The southernmost province of Puglia is a place of captivating buildings, ancient ruins and rustic farms. This itinerary takes walkers through a land of rituals, legends, myths and cults into the depths of the Salento region.
- Witness the Baroque architecture of Lecce
- See the majestic Tree of Life mosaic
- Walk along stunning clifftops
- Swim in pristine coves
- Visit ancient ruins & noble palaces
A week in this region includes walks along the coast from Otranto to Leuca and includes Tricase Forest Natural Park. Relics of the past remind us that the land was once a border between the east and west. Take in Otranto’s cathedral, Cippano’s ruins and Andrano’s castle on the way to reaching the white splendour of Leuca.
Enjoy the coastline of Salento at your own pace, with time to stop along the way and enjoy local places of interest.
This tour can be booked using standard or superior accommodation and can be combined with the ‘White Cities of the Itria Valley’ tour.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Travel to Lecce
Fly to Brindisi or Bari airport and make your own way by train/bus to Lecce. Lecce is sometimes referred to as the ‘Florence of the Baroque’ and the town is famous for its architecture and churches.
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Day 2: Otranto
Visit the botanical garden of La Cutura, then pass prehistoric stones and dolmens on your way to Otranto.
Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 20 m | Descent: 100 m
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Day 3: Tree of Life & the Blue Lake
Leaving Otranto, find yourself immersed in beautiful, unspoiled landscapes. Admire the stunning lunar landscape of the blue lake and visit the ruins of the Casole Abbey.
Continue on to the lighthouse of Palascia, the eastern-most tip of Italy and along the trail until you each Uggiano La Chiesa.
Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 60 m | Descent: 30 m
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Day 4: Thermal pools of Santa Cesaria
Follow a coastal path with views of the Balkan Mountains across the Adriatic Sea. Arrive at the natural hot springs, clear waters and colourful architecture of Santa Cesaria.
Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 80 m
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Day 5: Backcountry trails to Castro
A short walk following the backcountry trails to Castro. Spend time relaxing by the turquoise waters of the tiny coves in the area or visit an archeological site nearby.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 90 m | Descent: 90 m
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Day 6: To Tricase
There is a choice of routes to the beautiful Acquaviva cove and marina. Continue through olive groves to Tricase via the Spinola-Caracciolo Castle.
Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 110 m | Descent: 30 m
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Day 7: Rocky cliffs & country lanes to Leuca
Follow the Cipolliane clifftop trail with amazing views of the rocky coastline. Continue along country roads to your final stop, the town of Santa Maria di Leuca.
Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 40 m
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Day 8: Fly back to the UK
Depart Leuca and make your own way to Brindisi or Bari airport for your return flight to the UK.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £729 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £959 per person
- Single room supplement: From £189
- Walking grade: Easy
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: Low
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
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What’s included
- Hotel x 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Choose your preferred departure date from the 4 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
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All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
2024 | From 24 Mar to 21 Jun | £789 | Book or Enquire |
2024 | From 22 Jun to 19 Jul | £849 | Book or Enquire |
2024 | From 2 Sep to 26 Oct | £789 | Book or Enquire |
2024 | From 27 Oct to 30 Oct | £729 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.