Otranto

Tours

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.

Discover one of Italy's most beautiful towns in the company of a local guide. Located at the easternmost point on the heel of the country, Otranto has always been considered the gateway to Italy. Learn about the town's interesting past from your guide as you meander through its center. During your walking tour, admire the old churches and quaint buildings that make Otranto the picturesque place it is. See the 15th-century Aragonese castle, whose towers and walls formerly served as protection for the city, and visit the Cathedral of the Annunciation where you can admire a stunning mosaic. From time to time, you will have spectacular glimpses of the landscape where the town meets the surrounding crystal-clear sea.

You will be located on the Ionian Sea, at the eastern end of the Otranto Channel, in the center of the Bay of Vlora. Here we have the Marine Protected Area of Karaburun. A natural park that was established in 2010 by the Ministry of the Environment of Albania in order to preserve the characteristic features of this area. Where we find uniqueness and biodiversity. Visit the Pirate's Cave You will leave by boat in the early morning from Vlora, to reach the Haxhi Ali Cave, located at the end of the Karaburun Peninsula, after about half an hour on the water. Arriving at the cave by boat is a unique experience. You enter a cubic-shaped area that extends for 30 meters in length, with a maximum height of 18 meters, and 12 meters in width. Inside this cave, the view is lost between the rock formations and the stalactites, the result of the constant work of water on the rocks over thousands of years. In addition, at the end of the cave there is a source of freshwater. After a half-hour guided tour, the participants are free to choose between snorkeling in the wonderful crystal clear water, full of life, of the cave, or enjoy a pleasant drink on the boat. The best beaches on the Karaburun peninsula After the stop, you will set off again to travel along the wild coast of Karaburun. Here you will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful beaches with caves, of the peninsula up close. Corners of paradise such as Shen Jani, Aquamarina Beach, and San Basil Beach. After lunchtime, you will stop on the beach of Zhanpovel Beach, refreshing yourselves with the best specialties of the local gastronomic tradition at the restaurant located on the beach. Returning in the early afternoon, you will cross the bay, flanking the Vlora coast, approaching the beaches with caves, of Zhironi and Kalasa and skirting the entire Cold Water district. The story of the pirate Haxhi Ali cave owes its name to the legendary pirate Haxhi Alia Ulqinaku. Born in Calabria in 1569, he moved with his family to Ulcinj, Albania and received military education under the Ottoman Empire. After serving in the Ottoman fleet, in 1609 he moved with his children and some Albanian sailors to the Karaburun peninsula. Here he began to defend the coasts from the incursions of the Venetians and the French, cooperating with the local population, which supplied the pirate with timber and raw materials. It was an episode that handed him over to the legend. Haxhi Alia was attacked in 1623 off the coast of Otranto by a powerful fleet of Venetians and British, but he heroically defended himself, until he earned legendary fame among the inhabitants of the Karaburun peninsula, who still sing songs in his honor.

Get ready for a culinary experience like no other at a local home in Otranto. Over 3 hours, enjoy exclusive cooking instruction from your genial host and taste authentic Italian dishes. Treasured in family cookbooks, these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation.  Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you make a genuine connection with locals. Enjoy a 4-course menu including a starter, pasta, a main course with a side dish, desert, plus a selection of regional wines and coffee.

Described as the “Gateway to the East” and the most Oriental of all Italy’s cities, Otranto was founded by Greeks from Crete thousands of years ago. Explore this fascinating history on a 2-hour walking tour of all its main sights. Discover the Norman cathedral, consecrated in 1088 and still the largest Romanesque building in Apulia. Admire the mosaic floor, formed of thousands of pieces of stone that depict scenes from the Old Testament and figures from Breton legends. Admire columns that are said to have come from a Temple of Minerva, and the bones and relics of the Martyrs of Otranto, who perished in the 15th-century siege of the city. Marvel at the 42 marble columns that support the crypt, and more. Continue to the Church of St. Peter and the Aragonese Castle, reinforced by Emperor Frederick II and rebuilt by Alphonso II of Naples in 1485-1498. Look at the irregular plan of 5 sides, with a moat that runs along the entire perimeter. Enjoy the panoramic views out to sea. If the weather is good you can see all the way across the Adriatic to Greece and Albania.

The tour on board our van is characterized by numerous free stops of variable length between 1 hour, 30 minutes and very short spot stops to take a nice photo, therefore giving you the opportunity to take advantage of perfect organization of time and visit as many places as possible , optimizing your day as best as possible. We leave at 9.30 from Lecce, the first stop is Otranto with its rich historic center where you can visit the Cathedral, the Castle, the Basilica of St. Peter. We then begin the journey along the Adriatic Coast, admiring landscapes, natural views and small villages that leave you breathless, you can stop at the Palascia lighthouse, the easternmost point of Italy. The longest stops are in Castro, a jewel nestled on the coast, where, if you want, you can enjoy a lunch overlooking the sea (extra, not included). We set off again for Santa Maria di Leuca which celebrates the meeting between the two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian. Here the Sanctuary square with the lighthouse welcomes the tourist who is fascinated by an extraordinary panorama. The last stop on the tour is Gallipoli, whose ancient village, an islet connected to the mainland thanks to a seventeenth-century bridge, houses historic buildings, courtyard houses, small churches, the Aragonese Castle and the baroque Basilica of Sant'Agata. The return is at approximately 6.30 pm in Lecce.

Immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes of regional cuisine and taste the fruits of your labor, accompanied by local wines.  During the lesson, the cook will reveal the tricks of the trade for three authentic local recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test.  You will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Taste everything you have prepared with a selection of local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

Embark on our VanTour Costa Adriatica for a hassle-free exploration of Salento. Departing from Lecce, choose between morning or afternoon shifts for a 5-hour tour. The tour kicks off with Roca and its Grotta della Poesia, a natural swimming pool nestled amidst breathtaking rocks (entrance ticket not included, available for purchase on-site). Descending along the Adriatic coast, our next stop is Torre dell'Orso, home to Le Due Sorelle, two twin rocks steeped in legend. According to folklore, these rocks represent young women who tragically drowned and were transformed into stone by the gods. Torre Sant'Andrea follows, boasting awe-inspiring sandstone stacks sculpted by wind and sea over centuries. Concluding our journey is Otranto, where you'll have approximately an hour to explore its enchanting historic center. Wander through narrow alleys, visit the Cathedral, the Castle, and St. Peter's Basilica, soaking in the town's rich history and charm. Return to Lecce with a heart full of memories and a camera full of stunning photographs capturing the beauty of Salento's Adriatic coast. Experience the wonders of Salento effortlessly aboard our VanTour, offering convenience and exploration in equal measure.

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.

Take in the Apulia region from the sky on a fascinating plane ride taking off from Brindisi. Enjoy a hotel transfer and feel the thrill of flying while admiring incredible panoramic views. Receive a commemorative flight certificate after your experience. Get picked up from your hotel, then start with a briefing from your professional pilot. Climb onto the plane and get ready for a thrilling journey. Take the clutch in your hands and pilot the airplane with the expert supervision of your pilot. Be dazzled by beautiful islets set in the turquoise sea of Porto Cesareo. Fly above the unique beauty of the Bauxite caves in Otranto. Snap incredible photos as you ride, then receive your flight certificate and be transferred back to your hotel.