Monday: Otranto, Castro & Tricase 115 Euros pp
Otranto is known for its cathedral with fantastic mosaics, as well as for its medieval castle that inspired Horace Walpole's novel. We will visit this seaside town from where crusaders and knight templars would leave for the Holy Land. Optional lunch in Castro, small and fascinating fishing village, or at Tricase's "Anime Sante" run by local fishermen. In the afternoon visit to Tricase and optional winetasting at award winning winery. Departure at 10,00 am, back at 6,30 pm.
Tuesday: Salento Wineries 135 Euros pp with light lunch included.
We will visit two wineries in Salice Salentino and taste their award winning wines. Third winery or one hour visit to Porto Cesareo in the afternoon at 35 Euros extra.
Wednesday: Matera 125 Euros pp including tickets to cave churches
A visit to the famous "Sassi" district (Unesco World Heritage Site) will allows you to steep back in history. Tour leaves Lecce at 8,30 am and return at 6,30 pm. Optional memorable 3 course lunch at amazing "Falco Grillaio" or "Gatta Buia" in Matera at 35 Euros pp.
Thursday: Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano 115 Euros pp. including tickets to museums
Ostuni (the white city), Alberobello (trulli village, UNESCO world heritage site) and Polignano a Mare (right on the Adriatic cliffs). Optional 4 course lunch at amazing "Cantina" in Alberobello (35 Euros pp, n.1 on Tripadvisor) and/or winetasting at the Wine Museum of Cantina Albea (20 Euros). Departure from your hotel in Lecce at 9,00 am, back at 6,30 pm.
Friday: Gallipoli and Nardo' 115 Euros pp. including tickets to oil mill museum.
Gallipoli. Quaint fishing village. Its name comes from ancient Greek “Kalle Polis” (beautiful city.) Visit the old town with its amazing maze of alleys, the Cathedral and an underground oil mill dating back to the 14th century. Optional lunch at fantastic fish restaurant "Puritate" (35 Euros pp) and/or winetasting of five award winning wines at Schola Sarmenti in Nardo' (20 Euros). Departure at 10.00 am, back at 6.00 pm.
Saturday: Otranto, Castro and Tricase 115 Euros
Otranto, Castro and Tricase. Known for its cathedral with fantastic mosaics, as well as for its medieval castle that inspired Horace Walpole's novel. We will visit this seaside town from where crusaders and knight templars would leave for the Holy Land. Optional lunch in Castro, small and fascinating fishing village, or at Tricase's "Anime Sante" run by local fishermen. In the afternoon visit to Tricase and optional winetasting at award winning winery. Departure at 10,00 am, back at 6,30 pm.
Departure from your hotel in Lecce. We require reservation 24 hours in advance. Please ask your hotel reception desk, email greenitalytours@gmail.com or call Gio’s mobile phone +39.340.7678256
We also offer “Private Tours” to the above destinations as well as to those listed below, at 165 Euros pp all included (Lunch at upscale restaurants + wine tastings) for 6 participants, 175 Euros pp for 4 participants, 185 Euros pp for 2 participants, discounts for larger groups. Departure from your accommodation.
Mysterious Castel del Monte & Trani, famous for its romanesque cathedral (1143 AD) set against the Adriatic crystal waters. Optional lunch at Corte in Fiore in Trani and/or winetasting at either Tormaresca, Rivera or Torrevento. Approx 2 hours drive from Lecce.
Matera, home of director Francis Ford Coppola. Due to its similarities with Jerusalem, Matera has lent itself to film settings like “The Last Passion of Christ”. A visit to the famous “Sassi” (ancient cave dwellings) and Ruperian churches allows you to steep yourself in history. Optional lunch at “Falco Grillaio”. In the afternoon visit to the “Cave of the Original Sin” or wine tasting at “Polvanera” or “Patruno Perniola” winery in Gioia del Colle. Approx 2 hours drive from Lecce.
Salento Wineries. Taste some of the best Apulian wines at a selection of 2 amazing wineries in the Primitivo & Negramaro district, Salice Salentino.
Taranto. Founded by the Spartans 2,700 years ago, Taranto features many historical attractions like the 15th Century Aragonese Castle and the Greek Doric Temple ruins as well as many medieval and baroque palaces in the old town. The National Archeological Museum, “MARTA” features a collections of Greek and Roman jewels known as “Ori di Taranto”. Approx 1,5 hour drive from Lecce.
Monte Sant’Angelo and San Giovanni Rotondo. Visit these magical places where Padre Pio lived and the sanctuary of “San Michele Arcangelo” dating back to the 5th Century. Approx 3 hours drive from Lecce. Optional lunches at award winning upscale restaurants only 35 Euros pp extra (with wine included).
Cooking classes with lunch (or dinner) from 115 Euros pp.(including pick up from your hotel in Lecce). www.pugliachefacademy.com Please enquire about our fantastic Bike, Twizy, Vespa & Boat Tours p.iva (tax code) IT02306950748 Allianz professional insurance n.198725
Overview:
Indulge in a chauffeured tour of wine, food, and the spectacular landscape of Puglia. Savour some of the best wines and get a glimpse of some of the region's architectural gems. You'll travel in comfort and style on this vineyard tour and Lecce visit!
Description:
Our expert multi-lingual guides will lead you through verdant landscapes brimming with ancient vineyards responsible for creating the famous Primitivo, Negromaro, Sussumaniello, Aglianico e Bombino Bianco wineffs. The sounds, scents and flavours of Puglia will awaken your senses through your unique experience. You'll enjoy a day of exploring the fantastic scenery and appreciate the centuries-old traditions that have remained largely unchanged.
We begin our tour in Lecce, home of baroque architecture and a history dating back to the Trojan War. See an amphitheater dating back to the glory days of the Roman Empire and discover the "Florence of southern Italy." From Lecce, we'll travel down the heel of the boot via winding coastal roads overlooking the sea to charming Castro. Sip cappuccino on the water and dip your toes in the crystal clear aquamarine waters of the Adriatic.
Near Castro, we'll tour Castel Di Salve winery, created by the Duke of Salve in the 19th century. Castel Di Salve brings together wines produced from four of their vineyards which, though geographically very close, actually fall into four distinct microclimates and soil environments. The differing conditions give birth to incredible whites where it's a bit cooler and deep reds which ripen to perfection in the late, warm summers down by the sea. You'll have a chance to taste them all!
When we reach the tip of the boot, we'll feast at the Trattoria Hosteria del Pardo on fresh, traditional Pugliese cuisine such as mussels, fish, local cheeses, fresh-baked bread, and pasta. We'll open up a red blend from Castel Di Salve, chat with the chef, and practice our Italian.
After lunch, we will visit beautiful Gallipoli, which lies on the Ionian sea and is home to breathtaking beaches and quaint shopping. If you desire, we'll show you a centuries-old underground olive mill that lies beneath the downtown streets.
Our tours are private, and we're absolutely willing to customize our day tours to accommodate any special requests or stops you'd like to make. We provide an unmatched level of customer service and are always open to doing anything we can do to make your time in Italy an unforgettable experience!
What's Included:
• Service to and from Bari, Ostuni, Brindisi, Taranto, Matera or Lecce (for groups of 6 or more we may be able to arrange pick-up from your accommodation)
• Private transport, fully equipped for your complete comfort
• Expert bilingual (English/Italian or German/Italian) tour escort (Russian upon request)
• Visit to one vineyard (with winetastings) and one town, with free time. It's possible to arrange a visit to a second winery at an extra cost of 35 Euros per person. We use standard VW or Opel vehicles. Luxury Mercedes vehicles are available for 100 Euros extra per person .
• Lunch of typical Pugliese cusine in upscale restaurants.
What's Not Included:
• Pick-up from your accomodation outside Bari, Ostuni or Lecce
• Visit to Otranto upon request
Good to Know:
We need to receive reservations 48 hours in advance. No tours on Sundays or national holidays.