Magic in Apulia

Upon your arrival at Bari/Brindisi Airport, you'll pick up your rental car and head straight to your hotel in Lecce for a restful overnight stay. The adventure continues on day 2.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. You have the whole day to relax or, if you prefer, we recommend a visit to the charming city of Lecce. Our suggested itinerary includes a walking tour of Lecce, often referred to as the 'Florence of the South' due to its stunning architecture. You could opt for a guided tour (at an additional cost) to explore landmarks like the Basilica of Santa Croce, a masterpiece that took 150 years to build, the Duomo, the heart of religious life, and Porta Napoli. Don't miss the Zelestinian Palace and the Roman theater from the 2nd century in Piazza Sant'Oronzo. Lecce is also home to traditional papier-mâché art and the crafting of the local soft stone, a tradition still kept alive by local artisans. While here, seize the opportunity to taste the local dessert, Pasticciotto Leccese (optional). After some free time to continue your exploration, we'll drive to Porto Cesareo. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in one of Puglia's most popular tourist destinations. We'll then drive back to the hotel in Lecce for a restful overnight stay.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. We recommend dedicating your day to exploring Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca. Begin your journey with a drive to Gallipoli, a mesmerizing town perched over the Ionian Sea, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Within its fortified walls, you'll find a blend of beauty, history, gastronomy, and relaxation. This splendid town is a maze of enchanting alleys and magnificent churches, showcasing baroque architecture and the quintessential Apulian historic center with its white houses and breathtaking landscape views. Starting from the Greek fountain, believed to be Italy's oldest, built in the third century A.C., the historic center is home to ancient buildings, stunning baroque churches, and characteristic alleys. Gallipoli is divided into two parts, the modern village and the historic center situated on a small island linked to the mainland by a brick bridge, still encircled by the ancient defensive walls of the '500. For sea lovers, there's the option to organize boat or snorkeling excursions. Continue to Ugento and Santa Maria di Leuca, where we suggest a boat ride to visit the caves. The clear waters make this part of the Ionian coast one of Puglia's most beautiful. A swimming stop is planned. Alternatively, you can tour Leuca: the Art Nouveau style nineteenth-century villas, the bagnarole, the Sanctuary of S. Maria De Finibus Terrae, the Lighthouse, and the terminal column of the Apulian Aqueduct with its splendid staircase. End your day with a drive to Lecce for an overnight stay.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the stunning town of Otranto, the easternmost city of the Salento area, a melting pot of Mediterranean cultures. Explore the charming ancient village, marvel at the grandeur of the Aragonese Castle, and visit the exquisite Byzantine church of San Pietro. Don't miss the ancient Romanesque Cathedral, home to the relics of martyrs and known for its enigmatic medieval mosaic depicting stories from the Old Testament and classical mythology. Also, visit the Aula crypt, where each unique column hails from different parts of the ancient world. Otranto, with its crystal clear waters and natural bays, is a magnet for holidaymakers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the historic city center, located on the Adriatic Sea. Admire the 12th-century cathedral with its famous mosaic, or the Aragonese castle. End your day with an overnight stay in Lecce.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. We recommend a day trip to the charming towns of Ostuni and Alberobello. Here's a suggested itinerary: begin your journey with a drive to Ostuni, known as the white town due to its white-painted walls and old town. Take a stroll through its picturesque streets, surrounded by lush olive trees that seem like a green carpet to the visitor's eyes. The old town is a maze of alleys, courtyards, and stairways that lead to the 15th-century cathedral, offering a breathtaking view. Next, head to Alberobello via the Itria Valley, dotted with masserie (typical Apulian cultural buildings). If you wish, we can arrange a guided tour of Alberobello, famous for its Trulli (Unesco heritage) - limestone buildings with conical roofs, steeped in history and superstition. Don't forget to pause for a photo at the 'Belvedere', before driving to Taranto for an overnight stay.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. You have the whole day to relax or, we recommend, take a trip to the ancient city of Matera. Here's a suggested itinerary: embark on a journey to Matera, one of the world's oldest cities nestled in the Basilicata region. The route to Matera is a scenic drive through a hilly landscape dotted with quaint villages perched on hilltops. Upon arrival in Matera, you can opt for a local guide (additional charges apply) to explore the city known as the Second Bethlehem. The city's unique landscapes have been featured in numerous films, including Mel Gibson's 'Passion'. Matera is renowned for its 'Sassi', a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the opportunity for a photo break to capture the city's stunning beauty. After a day of exploration, return to the hotel for a restful night in Taranto.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. You have the whole day to relax or, if you prefer, we recommend a trip to the stunning Grotte di Castellana. Here's a suggested itinerary: take a drive to the Castellana Caves, a complex of underground karst caves that are among the most beautiful and awe-inspiring in Italy. Embark on a 50-minute tour, covering about 1 KM of the caves that stretch for a total of 3.348 meters and descend to a depth of 122m below street level. The caves maintain a constant temperature of around 16.5°C. After your exploration, drive back to the hotel in Taranto for a restful overnight stay.

We'll start our day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Our journey concludes at 10:00 AM with a checkout. Following this, we'll drive to the airport, where we'll return the car, marking the end of our services. Thank you and goodbye!