Lecce

Culture & history tours

The tour starts with a visit to the majestic Santa Croce Church, the jewel in the crown of Lecce’s Baroque architecture. From here, explore the nearby Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the former market square where you can find the Old Town Hall, the Roman Column, and the remains of a huge Roman amphitheater. Continue the tour with a walk through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which boasts a stunning Baroque palazzi and the recently restored Sant’Irene Church. Arrive at the breathtaking Piazza Duomo next, one of the most critically praised buildings in Italy. See the Archbishop’s Residence, the Seminary, the Bell Tower, and the cathedral. Finally, visit the underground Jewish Museum and discover the town’s fascinating Jewish history.

Explore the splendid historical center of Lecce by bike. Pick up the time which is best for you, and dive into the sublime atmosphere so typical from southern Italy. During this visit, you will discover along with our guide the main gems of Lecce, such as the Piazza del Duomo or the Basilica di Santa Croce, as well as more hidden places but just as surprising. Travel into another time, in a 17th century borough full of narrow streets, surrounded by an architecture and a style of life which will leave you a lasting memory!

Meet the guide at Porta San Biagio, one of the four main old gates of the city - do all four still exist? - and start an amazing discovery of this small, but enchanting town. See what makes San Matteo church unique amang the numerous churches of the city centre. Stop in Piazza Duomo and enjoy the beauty of this elegant square unique in its "closed" shape. Learn about the old papier-mâché tradition by visiting a workshop where you will see the construction phases of a papier-mâché statue At the relaxing pace of a walk with friends, the guide will lead you across the alleys of the historic center and through anecdotes and details will let you discover the wonders of this fantastic Baroque city, such as the facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce, which looks like an embroidery or the sculptures that embellish the balconies of noble residences. You will discover the history of Piazza Sant'Oronzo, listen why a column of the Via Appia, an ancient Roman road, ended up in Lecce; why the emblem in the center of the square depicts a she-wolf and what are the allegories of the great Clock of Wonders. Between one monument and another you will stop to savor the local specialities, such as rustic: puff pastry disc filled with mozzarella, tomato and béchamel; or the pettole: small balls of leavened dough, in white or pizzaiola style, a typical appetizer on Christmas Eve and you cannot skip the pasticciotto, the king of Salento pastry: a base of shortcrust pastry filled with custard. These are just some of the samples. You'll find out the rest at the moment, we don't want to spoil the surprise!

Explore the splendid historical center of Lecce, seated comfortably at the back of a rickshaw. Pick up the time which is best for you, and dive into the sublime atmosphere so typical from southern Italy. During this visit, you will discover along with our guide the main gems of Lecce, such as the Piazza del Duomo or the Basilica di Santa Croce, as well as more hidden places but just as surprising. Travel into another time, in a 17th century borough full of narrow streets, surrounded by an architecture and a style of life which will leave you a lasting memory!

This tour will give you the opportunity to visit 4 of the most picturesque towns in Salento on a comfortable minivan with air conditioning and a professional driver who will give you information about the history of the towns and the places to visit. A scenic route from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, between rocky coasts, small bays and white Caribbean-style beaches. The first stop of the tour is Galatina a real gem of art, history and traditions. The wonderful Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is 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 historic centre. The second stop is 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. You will have 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 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 is truly the heel of Italy, the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. From this tip of Puglia, you will admire spectacular views of the harbor and the sea, as well as the sanctuary of Santa Maria de "Finibus Terrae". After Santa Maria di Leuca, along the Ionian coast, you will reach Gallipoli, considered 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 city. The old part of the city is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th century bridge. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre 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.

Enjoy the great transport links between Brindisi Airport and Lecce Bus Station. Be greeted and supported by staff who will help you onboard. Avoid the hassle of navigating the public transportation system before or after a long journey, instead, relax and enjoy the views of Italy from the comfort of your seat. Stay connected to the world with free wifi available on board or simply relax your body and mind to get ready for your next trips. Board a modern bus to leave your worries behind, and arrive on time at your destination at the airport, or in the city in just a 40-minute ride. Choose a one-way service to or from the airport and feel safe knowing that your service is reliable and secured.

Have fun and learn the techniques of how to make the typical Apulian pasta, the orecchiette, with a professional and local cook. In a unique location of its kind, in a 1400s courtyard in the center of Lecce, you can learn while having fun, and bring home the techniques for creating Orecchiette. Pasta is one of the most loved foods in the world, especially the one produced in the south. Orecchiette and Sagne are a type of pasta made exclusively in Puglia, but exported all over the world for their goodness. You will then be able to learn how to create them with a typical local lady, mixing water and flour, with the tools of the trade, in the courtyard of a building in the center of Lecce.After making the pasta, we cook it and eat it inside a 1400s courtyard.

Discover Alberobello, Locorotondo and Ostuni traveling in a comfortable Minivan with a small group of up to 8 people! You will discover these fascinating cities in total relaxation, taking your time and taking breaks when you need them. The driver will be there with you in the heart of each city. To help you better understand the places you will be visiting, we have designed the Digital Audio Guide for you. This way, you can explore the top attractions at your own pace, without being tied to a group or a Local Guide. Based on our experience, this is the ideal way to experience these destinations as the cities are quite compact, allowing you to truly savor them without a Local Guide. We will accompany you to taste a Generous Aperitif made with super fresh local Mozzarella and dried ham product right in the heart of the city of trulli, Alberobello! (If you don't like caesarian products just tell us befor, we can arrange other dishes). Important details: - Tour carried out with no more than 7 people; - The tasting consists of a generous plate of typical Apulian delicacies of local production, an alcoholic drink such as a glass of wine or beer, and water. It can easily replace a lunch, saving you further costs and having more time to visit the cities; - You will visit each city freely, without being tied to a group; - The driver will take you to each city at the best point for you to discover the beauty of the places. - Our Gift: The day before, the link containing the audio guides of the various cities will be sent to you by email. Inside the link you will find a list of points of interest to visit, each point of interest is associated with a short explanatory audio of the place. Alberobello: it is a very ancient city close to the Murgia hills and the Itria Valley. In its historic center there are around 2000 trulli, the characteristic stone houses that make Alberobello famous throughout the world! In 1996, these particular buildings were named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Locorotondo: one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, famous for its typical food, baroque palaces and artisan shops that help create breathtaking views worthy of ending up on a postcard or in your souvenir photos. Ostuni: one of the unmissable attractions of Puglia. It is a delightful town built on three hills and also known as "the white city" for the typical white lime walls of its houses. Ostuni stands on the headlands of the Adriatic coast and shines with its white houses a few steps from the sea. Due to its charm it is almost impossible not to fall in love with this magical town. Itinerary: - Departure at 08.30 am, pick-up service from the meeting point; - 10.15am arrival in Alberobello and 2 hour stay; - From 12.00pm to 12.40pm Aperitif; - 12.45pm departure for Locorotondo; - 2.30pm pick-up from Locorotondo to go to Ostuni; - Return to Lecce at 5.30pm/06.00pm about.

Immerse yourself in Italian culture by visiting three authentic villages on a day trip from Lecce. Take in the dramatic landscape and medieval architecture as you stroll around. Discover what daily life is like for local people while you discover each town at your own pace. The first stop of the tour is Ostuni, known as the "White City", a wonderful medieval village, rich with alleys and whitewashed houses, which recalls an oriental landscape. You will have free time to visit the old town centre, called "la terra" ("the land"), characterized by alleys, sloping stairs, courtyards and small squares, where whitewashed houses, craft shops and typical small shops appear. After Ostuni you will reach Alberobello, crossing some charming villages located on top of the hills. The landscape is a continuous succession of ancient olive trees and trulli. Visiting the beautiful Alberobello is like a journey in a timeless country. You will have free time at disposal to explore its characteristic historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is integrally made up of Trulli, particular white, pyramidal structures that make it unique in the world and represent one of the most extraordinary examples of Italian folk architecture. Particularly striking are the two districts: "Rione Monti" with its local handcraft shops and "Aia Piccola", where the most ancient Trulli and little museums are situated. After Alberobello, descending towards the Adriatic Sea, you will reach the beautiful Polignano a Mare, birthplace to the famous Domenico Modugno. Polignano a Mare stands on a cliff falling sheer to the sea. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre and the remains of Roman rule. Among the latter, the bridge of the Via Traiana, still viable. Entering the historic centre,

Baroque Lecce is extremely well known, but the 17th century is just a recent part of a long history for this city. Lecce has been influenced by many ancient and important cultures, including Messapians, Greeks, Byzantines, Normans, French Angevins, and Spanish Aragonese. Begin your journey through the streets and alleys of medieval Lecce, focusing on its Jewish community. Visit Via della Sinagoga, the old path which used to lead to one of the most beautiful synagogues in South Italy. Following that, discover Vico della Saponea alley and walk through Via Abramo Balmes, a street dedicated to one the most important Jewish figures in Lecce. Take a trip back in time by visiting the evocative underground area of the Jewish Museum. The area is situated on the remains of the Synagougue, and includes a mikveh and mezuzah. Learn more about the Jewish community, including why the Jews were forced to leave Lecce.