Things to do in

Otranto

Discover one of Italy's most beautiful towns in the company of a local guide. Located at the easternmost point on the heel of the country, Otranto has always been considered the gateway to Italy. Learn about the town's interesting past from your guide as you meander through its center. During your walking tour, admire the old churches and quaint buildings that make Otranto the picturesque place it is. See the 15th-century Aragonese castle, whose towers and walls formerly served as protection for the city, and visit the Cathedral of the Annunciation where you can admire a stunning mosaic. From time to time, you will have spectacular glimpses of the landscape where the town meets the surrounding crystal-clear sea.

Immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes of regional cuisine and taste the fruits of your labor, accompanied by local wines.  During the lesson, the cook will reveal the tricks of the trade for three authentic local recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test.  You will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Taste everything you have prepared with a selection of local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

Described as the “Gateway to the East” and the most Oriental of all Italy’s cities, Otranto was founded by Greeks from Crete thousands of years ago. Explore this fascinating history on a 2-hour walking tour of all its main sights. Discover the Norman cathedral, consecrated in 1088 and still the largest Romanesque building in Apulia. Admire the mosaic floor, formed of thousands of pieces of stone that depict scenes from the Old Testament and figures from Breton legends. Admire columns that are said to have come from a Temple of Minerva, and the bones and relics of the Martyrs of Otranto, who perished in the 15th-century siege of the city. Marvel at the 42 marble columns that support the crypt, and more. Continue to the Church of St. Peter and the Aragonese Castle, reinforced by Emperor Frederick II and rebuilt by Alphonso II of Naples in 1485-1498. Look at the irregular plan of 5 sides, with a moat that runs along the entire perimeter. Enjoy the panoramic views out to sea. If the weather is good you can see all the way across the Adriatic to Greece and Albania.

The guided tour of Castro will begin with a visit of the Mother Church dedicated to the Madonna of the Annunciation. The church was erected on a Greek temple. Of Romanesque design, the interior is characterized by a high altar in Baroque style and numerous paintings such as the Madonna of the Annunciation, protector of the village. Following the tour, you will continue in the narrow streets of the historic center until you get a suggestive view of the sea and its Aragonese castle built on the remains of the oldest Byzantine fortress. The castle has a rectangular plan with four corner towers. Entering, there will be a courtyard formerly used to store agricultural products that were marketed, and a large scale, now disappeared, with which you accessed the upper floors. In the courtyard, you'll also find the doors of the rooms on the ground floor. Inside, visit the Antonio Lazzari Civic Museum with its permanent archaeological exhibition "Castrum Minervae: between Greeks and Messapi," which will allow you to admire the numerous and various finds from recent excavation campaigns in the area of the historic center.

Visit 4 of the most picturesque towns in Salento on your own—Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, and Galatina. Take a scenic route from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, between rocky coasts, small bays, and white beaches. Head to your first stop of Otranto, a town in Salento full of history. Every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans, and the Aragoneses. Enjoy free time to visit the splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions, and the walls that surrounded the ancient city. Next, reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast, characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves, and bays with a rocky bottom. Along the way, admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina, and the Ciolo Fiord. Explore Santa Maria di Leuca, the heel of Italy, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. From this tip of Puglia, soak in spectacular views of the harbor and the sea, as well as the sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. Continue along the Ionian coast to Gallipoli. This Greek city can be divided into 2 areas: the new village, where the tourist facilities and modern buildings arise, and the old city. The old city is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. During your free time, explore the historic center through a labyrinthine weave of narrow streets. Pass by traditional handicraft shops, impressive churches, and aristocratic palazzi. Also worth seeing are the Baroque Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, the Angevine Castle, and the Greek Fountain, one of the oldest fountains in Italy. End the tour with a visit to Galatina, a real gem of art, history, and culture. Step inside the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria to marvel at the frescoes created by Giotto's disciples. You can also visit the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, and the monuments in the historical center.

Discover a magic town in Puglia, a gem on the clear waters of the Adriatic sea, rich in architectural beauty, history and traditions. Learn about the history and culture of this charing town. On this private tour you'll walk through the small historic centre of Otranto, surrounded by imposing defensive walls. You'll have the chance to see the majestic Cathedral of the Annunciation, the Aragonese castle and the Byzantine Church of San Pietro. Marvel at the picturesque narrow streets of the old town, at its typical white buildings and breath in the ancient history of this place where the Messapic, Greek, Roman and Turkish traditions merge.

Go food shopping like a local, enjoying the distinctive Italian local market experience and learning how to recognize the best products by sight. Then immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes of regional cuisine. At the end of your lesson, savor the fruits of your labor, washed down with local wines. During the lesson, learn the tricks of the trade for 3 authentic local recipes from your local chef guide and have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. You will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared, accompanied by a selection of red and white local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

Arrive at the home of your expert cook then go food shopping like a local. Enjoy the distinctive Italian local market and learn how to recognize the best produce. When you return to your host’s home, enjoy a private cooking demonstration where your host will share the secrets of her family cookbook while preparing the dishes right in front of you.   Once the end result is ready, sit at an authentic Italian table and enjoy your 4-course seasonal menu including a starter, pasta, main course with side dish, and dessert.

Get ready for a culinary experience like no other at a local home in Otranto. Over 3 hours, enjoy exclusive cooking instruction from your genial host and taste authentic Italian dishes. Treasured in family cookbooks, these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation.  Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you make a genuine connection with locals. Enjoy a 4-course menu including a starter, pasta, a main course with a side dish, desert, plus a selection of regional wines and coffee.

During this private lesson, you will learn how to prepare 2 pasta recipes and the tiramisu dessert from scratch. Your Cesarina will reveal the tricks of the trade of these iconic recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test and amaze your friends and family once home with an Italian meal! This experience is suitable for families with children of all ages.