Discover the Authentic Soul of Salento
Setting
Undiscovered Salento
Off the Tourist Trail
Highlights
Hypogeum Olive Mill • Masseria Lunch
Premium Wine Tasting • Baroque Towns
Guide
PhD Biochemist & Local Expert
Passion for Salento's Heritage
A Journey to the Roots of Salento
This is not a typical tourist tour. It's an immersive day that takes you into the heart of Salento's rural heritage, where ancient olive oil traditions, family wineries, and Baroque art converge in a landscape of breathtaking beauty.
Led by a PhD biochemist with deep local roots, this experience reveals the stories, flavors, and craftsmanship that define Salento. From the underground chambers of a hypogeum olive mill to the rows of Negroamaro vines, from the artisanal ceramics of Cutrofiano to the grandeur of Copertino Castle — every stop is carefully chosen to tell the story of this extraordinary land.
Your Journey Through Salento
10:00 AM — Departure from Lecce
Meeting point at Porta San Biagio. Immediate departure to take advantage of the cool morning air and begin the day discovering the enogastronomic traditions of Southern Italy.
Drive time: 20 min
10:20 AM – Stop 1: The Hypogeum Heart
Frantoio Ipogeo di Palazzo Granafei (Sternatia) — Descent into the evocative underground chamber illuminated by a skylight, where ancient stone millstones and historic presses are located. Storytelling about the figure of the "nachiro" (oil master) followed by an extra virgin olive oil tasting with local bread.
Drive time: 5 min
11:05 AM – Stop 2: The "Ravenna of the South"
Soleto (Piazza Castello) — Walking tour through the medieval village to admire the majestic Guglia di Raimondello Orsini Del Balzo (a masterpiece of flowery Gothic from 1397) and the Mother Church. A place of breathtaking beauty, far from mass tourism routes.
Drive time: 10 min
11:55 AM – Stop 3: The Liquid Gold
Azienda Agricola Coricciati - Olio Alèa (Martano) — Guided tour of this authentic company with explanation of the cold extraction process and professional tasting of local DOP Terra d'Otranto extra virgin olive oil.
Drive time: 15 min
12:50 PM – Stop 4: Traditional Lunch and Cheese Art
Masseria Latronica (Galatina) — The relaxing highlight of the day. A leisurely lunch inside an authentic Salentine masseria. The meal opens with a premium tasting of artisan cheeses produced directly on-site, followed by traditional farm-to-table regional dishes in a beautiful rural setting.
Drive time: 15 min
02:45 PM – Stop 5: The Art of Salentine Terracotta
Fratelli Colì Showroom (Cutrofiano) — Cutrofiano is famous for its ceramic tradition. Visit to the showroom to admire vibrant hand-painted terracotta dishes and traditional whistle crafts (fischietti). A perfect, stress-free spot to discover or purchase authentic souvenirs.
Drive time: 5 min
03:30 PM – Stop 6: Walk Among the Vineyards
Vigneti di Cantina Palamà (Cutrofiano) — Before entering the winery, guests enjoy a relaxing walk among the vines. Explanation of Negroamaro and Primitivo characteristics, the vine cycle, and the deep connection with the land. The "slow" and photographic moment of the day.
Drive time: 2 min
04:30 PM – Stop 7: Historic Cellars and Fine Wines
Vinicola Palamà (Cutrofiano) — A warm, family-run winery that ranks among the region's elite producers. Here, you will enjoy a premium wine tasting featuring their award-winning rosés and bold Primitivo wines, paired with local taralli and cured meats, wrapping up the culinary chapter in style.
Drive time: 15 min
05:30 PM – Stop 8: The Baroque Lounge
Nardò (Piazza Salandra) — Stop in one of the most beautiful and harmonious Baroque squares in Italy. Free time for coffee, artisanal gelato, or an aperitif, enjoying the elegant late afternoon atmosphere.
Drive time: 15 min
06:30 PM – Stop 9: The Grand Finale at the Castle
Castello Angioino di Copertino (Historic Center) — External walk and admiration of the imposing Angevin Castle, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Puglia, perfect for concluding photos with the warm sunset light.
Drive time: 20 min
07:30 PM – Return to Lecce
Safe arrival back at Porta San Biagio or your accommodation in Lecce, bringing with you beautiful memories, wonderful tastes, and the authentic warmth of Salento.
Explore the Salento Route
Follow the journey through Salento's most authentic places. This carefully designed route minimizes driving time while maximizing your immersion in the region's culture, history, and flavors.
Included in Your Exclusive Tour
Private Transportation
Hypogeum Mill & Olive Oil Tasting
Masseria Farm-to-Table Lunch
Premium Wine Tasting
Ceramic Workshop Visit
Expert PhD Guide
Baroque Towns & Castle Visit
Photographic Moments
Practical Information
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes (10:00 AM – 07:30 PM)
Group size: Intimate 2–8 people
Available: Daily, all week
Meeting point: Porta San Biagio, Lecce
Transportation: Private vehicle included
Guide languages: English, Italian
Discover Salento – The Heart of Puglia's Hidden Heritage
Stories From Our Guests
"This tour was the highlight of our Puglia trip. Stefano took us to places we never would have found on our own — an underground olive mill, a family masseria, and the most beautiful Baroque square I've ever seen. The lunch was incredible and the wine tasting was world-class. This is the real Salento."
— TripAdvisor Review, October 2024
"This is not a tour — it's a journey. Stefano's knowledge of Salento's history, food, and wine is extraordinary. Every stop was carefully chosen and perfectly timed. We felt like we were exploring with a passionate friend who happens to be a brilliant guide. Absolutely unforgettable."
— Guest Review
"The Exclusive Salento Tour delivered everything it promised and more. The hypogeum olive mill was fascinating, the masseria lunch was the best meal of our trip, and the wine tasting at Palamà was exceptional. Stefano's scientific background adds a unique dimension to the experience. Highly recommended."
— Food & Wine Traveler
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes: private transportation, expert PhD guide, visit to a hypogeum olive mill with tasting, premium olive oil tasting, farm-to-table lunch at a masseria with artisan cheese tasting, ceramic workshop visit, vineyard walk, premium wine tasting with taralli and cured meats, and visits to Baroque towns and Copertino Castle.
How long is the tour and what is the pace?
The full experience lasts approximately 9.5 hours (10:00 AM to 7:30 PM). The pace is active but optimized, with total driving time minimized to approximately 1 hour 40 minutes spread across short distances between stops.
Where do we meet and is pick-up available?
The standard meeting point is Porta San Biagio in Lecce at 10:00 AM. Pick-up from your accommodation in Lecce is available upon request. Please let us know your preference when booking.
Is this tour suitable for everyone?
The tour is suitable for most travelers. It involves walking through villages and vineyards, but the pace is relaxed. Please inform us of any mobility concerns or dietary requirements when booking, and we will accommodate your needs.
Exclusive Salento Tour: Wineries, Hypogeum Mills & Authentic Masserie. A private journey through Puglia's hidden treasures — explore underground olive mills, traditional masserie, family-run wineries, and breathtaking Baroque towns. Taste premium Primitivo and Negroamaro wines, savor farm-to-table regional cuisine, and discover the craftsmanship of Salentine ceramics. Guided by a PhD biochemist and local expert.
