Surronded by the Salentine countryside, the St. Mary from Cerrate Abbey is an incredible example of Normand religious architecture.
Although, most part of the annexed monastery is in decay, the visit is worth it for the astonishing church, the underground oil press and the Museum of the local people traditions, where you can see some frescos belonging to the ancient Abbey, the reproduction of some rooms of the old local farmhouses and tools regarding the life of local farmers during the XVIII and XIX century.
Duration 1.5 hrs
The Valle d’ Itria . Alberobello , Locorotondo and Martina Franca
Between the provinces of Bari , Brindisi and Taranto , the Itria Valley is best known for the characteristic buildings trulliformi and small and pretty villages.
Route: The route moves to the discovery of Alberobello , the famous city of the trulli become Unesco World Heritage in 1996 , and its two districts : the District Aja Piccola and Rione Monti . It continues with a visit to the old center of Locorotondo , planting approximately circular and of great charm for white lime that surrounds every household and for the decoration of the streets jealously guarded by its inhabitants . It ends in Martina Franca , another baroque capital of Puglia , characterized by rich mansions , churches and monumental spaces such as the Basilica of San Martino and Piazza Plebiscito.
Brindisi is one of the oldest towns in Apulia, it was founded by messapians. Brindisi was included in the last stretch of the Appia way in 244 A.C. Since that year the city became a Roman colony and its port became a kind of gateway towards the eastern world.This itinerary will make you discover the beauties of Brindisi during the Roman period.
Itinerary Seafront, Roman column and Staircase,Duomo square and Cathedral, Museum(prehistoric and massapian findings), St. John Church, the Granafei Nervegna Palace and the St. Piter of Schiavoni archeological area.Upon request, visit of the Italian Sailor Monument by boat.
Duration 2 hrs
The Acaya takes its name from Giangiacomo dell’Acaya who was one of the greatest military architects in Europe during the XVI century. He promoted the building both the Hamlet and its castle and today, it is a unique example of a fortified town surrounded by a moat and walls with sentry boxes for monitoring and wall walks. The most incredible thing was represented by the urban fabric of the hamlet that marked an innovation in that period. Indeed the town is built on a precise road system, 7 straight streets from north to south are crossed by 3 others that go from east to west and the southernmost point is represented by the Castle that is one of the most beautiful in the country.
Duration 1.5 hrs
Inside its beautiful historic center you will find the amazing St.Cathrina Basilic (XIV century) and the St. Paul Chapel, symbol of the “tarantism”. During the walking tour the visit to the Mother church dedicated to St. Pieter is included.
Duration 2 hrs
Gallipoli the pearl on the Ionic Sea
This walking tour is developed inside the strict and narrow streets of the historic center situated in an island that you can reach walking on an wooden bridge connected to the mainland; during the tour the visit to The St. Agata Cathedral and those of St. Cristina, of the Canneto Madonna plus the Greek fountain are included. We recommend a visit to one of the so many underground oil presses where the oil for lamps was produced.
Duration 2 hrs
This tour is focused on the visit of some small villages situated on an area named ”Salentine Greece” because they still have some strong roots (historic and linguistic) with Greece. We suggest the visit of Calimera (visit to the Museum of the ”Grika” farmer traditions), Soleto with the Raimondello steeple and the St. Stefano byzantine church and Corigliano with its castle.
Duration 2 hrs
Ostuni is situated at the feet of the Murgia hills, It looks like a white spot that you can see from far away because all its buildings are white. The old part of the town is surrounded by walls and inside the historic center you can easily loose your way in its wonderful narrow streets.
Itinerary: getting through the Porta Nova (one of th gates of the old part of the city) you will be amazed by the particular and intricate urban fabric with buildings of different heights linked each other with rampant arches and staircases as joint connection to the different levels on which the town was built. As you get in the Cathedral street you will be astonished by the beautiful San Vito church with its rococò style façade and adjoining to it the pre – classic civilization of the southern Murgia Museum, next to it is the famous XV century Cathedral.The Bishop palace and the Seminary that are linked by the Scoppa arch.
Last part of the tour is dedicated to the visit of the main square, The Freedom square overlooked by the Town Hall (previously an ex convent of the St. Francis church) and the St. Oronzo steeple.
This walking tour regards the visit of the Otranto”gateway to the eastern world” discovering the beauties of its historic center, the amazing mosaic flooring in the Cathedral and the story of the local martyrs killed by the Turks in 1480.
Itinerary : Alfonsina gate and its tower, the Cathedral dedicated to the “Annunciation”(inside you can visit the famous mosaic flooring made by the Pantaleone Monk in 1164 and the chapel containing part of the bones of the martyrs-1480), the Aragonese Castle, the Pelasgi bulwark and the small basilica of St. Pieter.
Duration 2 hrs
A fascinating journey to discover the oldest traces of human presence and evocative of Salento, whose function has not yet been, to date, fully clarified, menhirs and dolmens other impressive and mysterious stone structures.
Itinerary: The itinerary is concentrated in the central area of Salento, in the town of Giurdignano, ending in the nearby town of Giuggianello, a particular area for the presence of numerous witnesses megalithic so that it was called the “Garden of Italy megalithic “. An archaeological site in the typical Salentine countryside where, during a relaxed stroll through nature, you will come across these mysterious traces of ancient human presence.
The “Megalithic Park” Giurdignano that preserves testimonies of thirty dolmens and menhirs, including the interesting menhirs of St. Paul, Christianized scavandone below a small crypt with frescoes, it moves into the territory of the neighboring town of Giuggianello, to visit the interesting Dolmen Stabile and the mysterious “Boulders Giuggianello”. It is enormous rock formations of natural origin that have given birth since ancient tales and legends because of their size and their mysterious origin. Proof of this is the name given to him over the centuries: “The foot of Hercules” “Lu furticiddu of the old de Nanni lu”, “Lu lettu of the old.”
Duration: half day
Founded in 706 B.C. by a Spartan colony, it took the name of Taras and became the only greek polis in Apulia.In that period Taranto achieved an important position in Magna Grecia kingdom and was the last enemy for the Romans before they took over the country.
The walking tour regards the visit of the historic center of the town that is a sort of island linked to the mainland by two bridges:the Swing bridge and the Stone bridge or Naples gate.
Our walking tour begins at the Castle square that is overlooked by an impressive Aragonese building(Town Hall today) and by the two Doric columns that were part of an old temple built in VI BC.
In order to get to the Cathedral you have to cover the Duomo street that is a sort of road axis that connects the eastern to the western part of the historic center.The Cathedral is stunning because of its richness, and in the cathedral is the Chapel dedicated to St. Cataldo, bishop and patron saint of the city.
In the modern part of the city there is the National Archeological Museum that is one of the most important museums in the southern part of Italy.
Duration 2 hrs
Special Tour
The Acaja hamlet takes its name from the last name of the military architect who built it(Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya) and made it the only fortified town in the southern part of Italy
The Leccese stone is a calcareous rock composed by the marine fossil sediments, that can be found only in the salentine area. It is a stone that comes out very soft from the ground hardening through times, therefore it helped a lot the work of the local stone cutters who built so many work of arts with this stone giving birth to the baroque period in Lecce. During the lab activities you can attend to the different stages of the work of the stone.
Tour lasts: two hrs approx
The Acaja hamlet takes its name from the last name of the military architect who built it (Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya) and made it the only fortified town in the southern part of Italy.
Hand made pasta classes, where you can learn how to make the “sagna” into an old oven of the XVIII century located into a restaurant that serves some delicious hand made pasta dishes.
Class activity lasts 30 mins
Guided tour of the historic center of the town; Otranto is the gateway to the the oriental world, here you can discover the wonderful mosaic flooring of the cathedral(XIcentury) and the story of the marthyrs of Otranto(1480). Itinerary: the Terra gate, the Alfonsina tower, the Cathedral( containing the above mentioned mosaic flooring, a chapel that contains the bones of the marthyrs and am amazing crypt), the Aragonese Castle and its bulwarks and the small St. Peter basilica.
Tour lasts: 2 hours approx
“La Cutura” is a botanic garden full of the most different species of plants. Indeed, in the same place you can find the succulent plants garden, the Mediterranean plants garden, a rose garden, an ilex trees wood, an Italian garden and a secret garden with the rarest plants of the country.
Tour lasts:1 hr 30 mins
Guided tour of the historic center of the town; Otranto is the gateway to the the oriental world, here you can discover the wonderful mosaic flooring of the cathedral(XIcentury) and the story of the marthyrs of Otranto(1480). Itinerary: the Terra gate, the Alfonsina tower, the Cathedral( containing the above mentioned mosaic flooring, a chapel that contains the bones of the marthyrs and am amazing crypt), the Aragonese Castle and its bulwarks and the small St. Peter basilica.
Tour lasts: 2 hours approx
Visit to a wine storage facility where you can taste some high quality wines both Negroamaro and Primitivo. Wine tasting lasts 30 mins
Guided tour of the historic center of the town; Otranto is the gateway to the the oriental world, here you can discover the wonderful mosaic flooring of the cathedral(XIcentury) and the story of the marthyrs of Otranto(1480). Itinerary: the Terra gate, the Alfonsina tower, the Cathedral( containing the above mentioned mosaic flooring, a chapel that contains the bones of the marthyrs and am amazing crypt), the Aragonese Castle and its bulwarks and the small St. Peter basilica.
Tour lasts: 2 hours approx
The Zinzulusa Grotto is nestled in a breathtaking part on the rocky coast facing the Adriatic sea.(between Castro and St. Cesarea ). The grotto takes its name from the many stalactites you find inside looking as hanging rags whose name in dialect is “zinzuli”. The itinerary is 150 meters long.
Tour Lasts: 30 mins
Guided tour of the historic center of the town; Otranto is the gateway to the the oriental world, here you can discover the wonderful mosaic flooring of the cathedral(XIcentury) and the story of the marthyrs of Otranto(1480). Itinerary: the Terra gate, the Alfonsina tower, the Cathedral( containing the above mentioned mosaic flooring, a chapel that contains the bones of the marthyrs and am amazing crypt), the Aragonese Castle and its bulwarks and the small St. Peter basilica.
Tour lasts: 2 hours approx
Guided tour to discover the weaving activity made by the local woman weavers who work repeating the same techniques used in the past centuries to produce some wonderful products in natural fiber and colours with old looms: there you may find amazing carpets, tapestries, woollen bedspreads, tablecloths, bath towels, bedcovers and cachemire scarfs.
Tour lasts: an hour approx.
Guided tour of narrow and windy streets of the historic center of the sea town, situated on a rock in the sea linked to the mainland by a stone bridge. Note also the wonderful churches and monuments in “Gallipolino” baroque.
Itinerary: Greek fountain, St. Cristina church, St. Agathe Cathedral, St. Mary of Purity church, houses with internal courtyards. Tour lasts two hours approx.
The visit to the underground oil mill is a MUST if you really want to discover Salento and its traditions; in the past most of them produced lamp oil and it was exported throughout Europe. Gallipoli is famous because of its underground oil mills, and most of them can be visited in order to discover how both lamp oil and olive oil were produced.
Tour lasts: 45 minutes
Discover the beauties of Galatina and its wonderful historic center where is located the amazing St. Catherine Basilica that is second only to the one in Assisi because its frescos, not so far from it there is the St. Paul Chapel famous for its well which was a meeting point for the esoteric phenomenon of the “Tarantate”. Itinerary St. Pieter and Paul Mother church, St. Paul Chapel and well, St. Catherine from Alessandria Basilica.
Tour lasts: two hours approx.
Visit to a famous pottery company. There you can see the workers involved in pottery production during all the different steps, that go from the potter’s wheel, the drying activity in kilns where clay becomes terracotta to the colouring where the object is plunged into a glaze liquid. You may buy shop- made items.
Tour lasts: an hour approx.40 mins
Visit to two important villages of the “Salentine Greece” to discover an unique area where the Griko(remnants of the Byzantine Greek) language is still spoken Itinerary: Soleto:Raimondello steeple and St Stefano church; Corigliano d’Otranto: the beautiful De’ Monti castle.
Tour Lasts: 2 hrs approx
The Salentine Greece is an area situated in the heart of Salento where the Italiot Greek is still spoken. The farmer and Grika culture museum is a sort of melting pot of the different cultures and traditions regarding the local area. Museum is situated in the historic center of Calimera in a tipycal local house.
Tour to the historic center of Calimera and to Museum lasts 1,5 hrs approx .
Here you learn how to prepare some of the most important and traditional local food dishes. A masterchef will show you all the local products used in the Salentine cuisine , and then after a coffee break(where you also try the famous dessert pasticciotto) he will take you to a local fruit and vegetables market for grocery shopping, before starting the cooking activities for lunch.
Class lasts: from 10 am to 4 pm approx
Visit to a farm to learn the different cycles of production of milk, wheat and olive oils and join some pizzica and cooking classes (hand-made pasta cookies and so on). Trekking activities are available through the vineyards around the farm in order to discover plants and trees of the Mediterranean area, 30 minutes before classes start.
Classes last: 3 hrs
FIRST DAY
Overnight in a relais in Lucera
Arrival in Lucera,a small town located a stone’s throw from the A11 Highway. Lucera has been built on an upland area composed by three hills close to the Dauno mountains, who’s history dates back to the Roman period. You may visit the wine cellar the first or the second day; depending on the time of your arrival. During the visit to the wine cellar you will taste three varieties of indigenous wines such as Falanghina andNero di Troia served with a little amuse- bouche.
In the evening there will be a welcoming dinner in the Relais where you will enjoy the local delicacies composed of two appetizers, one first dish, a meat based second dish with a side, water and local wine(Cacc e Mmitte).
The Relais is a tourist accommodation, immersed into luxurious Mediterranean gardens. It is located on a hill in the heart of the “ Tavoliere delle Puglie”. Surrounded by olive trees, and fields of corn in a country farm. Where time slowly goes by and is regulated by the cycle of nature and harvest.
The Relais rooms are in rural chic style that creates warm, refined atmospheres that go through all the needs and wants to make your stay a wonderful experience. Among the customer area, a large panoramic terrace and an elegant lobby close to the bar where you can spend your spare time reading a book or drinking a glass of Apulian wine while enjoying the relaxing view of the country farm.
Rooms are very bright and furnished with all comforts such as air conditioning, smart tv, minibar, wifi, large bathrooms with showers, large mirrors, stone washbasin and safe security box.
Places to visit in the nearby area : San Severo (5 kms), Vieste and Peschici (125 kms) and St. Giovanni Rotondo (60kms)
The holiday package includes:
- overnight and breakfast in Relais, ( August excluded)
- welcoming dinner in Relais
- guided tour with food and wine tasting in a wine cellar
SECOND DAY
The Trani, Casteldelmonte and Andria area
Upon arrival in Trani, situated 105 kms from Lucera, you will Check- in to a four star hotel or in a beautiful B&B at the historic center of Trani on the pearl of the Adriatic coast.
We would suggest taking a walk in the wonderful historic center of the town. Known for its famous romantic Cathedral facing the sea (one of the most beautiful in southern Italy)
Places to visit in the nearby area: Andria( 13 kms); Barletta (13 kms); the archaeological site of Canne della Battaglia(25 kms); Ruvo di Puglia(27kms); Bari( 54kms)
You can’t miss the Castel del Monte located just a few kilometres away. It is famous for its octagonal walls and was wanted by Frederik II. It was also named UNESCO world heritage.
During the second part of the day you will visit a farm that produces olive oil and wine. Here you will have the opportunity to partake in a complete food and wine tasting, composing of four different wines. Among them, Vino Passito Moscato di Trani doc served with olives, taralli, bruschetta(grilled bread with tomato and extra vergin oil) and cantucci(sweet almond) served with Moscato from Trani.
In this part of Apulia the most important wines are Nero di Troia, Bombino, and Moscato of Trani.
Your overnight stay is in a B&B located in the historic center and is furnished with rooms for couples, families or group of friends that satisfy all comforts.
The holiday package includes:
- overnight and breakfast in an exclusive B&B *, (no August)
- guided tour and food and wine tasting in a wine cellar
THIRD DAY
Zona Ostuni, Alberobello, Valle d’Itria Ostuni, Alberobello and Itria Valley area
Ostuni the “white city” is located 137 kms from Trani.
On the road to get Ostuni, 40 kms from the town, there is Alberobello the town of the “trullos” named as the UNESCO world heritage site. Alberobello is known throughout the world because of its trullo houses, a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with conical roof. In some of the houses there are wine-liquor shops where you might taste the best Apulian spirits. After visiting Alberobello on the way to get Ostuni don’t forget to stop inLocorotondo, one of the most beautiful old Italian hamlets.
Arrival in Ostuni and check–in at a 4 star hotel– The hotel is famous because if its refined furnitures that remind you of the elegant bygone times with modern comfort services at the same time. There are three different kind of rooms that satisfy all customer needs, with balconies that face incredible views on the historic center.
You may also spend your overnight stay on a farm in the country close to town.
2 kms from Locorotondo and Martina Franca, in the heart of the Itria valley there is the opportunity to join a guided tour of a XVIII century agricultural business with its incredible indigenous vineyards of FIANO MINUTOLO, VERDECA and D’ALESSANO white wines, that will be explained and tasted.
The historic center of Ostuni is a jewel built on a hill. It is famous for its incredible white buildings; you will be astonished by the main square and its steeple dedicated to the Patron Saint Oronzo surrounded by a labyrinth of winding and steep streets. Walking on the road to the Cathedral, you will notice that it is embellished with beautiful flying buttresses and houses with internal courtyards. After that do not miss the incredible view from the ancient walls of the town.
The holiday package includes:
- overnight and breakfast in a 4 stars hotel; high season prices (no August)
- guided tour and food and wine tasting in a wine cellar
FOURTH DAY
Lecce and Salento
About an hour drive from Ostuni, you will find Lecce “the Capital of baroque” that is also the fourth stage of your Apulian wine tour.
On the way to Lecce there is a food and wine tasting is scheduled. It is a food and wine tasting + brunch and a walking tour among the vineyard and their winemaking labs in a famous Farm holiday close to Torre Santa Susanna.
Tasting includes, 4 different wines, olive oils served with salamis, cheeses, a first dish and appetizers( olives, grilled vegetables and so on).
Your overnight stay is in a B&B or 4 star Hotel located in the heart of the historical center of the city. Therefore you could easily take a walk visiting the beauties of Lecce. Roman sites(Roman theater and amphiteater), to its beautiful churches as the Duomo situated in one of the most beautiful Italian squares and the Holy Cross Basilica(one of the 10 Italian wonderies). Do not miss visiting the Leccese noble palazzos with its coat of arms and terraces that are the ideal frame of the historic center of the city.
Visiting the southeastern coast line of Salento is a MUST. You should begin with Otranto(50 kms from Lecce) and its Cathedral. It has the famous mosaic flooring(1168), the bones of the mattyrs and the crypt underneath; then keep driving along the amazing Adriatic coastal road( one of the 10 most scenic views in Italy) you will get to Castro, a wonderful sea town built on a cove facing the sea.
Some more interesting sites are Galatina and Gallipoli. Two wonderful towns full of monuments and history. The flagship of Galatina is TheSt. Catherine of Alessandria Basilica, a romantic church completely frescoed by “Giotto school” painters. Gallipoli an unique seatown built on an island linked to the mainland by a medieval bridge. Taking a walk in the winding streets of the historic center you can visit the St. Agath Cathedral and the Purity church as well as houses with internal courtyards.
The holiday package includes:
- Overnight and breakfast in a B&B or 4 stars hotel high season prices (no August)
- Guided tours in the vineyard and tastings of 4 different wines in the Farm business/wine cellar + brunch
FIFTH DAY
Manduria and Matera
After driving for 50 kms you will get Manduria, a town known for its famous and multi-awarded wine “Primitivo”.
Here the holiday package includes, a guided tour to the wine cellar and to the “Primitivo” wine Museum civilization, plus 4 wines tasting(Primitivo of Manduria, DOC, DOCG; Negroamaro IGT) attended by a sommelier that will serve wines with taralli, cheeses, salami, and almond pastry sweets.
The Museum of the Primitivo wine civilization is located in the old cisterns of the wine cellar in Manduria, under the XVIII century cross vaults; which displayes the cultural evolutions of all the different wine making processes of the same area.
Your tour continues to Matera( 120 kms from Manduria) for your overnight. Matera was named UNESCO world heritage site in 1993 and has recently nominated as European cultural Capital for the year 2019. It is also named the “sassi” town because of the two neighborhood of its historic center(Caveoso and della Civita).
You will stay overnight in an appealing hotel nestled among the “sassi” of Matera, in the Barisano “sasso”; there the exclusivity and the refinement of the furniture give you a magic atmosphere.
Both rooms and suites are carved out from the rocks.
Interesting towns in the nearby area: Altamura (at 20 kms); Gravina di Puglia (at 28 kms); Massafra (at 60 kms); Taranto (at 73 kms)
The holiday package includes:
- Overnight and breakfast in a B&B or 4 stars hotel high season prices ( August excluded)
- Guided tour to the Primitivo Museum and tastings of 4 different wines in the agricultural/wine cellar + brunch
Special Tour more days
First Day : Arrival in Lecce in the early afternoon , check- in and accommodation in hotel rooms , a few minutes walk from the center . After the meeting at the hotel with the local tourist guide , capable of transmitting culture and passion for the land , the group reaches the beautiful historic city of Lecce to discover a city rich in history ; a journey told from Roman roots , with its amphitheater , to the numerous Baroque churches , among which Piazza Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce , and the beautiful buildings in which we discover the secrets of paper mache Lecce and you can taste local products .
Return to hotel , dinner and overnight .
Second Day: After breakfast the group, accompanied by the guide, he left for a scenic coastal route that starts from Otranto, jewel of the Adriatic from the tormented history. Here we tell the secrets of the Cathedral, its famous mosaic floor, with glass cases of the martyrs and the crypt, then you visit the small village dominated by the walls and the Aragonese Castle. It starts in the direction Castro along the scenic route, one of the 10 most beautiful roads in Italy. Along the way lunch is provided on a farm with a menu of land or a restaurant with a seafood menu. After lunch continue towards Castro which tells the upper town, the castle, the walls and the archaeological excavations that brought to light real gems that testify ancient cults. On request it is possible to insert a visit to the Cave of Zinzulusa, a walking tour between the fanciful concretions created by nature. The tour will arrive at Santa Maria di Leuca, finubus terrae. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Third Day: After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, the group starts with the guide for the visit of Galatina and Gallipoli, two cities rich in monuments that amaze and fascinate. Galatina, where it is said to have stopped San Pietro, sports churches and palaces by the harmonic beauty that guard the mysteries of tarantism, here were carried out exorcisms to free pinched by the poison. The highlight of Galatina is the Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Romanesque church full of frescoes in Giotto style, is said to be the second most beautiful church in Italy after St. Francis in Assisi. In a delicious meal served is tasted pasticciotto the place where he was born, more than 200 years ago. After a typical lunch in a restaurant of Salento, the group arrives at Gallipoli to know the history of a particular city, perched on an island which, thanks to an old bridge is linked to the new part. Along the walls and narrow streets of the old town, meet the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, beautiful and baroque, the Church of Purity, commissioned by the brotherhood of fishermen and houses features from the beautiful courtyards. Anyone who wants can visit an ancient underground oil mill in the heart of the old town whose ground it is very rich, almost no one available.
First Day : Arrival in Lecce in the early afternoon , check- in and accommodation in hotel rooms , a few minutes walk from the center . In the afternoon the group can choose between a free walk in the center of Lecce ( the tour is foreseen on the second day ) , or accompanied by a tour guide, visit Lecce Roman , a tale of an hour about the origins of Lecce culminating a visit to the underground galleries of the Castle of Charles V and a tasting of local products .
Second Day: After breakfast, the group meets the guide at the hotel, local guide capable of transmitting culture and passion for the area. The group reaches the beautiful historic city of Lecce to discover a city rich in history; a journey told from Roman roots, with its amphitheater, to the numerous Baroque churches among which Piazza Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the beautiful buildings in which we discover the secrets of paper mache Lecce.
Lunch is at a restaurant with a menu strictly typical Lecce. After a break the group reaches a Masseria 20 km from Lecce, renowned for the production of buffalo mozzarella.
The visit to the dairy farm and the expected path of the odors, olive farm old Byzantine crypt and museum, visit of the farm with the buffalo farm and the pond, the mini zoo, watching the spinning of mozzarella and a tasting with cheese, mozzarella and glass of wine Castel di Salve.
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight
Third Day: After breakfast the group, accompanied by the guide, go on a picturesque coastal route that starts from Otranto, jewel of the Adriatic from the tormented history. Here we tell the secrets of the Cathedral, its famous mosaic floor, the glass cases of the martyrs and the crypt, then you visit the small village dominated by the walls and the Aragonese Castle.
It starts in the direction Castro along the scenic route, one of the 10 most beautiful roads in Italy. Along the way lunch is provided on a farm with a menu of land or a restaurant with a seafood menu. After lunch continue towards Castro which tells the upper town, the castle, the walls and the archaeological excavations that are bringing to light real gems that testify ancient cults. On request it is possible to insert a visit to the Cave of Zinzulusa, a walking tour between the fanciful concretions created by nature. The tour will arrive at Santa Maria di Leuca, finubus terrae.
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight
Fourth Day: After breakfast, the group with the guide for the visit of Galatina and Gallipoli, two cities rich in monuments that amaze. Galatina, where it is said to have stopped San Pietro, sports palaces asked the harmonious beauty that guard the mysteries of tarantism, here were carried out exorcisms to free pinched by the poison. The highlight of Galatina is the Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Romanesque church full of frescoes in Giotto style, is said to be the second most beautiful church in Italy after St. Francis in Assisi. In a delicious meal served is tasted pasticciotto the place where he was born, more than 200 years ago.
After a typical lunch in a restaurant of Salento, the group arrives at Gallipoli to know the history of a particular city, perched on an island which, thanks to an old bridge is linked to the new part. Along the walls and narrow streets of the old town, meet the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, beautiful and baroque, the Church of Purity, commissioned by the brotherhood of fishermen and houses features from the beautiful courtyards. Anyone who wants can visit an ancient underground oil mill in the heart of the old town whose ground it is very rich, almost no one available.
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight
Fifth Day : after breakfast and check out of the hotel , the group starts to discover Ostuni , the white city . The old town is a gem from the houses strictly painted white ; Square with the spire of St. Horace you are immersed in a maze of narrow streets up and down , between arches and courtyards , you will reach the Cathedral and we walk through the walls where the view is breathtaking . After lunch in a downtown restaurant , they walk a few kilometers to see Alberobello and its Trulli , recognized by UNESCO
DAY ONE : ARRIVAL IN CASTEL DEL MONTE
ISIT of Frederick’s castle (Castel del Monte has outstanding universal value for the perfection of its forms, the harmonious blending of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity. It is a unique masterpiece of’ medieval architecture, reflecting the humanism of its founder, Frederick II of Swabia. With this motivation, in 1996, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has included in the World Heritage List of the castle, commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia around 1240).
Lunch at the farm
Departure for Lecce
Arrival at the hotel in Lecce, dinner and overnight
DAY TWO: THE WONDERS OF LECCE
MORNING: GUIDED TOUR IN TOWN The route moves through the historic center of Lecce, telling the story of this city since ancient times – Messapian and Roman – to the splendors of the city Renaissance and Baroque
Itinerary: Cathedral Square – where you can admire the Cathedral, the Bell Tower, the Bishop’s Palace and the Seminary Palace – Church of St. Irene, the ancient city’s patron saint, Sant’Oronzo square where live buildings of the Roman city, Renaissance and modern; Basilica of Santa Croce and the Palazzo dei Celestini, the greatest expressions of the Renaissance and Baroque Lecce. The tour ends with the entrance to the Castle of Charles V and the visit to the atmospheric basement of the complex, recently restored and made accessible. TASTING OF TYPICAL PRODUCTS
Duration 2.30 h
Lunch at a fish restaurant in Lecce
AFTERNOON FREE – opportunity to bring the group to the sea
OR
NATURE TOUR Visit train with the nature reserve of Torre Guaceto and stop bath (Torre Guaceto Marine Reserve, State Nature Reserve and includes a large diversity of habitats and landscapes. It ‘a unique ecosystem for the biological diversity of the marine reserve and the wetland and the dense maquis with myrtle, mastic trees and holm oak. Mediterranean scrub, sand dunes, marshes with amphibians and migratory birds, yellow gold beaches, crystal clear water and seabed of Posidonia beds are the peculiarities of this place).
Duration 2.30 h
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight
THIRD DAY: TOUR Adriatic coast
MORNING: GUIDED TOUR OF OTRANTO The route offers a visit to the historic center of Otranto, a port city of the East, to discover the history of the nineteenth century Martyrs idruntini and enigmatic mosaic kept inside the Cathedral.
Itinerary: Porta Terra, Alfonsina Tower, Cathedral of the Annunciation – building where the relics of the nineteenth century Martyrs Idruntini and precious mosaic of Pantaleone – Aragonese Castle, Ramparts, Church of St. Peter. Duration 90 minutes.
Lunch at a farmhouse near Otranto
AFTERNOON: CAVE OF ZINZULUSA And LEUCA
Visit the Grotta Zinzulusa in Castro (A majestic entrance dug in a wall above the sea welcomes the Cave Zinzulusa, one of the largest karst features of Salento. So dubbed by the popular imagination that sees the numerous stalactites and stalagmites, the rags of a dress threadbare idiom Salento precisely the “Zinzuli”.)
Visit Santa Maria di Leuca (Sanctuary of the Madonna di Leuca or de Finibus Terrae. In front of the church and one of the leading lights of Italy is a large square that is like a large balcony on the infinity of the sea and the town below.)
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight
FOURTH DAY: TOUR IONIAN COAST
MORNING: GUIDED TOUR OF THE CHURCH OF ST CATHERINE A GALATINA EA GALLIPOLI
First stop on the route is the Orsiniana Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Galatina.
The route continues through the streets of the historic center of Gallipoli, located on an island and reached through the ancient stone bridge; the path is set to visit the Cathedral of St. Agatha and the small churches of various confraternities overlooking the Riviera; the church of Santa Cristina, the church of the Madonna del Canneto and overlooking the Greek Fountain.
Duration: 3 h
Lunch at restaurant in Gallipoli with seafood cuisine
FREE AFTERNOON, THE POSSIBILITY OF GOING TO THE SEA
OR
BOAT TOUR STARTING FROM TORRE VADO
Starting from Torre Vado, sailing the Ionian Sea, you head towards Santa Maria di Leuca, passing through the beautiful marina of San Gregorio. The tour includes the entrance by boat in four caves (cave of the Dragon, the cave of the stable, cave of the Three Doors, Cave of the River). From the start will be given explanations of each historical and geographical wonder that you will visit. If the meteorological conditions allow it, you can make a stop for a swim near the caves.
Duration 2 hours
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight
FIFTH DAY: TOUR VALLEY ITRIA
MORNING: VISIT OF OSTUNI, THE WHITE CITY
Localized to the extreme southern Murgia, Ostuni is visible from miles away to the white color of lime with which annually, in the past, they proceeded to paint the houses of the old town. The town, enclosed within an imposing city walls, is a maze of narrow streets with irregular where it is pleasant to get lost.
Itinerary: through Porta Nova, one of the entrances to the Old Town, you are immediately struck by the very special urban center: buildings with considerable heights connected by flying buttresses and countless steps to make connection to the different levels of the city. Once in the street Cathedral hits the rococo facade of the Church of San Vito Monacelle, the Museum of the Southern Murgia Pre-Classical, and proceed in the direction of Largo Trinchera square on which stands the Cathedral of the XV sec., And the Bishop’s Palace the Seminary Palace connected by the Scoppa. The tour ends in the central Freedom Square, dominated by the Town Hall, in the rooms of the former convent attached to the Church of St. Francis, and the Spire of St. Oronzo.
Duration 2 hours
Lunch at the prestigious farm near Ostuni with country cooking
AFTERNOON: The Trulli of Alberobello
Between the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, the Itria Valley is best known for the characteristic buildings trulliformi and small and pretty villages.
Route: The route moves to the discovery of Alberobello, the famous city of the trulli become Unesco World Heritage in 1996, and its two districts: the District Aja Piccola and Rione Monti.
Duration 1.30 h
Departure for Matera
Arrival at the hotel in Matera
Accommodation in the room, dinner and overnight
SIXTH DAY VISIT TO THE CITY OF SASSI
Matera, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 and the newly elected European Capital of Culture for 2019, is called the Stone City for its unique historical center consists of the two districts, Sasso Barisano and Caveoso and Civita .
Itinerary: Departure from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, and visit the city center with the square of the Seat (XVI sec.) Before reaching Piazza Duomo and admire the façade of the Romanesque cathedral (XIII sec.) And the view of the Sasso Barisano. Descent to the Sassi and visit the cave complex “Madonna of the Virtues and St. Nicholas of the Greeks”, one of the most elaborate examples of architecture carved in the rock of Matera.
Walk towards the Sasso Caveoso and visit one of the cave houses decorated. Visit the cemetery Longobardo and ascent to Via Ridola.
Duration 3 hours
Lunch at restaurant in the heart of Sassi di Matera
SEVENTH DAY: DEPARTURE FROM MATERA
ARRIVAL DAISY OF SAVOY
MORNING: PATH IN SALINE GREATEST OF ITALY
In the beginning was the Salpi lake, a coastal basin formed by brackish waters and marshes that gave its name to the ancient Salapia, lagoon city Daunia. Already in medieval cartography, in the southern part of the lake, it shows the presence of the salt mines that ensured the valuable mineral from the early centuries d. C. Here the Emperor Frederick II, enchanted by the life of the marshes, he spent his days hunting with falcons, noting the first ornithological observations come down to us through the work “De arte venandi cum avibus”. At the turn of the 1900s he left off without completing the transformation of the basin, through reclamation works started by the Bourbons, thus making the wetland as we know it today: an expanse of water more or less brackish, of variable depth, interrupted by levees and islets outcropping covered with vegetation halophyte (resistant to salinity).
Itinerary: Tour of saline (duration 2h)
– Salting area (process of salt production)
– Activities of saliniere
– Farmyards stacking (salt mountains)
– Collecting salt (if implemented)
LUNCH IN THE COMPLEX OF SALINE Ristornate
DEPARTURE