What to do and see in Province of Lecce, Puglia: The Best Cultural Tours

October 1, 2021 Emerita Lamoureux

The Province of Lecce (Italian: Provincia di Lecce) is a province in the Apulia region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Lecce, which is known as the Florence of the South. The province itself is called the "Heel of Italy". Included entirely in the Salento peninsula, it is the second most populous province in Apulia and the twenty-first in Italy.
Restaurants in Province of Lecce

1. Walking tour Galatina, outstanding, mind-blowing Giottesque frescoes in Puglia

Le Terre Di Federico
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Highlights: Discover the Basilica of Santa Caterina, a treasury in the very heart of Galatina Walk in the streets of the historic center, a Jewel of Salento Compact , calm and beautiful  town

Inclusions: Professional guide, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By RomeAddict

Better condition ruins, smaller, more accessible, great glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous ancient Roman's. Poppaea was Nero's wife. Ruins are about 90% wheelchair accessible.

2. Lecce. Journey to discover a charming baroque

Piazzetta Arco di Trionfo, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy Fabio Congedo
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

The historic center of Lecce is one of the most interesting in Puglia. The particularity of its Baroque architecture derives from the ability of local artists and architects who, between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, have done something unique thanks to the quality of the tender local stone. Our tour will be a journey through time, from the splendor of the Roman Empire to contemporary Lecce. An elegant and refined city where churches and ancient buildings alternate artisan workshops (especially papier-mache), shops and places where you can taste typical products.

Inclusions: Guided walking tour

Exclusions: Entrance tickets to churches

Reviewed By AlisaTD

We had an AMAZING time with our tour guide, Fabio. He was so knowledgeable about the area and told incredible stories about the history of Otranto. We learned so much and he made it SO fun. This is definitely a must for any visit to Otranto. The city has so much history and this tour is the perfect way to see everything and learn a ton. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Puglia!

3. Turkey Express Tour | 7-Day

Eskapas
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Whether you have a love of ancient history, delicious food, exploring new cultures or even just walking amongst some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world, you’ll find what you’re looking for on one of our expert-led cultural tours of Turkey. This incredible tour follows Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, İzmir, Pergamon, Troy, Canakkale, Anzac Cove, and returns to Istanbul. We have prepared this trip with a mind so you can book at ease. No guesswork with Eskapas to make that happen, leaving you worry-free once it is booked for good. Eskapas guaranteed departures take the guesswork out of planning your adventure and give you the peace of mind to book the tour that suits you. It is time to join us! NB: Please consult us if you want to add a pre/post accommodation (with/without visits) in Istanbul.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Complimentary Whirling Dervish CEremony, Free Wi-Fi on the bus

Exclusions: Tips to the guide and driver ( suggested as 3€/p/day for the guide and 2€/p/day for the driver ) , Personal expenses (meals other than mentioned) drinks etc, visa fees, Before/after flights

Reviewed By 912brit

We had a great time! We want to come back to Turkey in the winter because we are in love with the country now. :) We really enjoyed all the places we visited and would like to travel back to spend more time exploring - especially in Cappadocia and the big cities. All the people we met were wonderful and our guides were excellent. We especially LOVED our first two. They were the nicest and most fun people to spend time with- it was like being on vacation with friends. We didn't want to go home! We will definitely do another Eskapas tour in Greece or Turkey on our next trip so I will reach out to you again in a few months when we are ready to book. Thanks for all your help! We really appreciated it.

4. Gallipoli walking tour

Fontana Greca, Corso Roma, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy Turisti in Puglia - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Walking tour in one of the beautiful cities of Salento, with a prepared tour guide speaking Italian and English

Inclusions: tour guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Private transportation

Reviewed By Anthony L

The tour was wonderful and we were provided with a great deal of helpful information and suggestions for our stay in Puglia. This was our fist visit and day in Puglia

5. DISCOVERY OF PUGLIA Small Group Tour: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Corso Cavour, 32, 70121 Bari BA, Italy GoinItaly
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Operated By GoinItaly For those who want to travel through history, GoinItaly's eight-day small group tour of Puglia offers a wide range of places that testify to the ancient origins of this land: from prehistory to Magna Graecia, from the Imperial Age to the Renaissance, and the Baroque splendor of Lecce. Puglia is full of surprises and delights: fabulous food, historic towns, beautiful beaches, and gracious residents. Highlights: - Visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alberobello, Castel del Monte, and Matera. - Savor the flavors of Puglian cuisine and wine. - Admire the beautiful Baroque architecture of Lecce. - Spend two nights in a traditional “trullo” in Alberobello. - Tour Otranto, the “heel” of Italy, and visit a cathedral renowned for its collection of mosaic scenes.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private transportation, Experienced GoinItaly Driver/Tour Leader, Local Guides in Alberobello, Lecce, Otranto, Galatina, and Castel del Monte, Wine, Cheese, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil tastings, Entrance Fees to Included Attractions

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks are not included when not stated., Gratuities

Reviewed By Marigold101

We have just completed our 8-day tour of Puglia with GoinItaly, guided by wonderful Gaetano Barrone. We were given the very best of service by a capable, knowledgeable and attentive tour leader. Gaetano goes out of his way to meet the needs of guests and takes genuine delight in sharing the country he knows so well. Highlights of the tour include great accommodation including a stay in a traditional Trollope in Alberobello. The tour included amazing food and wine experiences as well as visits to many wonderful churches, castles and beautiful Southern Italian towns. Highly recommend this company if you are planning to visit southern Italy.

6. - 4 Days in Puglia from Alberobello and Matera to Ostuni and Lecce -

Tours of Puglia
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We offer tailored daily excursions and multi-day tours for our guests. They are all private exclusive itineraries and can be accompanied with luxury car, minivan or bus (according to the number of people in your party). Each vehicle is provided with Free On-Board Wifi. Each tour can be accompanied by an English speaking guide and a private driver (2 different persons).

Inclusions: Private tour guide, Transport , Accommodation

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By chooms

We set up a 4 day tour during our visit to Puglia recently. Months ahead I contacted Tours of Puglia to help us get the most of our visit. Francesca asked us what we wanted to see instead of telling us “this is the Tours we have”. Our main goal was to visit our ancestral home of Alberobello. I also asked her recommendations, which she gladly provided. She set up a full 4 days of touring which included 2 night stays in Alberobello (Trullo houses) and Lecce. We visited all of the main sites of Puglia like Locorotondo, Matera , Ostuni, etc....she included an incredible meal each day, including a meal at a Masseria....our guides, Vincenzo and Flo were beyond incredible....they were like walking historic encyclopedias. Vincenzo was instrumental is us locating the street in Alberobello where our grandmother was born. They, and our drivers, went out of their way to insure we missed nothing. We were just 4, so everything could be personalized. Everything went as planned and we could not have asked for for more....we cannot recommend Tours of Puglia mort highly...

7. Lecce Sightseeing Bike Tour and Papier-Mâché Workshop

Velo Service - Bike Rental & Tours
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Explore Lecce and discover picturesque and hidden corners with an expert guide and then meet a local artisan and join a papier mâché workshop in a typical atelier.

Inclusions: Light refreshments, All activities, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Local guide, Bike rental and helmet

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By rozalska

Friendly, professional, and fair!!!!!!!! Lecce and its vicinity is beautiful and well worth discovering by bike. And the bike MUST be rented at Velo Service, because it gives you chance to meet Sonia, who assists you in choosing the right bike, who is not only committed to her job, and loves it, but also - if you are as distracted (speaking plainly - stupid) as I was, and forget your wallet - she calls you "it seems you forgot something". This was the best experience during my whole trip. Thank you!

8. Discover Otranto and its Countryside by Bike

Largo Porta Alfonsina, Via D'Aragona A, 20, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy Curioseety Lecce

Experience an amazing bike tour across Otranto and Salento countryside. Taste some local delicacies and live authentic experiences in Puglia. After meeting your guide and small group, and being matched with a suitable bike, saddle up for a thrilling tour of the Salento Peninsula. Follow a scenic route through the Idro valley, stopping to admire landmarks such as the St. Mauro Crypt, and exploring off the beaten track along dirt trails. Continue to Casamassella and pay a visit to the Constantine Foundation, a center dedicated to organic farming and traditional weaving with old looms. Finally, bike back along the magnificent coastal road towards Otranto, stopping to see the fortified farmhouse of Cippano, the Punta Palascìa lighthouse, the easternmost point of Italy, and a peculiar lake in a disused bauxite quarry. Return to Otranto in the late afternoon.

Inclusions: Bike rental, Local guide, Lunch, Insurance

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up, Hotel drop-off

Reviewed By biancamW670RP

The host cancelled as they didn’t accept bookings of one, they messaged me to tell me it had been cancelled and they would process it that day. I had been in contact again on Tuesday asking when they would cancel it as it was still showing as completed. It’s now Thursday still haven’t received confirmation it has been cancelled. Unsure if this is an issue with Trip Advisor or the operator, however it has not been a delightful experience.

9. Semi-Independent Tour to Otranto and Punta Palascia from Lecce

YourPersonaJames "You Live, We Drive"

A tour of the clear blue sea and natural beauty in the most easterly point of Italy, in the most beautiful places of Salento. Your driver will reach you directly in front of the hotel and will drive you to discover the beautiful Otranto and the former quarry of bauxite or/and Punta Palascìa. Your English speaking driver will drive you through Salento, but please note that a tour guide is not included.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Tour guide, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Claire B

What a trip! Adam, our driver, was fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The day went according to plan and we had marvellous visits to both the extensive complex of Villa Adriana and then taken up the hill to Villa d’Este and its magnificent water gardens. Thoroughly recommend this out of Rome trip although pre-trip communication from the local provider could be improved.

10. 5-day Puglia, Benevento, and Matera Tour from Rome

iH Hotels Roma Cicerone, Via Cicerone, 55/c, 00193 Roma RM, Italy Europeando Europa

A wonderful 5-day experience to discover Apulia, Benevento and Matera. 2 nights in Lecce. Visit of the city, excursion to Polignano, Gallipoli, Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. Visit of Alberobello and Ostuni. 1 night in Bari. Visit of the city, excursion to  Castel del Monte. 1 night in Matera with a visit. Stop in Benevento, nice town of the Roman age in the region Campania on the way back to Rome. Departures on 2021, May 17th and October 11th and 2022, May 6th and October 10th are also available with tour director in Portuguese.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4 nights accommodation, Food tasting (wine and olive oil), Local guide, Tour escort/host, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, City taxes at the hotel, Hotel pick up and drop off, Porterage

Reviewed By LadyRJ2019

As a family of three, we were excited to go on the 7 day northern lakes and Dolomites tour - especially as it would be very difficult to visit these areas by ourselves (visiting from Australia and not confident driving/getting around to these areas). The tour started well, we were the only English speakers but we had been assured our guide would provide fluent English commentary. Perhaps we expected too much but there was very little information provided about where we were or where we were travelling through. In fact, the first three days we received very limited information in total while the Spanish speakers were provided with much more. We visited some stunning places but too much of the tour focused on lunch breaks and eating rather than seeing the sights. Halfway through the tour more English speakers joined the group bit we still had to seek information rather than being provided with it on some occasions. The bus was too big for navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks - the driver often had to reverse and try multiple times to get around corners and switchbacks. I felt very sorry for him - he did a marvelous job but it would have been so much easier for him and much more enjoyable for us if we weren't concerned about falling off the side of a mountain. The company can't seem to decide whether they are catering to small groups or large and this has a huge impact on the enjoyment of the tour. In Trento we were advised that we would have several hours and could visit the castle. After paying for admission and entering we were then advised that because it was raining some people didn't want to stay so we were cutting the visit short - this should never happen! We then had to get back on the bus only to stop at a truck stop for lunch (instead of staying in lovely Trento). There wasn't really any point to having the guide as he did not provide much "guiding" only very limited information and directions to places he thought we should go and eat. We would have done as well with just the driver. If you can navigate your way around the northern lakes and Dolomites by yourself then I recommend you do that. Otherwise, perhaps a different company would provide a better tour.

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