Bella Italia Stage 25 to the tip of Italy!

Galatone to Santa Maria di Leuca

Strava: 63.3 km, 397m, 3:00, 200 shifts

We had an easy riding day planned so decided to take the morning off and visit the highly recommended Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Galatone. Our B&B host really went above and beyond. He brought us an incredible breakfast, way more than we could ever eat. Then he made the call for us to get the museum to open at 10. With the luxurious suites I think he made this our nicest stay on the whole trip.

At 10 he insisted on taking us over. We left the bikes all loaded and ready to go in the garage. It was a short walk and we had a look in the impressive cathedral too. Then the museum was open. A well dressed man, short and energetic, walked in and greeted us. We spent the next hour and a half with him showing us what he had personally built. A friend gave him a book on Leonardo da Vinci in 2004. He got really inspired and ended up making models of dozens of Leonardo’s designs – weapons, pulley and lifting systems, and a ton more. He spoke in 99% Italian but it was somehow the easiest to understand I’d ever heard. His passion was obvious from the beginning and never let up. It was a rare privilege.

We had a shorter tour with him through an olive oil pressing museum, then finally said goodbye. Our host came and escorted us back to our bikes, and we said goodbye to him too.

The ride today was similar to the previous couple of days, not much climbing and mostly on little farm roads. We had some gravel and some exciting giant puddles too. It was very sunny again, and a little hotter and more humid. After 15 km we stopped and bought lunch at a small market and ate at a bar with lemon soda and acqua frizzante, our standard midday drink mix.

Then back at it for the last 45 km. 10 km from the end we descended down to the Adriatic Sea at a gorgeous spot, then climbed back up and soon were in Santa Maria di Leuca, at the tip of the boot of Italy! We rode to the end of the track, took pictures, then went to our apartment. Our host arrived and the place is spacious but not luxurious. It’s missing WiFi and towels but who’s complaining at €80 a night for 4?! We have more beds than people which is better than the opposite.

After showers we walked to the beach and had a nice swim, perfect temperature and clean water. I was hungry so we got beers and a couple of squid dishes at a restaurant right there. It was really relaxing and fun.

Finally it was 7 and our intended restaurant was opening. After grocery shopping (and buying cheap towels), we sat down and got going with a giant round of appetizers, side dishes, salads and a primi course. I had pasta with tuna and olives. We had a couple of bottles of delicious local red wine, then dessert and a round of Amaro. Don’t forget that!

What a day, what a four weeks! I am so glad we have a day to relax tomorrow, then one final ride to Lecce, I think about 80 km. Then, train to Bari and a plane back to Amsterdam (Zurich for Daniel). This trip has been challenging but we accomplished my goal of all of us riding every effing inch. Traveling with these guys is a really rare privilege. I am so thankful.