Gioia del Colle is a surprisingly active spot for those who like a mix of authentic food, scenic countryside, and engaging outdoor activities. Unlike some towns where history or art dominates, Gioia del Colle shines for its hands-on experiences and natural beauty. If you’re into cycling, you’ll find several options, from tasting local wines and olive oils to learning how to make mozzarella. Our favorite? The Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience, which combines easy riding with a chance to get your hands dirty in cheese-making, plus a taste of what makes this region special.
Gioia del Colle offers a variety of bike-based tours, perfect for active travelers who want to explore the landscape without sweating too much. Whether you’re into wine, olive oil, or cheese, there’s a tour tailored for you. We’ll walk through each of the best options so you can pick one that suits your interests and style.
Quick Overview of the Best Tours in Gioia del Colle
This list features e-bike tours that highlight the region’s rich culinary products and stunning scenery. For those interested in wine, the Vineyards & Wine Tour offers a gentle ride through Primitivo vineyards with a tasting in a family-run cellar. Food lovers can try the Mozzarella & Cheese Experience — perfect for those who want to make cheese themselves or sample fresh regional cheeses. Olive oil fans aren’t left out with the Olive Oil Tasting, which takes you through hills dotted with olive groves and a working mill. Lastly, if you prefer a shorter, more flexible ride, the Puglia Guided E-bike Tour covers various scenic routes and is suitable for all fitness levels.
Now, let’s look at each tour in more detail to help you decide.
1. Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience
At number 1, this E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience offers a combination of outdoor activity and culinary tradition. Priced at just $37 per person, it’s an excellent value for the chance to pedal along scenic farm roads in Apulia while learning about the region’s famous Mozzarella DOP. The tour typically lasts between 1 and 2.5 hours, making it suitable for most schedules.
What sets this experience apart is the option to actually make mozzarella during the morning session—shaping the knotted cheese yourself—offering a rare, tactile glimpse into traditional dairy practices. In the afternoon, the tour shifts gears into a guided tasting of fresh cheeses and rustic bread, perfect for cheese lovers. Small groups (maximum 8) ensure an intimate setting where you can ask questions and connect with local cheesemakers.
The route takes you through masserie (farmhouses) and along scenic trails, giving you a true taste of rural Apulia. Reviewers love the authenticity and personalized feel, with one saying, “It’s a delightful way to see the countryside and learn about cheese production firsthand.”
Bottom Line: An ideal choice if you want a blend of light cycling, culture, and hands-on cheese making.
2. Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour through Vineyards & Wine
Number 2 on the list is the Vineyards & Wine Tour, which lasts around 2 hours and is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Primitivo’s birthplace. The tour begins at a rental shop and takes you through rolling vineyard landscapes, where you’ll get close to the famous Primitivo DOC grapes.
During the ride, a local expert explains how the wines are made and shows you the different types of vines and their growing conditions. The highlight is the wine tasting at a small, family-run cellar, complemented by regional snacks. The leisurely pace makes it ideal for beginners or anyone who prefers a relaxed experience while soaking in the scenery.
Reviewers mention how the tour offers a “great balance of riding and learning,” with one remarking, “The views over the vineyards are breathtaking, and the wine tasting is a real treat.” The route’s gentle terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine lovers who want a scenic, no-stress ride coupled with tastings of some of Puglia’s best wines.
3. Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour with Olive Oil Tasting
Coming in at number 3, the Olive Oil Tasting offers an immersive experience in the world of Apulian olive oil. For about 2.5 hours, you pedal through olive-covered hills, enjoying the gentle breeze and panoramic views. Starting from Piazza John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the route takes you to a local mill where you taste three different extra virgin olive oils, each with distinct flavor profiles.
The guide shares insights into the history and production methods of olive oil in the region, making this more than just a tasting. After sampling oils with artisan bread, you’re invited to relax with a glass of local wine. Reviewers appreciate the informative commentary and the chance to taste high-quality oils directly from the working mill.
While this tour is slightly longer, it’s well worth it for those interested in the culinary heritage of Puglia. It’s also suitable for most fitness levels, since the riding is relatively easy.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want to learn about olive oil and taste some of the best EVOs in the region.
4. Puglia: Guided E-bike Tour from Coast or Countryside
Finally, the Guided E-bike Tour is a flexible option for travelers who want a quick, scenic ride through different parts of Puglia. With about 2 hours on your bike, you can choose between coastal routes or rural inland trails, including areas like Monopoli, Alberobello, or even the stunning landscapes around Matera.
Led by a friendly local guide, the tour covers olive groves, vineyards, forests, and rural trails, giving you a well-rounded taste of Puglia’s natural beauty. Since the routes are designed to suit all fitness levels, it’s a good choice for families or casual riders.
Reviewers find this tour provides “a straightforward introduction to Puglia’s diverse scenery,” with some noting that the routes are “perfect for a brief but memorable ride.” The main advantage is the variety of options, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests.
Bottom Line: Excellent for short visits or those wanting a customizable, hassle-free ride with local insights.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your interests—food, wine, olive oil, or scenery—and how much activity you want. If you’re a foodie eager to make cheese, go for the Mozzarella DOP Experience. Wine lovers will appreciate the Vineyards & Wine Tour, while those curious about olive oil should pick the Olive Oil Tasting.
Budget and time are also factors—most tours are under 3 hours and cost around $37 or less, offering excellent value. For a flexible, all-around taste of Puglia, the Guided E-bike Tour can be a great choice, especially if you want to explore different landscapes without a lengthy commitment.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. Think about your fitness level and interest before choosing—less active options like the wine or olive oil tours are ideal for relaxed days, while the mozzarella experience is perfect for hands-on enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Gioia del Colle offers a surprising variety of bike-based experiences that showcase its rich culinary and natural treasures. From making cheese to tasting olive oils and exploring vineyards, each tour offers a unique window into rural Apulia. For active travelers with an interest in food and wine, these tours provide authentic, memorable moments that go beyond typical sightseeing.
Two or three standout choices depend on your interests: the Mozzarella & Cheese Experience is perfect for cheese lovers wanting a tactile experience, while the Vineyards & Wine Tour suits those eager to sip regional wines amid stunning vineyards. Whichever you pick, booking in advance will help ensure you don’t miss out on these authentic and enjoyable adventures.