scenic ride with hands-on cheese-making — a true taste of local life. Plus, the small group size (max 8) ensures a personal, memorable experience. Whether you want to learn about cheese, sip local wines, or explore olive oil production, Gioia Del Colle has an option for you.
This guide highlights four of the best bike tours in the area, each with its own flavor and focus. From cheese and olive oil tastings to vineyard explorations and coastal rides, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Let’s dive into each and see what makes them special.
1. Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience
At number 1 on our list is the E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience. This tour is ideal for those who want a combination of scenic cycling and authentic food production. You’ll ride modern e-bikes along peaceful farm trails dotted with traditional masserie — farmhouses that are characteristic of the Apulian countryside.
The highlight is meeting local cheesemakers in Gioia del Colle, known worldwide for its Mozzarella DOP. You can choose between two options: in the Morning Lab, get your hands dirty and shape fresh mozzarella into knots, which makes it a perfect family or hands-on experience. Alternatively, opt for the Afternoon Tasting to sample a variety of fresh cheeses paired with rustic bread and regional condiments. The tour lasts 1 to 2.5 hours, making it suitable for a half-day adventure.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate setting — small groups ensure personalized attention, and the chance to connect directly with local artisans is priceless. The scenic rural backdrop combined with cheese-making makes it a memorable way to experience Gioia del Colle’s culinary roots.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in cheese, culture, and a gentle ride through the countryside, this tour offers excellent value for its price ($37), with the bonus of a hands-on experience or tastings that truly bring the region’s flavors to life.
2. Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour through Vineyards & Wine
Number 2 on our list is the E-Bike Tour through Vineyards & Wine, perfect for wine lovers eager to explore Gioia del Colle’s renowned Primitivo wine region. This 2-hour ride takes you through rolling vineyard landscapes on easy, manageable trails.
During the ride, you’ll discover why Gioia del Colle is considered a prime location for Primitivo DOC, an intensely flavored red wine. A local expert guides you through the vineyards, sharing insights on the wine-making process and regional climate. The tour concludes with a wine tasting at a family-run cellar, where you can sample several wines paired with regional snacks — think bread, cheese, and cured meats.
Reviews highlight the scenic route and the passion of the vintners, with one traveler describing the experience as “geweldige fietsroute over deels onverharde wegen waar je het hart van Puglia te zien krijgt” (a great cycling route over partly unpaved roads that show you the heart of Puglia). The tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxed ride combined with wine education and tasting.
Bottom Line: For around $37, this tour delivers a delightful mix of riding, learning, and tasting in a gorgeous setting. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic wine country experience without strenuous cycling.
3. Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour with Olive Oil Tasting
Coming in at number 3 is the E-Bike Tour with Olive Oil Tasting. This 2.5-hour ride explores the olive-covered hills surrounding Gioia del Colle, a landscape that’s central to Apulia’s iconic oil production.
The tour begins at Piazza John Fitzgerald Kennedy, where you’ll hop on an e-bike to cruise through scenic olive groves. Your guide, a local expert, will share stories about the ancient tradition of olive oil making in the region. The highlight is visiting a working mill, where you taste three different varieties of extra virgin olive oil — each with its unique flavor profile. Paired with fresh bread and a glass of local wine, this tasting is a sensory treat.
This tour is well-suited for travelers keen on understanding olive oil’s history and enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque hills. The reviews point out how the gentle pace and informative guide make it accessible even for those without cycling experience. The opportunity to sample multiple oils adds value for foodies.
Bottom Line: For those who love food and want a relaxed experience, this tour offers a meaningful glimpse into Apulia’s olive oil heritage with a memorable tasting component.
4. Puglia: Guided E-bike Tour from Coast or Countryside
Finally, number 4 on our list is the Guided E-bike Tour from Coast or Countryside. This flexible tour offers a 2-hour ride through Puglia’s varied landscapes, with options to explore either the coast or the lush countryside.
Led by a friendly local guide, you can choose from six scenic routes, including Monopoli, Alberobello, or even Matera — depending on your interests. The tour covers olive groves, vineyards, forests, and rural trails, making it an excellent short adventure for active travelers who want to see a broad slice of Puglia. Its versatility makes it suitable for all fitness levels and those with limited time but a desire for authentic landscape immersion.
While reviews are generally positive, some mention that routes may vary depending on the guide’s choice, so it’s good to clarify your preferences beforehand. The tour’s strength lies in its flexibility and the opportunity to see different regions in a short period.
Bottom Line: This is the most adaptable tour on our list, great for travelers wanting a quick yet comprehensive ride through Puglia’s diverse scenery.
How to Choose the Right Bike Tour in Gioia Del Colle
When deciding among these options, consider your interests and fitness level. If you’re passionate about cheese and want a hands-on experience, the Mozzarella DOP Experience is perfect. For wine lovers, the vineyard ride offers a relaxed pace with tastings, while foodies intrigued by olive oil production will enjoy the olive oil tour.
If you’re pressed for time but want to see multiple landscapes, the Puglia guided e-bike tour offers excellent flexibility. Budget-wise, all tours provide good value, especially considering the included tastings and personal attention. It’s best to book early, especially in peak season (spring and fall), to secure your preferred date and time.
Think about your fitness level and interests: are you more into food, wine, or scenery? Each tour caters to different passions, so choose what excites you most and makes your trip to Gioia Del Colle unforgettable.
Gioia Del Colle offers a surprising richness of cycling adventures, from cheese and olive oil tastings to vineyard explorations and scenic countryside rides. Whether you want an immersive experience like the mozzarella-making, or a quick scenic ride from coast to countryside, these options deliver authentic, active ways to enjoy Apulia. For most travelers, booking early ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience — so pick your favorite and get ready to pedal through this charming region.