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Our most recommended Galatina Tours

From Lecce: Otranto, S.M. Leuca, Gallipoli & Galatina Tour

1. From Lecce: Otranto, S.M. Leuca, Gallipoli & Galatina Tour

Take part in this tour to visit four of the most picturesque towns in Salento: Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, and Galatina. Follow a scenic route from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, between rocky coasts, small bays, and white Caribbean-style beaches. Stop first in Otranto, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Salento. The town of Otranto is full of history and every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans, and the Aragoneses. Enjoy free time to visit the splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions, and the walls that surrounded the whole of the ancient city. After Otranto, reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast, characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves, and bays with rocky bottoms. Along the way, admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina, and the Ciolo Fiord. Enjoy exploring Santa Maria di Leuca, the heel of Italy, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. From this tip of Puglia, marvel at spectacular views of the harbor and the sea, as well as the sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. Next, arrive at Gallipoli, the pearl of the Ionian Sea. This Greek city can be divided into two areas, the new village, where the tourist facilities and modern buildings arise, and the old part of the city, which is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. Walk through a labyrinth of narrow streets in the historic center, home to traditional shops with local crafts, impressive Baroque churches, and aristocratic palazzi. See the Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, the Angevine Castle, and the Greek Fountain, one of the oldest fountains in Italy. Lastly, see Galatina, a gem of art, history, and tradition. Visit the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul and the ancient "courtyard houses". Stop at the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is known for the mesmerizing frescoes inside, which were created by Giotto's disciples.

Walking Tour of Galatina with Pasticciotto Tasting

2. Walking Tour of Galatina with Pasticciotto Tasting

Unveil the artistic splendor that began in the 14th century with the Orsini del Balzo family during this walking tour of Galatina. Wander about the beautiful old town and hear tales of the city from your experienced guide.  The tour will lead you past city jewels, starting with the Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, a treasure chest that houses magnificent frescoes commissioned by Princess Maria d'Enghien. View the composites of architectural styles in the Basilica, from Romanesque to Gothic, from Norman to Byzantine. Admire the elegant cloister with its frescoes, the museum with an arabesque ceiling and a room dedicated to relics and offerings. Next, visit the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the Orsini Palace, once a home to the famous Italian family of Orsini del Balzo. During your tour you will break for a delicious tasting of typical pasticciotto, a traditional local cake made with pastry and cream.

From Lecce: Full-Day Salento Tour with Professional Guide

3. From Lecce: Full-Day Salento Tour with Professional Guide

This tour will give you the opportunity to visit the four most significant towns in Salento: Galatina, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli. Galatina, a real gem of art, history and traditions. Of extraordinary beauty is, in particular, the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, second only to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi for the presence of many frescoes inside, which were created by Giotto's disciples. Other monuments to visit are the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, and the ancient "courtyard houses" and the buildings situated in the historical centre. Otranto is Italy’s easternmost town and is well-known as “Porta d’Oriente” (literally, “Door to the Orient”) The town of Otranto is full of history, and every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the Aragoneses. The splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions and the Walls that surrounded the whole of the ancient city make Otranto one of the most interesting cultural destinations in South Italy. After Otranto you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast, characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves and bays with rocky bottom. Along the way you will admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina and the Ciolo Fiord. Santa Maria di Leuca sits on the southernmost tip of the Salentine peninsula, bathed by two seas, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Santa Maria di Leuca is a tourist center famous for its colourful natural landscape that blends in with its majestic architecture. Located on the Japigo promontory is the Basilica of Santa Maria De Finibus Terrae (at the ends of the earth). From the Basilica you can reach the old port on foot via two ramps of 300 steps each. Gallipoli is considered the pearl of Salento. This Greek city can be divided into two areas: the new village, where the tourist facilities and modern buildings arise, and the old city. The old part of the city is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th century bridge. The historic centre is characterized by a labyrinthine weave of narrow streets, home to traditional shops of local handicrafts, numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi. Also worth seeing are the Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, one of the best examples of Baroque in Salento, the Angevine Castle built in the 13th century and the Greek Fountain, one of the oldest fountains in Italy.

Galatina: Giottesque Frescoes and Walking Tour

4. Galatina: Giottesque Frescoes and Walking Tour

Discover the artistic splendor of Galatina on a 2-hour tour. Visit the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria to admire the beautiful frescoes commissioned by Princess Maria d’Enghien in the 15th century.  The basilica blends different architectural styles, from Romanesque, Gothic, and Norman, to Byzantine. See the elegant cloister decorated with 18th century frescoes. Visit the museum to see its arabesque ceiling, and rooms dedicated to relics and votive offerings. After admiring the basilica, continue your tour with a visit to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Then stop at the Orsini Palace, and wander through the street to explore the pretty old town.

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What people are saying about Galatina

Another wonderful day spent with our Guide Stefano, wo was very professional, informative and very very kind and showed us in 2 days almost the whole of Salento, beautiful places, excellent food, wonderful sceneries!! We are so thankful for meeting you, thank you very much for your time and effort!! ☺️

Stefano was a perfect guide. Knowledgeable, personable and very accommodating. It was a real pleasure to have the chance to see these cities with him as our guide and driver. Cannot recommend him more highly

our guide Stefano made us discover the wonderful Salento, a highly recommended experience