A magic land of history and culture
This magic land of history and culture originates from the passing of numerous civilizations that through centuries have alternated on its territory: in between the bendy roads and the towns, on the facades of churches, in the buildings and castles you’ll find traces of architecture from the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, Normans and Aragoneses. This combination, this palimpsest, contributes into making this portion of land so unique and singular.
Misterious dolmens and menhirs show the way, hidden between the olive trees and the dry-stone walls, through the rich countryside where the old farms stand; the “masserie” are still active and preserve knowledges that have been passed on through many generations.
We will be hosted in the beautiful Otranto, and from there we will set on foot to discover landscapes very different from one another, through sea and land, from beaches to olive tree fields. In the churches decorated with magnificent frescoes and mosaics we will learn the stories of saints and martyrs of the past… But they are not the only ones: this land is as beautiful as troubled, and we will follow together the steps of brave people whom, in order to protect it, have gone lengths in fighting and resisting the local Mafia.
One day will be entirely dedicated to the tunes and dances of Salento; we will walk through the locations that are key in the history of the “Taranta” (a dance used until the last century for thaumaturgical purposes) and we will try the first steps of the “pizzica”.
We will take a trip to the Baroque times in Lecce, among churches and palaces embroidered in stone, courtyards, secret gardens and the surprise of a great Roman ruin in the heart of the city… here beauty reigns supreme.
And also… wonderful artisanal productions, delicious wines and exquisite food await in Salento, with the perfect background of a mystical and wonderful landscape.
Practical
informations
Difficulty level
We will walk 13 km on average a day at a steady but chilled pace and the paths are not particularly hard, making this trip suitable for whomever enjoys walking. We will always get back to the starting point at our hotel, so you just need to bring a small backpack with what is necessary for the day.
Accomodation
The accommodation provided is in double rooms, but single rooms are also available. For special request or single rooms please contact the organizer.
Transports
A private shuttle service is provided each day to get back to the hotel after the walk or to move to further destinations of our tour. The same shuttle will drive us from the airport in Brindisi to our Hotel upon arrival, and the other way round on the day of departure.
The group
In order to best enjoy our walks we keep our groups small: no more than a maximum of 12 people. The group will be lead by three guides, all fluent in English and one Norwegian speaker.
What to bring
Hiking shoes and clothes, comfortable backpack or fanny pack for the daily excursions, waterproof jacket, sunscreen.
Spring in Italy can vary a lot. Temperatures are usually between 10-25 degrees celsius and it could get quite hot during the day and quite chilly in the evening: be prepared for both conditions.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Italy in all big business, but cash is still used for all little-medium expenses so we strongly advise you to have cash money for your daily personal expenses.
How to get there
Our meeting point will be the airport in Brindisi.
Norwegian Airlines flies directly to Brindisi, SAS- Scandinavian Airlines flies to Brindisi with a stop. Other companies like Lufthansa or KLM usually fly with a stop.
Detailed
programme
Day One
We meet at the airport in Brindisi. From there we move with a shuttle to our hotel in Otranto
Once settled in our rooms there will be a meet & greet to get to know each other, the guides will present themselves and the program for the week.
Day Two
We will leave from the hotel on foot and we will set out to reach the most eastern point of Italy, Punta Palascia and to see the amazing view it offers. We will go back to Otranto walking through typical southern landscapes.
Day Three
We will visit the city of Otranto during the local market day and then walk to Torrepinta to have lunch and see a mysterious hypogeum. Walk back to Otranto
Day Four
With a shuttle we will reach and visit the stunning town of Castro, we will walk all the way to the Marina, the harbor, and from there we will go on a boat excursion of the coast and of some of its beautiful caves. We will have a small meal on board. On the way back to the hotel we will stop in a local handcraft laboratory.
Day Five
With a shuttle we will go to the west coast to take our walks in the natural reserve of Porto Selvaggio. On our way we will visit the beautiful towns of Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca before returning to the hotel.
Day Six
Our feet today will bring us to see the megalithic side of Salento. We will take a path through centenary olive trees, holm oaks and unique natural sculptures. We will stop to visit a textile laboratory before heading back to Otranto.
Day Seven
We will set to the discovery of the “Grecia Salentina” region, an area of linguistic and cultural interest where the Grico dialect descending from Greek ancestors survived up to today. We will learn accompanied by local muscal instruments the first steps of the traditional Salentine dance, the “Pizzica”.
Day Eight
Departure, shuttle to Brindisi airport.
Please Note: The above schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
18200 kr.
Included
- 7 nights accommodation in a 3 star Hotel in Otranto
- Breakfast and dinner at the Hotel
- All transportations from the arrival in Brindisi, until we drive you back to the airport on the last day
- All activities and visits.
- Guides.
Not included
- Plane tickets
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Everything not specified under “included”