Things to do in Brindisi

Matera Tour with Cave Homes and Local Food Tasting

Matera has a lot going for it – it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, European Capital of Culture 2019 and a cave city dating back over 5,000 years. Tour its historic lanes and ancient cave dwellings, try local Basilicata food and wine, then choose to visit the cave house museum or a rupestrian church. Anna, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The cave houses of Matera were once considered a shameful place to live, best known for poverty, disease and crime. Nowadays, many caves have been transformed into chic homes, restaurants, and hotels.'Considered one of the most outstanding and intact troglodyte settlements, Matera's big draw are the ancient cave dwellings known as ‘sassi', which translates to ‘stones'. First up, we'll check out the baroque quarter, where churches and palaces are built on top of the caves. Next, we'll venture into the Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso areas to see ancient sassi carved into the flanks of Gravina canyon. The dramatic setting overlooking the wild, rocky landscape is all part of the charm.You'll pause for thought in the old quarters, where inhabitants lived in squalor up until the 1950s, which was when the whole population of around 20,000 was rehoused. Wandering around today's visually arresting town, it seems hard to believe how tough life once was here. You'll also get to try typical food and wine at Lucany Restaurant, before choosing between an optional visit to the cave house museum or a rupestrian church, cut into the rock.

Catamaran Cruise from Salento Ionian Coast

This catamaran cruise to the most southern tip of Puglia offers up a kaleidoscope of colours and coastal scenes. You'll join the boat from Torre Vado and make waves towards Capo Leuca, while taking in the sea grottoes and rocky coastline from a vantage point like no other. Hop aboard in Torre Vado, south of Gallipoli, and begin your coastal adventure to the southernmost point in Puglia – a place where the Ionian Sea turns into the Adriatic. And such a dramatic location commands some impressive sights to see along the way, including sea caves that you'll stop to take a peek at.Watch sandy beaches pass by and sit back while soaking up all the different colours of the sea, including emerald, bright blue and turquoise. On the way back, you'll also anchor up for a well-deserved swimming stop in front of a sea cave, too.

Otranto Half-day Tour from Salento Ionian Coast

Lauded as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Otranto delivers on great views and a fascinating past. Spend a few hours here soaking up the scenery, shopping in the market, or losing yourself in the maze-like medieval centre. A must-see is the Romanesque cathedral, famous for its ornate mosaic floor.

Private Transfer to Alberobello from Salento Ionian Coast

Exclusively for you and your party, this private transfer service takes you to Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of the famous conical-shaped ‘trulli' houses. Explore at your own pace and see the hundreds of beehive-topped homes. Then, saunter around town, shop for souvenirs, or sit back and relax in a local café – the time is yours to use as you choose.

Private Transfer to Lecce from Salento Ionian Coast

With gargoyles, cherubs and gremlins hanging from almost every building, Lecce is one baroque masterpiece. Spend the morning exploring the city known as the 'Florence of the South' and see all the highlights including the cathedral, the Piazza del Duomo and Roman amphitheatre. What's more, you'll have your very own private transfer, exclusively for you and your party.

Private Transfer to Otranto from Salento Ionian Coast

Otranto is often lauded as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. And with this private transfer exclusively for you and your party, you've free time here to use as you choose. Spend a few hours soaking up the scenery, shopping in the market, or losing yourself in the maze-like Medieval centre, where a must-see is the Romanesque cathedral.

Half Day Private Tour of Matera

Claiming to be the world's third-oldest city, Matera has a somewhat turbulent past. What was once declared 'the shame of Italy' is now considered to be one of its biggest treasures. And on this private tour, you'll see it for yourself. Led by an expert guide, you'll check out the city's ancient cave dwellings and see the historic centre, before a bit of free time to explore at your own pace.

Full Day Private Tour of Lecce and Otranto

See Puglia from two different perspectives on this private tour of both the inland and coast. Led by a local guide, you'll enjoy a guided walk and free time in Lecce, first. See all the main showstoppers, including the cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, before heading to the seaside town of Otranto. Here, you can grab some lunch, before heading on a stroll around town.

Half Day Private Tour of Ostuni with Olive Oil Tasting

Perched atop a hill overlooking endless olive groves and the Adriatic, the whitewashed town of Ostuni couldn't be more Italian if it tried. On this private tour, you'll enjoy a guided walk around its best bits. You'll see the Church of the Spirito Santo and the stunning Gothic-style cathedral, dating back to the 15th century, to name but a few. Round off with a tasting of Italy's 'liquid-gold' at a nearby olive oil mill.