Hike the Heel of Italy Food & Wine Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Day 2: Lecce - Otranto, 9 mi. (14 km)
Day 3: Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 4: Otranto - Gagliano di Leuca - Patù,  8 mi. (13 km)
Day 5: Patù - Gallipoli,  6 mi. (9 km)
Day 6: Porto Selvaggio, 10.5 mi. (17 km) 
Day 7: Gallipoli - Galatina - Lecce - Optional cooking class
Day 8: Departure                                    

Day 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 (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: Lecce

Day 2: Lecce - Otranto, 9 mi. (14 km)
Today you explore the surroundings of Otranto to the Valle dell'Idro. 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. Olive tree groves and Mediterranean scrub enclose this peaceful oasis. 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: Otranto

Day 3: Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, 10 mi. (16 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. 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 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: Otranto

Day 4: Otranto - Gagliano di Leuca - Patù, 8 mi. (13 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 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 stalactite columns, tunnels, fossils, and bird colonies. 

Back on the trail, you continue to Novaglie (where you can take a break) or return to the Ciolo bridge if you want 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 the opportunity to visit the “Bottega Retrò” for local product tastings.

Activities: Visit Bottega Retrò for a typical product tasting
Overnight: Patù

Day 5: Patù - Gallipoli, 6 mi. (9 km)
This day is dedicated to exploring the lesser-known wonders of the Cape of Leuca and the captivating city of Gallipoli.

You meander along ancient pathways that connect quaint villages, with Patù as your starting point. Explore the enigmatic 'Centopietre,' originally crafted for funerary purposes and later repurposed as a religious chapel, revealing traces of Byzantine frescoes.

Continue to Giuliano, where the XII-century "San Pietro Church" and its intriguing castle beckon exploration. In Barbarano, discover the sanctuary of Leuca Piccola and its hypogeum—an ancient pilgrimage site and a haven for the faithful of Leuca.

Follow the path to the Ruggiano-Salve station, you will board a train bound for Gallipoli. In Gallipoli, you can lose yourself in the charm of the old city, an island connected to the mainland by a XVI-century bridge. Stroll through the winding streets of this historic fishing village, uncovering hidden corners, baroque churches, and captivating sea views. Train to Gallipoli.

Overnight: Gallipoli

Day 6: Porto Selvaggio, 12.5 mi. (17 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. The Tower of Santa Maria dell'Alto is on the upper plateau, 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.

Once out of the park, you go towards the seaside village of Santa Caterina, where a taxi will pick you up and bring you back to Gallipoli.

Overnight: Gallipoli

Day 7: Gallipoli - Galatina - Lecce
Dedicate this day to exploring two significant historic towns in the province of Lecce.

Begin in Galatina with a train journey from Gallipoli.  Roam through the town's charming streets, eventually arriving at the magnificent Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria, adorned with numerous frescoes reflecting Giotto's influence.

Conclude your visit with a final tasting at "Bottega Stifanelli," a quaint shop in the historic center renowned for offering the finest local specialties.

Later, transfer by train from Galatina to Lecce, the second stop on this cultural journey.

Overnight: Lecce

Day 8: Departure
Onward travel (if requested: transfer to Bari / Brindisi airport for your return)

Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Day 2: Lecce - Otranto: Discovering Valle dell'Idro, 9 mi. (14 km)
Day 3: Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 4: Ontranto - Leuca: The Ciolo and the Cipolliane, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 5: Leuca - Gallipoli 6.2 mi. (10 km)
Day 6: Porto Selvaggio, 12.5 mi. (17 km) 
Day 7: Nardò - Galatone, 4 mi. (6 km)
Day 8: Galatone - Lecce
Day 9: Departure 

Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Arrival at 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: Lecce

Day 2: Lecce - Otranto, 9 mi. (14 km)
Today you explore the surroundings of Otranto to the Valle dell'Idro.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. Olive tree groves and Mediterranean scrub enclose this peaceful oasis. 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: 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: Otranto

Day 4: Otranto - Gagliano di Leuca - Patù, 8 mi. (13 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 stalactite columns, tunnels, fossils, and bird 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 a typical product tasting
Overnight: Patù

Day 5: Patù - Gallipoli 6 mi. (9 km)
This day is dedicated to discovering the treasures of the Cape of Leuca and the beautiful city of Gallipoli. You walk from Patù to the station of Ruggiano-Salve, crossing ancient paths that connect the small villages.  You will visit the ancient “San Pietro church” (XII century) and its fantastic castle in Giuliano. 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. You will walk onto the Ruggiano-Salve station 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 an XVI-century bridge.  Get lost in the streets of this ancient fishing village, searching fascinating corners, baroque churches, and beautiful sea views. 

Overnight: Gallipoli 

Day 6: Porto Selvaggio, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Today you will take a train to Nardò Centrales and walk to the nature reserve. Porto Selvaggio is one of Salento's most striking coastal areas, which became a regional natural park in 2006. Within the area 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 fantastic view that unfolds below the ‘Belvedere’, you will move down to the bay of Porto Selvaggio and from there, following a beautiful path between the 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. 

Once out of the park, you go towards the seaside village of Santa Caterina, where a taxi will pick you up and bring you back to Gallipoli.

Overnight: Gallipoli

Day 7: Gallipoli  - Galatone, 4 mi. (6 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!

Activities: Cooking class
Overnight: Galatone

Day 8: Galatone - 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 have your last tasting in “Bottega Stifanelli”, a small shop in the historic center that offers the best local specialties
Overnight: 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.