Beyond Lecce - A 9-Day Journey Through Southern Puglia

Introduction
Beyond Lecce - A 9-Day Journey Through Southern Puglia image

Southern Puglia / 9 Days

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Beyond Lecce - A 9-Day Journey Through Southern Puglia

This journey has been designed to offer a more considered way of exploring Puglia, focusing on pace, balance, and overall flow.

Rather than moving quickly between multiple destinations, the itinerary is structured across three carefully selected bases - Lecce, the southern coastline, and the countryside - allowing each location to be experienced without unnecessary movement or time pressure.

The journey unfolds through a mix of curated experiences - from time on the water and coastal exploration to private moments connected to local traditions - balanced with time intentionally left open.

Fewer hotel changes, well-paced days, and a clear progression between locations create an experience that feels natural, comfortable, and easy to follow.
This is not an itinerary designed to include everything Puglia has to offer, but one that has been carefully built to work - for clients who value quality, authenticity, and a more relaxed pace.

Journey Overview

Journey Overview image

At a glance

Day 1 - Arrival in Lecce

Day 1 - Arrival in Lecce image

Arrive in Lecce, Explore Baroque Streets

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Private transfer from Brindisi or Bari to Lecce

DepartureBrindisi or Bari
DestinationLecce
Arrival in Brindisi or Bari, where your private driver will be waiting to accompany you to Lecce.
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Boutique hotel in Lecce historic center

Check-in in a boutique hotel set in the heart of the historic center, where everything is within walking distance and the atmosphere shifts immediately.
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Private walk through Lecce

A gentle introduction to the city — a private walk through Lecce’s baroque streets, hidden courtyards, and quiet corners that most visitors overlook.
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Traditional caffè leccese stop

Along the way, a stop for a traditional caffè leccese, a simple yet iconic ritual.
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Welcome dinner in Lecce

In the evening, a welcome dinner in a carefully selected setting — relaxed, atmospheric, and designed to ease you into the rhythm of the journey.

Day 2 - Lecce, at your own pace

Day 2 - Lecce, at your own pace image

Experience Lecce's Traditions and Leisure

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Private pasticciotto experience

A private pasticciotto experience, where you’ll discover how this iconic pastry is made — not as a performance, but as a local ritual.
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Day left open for personal exploration

The rest of the day is intentionally left open. You may choose to explore Lecce further, visit artisan workshops, enjoy a long lunch, or simply sit in a piazza and observe the rhythm of daily life.

No schedule, no pressure — just time to experience the city naturally.

Day 3 - Moving towards the southern coast

Day 3 - Moving towards the southern coast image

Journey from Lecce to Salento Coast

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Departure towards the southern coastline of Salento

DepartureLecce
DestinationSouthern coastline of Salento

Departure towards the southern coastline of Salento.

The route itself becomes part of the experience, gradually leaving the city behind and opening onto coastal landscapes.

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Stop near Grotta della Poesia

A stop near the Grotta della Poesia offers a different perspective of the area — explored through a light coastal activity that brings you closer to the water and the rock formations.
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Countryside masseria near Otranto

In the afternoon, arrival at your countryside masseria near Otranto.

Surrounded by nature and open space, this will be your base for the next three nights — a place designed for stillness, comfort, and slower time.

Day 4 - The coastline from the water

Day 4 - The coastline from the water image

Private Boat Experience Along Salento Coast

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Private boat experience from Castro

This morning, a private boat experience departing from Castro.

Sailing along one of the most scenic stretches of the Salento coastline, you’ll discover caves, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters accessible only by sea. There is no fixed pace — time to swim, pause, and simply enjoy being on the water. Return in the early afternoon.

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Rest of the day free at the masseria

The rest of the day is left free — to relax at the masseria, enjoy the pool, or take a quiet walk in the surrounding countryside.

Day 5 - A table, a home, a story

Day 5 - A table, a home, a story image

Pasta Experience and Leisure in Otranto

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Pasta experience inside a private home in Otranto

A pasta experience inside a private home in Otranto, where preparation and lunch naturally unfold together.

Rather than a formal cooking class, this is a shared moment — learning gestures, hearing stories, and experiencing the everyday culture of the region.

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Afternoon at leisure

Afternoon at leisure. Time to return to the masseria, rest, or explore at your own pace.

Day 6 - Towards the Valle d’Itria

Day 6 - Towards the Valle d’Itria image

Journey to Valle d’Itria and Mozzarella Tasting

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Departure towards the Valle d’Itria

DepartureOtranto
DestinationValle d’Itria
Departure towards the Valle d’Itria, a landscape defined by dry stone walls, olive groves, and winding country roads.
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Mozzarella experience at a local producer

On the way, a stop at a local producer to experience fresh mozzarella — witnessing the process and tasting it at its source, where it is still part of daily life.
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Masseria in the heart of the countryside

Arrival at your masseria, set in the heart of the countryside. Time to settle in, enjoy the surroundings, and transition into a slower rhythm.
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Dinner inside a historic frantoio

In the evening, dinner inside a historic frantoio — a unique setting where architecture, tradition, and atmosphere come together.

Day 7 - Icons, approached differently

Day 7 - Icons, approached differently image

Alberobello and Private Trullo Lunch Experience

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Visit Alberobello

Visit Alberobello, with time to walk beyond the main paths and discover quieter corners of this unique village.
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Private lunch inside a trullo

A private lunch inside a trullo, hosted by a local family — a setting that transforms a visit into a personal experience.
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Return to the masseria and afternoon at leisure

Return to the masseria in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free, allowing the experience to remain balanced and unhurried.

Day 8 - A vineyard lunch

Day 8 - A vineyard lunch image

Relax at Masseria and Light Vineyard Lunch

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Day left open at the masseria

Your final full day is intentionally left open. You may choose to spend it entirely at the masseria — enjoying the pool, the landscape, and the quiet.
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Lunch among vineyards or village visit

A light experience is arranged: a lunch among vineyards or a short visit to a nearby village. Nothing is fixed.
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Enjoy the moment

This is the moment where the journey settles — when there is no need to move, only to enjoy.

Day 9 - Departure

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Private Transfer to the Airport and Farewell

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Private transfer to the airport

Private transfer to the airport.
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A quiet end to a journey

A quiet end to a journey designed not to impress, but to stay with you.
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Map

1. Lecce

Lecce, Italy

2. Grotta della Poesia

Grotta della Poesia, Roca Vecchia, Melendugno LE, Italy

3. Otranto

Otranto, Italy

4. Castro

Castro, Italy

5. Valle d’Itria

Valle d'Itria, Italy

6. Alberobello

Alberobello, Italy

What's Included

The journey includes carefully selected accommodations, private transportation, and a series of curated experiences designed to reflect the region in an authentic and balanced way.
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What's included

Accommodation :

2 nights in a boutique hotel in Lecce (historic center) / 3 nights in a countryside masseria near Otranto / 3 nights in a countryside masseria in Valle d’Itria

Transfers & Transportation

* Private airport transfers (arrival & departure) * All private transfers as per itinerary English-speaking driver for all scheduled movements

Experiences

Private guided walking experience in Lecce Pasticciotto experience / Coastal experience near Grotta della Poesia (kayak or similar) / Private boat experience along the Salento coastline / Pasta-making experience in a private home (including lunch) / Mozzarella-making experience and tasting Visit to Alberobello / Private lunch inside a trullo with a local family

Meals

Daily breakfast / Welcome dinner in Lecce / Lunch during pasta experience / Lunch inside a trullo / Dinner in a historic frantoio /

On-site Assistance

Local support and assistance throughout the journey

What's not included

Not Included

International flights / Additional meals not specified / Optional experiences and activities / Personal expenses / Tips and gratuities

The Signature Version

A more private, refined, and fully tailored version of the journey, designed for clients who expect a higher level of access, flexibility, and detail
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What makes it Signature

The Signature version of this journey builds on the same structure and philosophy, while elevating the overall experience through a more personalised and seamless approach.

Each element is carefully refined — from accommodations and services to the way experiences are delivered — ensuring a higher level of comfort, privacy, and flexibility throughout the trip.

Experiences are made more exclusive, often taking place in private settings or with extended access, while logistics are designed to minimise effort and maximise ease.

This version is particularly suited for clients who value discretion, detail, and a more tailored approach to travel, where every aspect of the journey can be adapted to their preferences.

  • Higher level of accommodations

  • More private and flexible experiences

  • Enhanced logistics and comfort

  • Greater level of personalisation throughout the journey

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SIGNATURE INCLUSIONS

Accommodation

  • Upgraded selection of boutique hotels and luxury masserie

  • Preferred rooms and suites (subject to availability)

Transportation

  • Private luxury vehicle for all transfers

  • Dedicated driver available for selected days

Experiences

  • All experiences delivered in a more private and flexible format

  • Extended or exclusive access where possible

  • Additional tailored experiences based on client preferences

Dining

  • Selected dining reservations arranged in advance

  • Possibility of private dining experiences (upon request)

Service & Personalisation

  • Pre-trip consultation and itinerary refinement

  • Flexible adjustments during the journey where possible

  • Dedicated assistance and priority support