{"title":"Lecce","description":"A collection of experiences in Lecce, Puglia, including wine tastings and food pairings with local producers.","products":[{"product_id":"underground-olive-mill-tour-and-tasting-near-otranto","title":"Underground Olive Mill Tour \u0026 Tasting near Otranto","description":"Hidden beneath the sun-soaked landscape of Salento lies a forgotten world of stone, oil, and ancient labor. Few travelers know it exists—but once discovered, it leaves a lasting impression.Just off the historic route between Cerfignano and Otranto, this guided experience takes you into the Frantoio Ipogeo Mulino a Vento, a stunning underground olive mill carved into the rock during the 16th century. Here, in the dim quiet of a natural cave transformed by human hands, history and myth come alive.The tour begins with a descent into the hypogeum, a large circular chamber surrounded by original production zones—each space once dedicated to the different stages of olive oil processing. Massive stone wheels, pressing blocks, and storage basins still stand, bearing silent witness to centuries of work.In its prime, this mill functioned through a combination of animal and wind power. Blindfolded donkeys once circled the room, powering the grindstones, while sails caught the wind to assist in the milling process. The structure was not just functional—it was a symbol of ingenuity and survival in a region where olive oil was more than food: it was light, currency, and identity.Under the guidance of expert storytellers, you’ll explore the working life of the trappitari—the oil workers who lived underground during the harvest months. You’ll hear tales of their routines, their folklore, and their overseer, the Nachiro, who ruled this subterranean world.In the heart of the Salento countryside lies a hidden treasure carved into stone—a 16th-century underground olive mill, once powered by animals and wind.Built inside a natural cave and later expanded, the mill was used from November to May to produce olio lampante, once the region’s main source of light. Here, blindfolded donkeys powered grindstones, and workers known as trappitari lived underground for months, guided by the mill master—the Nachiro.During your visit, you’ll explore original stone machinery, olive storage areas, and ancient pressing systems.The experience ends with a guided olive oil tasting, featuring two regional extra virgin olive oils paired with traditional bread made from Senatore Cappelli durum wheat. You’ll learn to recognize flavors, aromas, and how to use olive oil at its best.Legend and history blend here. According to local myth, the road near the mill was haunted by strìare—witches who forced night travelers to dance until dawn. These stories, shared with passion and humor, make the visit even more immersive.Whether you're a food lover, history enthusiast, or cultural traveler, this tour offers a deep dive into the Salento’s lesser-known roots—hidden underground, full of stories, and rich in flavor.But this experience is not only about the past—it’s also about flavor.After the visit, you'll enjoy a guided tasting of two varieties of local extra virgin olive oil, served both pure and with slices of rustic bread made from Senatore Cappelli durum wheat. The rich aroma, intense flavor, and slight peppery finish of Pugliese olive oil tell a story all their own—a story of land, sun, and time-honored care.As you taste, you’ll learn how to distinguish notes of fruit, bitterness, and balance, and how best to enjoy this essential ingredient in your own cooking. It’s a simple moment that ties past and present together—just like this place.Along the way, you may even hear whispers of legend—the tale of the strìare, the witches said to haunt the path beneath the walnut tree near the mill. According to local lore, they would lure travelers into dancing through the night until exhaustion claimed them. “Balla, balla, niri, balla forte,” they would sing—an echo from Salento’s deep, enchanted past.This is not a museum. It’s a living memory carved in stone. A time machine powered by storytelling, craftsmanship, and the lingering scent of olive oil. Whether you’re passionate about history, food, or hidden treasures, this experience offers something rare: a journey into the unknown heart of Salento.","brand":"Slow Travel Italia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52595154288981,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/7xpxBom93_OF7r_GdIJcYOAwqjXyBgcfshKsmDTlKzc.png?v=1778293355"},{"product_id":"organic-wine-and-olive-oil-tasting-experience-near-lecce","title":"Organic Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Experience near Lecce","description":"Step into the authentic world of Puglia \u0026amp; Salento with an immersive experience at a historic masseria (country estate) renowned for its high-quality organic wine and extra virgin olive oil.Begin your journey with a guided tour of the centuries-old underground and hypogeum oil mill from the 1700s and the traditional underground cellar, where you’ll discover the fascinating methods of production that have been preserved through generations.After exploring these historic spaces, indulge in a tasting of three carefully selected organic wines produced by the estate, each offering a distinct expression of Puglia’s vibrant terroir. Complementing the wines, savor a tasting of their premium extra virgin olive oil, renowned for its rich aroma and exceptional quality.To enhance your experience, enjoy a selection of traditional taralli, that are salty biscuits and perfectly to pair with the wines and oil. This authentic journey offers a unique glimpse into the sustainable practices and rich heritage of a distinguished Salentina estate.","brand":"Slow Travel Italia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52595154452821,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/AsShLTF8uiVl1Jo20Rmbsp3ZCwmewvAmxunctD6twGM.jpg?v=1778329967"},{"product_id":"winery-tour-with-wine-tasting-and-light-lunch-near-otranto","title":"Winery Tour with Wine Tasting \u0026 Light Lunch near Otranto","description":"Begin your journey with a guided walk through the vineyard and production facility. Learn about the entire winemaking process, from grape arrival and harvesting techniques to fermentation, aging, and bottling. Gain insight into each step of crafting these exceptional wines.Following the tour, relax in the tasting room, where a diverse selection of five wines is served. The tasting includes one white, one rosé, and three red wines. Customization is welcomed; if you prefer different varieties, arrangements can be made to suit your preferences.Alongside the wines, enjoy a regional platter featuring an array of delicious local specialties: eggplant Parmesan, potato pizza, rustic pizza, zucchini flan, four types of cured meats, four varieties of cheese, a creamy burrata, taralli, a dried fig, and traditional bread seasoned with local ingredients.Underage people will be served a non-alcoholic drink instead of the 5 wines.","brand":"Slow Travel Italia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52595154813269,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/qGVoD7jWivReYFN-jGFxox7XoEVmWGWDOkbbwXOyOhc.jpg?v=1778324968"},{"product_id":"underground-olive-mill-tour-in-gallipoli-with-food-tastings","title":"Underground Olive Mill Tour in Gallipoli with Food Tastings","description":"Discover a side of southern Italy with a visit to an underground olive oil mill museum located in the historic center of Gallipoli. Hidden beneath street level and carved directly into the local stone, these ancient spaces offer a fascinating insight into how olive oil was once produced, stored, and traded across Europe.  The visit takes place inside the hypogean olive mills of Palace Granafei, a complex extending underground for about 200 square meters beneath two historic buildings. As you descend below ground, you enter rooms entirely excavated in carparo, a soft limestone typical of the area. These spaces date from between the 17th and 19th centuries and were once active centers of olive oil production. Inside, you will find original and reconstructed equipment used for milling and pressing olives, including large stone mills, storage areas, presses, and collection pits for oil and vegetation water. During the visit, an audio installation describes how olive oil was produced before modern technology, allowing you to follow the story at your own pace. The explanations focus on the practical aspects of production and on the historical role of olive oil, making the experience accessible even for those unfamiliar with Mediterranean food traditions. From the 16th century onward, Gallipoli became one of the most important olive oil trading ports in southern Italy. Oil produced in the surrounding countryside was brought into the city, stored in large underground cisterns, and shipped by sea to markets across Europe. At the time, olive oil was not only used for cooking, but also for lighting streets and homes, and for industrial purposes such as wool processing, which made it highly sought after in northern European countries. Walking through the milling rooms, storage areas, and former stables, you gain a clear picture of how intense and organized this activity once was. The visit is designed to be short but informative, lasting approximately 15 to 30 minutes, making it easy to include in a broader exploration of the old town. After the visit, it's time to get deeper into the sensory experience with a tasting of local products at a nearby family-run shop.  Before the tasting, you will be introduced to this sensory experience: you will briefly learn how EVO oil is locally produced and how polyphenol levels influence the oil’s intensity, bitterness and spiciness, providing a deeper understanding of its diversity and qualities.Here, you will sample 7–8 varieties of locally produced extra virgin olive oil, along with traditional snacks such as taralli, fried broad beans, and, upon request and for 18 y.o.+ only, local spirits and herbal liqueurs. The EVO oils will be sampled on crunchy bread crostini, in order to better appreciate its color, aroma, flavor and texture.","brand":"Slow Travel Italia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52595607011669,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/u6WeZ8SmYbLHlgfaXPxLLQcQ1WGmg8zBXZVw9FIqonk.png?v=1778330200"},{"product_id":"horse-ride-in-a-salento-nature-reserve-with-transfer-from-lecce","title":"Horse ride in a Salento Nature Reserve with transfer from Lecce","description":"Once at the Ranch, you will ride on gentle horses and in the company of an expert equestrian guide you will ride along the paths of the Park to discover the natural beauty of the area. You will arrive on the beach to take some photos and at the end of the excursion you will return to the Ranch.Participants will be accompanied by guides patented by E.N.G.E.A.The experience on horseback will have a total duration of about 1 hour.","brand":"Salento Experience - Tours \u0026 Activities","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52623877407061,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/262ltDtN5eTCQpjemFXOoGnaLhWEaL2p-kNyyA6KKq8.jpg?v=1778330198"},{"product_id":"visit-to-a-winery-in-salento-with-wine-tasting-and-light-lunch-departing-from-lecce","title":"Visit to a Winery in Salento with Wine tasting and light lunch. Departing from Lecce","description":"You will leave from Lecce to reach a winery where will have the chance to relive the magical atmosphere of the grape transformation and to understand the various wine-making techniques. With the help of an expert sommelier you could taste excellent Salentine wines, such as Negroamaro and Primitivo.The tour includes a lunch with typical dishes.","brand":"Salento Experience - Tours \u0026 Activities","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52623877374293,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/yqbGEOajqlEEML2p562A-vkVTczyCBa90ewpiVH0DnE.jpg?v=1778329931"},{"product_id":"tour-to-4-towns-of-salento-galatina-otranto-leuca-and-gallipoli-departing-from-lecce","title":"Tour to 4 Towns of Salento: Galatina, Otranto, Leuca and Gallipoli. Departing from Lecce","description":"This tour will give you the opportunity to visit 4 of the most picturesque towns in Salento on a comfortable minivan with air conditioning and a professional driver who will give you information about the history of the towns and the places to visit. A scenic route from the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, between rocky coasts, small bays and white Caribbean-style beaches. The first stop of the tour is Galatina a real gem of art, history and traditions. The wonderful Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is second only to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi for the presence of many frescoes inside, which were created by Giotto's disciples. Other monuments to visit are the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, and the ancient \"courtyard houses\" and the buildings situated in the historic centre. The second stop is Otranto, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Salento.The town of Otranto is full of history and every corner highlights the passage of different civilizations, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the Aragoneses. You will have free time to visit the splendid Cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter in perfect Byzantium style, the Castle, the Towers, the mighty Pelasgi Bastions and the Walls that surrounded the whole of the ancient city. After Otranto you will reach Santa Maria di Leuca, along the wonderful Adriatic coast, characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, caves and bays with rocky bottom. Along the way you will admire Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro Marina and the Ciolo Fiord. Santa Maria di Leuca is truly the heel of Italy, the place where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. From this tip of Puglia, you will admire spectacular views of the harbor and the sea, as well as the sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. After Santa Maria di Leuca, along the Ionian coast, you will reach Gallipoli, considered the pearl of the Ionian Sea. This Greek city can be divided into two areas: the new village, where the tourist facilities and modern buildings arise, and the old city. The old part of the city is located on a limestone island connected to the mainland by a 17th century bridge. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre characterized by a labyrinthine weave of narrow streets, home to traditional shops of local handicrafts, numerous impressive Baroque churches and aristocratic palazzi. Also worth seeing are the Cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, one of the best examples of Baroque in Salento, the Angevine Castle built in the 13th century and the Greek Fountain, one of the oldest fountains in Italy.","brand":"Salento Experience - Tours \u0026 Activities","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52623877341525,"sku":null,"price":134.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/6kntAWcm-bBMIWcZOOzbiP6X6XdtrF019KLRVkAFO1w.jpg?v=1778329946"},{"product_id":"from-brindisi-ostuni-alberobello-and-polignano-a-mare-tour","title":"From Brindisi. Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Tour","description":"This tour will give you the opportunity to visit three significant villages in Puglia on a comfortable minivan with air conditioning and a professional driver who will give you information about the history of the towns and the places to visit. At the end of the tour you can choose whether to return to Brindisi or Lecce.The first stop of the tour is Ostuni, known as the \"White City\", a wonderful medieval village, rich with alleys and whitewashed houses, which recalls an oriental landscape. You will have free time to visit the old town centre, called \"la terra\" (\"the land\"), characterized by alleys, sloping stairs, courtyards and small squares, where whitewashed houses, craft shops and typical small shops appear.After Ostuni you will reach Alberobello, crossing some charming villages located on top of the hills. The landscape is a continuous succession of ancient olive trees and trulli. Visiting the beautiful Alberobello is like a journey in a timeless country. You will have free time at disposal to explore its characteristic historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is integrally made up of Trulli, particular white, pyramidal structures that make it unique in the world and represent one of the most extraordinary examples of Italian folk architecture. Particularly striking are the two districts: \"Rione Monti\" with its local handcraft shops and \"Aia Piccola\", where the most ancient Trulli and little museums are situated.After Alberobello, descending towards the Adriatic Sea, you will reach the beautiful Polignano a Mare, birthplace to the famous Domenico Modugno. Polignano a Mare stands on a cliff falling sheer to the sea. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre and the remains of Roman rule. Among the latter, the bridge of the Via Traiana, still viable. Entering the historic centre, through a maze of streets, alleys and squares animated by local shops and restaurants, you will find yourself on three terraces overlooking the sea to enjoy a breathtaking view.","brand":"Salento Experience - Tours \u0026 Activities","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52623877472597,"sku":null,"price":134.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/8U8GhzxwpAce987RjflRPVFQb9adx93gj-VMOhBAD-g.jpg?v=1778330189"},{"product_id":"lecce-private-tour-with-tasting-of-typical-local-products","title":"Lecce Private Tour with tasting of typical local products","description":"After meeting your guide, you will leave to discover the beautiful Lecce. You will begin your tour by heading to main sights of Lecce, walking through the characteristic narrow streets of the historic centre. You will discover the impressive Piazza Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy; Piazza Sant’Oronzo, where you will admire the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre; the fascinating Basilica of Santa Croce; the sumptuous churches in Baroque style; the amazing historical palaces and the most picturesque and hidden places of the old city. During the tour you will make a stop for a light lunch with typical Salento products: rustico, friselline ,puccette farcite con salumi, parmigiana, lasagna, fave e verdura, capocollo, burratina and a glass of good wine.This is a unique experience to learn about the art, culture, food and folklore of this wonderful city.","brand":"Salento Experience - Tours \u0026 Activities","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52623877439829,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/hlkF1IBm0NdK72HtKm81lGgFTN2CmgSpa2Z50L17amo.jpg?v=1778329958"},{"product_id":"ostuni-alberobello-and-polignano-a-mare-tour-departing-from-lecce","title":"Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Tour. Departing from Lecce","description":"This tour will give you the opportunity to visit three significant villages in Puglia on a comfortable minivan with air conditioning and a professional driver who will give you information about the history of the towns and the places to visit.The first stop of the tour is Ostuni, known as the \"White City\", a wonderful medieval village, rich with alleys and whitewashed houses, which recalls an oriental landscape. You will have free time to visit the old town centre, called \"la terra\" (\"the land\"), characterized by alleys, sloping stairs, courtyards and small squares, where whitewashed houses, craft shops and typical small shops appear.After Ostuni you will reach Alberobello, crossing some charming villages located on top of the hills. The landscape is a continuous succession of ancient olive trees and trulli. Visiting the beautiful Alberobello is like a journey in a timeless country. You will have free time at disposal to explore its characteristic historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is integrally made up of Trulli, particular white, pyramidal structures that make it unique in the world and represent one of the most extraordinary examples of Italian folk architecture. Particularly striking are the two districts: \"Rione Monti\" with its local handcraft shops and \"Aia Piccola\", where the most ancient Trulli and little museums are situated.After Alberobello, descending towards the Adriatic Sea, you will reach the beautiful Polignano a Mare, birthplace to the famous Domenico Modugno. Polignano a Mare stands on a cliff falling sheer to the sea. You will have free time at disposal to explore the historic centre and the remains of Roman rule. Among the latter, the bridge of the Via Traiana, still viable. Entering the historic centre, through a maze of streets, alleys and squares animated by local shops and restaurants, you will find yourself on three terraces overlooking the sea to enjoy a breathtaking view.","brand":"Salento Experience - Tours \u0026 Activities","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52623877308757,"sku":null,"price":134.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/ZyZsX00ePSNn2mCGtprKCIpECVosGpvRKPTxHr0gUVg.jpg?v=1778330188"},{"product_id":"guided-wine-tasting-and-food-in-a-ship-like-wine-bar-in-lecce","title":"Guided Wine Tasting \u0026 Food in a Ship-like Wine Bar in Lecce","description":"Step into a uniquely designed wine bar in Lecce, Salento, and enjoy a guided wine-tasting experience. The interior resembles a ship vessel, featuring multiple portholes, creating a maritime atmosphere that immerses you in a nautical setting.Let a sommelier guide you through a carefully curated selection of four gourmet, high-quality wines. Each wine is chosen to highlight the diverse terroirs and winemaking traditions of the Salento region, offering a comprehensive exploration of local viticulture.The tasting session is complemented by a selection of authentic regional foods, including 1 tomato bruschetta, 1 sausage and stracchino cheese bruschetta, Martina Franca capocollo, Caciocavallo cheese, Barese focaccia (flatbread with tomatoes), which are thoughtfully paired to enhance the flavors of each wine.For minors or those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the experience includes a crafted alcohol-free cocktail, designed to mimic the flavors and complexity of classic drinks, providing an inclusive experience for all guests.","brand":"Slow Travel Italia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54913312620885,"sku":null,"price":52.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/sBab7AZOMu-gc5mfD_LD3T3DM3J0gPYEtgEseV3r5Ao.jpg?v=1789038620"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/collections\/7e04038b-088a-46e6-bab1-d421f9716414.jpg?v=1789051030","url":"https:\/\/www.touraround.it\/collections\/lecce.oembed","provider":"Touraround","version":"1.0","type":"link"}