Tour of Salento

Tour of Salento (Apulia Region - Italy)

Salento and Apulia Region are a mysterious and fascinating territory, with a thousand faces that boasts various strengths: its nature, its magnificent sea, its immense historical-cultural background and still folklore, events, art and delicious typical cuisine.

DURATION 8 DAYS - 7 NIGHTS: Tour of Lecce - Gallipoli - Galatina - Santa Maria di Leuca - Specchia - Otranto - Castro - Alberobello - Brindisi and Oria

Day 1 – Arrival and wellness path
Once you arrive, you will be accompanied to the wonderful Tenuta Santicuti in Lecce, where, after settling in, you will go to the dining area of the structure for a brunch. After a brief explanation of the weekly program, you will be taken to a relaxing Spa path. To end the evening with beauty, once back at the Tenuta, there will be a typical local dinner prepared with fresh local products and, during dinner, a pizzica show. (a traditional Apulian dance) with guest involvement

Day 2 - Gallipoli - Galatina and Corigliano D'Otranto
Breakfast in Tenuta and departure for Corigliano D’Otranto. Visit of the De Monti Castle. Immediately afterwards we move to Gallipoli - Pearl of the Ionio Sea - Guided tour of the historic center with its many churches and the most significant places in the city such as the Aragonese castle and the Greek fountain, visit of the Hypogeum Oil Mill in the heart of the historic center, refreshments / aperitif in Gallipoli with homemade products typical of the area. Afternoon dedicated to the visit of the town of Galatina with the beautiful fourteenth-century basilica dedicated to Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, the historic village, the matrix of San Pietro and Paolo and the church of tarantolati. Possible tasting of the famous "pasticciotto" which saw its creation here. It is possible to participate in a workshop on the preparation of this ancient and shortcrust pastry from Salento. Return to the Tenuta, dinner and overnight.

Day 3 - Santa Maria di Leuca - Specchia
Breakfast in Tenuta and departure for Santa Maria di Leuca, tip of the Apulian territory characterized by the Sanctuary of the Madonna de Finibus Terrae, by the monumental waterfall and staircase and by the lighthouse of the Italian Navy, among the most important in Italy. Tasting of typical Apulian products offered in an outdoor aperitif. In the afternoon visit of the village of Specchia, part of the "most beautiful villages in Italy". Return to the Tenuta, dinner and overnight.

Day 4 - Otranto and Castro
After breakfast, departure for Otranto guided tour of the city, a seaside village of enchanting beauty, at the end we will move to Castro, aperitif with a panoramic view of the enchanting coasts of Castro, on a terrace overlooking the small harbor and guided tour of the center historian. The excursion includes a walk around the Aragonese walls (15th-16th century AD), which in several places overlap the oldest Messapian walls (4th century BC). The Byzantine church (10th century) and the former cathedral (12th century). On this tour there will be a boat trip to visit the sea caves of Castro "Romanelli, Grotta Azzurra, Zinzulusa". Return to the Tenuta, home-made pasta laboratory and relative dinner. Overnight in the structure

Day 5 - Alberobello and Ostuni
Breakfast in Tenuta and departure for Alberobello, guided tour of the city and the historic center with its Trulli, aperitif in trullo. In the afternoon departure for Ostuni: guided visit to the characteristic historical center with its bright white walls. Tasting of typical Apulian products in an ancient agricultural cooperative. Return to the Tenuta, dinner and overnight.

Day 6 - Brindisi and Oria
Transfer to Brindisi in the early morning. Guided tour of the city: Porta Mesagne, continuation to the Svevo Castle, continuation of the tour to San Giovanni al Sepolcro, the Domus Romana below the Verdi Theater, Palazzo Nervegna, the Duomo, the Roman column and the Virgilian staircase. In the early afternoon transfer to Oria, a medieval town, where a medieval representation in period clothes will take place.

Day 7 - Lecce. Daily route of 30 km
Day dedicated to the guided tour of Lecce, the capital of the Baroque, characterized by the beautiful churches full of local stone sculptures and the magnificent palaces that open in the courtyards of the historic center. Visit of Piazza Duomo with the entire decorative structure of the seminary, the bishop's palace and the bell tower. Visit of the square dedicated to the protector S. Oronzo, with its grandiose Roman amphitheater, the seat palace and the church of San Marco dei Veneziani. Visit to the historic center in one of the papier-mâché craft shops. In the afternoon we continue with the visit of the church of Santa Croce, the most eloquent monument of the Baroque period, we continue with the visit to Palazzo Celestini, the Faggiano museum and free time for shop. Return to the Tenuta, dinner and overnight.

Day 8 - Return                                               
Breakfast in Tenuta and transfer to the airport.

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

● Transfers by GT Bus;
● Overnight stay in half board at the Tenuta Santicuti
● Specialized guide authorized by the Puglia Region in a foreign language
● 1 brunch in Tenuta
● 5 aperitifs in the various cities visited;
● 1 lunch in Lecce;
● tastings of typical products;
● Guided tours;
● Eventualy laboratories;
● Agency Assistance;
● Insurance medics and laggage

THE TOUR NOT INCLUDES:

● entrance to the museums (reservations possible on request);
● Anything not included in the item "the tour includes".
● Cancellation insurance (reservation possible on request).

The excursions may vary according to the booking period