Velo Service is a leading tour operator in experiential and sustainable tourism in Puglia.
Founded in 2009 as an innovative start-up by a group of passionate bicycle travelers, it has grown into a reference point in hospitality and tourist entertainment.
We believe in the power of simple stories, which is why we love our guests who travel to discover cultures, places, and people.
We speak local dialects as natives of these communities, yet we’ve explored the world to speak every foreign language.
We embrace the spirit of a start-up that doesn’t take itself too seriously — while being highly organized to deliver seriously fun travel experiences.
We think big because we love challenges: nurturing new generations of professionals, turning competition into partnership, and setting new trends in the local tourism landscape.
For the curious, the name “Velo Service” goes back to our roots, when we bet everything on the bicycle (“vélo” means bicycle in French) as a real tool for change.
We define ourselves as a group of “professional friends” who, since 2008, have followed a path entirely our own. Beyond a shared passion for travel, we are united by several key values, expressed in our Manifesto:
Our Manifesto
- Every tour we organize is a celebration.
- Our actions always support the promotion of the territory.
- We believe in small gestures that lead to big changes.
- Riding a bicycle improves the life of the entire community.
- Tourism brings economic benefits to the region.
- You live a trip three times: when you dream it, when you take it, and when you remember it.
- If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
The Team
Paco
Paco is the CEO and Founder who, in 2008, created the brand “Velo Service”, designing sustainable travel experiences, inclusive tours, and eco-friendly itineraries throughout Puglia, Italy. In 2016, the UNWTO – World Tourism Organization selected his story among the top 25 entrepreneurial experiences worldwide, recognized for promoting responsible tourism and local community engagement. A tireless traveler, Paco has visited over 60 countries, always carrying with him his beloved scarf as a symbol of deep connection to his roots.
Luca
Luca is the sweet and organized Partner, the one who makes processes work, innovates the management of every resource, and builds the company structure with method and vision. He is the “system designer” of the group, capable of turning ideas into concrete and sustainable solutions.
The long-standing and intense friendship with Paco merges with study, work, and passion.
The Velo Service team can always count on him!t.
Sonia
Sonia is the Manager and CEO of Velo Service Lecce. Every day, she oversees the team, supervises tours and rentals, manages partnerships, and so much more — all with care and passion.
She embodies the values and quality of Velo Service in Puglia’s renowned Baroque region.
Teresa
Meet Teresa, Head of both front and back office! She always ensures that our guests are happy, from the first warm welcome to the final goodbye.
Her sweet, empathetic nature is no coincidence: she nurtures it with daily meditative walks along the seafront. It’s her moment of peace before a full-on multilingual day!
Valeria
Valeria is our secret weapon, always on the front line between Front and Back Office!
Her calm is unshakable, even in the most chaotic moments: while others panic, she observes, analyzes… and solves.
She’s famous for her flawless problem-solving: one photo sent by a client is all it takes for Valeria to find the perfect solution.
She supports both guests and colleagues with precision, and is the go-to when the cash register decides to act up.
With her, every problem has a solution and every day starts with a confident smile.
Giorgia Erika
Giorgia Erika is the Marketing Coordinator & Creative Strategist. A super mom always on her bike, she whistles her motto: “He who stops is lost!”.
Constantly evolving, she loves learning in order to achieve her goals, even when they seem impossible.
Her expert and strategic vision blends seamlessly with her creative approach. This is how she makes the most of every resource to achieve concrete and measurable results.
Vito
Mr. Vito takes care of all our rickshaws, bicycles, and electric vehicles when they return to our Velofficina.
He manages fleet logistics and storage, especially after long daily rides.
He’s a reliable, essential figure for the entire organization. And his bicycle tattoos say it all!
Giulia
Meet Giulia: sunny, energetic, and determined, she manages the Front Desk and handles your bookings.
A volcano of ideas and projects, she’s so passionate that, as a true sleepwalker, she dreams about talking to tourists on the phone!
But please… don’t call her at night!
Mission
We design travel experiences in Bari and Puglia that combine authenticity, tradition and innovation. We tell the stories of local communities, promote slow and sustainable mobility, and train new generations of tourism professionals.
With the spirit of a start-up and the strength of a solid team, we transform challenges into opportunities for collaboration.
Our tours are fun, engaging and meaningful, offering every traveler the chance to discover Puglia through authentic, eco-friendly experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Vision
To become an international benchmark for experiential and sustainable tourism in Puglia, creating authentic connections between people, cultures and territories, and transforming every journey into an opportunity for growth, sharing and positive change.
