Lecce & Salento Discovery - 7 days
Lecce & Salento Discovery - 7 days
Lecce & Salento Discovery - 7 days
7 Days Starting and ending in Lecce, Italy
Visiting: Lecce, Ceglie Messapica
Tour operator:
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 7-day journey through the enchanting region of Salento with the "Lecce & Salento Discovery" tour. Begin in Lecce, the "Florence of the South," renowned for its Baroque architecture. Explore the historic coastal towns of Gallipoli and Otranto, each rich with Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences. Discover the intricate frescoes of Galatina's Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria and the artisan ceramics of Grottaglie. Savor Primitivo wine in Crispiano and admire the trulli and olive groves of Ceglie Messapica. Conclude with the Baroque elegance of Martina Franca. Enjoy 6 nights in a 5-star hotel, guided sightseeing, and delectable local cuisine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lecce
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Lecce! After your arrival, check into the hotel for the night.
Day 2: Lecce
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After enjoying breakfast, join your tour guide at the hotel and embark on a 3-hour walking tour to explore the wonders of Lecce. Often referred to as the "Florence of the South" due to its vibrant artistic and cultural scene, Lecce is renowned for its baroque architecture.
You'll visit numerous religious and secular landmarks, including the Maria Santissima Assunta and the Basilica Santa Croce, Palazzo dei Celestini, Piazza Sant’Oronzo with its Roman amphitheatre, and the Church of Santa Chiara. The afternoon will be yours to spend as you wish.
Day 3: Lecce
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lecce - Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca - Lecce. Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before meeting your driver and setting off for Otranto, a short 30-minute drive from Lecce. Over the centuries, Otranto has been influenced by the Greeks, Romans, and Turks, and remnants of these diverse cultures are still visible today. After savouring lunch at a traditional restaurant, make stops at Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina.
Later, take your time exploring Santa Maria di Leuca, a popular summer destination known for its Liberty-style villas and the iconic lighthouse. Adjacent to the lighthouse is the Sanctuary de Finibus Terrae, built to honour St. Peter's journey to Italy.
Day 4: Lecce
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lecce - Galatina - Gallipoli - Lecce. After breakfast, head to Galatina, an intriguing inland town with pagan roots. Here, you'll visit the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, known for its stunning paintings and mosaics, as well as the Baroque church of San Pietro and the quaint church of San Paolo. You'll also gain insights into the tarantismo tradition and the pizzica and taranta folk dances. Lunch will be at Le Stanzie, a picturesque masseria.
Next, you'll explore Gallipoli, a city with Greek origins. Its historic centre, enclosed by medieval walls, is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Gallipoli is a popular summer destination, especially among young people, known for its lively nightlife.
Day 5: Sculpting, Painting & Wine Tasting
Location: Lecce
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lecce - Crispiano - Lecce. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, head to Grottaglie, a renowned artisan community in the Salento region. Here, you'll tour the studios of famous ceramic artists and participate in a hands-on workshop where you'll learn to sculpt and paint clay over a 2 to 3-hour session.
Following this, visit the Crispiano area, celebrated for its Primitivo wine production. You'll explore a prestigious vineyard-garden that has transformed this once semi-desert area into a lush and productive oasis. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting here.
Day 6: Ceglie Messapica
Location: Ceglie Messapica
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lecce - Ceglie Messapica - Martina Franca - Lecce. Following breakfast, your day begins with a visit to Ceglie Messapica, nestled between the Murge Plateau and Upper Salento. From the historic cent of this charming town, you'll take in views of trulli, traditional farms, lamie (typical dwellings), caves, olive groves, vineyards, cattle pastures, and expansive arable land.
Next, you'll explore Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village brimming with churches, noble buildings, and picturesque squares. Key sites include Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. This region, known as the Valle d'Itria, is renowned for its scenic olive trees and vineyards. Lunch will be enjoyed at a typical trattoria.
Day 7: Lecce
Location: Lecce
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the end of the tour. After breakfast, transfer will be provided to Brindisi airport or port.
What's Included
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6 breakfasts & 4 lunches
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6 nights 5-star hotel
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Services of expert local guides for all sightseeing
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Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
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Guided sightseeing in Lecce (3 hours), Otranto (2 hours), Galatina and Gallipoli (4 hours), Grottaglie and Crispano (full day) and Cegile Messapica and Martina Franca (full day)
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Lunch and wine tasting at the azienda vinicola Amastuola or similar
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Lunch in Otranto (drinks not included).
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Lunch in Martina Franca (drinks not included).
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Lunch at Le stanzie (drinks are not included)
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Ceramics workshop in Grottaglie (3 hours).
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Additional meals and drinks unless specified
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Entrance fees not mentioned in Inclusions
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night (tax varies by city), to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private, air-conditioned vehicles ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in luxurious 5-star hotels, providing comfort and elegance throughout your stay in Lecce and the surrounding areas.
Age Policy
No Minimum Age. Children aged 0 - 5Â travel free. Children aged 6+ pay adult priceMaximum Age: No maximum age but not suitable for pax with mobility issues
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in a 5-star hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 6 breakfasts and 4 lunches. Drinks are not included with the lunches.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
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Will there be guided sightseeing tours?
Yes, there will be guided sightseeing tours in Lecce, Otranto, Galatina, Gallipoli, Grottaglie, Crispano, Cegile Messapica, and Martina Franca.
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Is there a wine tasting experience included in the tour?
Yes, there is a lunch and wine tasting at the azienda vinicola Amastuola or a similar vineyard.
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Is there a ceramics workshop included in the tour?
Yes, there is a 3-hour ceramics workshop in Grottaglie.
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Are international flights and visas included in the tour package?
No, international flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
-
Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions are not included in the tour package.
-
Is tipping included in the tour package?
No, tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
-
Is there a city tax that needs to be paid?
Yes, there is a city tax of €1 - 6 per person per night, which varies by city and must be paid directly to the hotel at check-in or check-out.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
There is no minimum age for this tour. Children aged 0-5 travel free, while children aged 6 and above pay the adult price. There is no maximum age, but the tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Lecce and check into the hotel for the night.
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What activities are planned for the second day in Lecce?
On the second day, after breakfast, you will join a 3-hour walking tour of Lecce, exploring its baroque architecture and numerous landmarks. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish.
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What will we do in Otranto on the third day?
On the third day, you will visit Otranto, explore its historical influences, have lunch at a traditional restaurant, and make stops at Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina. You will also explore Santa Maria di Leuca.
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What can we expect to see in Galatina and Gallipoli on the fourth day?
In Galatina, you will visit the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria and other churches, and learn about local traditions. In Gallipoli, you will explore its historic centre and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.
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What activities are planned for the fifth day in Grottaglie and Crispiano?
On the fifth day, you will participate in a ceramics workshop in Grottaglie and visit a vineyard in Crispiano for lunch and wine tasting.
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What will we do in Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca on the sixth day?
On the sixth day, you will visit Ceglie Messapica to see its traditional dwellings and landscapes, and then explore the Baroque village of Martina Franca, including its key sites and enjoy lunch at a typical trattoria.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, after breakfast, a transfer will be provided to Brindisi airport or port.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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