In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) this tour took extra safety and hygiene measures.
5 days in Salento with boat tour and oil mill visit
Lequile - Lecce - Gallipoli - Cursi - Lequile
Nature &
Adventure
Monuments &
History
Wellness &
Relaxation
Food &
Wine
Green &
Eco
The Salento is not just about the sea.
Culture, history and gastronomy are the other elements that complete the splendid setting of the southernmost area of Apulia. During your journey you will get to know each of these characteristics, as you plunge into the streets of some of Italy's most beautiful towns.
The enchanting city of Lecce, the capital of the province, owes its beauty to the many Baroque buildings dotting the historic centre. Legend has it that Malennio, a descendant of the mythical King Minos, founded the city in the 13th century BC under the name Sybar and introduced it to refined Greek culture. History, on the other hand, teaches us that the first settlement dates back to the 3rd millennium BC by the Illyrians, who were later replaced by the indigenous Messapians. With the conquest of Magna Graecia by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, the city changed its name to Lupiae and became an important centre in southern Italy.
Just 40 kilometres from Lecce, overlooking the Ionian Sea, the 'beautiful city' (this is the meaning of its name) of Gallipoli awaits you. (this is the meaning of its name) of Gallipoli. The old town is situated on a limestone island, connected to the new town by a bridge, the construction of which dates back to the 17th century. But the reason why Gallipoli is so well known and sought after is its beaches. There is something for everyone: you can enjoy the golden sand in the beautiful cove of Spiaggia della Puritate, near the old town, or the rocky coves with cool, clear water, such as those of Punta Prosciutto and Lido delle Conchiglie.
You can't say you've visited Salento if you leave without having experienced the actual production of oil. In addition to the production of extra virgin olive oil, the Salento has always stood out for the production of lampante oil, which was used to fuel oil lamps.
Discovering Salento, you will experience a magical and unrepeatable adventure.
Still thinking about it? Here are a few reasons to dispel any doubts!
Day 1 - details
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When you reach Masseria La Restuccia (or similar) on your own, you will be greeted with a welcome drink and room delivery.
Dinner is free. We recommend you try the Masseria's cuisine and take a stroll through Lequile's charming historic centre.
Day 2 - details
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After a hearty breakfast, a licensed guide recognised by the Region of Puglia will be waiting for you in the historic centre of Lecce, considered the "Florence of the South". You will admire the wonders and brilliance of Lecce's Baroque architecture and learn about its history and events. You will learn more about Piazza Sant'Oronzo, considered the living room of Lecce, with the Roman Amphitheatre and the harmonious Palazzetto del Sedile; and then the many churches, including the Basilica of Santa Croce.
To help you get to know the local traditions better, we have decided to let you taste the typical breakfast of Lecce: at the historic Caffè Alvino, you will taste his majesty the Pasticciotto (a soft pastry with a heart of custard), accompanied by typical Salento coffee, mixed with almond syrup.
After so much walking, you will need a little rest. During the afternoon we suggest you visit the beauty of the Salento Adriatic coast. It takes only 35 minutes to reach the marina of Torre dell'Orso. As well as enjoying the sandy bay and the beautiful sea, you can visit the Grotta di San Cristoforo, an ancient coastal place of worship. Inside you can still see the propitiatory graffiti dating back to the first centuries before Christ. In the sea in front of the bay, you will meet the 'Two Sisters', two young girls who drowned and were transformed by the gods into stacks in the sea.
Lunch and dinner are not included, but local restaurants will surprise you with their fish-based menus.
Day 3 - details
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After the usual breakfast, the appointment of the day is in Gallipoli, at the San Giorgio pier, for a fantastic guided boat tour. From your vantage point in the middle of the Ionian Sea, you'll be able to admire the rich historic centre, the Porto del Canneto with its Greek fountain (the oldest in Italy, said to have been built in the 3rd century BC), and the Angevin Castle, which is almost completely surrounded by the sea to give you full control over the horizon.
Remember to bring your swimming costume! Don't miss the opportunity to dive into one of the most beautiful seas on the Italian peninsula. You will reach the most beautiful beaches and the circumnavigation of the island of Sant'Andrea, where we will offer you a tasty aperitif with traditional seafood products and a glass of prosecco. (Please let us know of any intolerances or allergies).
After seeing the city from the sea, you can visit the characteristic village from the inside. Visit the Castle, admire the Greek Fountain and discover the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. And if you're feeling peckish, this town is the place to go for some Gallipoli red prawns.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
Day 4 - details
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Today you will reach Cursi, a 20-minute drive from Masseria La Restuccia (or similar), for a guided tour of an ancient underground oil mill located inside the masseria "Trapetum", entirely excavated by hand, well preserved and the first case of innovative technological restoration.
Immersed in the hypogeal atmosphere, illuminated only by oil lanterns recovered on site and reproduced according to the ancient rule of the art of oil making, wearing VR visors you will live an "immersive" experience, finding yourself in the oil mill in operation in 1600.
A special cultural moment, in which technology reconnects us with the history of our land and restores the flavour of the sacrifice and hard work at the basis of the most important economic activity in Salento in the past: the production and trade of lampante oil.
At the end of this suggestive experience you will taste our typical products and good local wine.
It will end with a pleasant walk to the quarries of pietra leccese, a very ductile limestone, the mother of Lecce Baroque.
In the afternoon, we suggest you visit the magnificent Otranto, whose village has been recognised by UNESCO as a Messenger of Peace Site. You will get lost in the narrow streets of the town, among the small shops of porcelain and textile artisans and breathe in the healthy sea air. You will be fascinated by the Aragonese Castle, which inspired one of the first Gothic masterpieces of English literature, Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
Day 5 - details
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After breakfast at Masseria La Restuccia (or similar), you will hand over the keys to your room.
"Travel is never about money, it's about courage".
Paolo Coelho
Aperitif on board
Augmented reality (VR) aid
Breakfast
Tasting of typical products
Welcome drink
Museum admissions
Boat rental with skipper
Overnight stay
English language service
Italian language service
Shared guided tour
Animals not allowed
Dinner
Tips
Lunch
Tourist taxes
Beach towel
Private transport
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The Guarantee Fund intervenes when a tourist package, purchased domestically by an organizer or intermediary legally operating under current national and regional legislation, is not enjoyed in whole or in part due to the bankruptcy or insolvency of the seller.
It allows the return of the tourist and the refund of the price paid for the purchase of the unused tourist package.
Contact us for more information.
