Caserta to Lecce

Up and off to the Caserta railway station for our slightly delayed departure for Lecce. A comfortable 4.5 hrs on a moderately fast train.
Taxi to our first hotel which was booked by the bike tour company - Grand Hotel Tiziano. Well, nothing grand about this hotel! No hot water for a shower and the rooms are sub-standard. We are assured that all of the accommodation coming up on this tour is much better.
We met our Guide, Elinea, at 7.30 and met the other people on the ride. There are only 13 of us, which is a surprise. We had been told the others were from America and all women. Roger was delighted to find 2 other men on the tour. One lovely couple from the UK and the rest from America.
We walked to the Old Town of Lecce for a delicious 3 course meal at All'ombra del Barocco restaurant. Antipasto dishes were the best we've ever eaten. Just as we were about to leave, a 16 year old boy started playing the piano in the restaurant - delightful! A late return to our hotel room where we repacked ready for our first ride tomorrow - 56 km.
Sadly I (Kerrie) have picked up a virus which has developed into bronchitis. I'm coping OK, but this happens every time I travel, unfortunately. Hoping the ride will fix the knee & the chest!Read more