Heel of Italy
Italy Hiking + Walking Tours
A food & wine hike in Salento, the Heel of Italy!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8–9 days
- Prices from€1140 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Come to the sun-kissed south of Puglia and hike the Heel of Italy! The Salento region has a long and varied coastline, nestled between the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west. Here you will find Italy's loveliest beaches, villages, towns, and cities.
Offered as either an 8-day or 9-day itinerary, this hiking tour showcases not only the extraordinary natural and architectural beauties but also local culture and the cuisine. Puglia's cucina povera (peasant cooking) is legendary, featuring olive oils, grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, artichokes, peppers, mushrooms, olives, cheeses, and fresh seafood. And the wines... world-renowned!
You will have ample opportunity to taste all the regional specialties and can even participate in a cooking class at a local agriturismo.
Highlights
- The seafront jewels of Gallipoli & Otranto
- The sophisticated Baroque town of Lecce
- Apuglian landscapes and seascapes
- Simple but diverse cuisine & world-famous wines
- Local wine tastings & cheese tastings
- True immersion in local arts, crafts & culture
- Optional cooking class at a local agriturismo
Interested in seeing all our hiking products? Take a look!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Day 2: The surroundings of Otranto – Valle dell'Idro, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 3: Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 4: The Ciolo & the Cipolliane, 7 mi. (12 km)
Day 5: Discovering the treasures of the Cape & the old city of Gallipoli, 6 mi. (9 km)`
Day 6: Porto Selvaggio, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Day 7: A visit to Galatina & Lecce
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Arrival in Lecce
Arrival to Bari / Brindisi airport and transfer to Lecce (if needed).
In the late afternoon, you will meet the local representatives who will brief you on your trip (in French or English). Then we recommend a short walking tour in the old town of Lecce, the 'Florence of the South'. You will fall in love with its Spanish Baroque architecture and its Roman ruins.Overnight accommodation in Lecce
Day 2: The surroundings of Otranto – Valle dell'Idro, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
In the morning, you will transfer by train from Lecce to Giurdignano. Walking through old meadows in the middle of beautiful olive groves, you will reach Giurdignano where you can visit the megalithic garden with its Bronze Age dolmen and menhirs. Next on the agenda is Casamassella to visit the ancient looms brought back into production by the ‘Le Constantine’ Foundation, an agriculture education center. This peaceful oasis is enclosed by olive tree groves and Mediterranean scrub. The weaving studio here creates textile products with ancient wooden looms. Walking through the Idro Valley, you will discover an ancient Byzantine crypt. As you continue on the trail, you will arrive in Otranto. Here you will have time to discover this pearl of the Adriatic; the Byzantine frescoes of the church of San Pietro, the ramparts overlooking the sea, and the cathedral with its medieval ‘tree of life’ mosaic floor.Activities: Wine tasting
Overnight accommodation in OtrantoDay 3: Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, 11 mi. (18 km)
Today you will explore the natural wonders around this Idruntina town; the bay of the Orte, the lighthouse of Punta Palascia, and the bauxite quarry. Starting from the Otranto Castle, you will descend to the port through the Porta a Mare. Once you reach the main pier, you immediately enter the coastal area heading to the Snake Tower, easily reachable along wide paths. Imposing cliffs framed by the presence of caverns decorated with stalactites and stalagmites will amaze. You will reach the Lighthouse of Punta Palascia, famous for being the easternmost point of Italy and the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic.After a long stretch along the coast, you will leave the paved road and a pleasant trail will lead to the Bauxite Quarry (from which aluminum was once extracted but which is now a stunning lake) whose decisive colors present a unique landscape. From the quarry, you will head back to Otranto.
Activities: Cheese tasting at a local farm
Overnight accommodation in OtrantoDay 4: The Ciolo and the Cipolliane, 7 mi. (12 km)
By train, you travel from Otranto to Gagliano del Capo which will take just over an hour. You can then settle into your accommodation and when ready, start walking towards the Ciolo path that leads to the canals lined with “pajare” (dry walls), varied flora, including bushes of euphorbia arborea flourish, and with a stunning view of the sea.Once you arrive at the bridge of Ciolo, you veer off onto the footpath of the Cipolliane that winds through authentic walls and terraces with a constant sea view. The vegetation is a mixture of huge ‘fichi d’india’ (prickly pears), imposing agaves, and capers. You will see the stones polished by time, air and salt, which form the unusual but always harmonious shapes of the walls constructed to protect the small fields from the strength of the sea and the wind. You can visit the caves of the Cipolliane and view stalactites columns, tunnels, fossils, and birds colonies.
Back on the trail, you continue to Novaglie (where you can take a break) or go back to the Ciolo bridge if you’d like to swim. The canal goes up under high cliffs and ancient caves, and after passing a reproduction of the Madonna di Leuca, you reach the square from which you can continue on to Patù. Tonight you will lodge in an ancient restored “Masseria” (manor house). Here you will have opportunity to visit the “Bottega Retrò” for local product tastings.
Activities: Visit Bottega Retrò for typical product tasting
Overnight accommodation in PatùDay 5: Discovering the treasures of the Cape & the old city of Gallipoli, 6 mi. (9 km)
This day is dedicated to the discovery of the small treasures of the Cape of Leuca and the beautiful city of Gallipoli. You trek the ancient paths that connect the small villages. The first stop is Patù with its 'Centopietre', an enigmatic monument created with a funerary function and then used as a religious chapel (traces of Byzantine frescoes are visible). In Giuliano, you will visit the ancient “San Pietro church” (XII century) and its amazing castle. In Barbarano, a highlight will be the sanctuary of Leuca Piccola and its hypogeum, an ancient destination for pilgrims and a stop for the faithful people of Leuca. From here you will walk on to reach the station of Ruggiano-Salve to take the train towards Gallipoli.In Gallipoli, you will discover the old city, a beautiful island surrounded by the sea, linked to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge. Meander the streets of this ancient fishing village, adorned with baroque churches and beautiful sea views.
Train to Nardò
Overnight accommodation in NardòDay 6: Porto Selvaggio, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Porto Selvaggio is one of the most striking coastal areas of Salento. You will find numerous karstic caves with the remains of communities dating back to the Palaeolithic era. From the old town of Nardò, you trek through ancient cuttings bordered by the typical dry stone walls and dotted with olive groves to the base of the slope of the Alto promontory. On the upper plateau, you’ll find the Tower of Santa Maria dell'Alto, dating back to 1568. After having enjoyed the wonderful view that unfolds before you, the descent to the bay of Porto Selvaggioi is refreshing. Following a beautiful path between cliffs and the famous Mediterranean ‘macchia’ (scrub) with Aleppo pines, olivastri, lentisco, and acacia saligna, you will reach the Grotta del Cavallo, an archeological site known to be a Neanderthal settlement. It is only permitted to view this from the outside. Once back at the promontory, you will reach the Uluzzo tower following lovely walking trails.The itinerary continues towards the Nova Masseria and then following small trails, you return to the town of Nardò. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting in schola Sarmenti specialized in Alberello vineyards. You will taste Fiano, Negroamaro, Primitivo - autochthonous wine)
Activities: Wine tasting
Overnight accommodation in NardòDay 7: A visit to Galatina and Lecce
This day is dedicated to a visit to two of the most important old towns in the province of Lecce.
Galatina (Transfer by train from Nardò)You will visit the town wandering through the streets of the center until you reach the magnificent Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria where you can admire the many frescoes of Giotto's influence. Here you will have your last tasting in “Bottega Stifanelli”, a small shop in the historic center that offers the best local specialties.
Lecce (Transfer by train from Galatina)
You will enjoy a guided tour of the city of Lecce and the monuments that make it 'the Florence of the South': the historical palaces and their 'courts', the amphitheater and the Roman theater, Santa Maria Della Croce, the cathedral, etc.
Overnight accommodation in Lecce
Day 8: Departure
Onward travel (if requested: transfer to Bari / Brindisi airport for your return)Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Day 2: The surroundings of Otranto – Valle dell'Idro, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 3: Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 4: The Ciolo and the Cipolliane, 7 mi. (12 km)
Day 5: Discovering the cape treasures and the old city of Gallipoli, 6 mi. (9 km)`
Day 6: Porto Selvaggio, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Day 7: Galatone and cooking class
Day 8: Galatina and Lecce
Day 9: DepartureDay 1: Arrival in Lecce
Arrival to Bari / Brindisi airport and transfer to Lecce (if needed).
In the late afternoon, you will meet the local representatives who will brief you on your trip (in French or English). Then we recommend a short walking tour in the old town of Lecce, the 'Florence of the South'. You will fall in love with its Spanish baroque architecture and its Roman ruins.Overnight accommodation in Lecce.
Day 2: The surroundings of Otranto – Valle dell'Idro, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
In the morning, you will transfer by train from Lecce to Giurdignano. Walking through old meadows in the middle of beautiful olive groves, you will reach Giurdignano where you can visit the megalithic garden with its Bronze Age dolmen and menhirs. Next on the agenda is Casamassella where you will visit the ancient looms brought back into production by the ‘Le Constantine’ Foundation, an agriculture education center. This peaceful oasis is enclosed by olive tree groves and Mediterranean scrub. The weaving studio here creates textile products with ancient wooden looms. Walking through the Idro Valley, you will discover an ancient Byzantine crypt. As you continue on the trail, you will arrive in Otranto. Here you will have time to discover this pearl of the Adriatic; the Byzantine frescoes of the church of San Pietro, the ramparts overlooking the sea, and the cathedral with its medieval ‘tree of life’ mosaic floor.Activities: Wine tasting
Overnight accommodation in Otranto.Day 3: Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, 11 mi. (18 km)
Today you will explore the natural wonders around this Idruntina town; the bay of the Orte, the lighthouse of Punta Palascia, and the bauxite quarry. Starting from the Otranto Castle, you will descend to the port through the Porta a Mare. Once you reach the main pier, you immediately enter the coastal area heading to the Snake Tower, easily reachable along wide paths. Imposing cliffs framed by the presence of caverns decorated with stalactites and stalagmites will amaze. You will reach the Lighthouse of Punta Palascia, famous for being the easternmost point of Italy and the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic.After a long stretch along the coast, you will leave the paved road and a pleasant trail will lead to the Bauxite Quarry (from which aluminum was once extracted but which is now a stunning lake) whose decisive colors present a unique landscape. From the quarry, you will head back to Otranto.
Activities: Cheese tasting at a local farm
Overnight accommodation in Otranto.Day 4: The Ciolo and the Cipolliane, 7 mi. (12 km)
In the morning train, you can take a train from Otranto to Gagliano del Capo (1 h 10’). You will get settled into your accommodation and then, when ready, you can start walking towards the Ciolo path that leads to the canals between “pajare” (dry walls), varied flora including bushes of euphorbia arborea flourish and with a stunning view of the sea.Once you arrive at the bridge of Ciolo, you veer off onto the footpath of the Cipolliane that winds through authentic walls and terraces and a constantly amazing sea view. The vegetation is a mixture of huge ‘fichi d’india’ (prickly pears), imposing agaves, and capers. You will see the stones polished by time, air, and salt, which form the unusual but always harmonious shapes of the walls constructed to protect the small fields from the strength of the sea and the wind. We will visit the caves of the Cipolliane, an interesting complex of caves where you can admire stalactites columns, tunnels, and fossils, and birds colonies.
Back on the trail you can continue to Novaglie (where you can take a break) or go back to the Ciolo bridge if you’d like to swim. The canal goes up under high cliffs and ancient caves, and after passing a reproduction of the Madonna di Leuca, you will reach the square from which you can continue on to Patù where you will lodge in an ancient restored “Masseria” (manor house). You will have the opportunity to visit the “Bottega Retrò”, where you will have a typical product tasting.
Activities: Visit Bottega Retrò for typical product tasting
Overnight accommodation in PatùDay 5: Discovering the cape treasures and the old city of Gallipoli, 6 mi. (9 km)
This day is dedicated to the discovery of the small treasures of the Cape of Leuca and the beautiful city of Gallipoli. Firstly you will cross ancient paths that connect the small villages. The first stop is Patù with its 'Centopietre', an enigmatic monument created with a funerary function and then used as a religious chapel (traces of Byzantine frescoes are visible). In Giuliano, you will visit the ancient “San Pietro church” (XII century) and its amazing castle. In Barbarano, a highlight will be the sanctuary of Leuca Piccola and its hypogeum, an ancient destination for pilgrims and a stop for the faithful people of Leuca. From here you will walk on to reach the station of Ruggiano-Salve to take the train towards Gallipoli.In Gallipoli, you will discover the old city, a beautiful island surrounded by the sea linked to the mainland by a XVI century bridge. Get lost in the streets of this ancient fishing village, searching fascinating corners, baroque churches, and beautiful sea views.
Train to Nardò
Overnight accommodation in Nardò.
Day 6: Porto Selvaggio, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Porto Selvaggio is one of the most striking coastal areas of Salento, which became a regional natural park in 2006. Within the area, there are numerous karstic caves with the remains of communities dating back to the Palaeolithic era. From the old town of Nardò you will walk through ancient cuttings between dry stone walls and olive groves and at the base of the slope of the Alto promontory where, on the upper plateau, you’ll find the Tower of Santa Maria dell'Alto whose construction dates back to 1568. After having enjoyed the wonderful view that unfolds below the ‘Belvedere’, you will move down to the bay of Porto Selvaggio and from there, following a beautiful path between cliff and the famous Mediterranean ‘macchia’ (scrub) with Aleppo pines, olivastri, lentisco, and acacia saligna, you will reach the Grotta del Cavallo, an archeological site (can only view from the outside) known to be a Neanderthal settlement. From there you will go back to the promontory and walking through scenic trails, we will reach the Uluzzo tower.The itinerary continues towards the Nova Masseria and from there, continuing along small trails, you will return to the town of Nardò. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting in schola Sarmenti specialized in Alberello vineyards. You will taste Fiano, Negroamaro, Primitivo - autochthonous wine)
Activities: Wine tasting
Overnight accommodation in Nardò.Day 7: Galatone and cooking class, 7 mi. (11 km)
You will take a train to the small village of Galatone and after a short walk (4 km) you will reach Tenuta Mamma Anna, a family-run “agritourism” where a cooking class will
take place. The products used in the preparation are harvested directly from the family garden: pitta di patate (a kind of potato gateau, with a stuffing of tomatoes, olives, capers, onion, and tuna), and pittule (fried dough balls filled with tomatoes and capers, or empty to taste with honey), hand-made orecchiette (a
typical local pasta, shaped like an ear, prepared with fingers and a knife), and lastly, the pasticciotto cake (a cake made with shortcrust pastry, filled with chantilly cream). Of course you will get to enjoy all of your creations!
Activites: Cooking class
Overnight accommodation in Galatone.Day 8: A visit to Galatina and Lecce
This day is dedicated to two of the most important old towns in the province of Lecce.
Galatina (Transfer by train from Galatone)After a 5 km walk, you will take the train from Galatone to Galatina. You will visit the town wandering through the streets of the center until you reach the magnificent Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria where you can admire the many frescoes of Giotto's influence. Here you will have your last tasting in “Bottega Stifanelli”, a small shop in the historic center that offers the best local specialties.
Lecce (Transfer by train from Galatina)
Activities:
You will enjoy a guided tour of the city of Lecce and the monuments that make it 'the Florence of the South': the historical palaces and their 'courts', the amphitheater and the Roman theater, Santa Maria Della Croce, the cathedral, etc.Overnight accommodation in Lecce
Day 9: Departure
Today is the last official day of your tour. Organized transfer to Bari / Brindisi airport for your return is available with advanced reservation and payment.View all our featured tours, specials, and news.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 4-star local establishments during your tour.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts
- 5 tastings
- 5 dinners
- Luggage transfer
- Pre-loaded GPS
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Local train tickets
What’s Not Included
- Lunches
- Dinners not mentioned as included
- Beverages with included dinners
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Departures every Friday and Sunday from March 19 through July 10 & August 27 through November 6, 2021
Other tour start days are possible for a supplement. See pricing.Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
8-day tour:
March 19 to June 16 & September 20 to November 11
Twin/double: $ 1830 £ 1032 $ 1,799 € 1140 NZ$ 1961 kr 11697 $ 1,412 Single supplement: $ 281 £ 158 $ 276 € 175 NZ$ 301 kr 1796 $ 217June 17 to July 10 & August 17 to September 19
Twin/double: $ 2023 £ 1141 $ 1,988 € 1260 NZ$ 2168 kr 12929 $ 1,561 Single supplement: $ 281 £ 158 $ 276 € 175 NZ$ 301 kr 1796 $ 2179-day tour:
March 19 to June 16 & September 20 to November 11
Twin/double: $ 2103 £ 1186 $ 2,067 € 1310 NZ$ 2254 kr 13442 $ 1,623 Single supplement: $ 281 £ 158 $ 276 € 175 NZ$ 301 kr 1796 $ 217June 17 to July 10 & August 17 to September 19
Twin/double: $ 2296 £ 1295 $ 2,256 € 1430 NZ$ 2460 kr 14673 $ 1,771 Single supplement: $ 281 £ 158 $ 276 € 175 NZ$ 301 kr 1796 $ 217Extra Options
Special tour start days:
Saturday: $ 48 £ 27 $ 47 € 30 NZ$ 52 kr 308 $ 37 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: $ 144 £ 82 $ 142 € 90 NZ$ 155 kr 923 $ 111
Extra nights:
Lecce:
Twin/double: $ 124 £ 70 $ 121 € 77 NZ$ 132 kr 790 $ 95Transfers:
From/to Brindisi (min. 2 ppl.): $ 48 £ 27 $ 47 € 30 NZ$ 52 kr 308 $ 37 From/to Bari (min. 2 ppl.): $ 120 £ 68 $ 118 € 75 NZ$ 129 kr 770 $ 93
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy self-guided hike through the Heel of Italy. The walking distance each day is between 12 and 24 km on very easy terrain. The area is mostly flat, so you will encounter only a few ascents. You will walk on secondary roads and paths, half of the roads are asphalt, the other half are unpaved, but all will reveal hidden treasures of the territory, like byzantine crypts, or prehistorical sights. For internal transfers, you will use a small local train, which will allow you to go even deeper into the discovery of this wonderful land reaching places off the radar such as small villages full of history and natural parks.
Airport Info
One major airport close to your tour start in Lecce is Brindisi - Salento Airport (BDS), 51 km from the center of Lecce. Another option is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) at 166 km distance.
Local Travel
Brindisi Airport
You have a couple of options for arrival to the first hotel.- From the Brindisi Airport, air shuttle to Lecce. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi to your first hotel. Cost is about €10
- Bus from the airport to Brindisi train station and then train to Lecce. Total travel time about 1 h 30 m to 2 h. hour. Cost, €8. Your first hotel is within walking distance of the train station.
- Private transfer is available. See pricing.
Bari Airport
- Direct train from Bari airport to Bari Central station and then train to Lecce. Total travel time is 2 h 30 m to 4 h total, depending on the time of travel and train type (there are high-speed train options.) Once you arrive at Lecce train station, you can walk to first hotel.
- Private transfer is available. See pricing.
Rome Airport
- For those who would like to do some sightseeing in Rome before their tour, there is a direct train from Rome to Lecce that takes about 5 h 30 m and costs from €30 - €70. Your first hotel is within walking distance of the train station.
Climate
The region of Puglia experiences a Mediterranean climate. Spring comes early here is with temps around 68 ° F (20 ° C) by the end of April. Summer arrives in May and lasts through to the end of September. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures reaching 86° F. October and November are lovely and temperatures in the 70s remain.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Extra Stay
You can request extra nights before, after, or during your tour. I
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Salento Bici.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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