Greek-speaking villages in Apulia & Salento (from Thessaloniki)

It’s Sunday morning, and we’ve just woken up in a historic town steeped in Greek culture. After breakfast, we set off for a wonderful day in the heart of Apulia, with our first stop being Alberobello, one of Italy’s most iconic and frequently photographed destinations. The village is famous for its trulli, the traditional circular stone houses with conical roofs, which create a truly fairy-tale setting. A stroll through Alberobello is an experience in itself. White alleyways, small houses with quirky roofs, local shops, handmade goods, pottery, souvenirs, and postcard-perfect scenes all come together to create one of the most beautiful moments of the trip. We’ll walk through the village’s most famous neighborhoods, learn about the history of the trulli, and have time for photos, shopping, or coffee. Next, we’ll head to Ostuni, the famous “White City” of Apulia. Built on a hill and surrounded by olive groves, Ostuni captivates visitors with its snow-white houses, narrow, winding streets, small squares, flower-filled balconies, and the magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea. The town has a unique atmosphere—calmer and more authentic—ideal for strolling and taking photos. We’ll tour the historic center, visit the cathedral, and have time to stroll through the picturesque alleys, stop for coffee, or enjoy a meal on your own. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Lecce. The evening is perfect for a stroll through the city’s atmospheric squares, which, when lit up, highlight its Baroque architecture even more.

Breakfast and a day dedicated to Lecce, one of the most beautiful cities in Southern Italy. Lecce is considered the most important center of Baroque art in the Salento region and stands out for its elegance, architectural harmony, and the warm, golden hue of the local stone used to construct many of its buildings. During our guided tour, we’ll stroll through the historic center and explore the city’s most important landmarks. We’ll see the impressive Piazza del Duomo, one of Italy’s most atmospheric squares, the cathedral, the bell tower, the episcopal buildings, and the elegant Baroque facades that give Lecce its aristocratic character. We’ll continue on to Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the heart of the city, where the Roman amphitheater—one of Lecce’s most iconic landmarks—is located. We’ll also admire the exterior of the famous Basilica di Santa Croce, one of the most important examples of Baroque architecture, with its impressive and ornate façade. But Lecce is not just about monuments. It is a city full of life, with beautiful pedestrian streets, small cafés, traditional workshops, elegant shops, and charming corners perfect for a leisurely stroll. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to enjoy the city at your own pace. You can sample local specialties such as orecchiette, focaccia, pasticciotto, or the region’s signature coffee with almond milk. The afternoon and evening are yours to spend exploring the city center, shopping, or dining at a traditional restaurant.

After breakfast, we set out on a unique optional excursion to the Greek-speaking villages of Southern Italy, in the region known as Grecìa Salentina. This is a place of particular interest to Greek travelers, as elements of language, music, tradition, and cultural heritage that connect Southern Italy to Hellenic culture are still preserved here. Our route takes us through the landscapes of Salento, past small villages, stone houses, squares, and churches. We’ll explore characteristic settlements of the region and have the opportunity to experience this unique cultural kinship that endures to this day. The experience is not merely a tourist one; it is an encounter with a piece of history that connects Greece with Southern Italy. We then depart for Otranto, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Apulia. Built on the easternmost tip of Italy, Otranto combines a medieval atmosphere, a magnificent sea, a castle, city walls, a cathedral, and a picturesque historic center perfect for a stroll. We’ll walk through the old town, see the main points of interest, and have free time for coffee, lunch, photos, or browsing the small shops. Otranto is one of those destinations that combines history and the sea with unique simplicity. Return to Lecce in the afternoon, followed by free time.

Breakfast and departure for Taranto, a city with deep historical roots and a special connection to Magna Graecia. Taranto was one of the most important Greek colonies in Southern Italy, and its history is still evident today in its geographical location, the old town, the port, and its overall identity. We’ll explore the old town, visit notable landmarks, and soak up the atmosphere of a city that blends history, the sea, and authentic daily life. Taranto has a different character from the more touristy cities of Apulia, and that is precisely why it offers a more authentic glimpse of Southern Italy. We then head to Calipoli, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Salento. The old town of Callipoli is built on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The walls, the castle, the churches, the narrow streets, and the view of the Ionian Sea create a particularly picturesque setting. We’ll have time to stroll through the old town, take photos, and get one last taste of the atmosphere of Southern Italy. Then we’ll head to the airport for our return flight. We’ll arrive in Thessaloniki in the evening, our minds filled with images of authentic Apulia, Salento, and the Greek influences of Southern Italy.

Notes: The order of the itinerary may vary depending on circumstances, without any omissions.