Hike the Heel of Italy Food & Wine Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Lecce
Day 2: The surroundings of Otranto – Valle dell'Idro, 9 mi. (14 km)
Day 3: Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 4: Ontranto to Leuca, the Ciolo & the Cipolliane, 8 mi. (13 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: Nardó to Lecce, a visit to Galatina & Lecce
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 accommodation in Lecce

Day 2: The surroundings of Otranto – Valle dell'Idro, 9 mi. (14 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 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 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, 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 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 Patù

Day 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 Nardò

Day 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 Nardò

Day 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: 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 - Nardó: 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, 4 mi. (6 km)
Day 8: Nardó - Lecce: a visit to Galantina and 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 accommodation in Lecce.

Day 2: Lecce - Otranto: Discovering Valle dell'Idro, 9 mi. (14 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, 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 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: Ontranto - Leuca: The Ciolo and the Cipolliane, 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 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 Patù

Day 5: Leuca - Nardó: 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, 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!

Activites: Cooking class
Overnight accommodation in Galatone

Day 8: Nardó - Lecce: a visit to Galantina 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.