Lecce & Salento Discovery - 7 days

Lecce & Salento Discovery - 7 days

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Lecce & Salento Discovery - 7 days

7 Days Starting and ending in Lecce, Italy

Visiting: Lecce, Ceglie Messapica

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a 7-day journey through the enchanting region of Salento with the "Lecce & Salento Discovery" tour. Begin in Lecce, the "Florence of the South," renowned for its Baroque architecture. Explore the historic coastal towns of Gallipoli and Otranto, each rich with Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences. Discover the intricate frescoes of Galatina's Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria and the artisan ceramics of Grottaglie. Savor Primitivo wine in Crispiano and admire the trulli and olive groves of Ceglie Messapica. Conclude with the Baroque elegance of Martina Franca. Enjoy 6 nights in a 5-star hotel, guided sightseeing, and delectable local cuisine.

Highlights

  • Lecce - Wander through the 'Florence of the South' to see the Baroque architecture of the Old Town and Piazza del Duomo main square

  • Gallipoli - Take a trip to this vibrant coastal town, known for its pretty harbour and historic outer walls

  • Otranto - Marvel at the rich blend of Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences in this historic coastal town

  • Galatina - Discover the intricate frescoes and mosaics of the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria

  • Grottaglie - Explore artisan workshops and learn traditional ceramics techniques in this craft-centric town

  • Crispiano - Savour exceptional Primitivo wine amidst the lush vineyards of this renowned wine-producing area

  • Ceglie Messapica - Enjoy the scenic charm of trulli, olive groves, and traditional dwellings in this picturesque town

  • Martina Franca - Admire the elegance of Baroque architecture and historic squares in this charming village

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Lecce

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Lecce! After your arrival, check into the hotel for the night.

Day 2: Lecce

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast, join your tour guide at the hotel and embark on a 3-hour walking tour to explore the wonders of Lecce. Often referred to as the "Florence of the South" due to its vibrant artistic and cultural scene, Lecce is renowned for its baroque architecture.





You'll visit numerous religious and secular landmarks, including the Maria Santissima Assunta and the Basilica Santa Croce, Palazzo dei Celestini, Piazza Sant’Oronzo with its Roman amphitheatre, and the Church of Santa Chiara. The afternoon will be yours to spend as you wish.

Day 3: Lecce

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Lecce - Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca - Lecce. Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before meeting your driver and setting off for Otranto, a short 30-minute drive from Lecce. Over the centuries, Otranto has been influenced by the Greeks, Romans, and Turks, and remnants of these diverse cultures are still visible today. After savouring lunch at a traditional restaurant, make stops at Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina.





Later, take your time exploring Santa Maria di Leuca, a popular summer destination known for its Liberty-style villas and the iconic lighthouse. Adjacent to the lighthouse is the Sanctuary de Finibus Terrae, built to honour St. Peter's journey to Italy.

Day 4: Lecce

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Lecce - Galatina - Gallipoli - Lecce. After breakfast, head to Galatina, an intriguing inland town with pagan roots. Here, you'll visit the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, known for its stunning paintings and mosaics, as well as the Baroque church of San Pietro and the quaint church of San Paolo. You'll also gain insights into the tarantismo tradition and the pizzica and taranta folk dances. Lunch will be at Le Stanzie, a picturesque masseria.





Next, you'll explore Gallipoli, a city with Greek origins. Its historic centre, enclosed by medieval walls, is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Gallipoli is a popular summer destination, especially among young people, known for its lively nightlife.

Day 5: Sculpting, Painting & Wine Tasting

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Lecce - Crispiano - Lecce. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, head to Grottaglie, a renowned artisan community in the Salento region. Here, you'll tour the studios of famous ceramic artists and participate in a hands-on workshop where you'll learn to sculpt and paint clay over a 2 to 3-hour session.





Following this, visit the Crispiano area, celebrated for its Primitivo wine production. You'll explore a prestigious vineyard-garden that has transformed this once semi-desert area into a lush and productive oasis. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting here.

Day 6: Ceglie Messapica

Location: Ceglie Messapica

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Lecce - Ceglie Messapica - Martina Franca - Lecce. Following breakfast, your day begins with a visit to Ceglie Messapica, nestled between the Murge Plateau and Upper Salento. From the historic cent of this charming town, you'll take in views of trulli, traditional farms, lamie (typical dwellings), caves, olive groves, vineyards, cattle pastures, and expansive arable land.





Next, you'll explore Martina Franca, an elegant Baroque village brimming with churches, noble buildings, and picturesque squares. Key sites include Piazza Plebiscito, the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio. This region, known as the Valle d'Itria, is renowned for its scenic olive trees and vineyards. Lunch will be enjoyed at a typical trattoria.

Day 7: Lecce

Location: Lecce

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today marks the end of the tour. After breakfast, transfer will be provided to Brindisi airport or port.

What's Included

  • 6 breakfasts & 4 lunches

  • 6 nights 5-star hotel

  • Services of expert local guides for all sightseeing

  • Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Guided sightseeing in Lecce (3 hours), Otranto (2 hours), Galatina and Gallipoli (4 hours), Grottaglie and Crispano (full day) and Cegile Messapica and Martina Franca (full day)

  • Lunch and wine tasting at the azienda vinicola Amastuola or similar

  • Lunch in Otranto (drinks not included).

  • Lunch in Martina Franca (drinks not included).

  • Lunch at Le stanzie (drinks are not included)

  • Ceramics workshop in Grottaglie (3 hours).

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What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

  • Additional meals and drinks unless specified

  • Entrance fees not mentioned in Inclusions

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

  • City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night (tax varies by city), to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with private, air-conditioned vehicles ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights in luxurious 5-star hotels, providing comfort and elegance throughout your stay in Lecce and the surrounding areas.

Age Policy

No Minimum Age. Children aged 0 - 5  travel free. Children aged 6+ pay adult priceMaximum Age: No maximum age but not suitable for pax with mobility issues

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 6 nights in a 5-star hotel.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 6 breakfasts and 4 lunches. Drinks are not included with the lunches.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Transportation is provided in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

  • Will there be guided sightseeing tours?

    Yes, there will be guided sightseeing tours in Lecce, Otranto, Galatina, Gallipoli, Grottaglie, Crispano, Cegile Messapica, and Martina Franca.

  • Is there a wine tasting experience included in the tour?

    Yes, there is a lunch and wine tasting at the azienda vinicola Amastuola or a similar vineyard.

  • Is there a ceramics workshop included in the tour?

    Yes, there is a 3-hour ceramics workshop in Grottaglie.

  • Are international flights and visas included in the tour package?

    No, international flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

    Entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions are not included in the tour package.

  • Is tipping included in the tour package?

    No, tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Is there a city tax that needs to be paid?

    Yes, there is a city tax of €1 - 6 per person per night, which varies by city and must be paid directly to the hotel at check-in or check-out.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    There is no minimum age for this tour. Children aged 0-5 travel free, while children aged 6 and above pay the adult price. There is no maximum age, but the tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues.

  • What happens on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Lecce and check into the hotel for the night.

  • What activities are planned for the second day in Lecce?

    On the second day, after breakfast, you will join a 3-hour walking tour of Lecce, exploring its baroque architecture and numerous landmarks. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish.

  • What will we do in Otranto on the third day?

    On the third day, you will visit Otranto, explore its historical influences, have lunch at a traditional restaurant, and make stops at Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro Marina. You will also explore Santa Maria di Leuca.

  • What can we expect to see in Galatina and Gallipoli on the fourth day?

    In Galatina, you will visit the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria and other churches, and learn about local traditions. In Gallipoli, you will explore its historic centre and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.

  • What activities are planned for the fifth day in Grottaglie and Crispiano?

    On the fifth day, you will participate in a ceramics workshop in Grottaglie and visit a vineyard in Crispiano for lunch and wine tasting.

  • What will we do in Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca on the sixth day?

    On the sixth day, you will visit Ceglie Messapica to see its traditional dwellings and landscapes, and then explore the Baroque village of Martina Franca, including its key sites and enjoy lunch at a typical trattoria.

  • What happens on the last day of the tour?

    On the last day, after breakfast, a transfer will be provided to Brindisi airport or port.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

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05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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