The tour starts with a visit to the majestic Santa Croce Church, the jewel in the crown of Lecce’s Baroque architecture. From here, explore the nearby Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the former market square where you can find the Old Town Hall, the Roman Column, and the remains of a huge Roman amphitheater. Continue the tour with a walk through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which boasts a stunning Baroque palazzi and the recently restored Sant’Irene Church. Arrive at the breathtaking Piazza Duomo next, one of the most critically praised buildings in Italy. See the Archbishop’s Residence, the Seminary, the Bell Tower, and the cathedral. Finally, visit the underground Jewish Museum and discover the town’s fascinating Jewish history.

Meet the guide at Porta San Biagio, one of the four main old gates of the city - do all four still exist? - and start an amazing discovery of this small, but enchanting town. See what makes San Matteo church unique amang the numerous churches of the city centre. Stop in Piazza Duomo and enjoy the beauty of this elegant square unique in its "closed" shape. Learn about the old papier-mâché tradition by visiting a workshop where you will see the construction phases of a papier-mâché statue At the relaxing pace of a walk with friends, the guide will lead you across the alleys of the historic center and through anecdotes and details will let you discover the wonders of this fantastic Baroque city, such as the facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce, which looks like an embroidery or the sculptures that embellish the balconies of noble residences. You will discover the history of Piazza Sant'Oronzo, listen why a column of the Via Appia, an ancient Roman road, ended up in Lecce; why the emblem in the center of the square depicts a she-wolf and what are the allegories of the great Clock of Wonders. Between one monument and another you will stop to savor the local specialities, such as rustic: puff pastry disc filled with mozzarella, tomato and béchamel; or the pettole: small balls of leavened dough, in white or pizzaiola style, a typical appetizer on Christmas Eve and you cannot skip the pasticciotto, the king of Salento pastry: a base of shortcrust pastry filled with custard. These are just some of the samples. You'll find out the rest at the moment, we don't want to spoil the surprise!

Have fun and learn the techniques of how to make the typical Apulian pasta, the orecchiette, with a professional and local cook. In a unique location of its kind, in a 1400s courtyard in the center of Lecce, you can learn while having fun, and bring home the techniques for creating Orecchiette. Pasta is one of the most loved foods in the world, especially the one produced in the south. Orecchiette and Sagne are a type of pasta made exclusively in Puglia, but exported all over the world for their goodness. You will then be able to learn how to create them with a typical local lady, mixing water and flour, with the tools of the trade, in the courtyard of a building in the center of Lecce.After making the pasta, we cook it and eat it inside a 1400s courtyard.

In a particularly pleasant environment, you can taste different dishes of the typical Salento cuisine, prepared with fresh and seasonal products, coming from local and organic agriculture. All dishes are prepared together with our guests The aperitif is enjoyed on the veranda together with a nice drink Dinner is served in an environment made welcoming by a huge fireplace located in the center of the room At the end of the evening, you can play good music or relax while chatting accompanied by a refined homemade limoncello.

Baroque Lecce is extremely well known, but the 17th century is just a recent part of a long history for this city. Lecce has been influenced by many ancient and important cultures, including Messapians, Greeks, Byzantines, Normans, French Angevins, and Spanish Aragonese. Begin your journey through the streets and alleys of medieval Lecce, focusing on its Jewish community. Visit Via della Sinagoga, the old path which used to lead to one of the most beautiful synagogues in South Italy. Following that, discover Vico della Saponea alley and walk through Via Abramo Balmes, a street dedicated to one the most important Jewish figures in Lecce. Take a trip back in time by visiting the evocative underground area of the Jewish Museum. The area is situated on the remains of the Synagougue, and includes a mikveh and mezuzah. Learn more about the Jewish community, including why the Jews were forced to leave Lecce.

Duomo, pure expression of the Lecce Baroque it is named after the assumption and integrated in the splendid frame of the cathedral square, among the bell tower, the bishop’s palace and the ancient seminary’s one. the cathedral appears at the tourists’ eyes with its side façade while the main one seems nearly hidden. a façade that zimbalo makes richer to house, in a triumphal arch, the new statues of the patron saints, oronzo, giusto and fortunato. Santa Croce, jewel of lecce baroque Famous for the decorative richness of the central rose window, the basilica of santa croce, through a rich repertoire of images, recalls the triumph of christianity. the visitor is amazed by the abundance of the façade in which figures of men and beasts contrast celestial figures such as angels and saints. A unique installation that evokes unforgettable emotions, when the Basilica of Santa Croce unveils its Mysteries amidst musical notes and light. San Matteo, roman form and lecce substance The church of San Matteo is reached by four alleys, not far from porta San Biagio; it connects roman baroque forms to the traditional decorative carving of the local stone. on the external façade, the concave and convex surfaces typical of borromini art dominate, whilst indoors the rich altar structures revoke the typical lecce tradition. Santa Chiara, an authentic treasure of Lecce Baroque style The plump angels nearly come out from the stone, crowding the façade decoration and many inside altars, as a characteristic of giuseppe cino art, to whom is conferred the church rebuilding and the internal project. The internal space is airy and bright when the sun light, seeping through the big windows, reflects on the rich friezes of the baroque altars. Palazzo Vernazza This jewel of Lecce’s Renaissance architecture is finally open to the public and offers an exciting tour to discover years of history kept in the basement of this noble palace, one of the oldest in Salento. Box Up Lecce Panoramic viewpoint A unique viewpoint for admiring Lecce from its tallest building, the bell tower of the Duomo. The UP! Lift whisks visitors up to the 43-metre-high balconies that offer a breathtaking 360° panorama of the city. Interactive totems and multimedia viewers allow to know the main points of interest; our staff guarantees assistance and safety during the visit.

Looking to WOW your friends and family with some amazing new dishes? Green Italy's cookery course offers the opportunity to master some wonderful seasonal dishes to add to your repertoire. Selection of starters, main courses and desserts covered, recipes for all supplied. Enjoy a cooking class of 4.5 hours in a typical house and family of Puglia. Is available In the morning and in the afternoon. Menu Starters - Focaccia - Fried zucchini flowers. - Marinated zucchini - Fresh salad First Dish - Home made pasta "Orecchiette" with meat sauce Second Dish - Meat Rolls (Braciola) ,meat balls and eggplant parmesan Dessert - Crostata

Discover art and flavor at "J.Rose Gin Experience". Enjoy a fascinating tour of the laboratory that handcrafts unique labels for its bergamot flavored Gin. The allure continues when you discover that the handcrafted labels are meticulously imprinted with the renowned artist Milo Manara's iconic illustrations. Step into the artisanal realm as skilled craftsmen passionately apply the plaster by hand, the very material that forms the unique labels. Witness the enchanting process unfold as the delicate artistry is brought to life during the printing phase. Observe the manual application of these exquisite labels to the bottles, showcasing the seamless fusion of creativity and craftsmanship. The allure intensifies with the revelation of J.Rose's eight distinct labels, each holding a distinctive charm, perfect for collectors seeking extraordinary pieces of art adorning their gin bottles. The journey culminates in a delightful finale: a gin scent session of J.Rose Gin. Experience the harmonious blend of bergamot and botanicals, tantalizing your taste buds with every sip. "J.Rose Gin Experience" promises an unforgettable encounter, where artistry and flavor unite to create a truly extraordinary gin experience like no other. Unveil the secrets behind this exceptional spirit, celebrating both craftsmanship and taste in one delightful adventure.

Lecce is the capital of Lower Salento, or, as it was called a long time ago, of Terra d'Otranto. It's a Baroque city, famous for the surprising architectural richness of its noble palaces, set like gems in the maze of streets of the old centre. The guided tour takes place on a walking tour through the narrow streets of the historic center between seventeenth- and eighteenth-century buildings and baroque churches. You will see the monuments of greatest historical and artistic interest that are part of the history of Lecce, such as Piazza Duomo, the Roman theater, the Roman amphitheater, Piazza Santo Oronzo, the basilica of Santa Croce. At the end of the tour you will be offered a gastronomic tasting to conclude the visit by tasting the local specialties.

We will explore each day one of these very beautiful cities: Bari, Monopoli, Alberobelo, Polignano A Mare, Lecce, Brindisi, Grotte Castellana, Zoo safari in Fasano, Ostuni. Accommodation included in a beautiful Villa by the sea with private swimming pool, outdoor patio and barbeque. We will explore the region with a brand new Ford Transit 9 passenger minivan. Puglia is a region with a rich history, with ancient Greek and Roman ruins scattered throughout the region. It is known for its delicious cuisine, with dishes such as orecchiette pasta and pane pugliese (a type of bread) being popular both in Italy and abroad. The region is also home to several beautiful beaches, as well as charming hilltop towns and villages, making it a popular destination for tourists. Overall, Bari and Puglia are rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, making them a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Italy. Day 1 Arrive in Bari. Meet and greet at the airport. Check into your private villa in Capitolo and rest, have a glass of wine, beer, snack etc. Dinner at Gran Pavese seafood restaurant close to your villa. Day 2 Visit Castellano Cave located in the city of Castellana Grotte Explore the city of Monopoli on a walking tour. Main attractions: Basilica Cattredale Maria Santissima della Madia, Castello di Carlo V Evening dinner in Monopoli historic center. Day 3 Explore the city of Bari historic center. Main attractions: Basilica San Nicola, Mincuzzi Palace Explore the city of Polignano A Mare Main attractions: Piazza Dell'orologio, Ponte Borbonico di Lama Monachile Dinner in historic center of Polignano A Mare Day 4 Explore Zoosafari near the city of Fasano Visit the city of Alberobello - UNESCO heritage site Main attractions: Trulli di Alberobello historic center, Belvedere Santa Lucia observation deck Dinner in the vicinity of your villa to be decided. Day 5 Visit the city of Martina Franca historic center. Main attractions: Basilica di San Martino, Piazza Maria Immacolata, Piazza XX Settembre, Porta di Santo Stefano Visit the city of Locorotondo historic center. Main attractions: Chiesa Madre San Giorgio (church), Church of Madonna della Greca Day 6 Visit historic center of Lecce Main attractions: Duomo di Lecce, Anfiteatro Romano Visit the city of Ostuni and it’s main attractions: Duomo di Ostuni, Chiesa di San Francesco (church) Day 7 Return to city of Bari for more shopping and complementary evening dinner covered by the tour guide. Spend full day or half day at your preference. Day 8 Depart from Bari and return home, taking with you many unforgettable memories of your trip to the Puglia region.