Trip Itinerary

We begin our Puglia sea kayaking tour in Lecce, a stunning baroque city often referred to as the "Florence of the South," where the extensive use of golden-hued local limestone gives the entire town a warm, honey glow. Lecce's crown jewels include the Basilica di Santa Croce, an elaborate Baroque church, the Piazza del Duomo, considered one of Italy's most beautiful squares, and a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater in Piazza Sant'Oronzo, which once seated 25,000 spectators. The city also offers excellent cuisine that showcases Puglia's simple yet flavorful traditions, vibrant pedestrian streets perfect for evening strolls (the passeggiata), and charming artisan workshops. Lecce is easily accessed by high-speed Frecciarossa train from both Bari and Rome.

We meet just outside Lecce's historical center, at 9:00 am,  and set out by van through Puglia's Salento region to Torre dell'Orso. In this picturesque coastal town, the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, combined with the dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves, create a stunning backdrop for our first day of kayaking in Puglia. Launching from a sandy beach, we'll explore the rugged coastline by kayak, discover secluded beaches, and paddle around the iconic "Two Sisters" rock formation just offshore. Arriving at our rustic Masseria, there will be time to relax before an exquisite farm-to-table meal prepared by our hosts.

Overnight: Masseria Violante

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

After a sumptuous breakfast at the Masseria, we will head to Santa Maria di Leuca, located at the southernmost tip of Italy's "heel," where we can enjoy the unique experience of kayaking where two seas meet. Launching from Feaniche Spiaggia, we will explore the convergence of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, enjoying a diverse coastal landscape that ranges from rocky cliffs to sandy beaches. The area is famous for its numerous sea caves, many of which are only accessible by water, offering us the chance to discover hidden grottoes and admire the play of light on colorful rock formations. After rounding Capo di Leuca, where the Ionian and Adriatic meet, we'll land in the protected harbor and enjoy lunch while taking in the panoramic view of the iconic lighthouse and charming town. After time to refresh at the Masseria, we will have dinner at the medieval town of Tricase.

Overnight: Masseria Violante

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Launching from a protected marina, we'll paddle from Castro to the famous Zinzulusa Cave, a natural wonder accessible only from the sea. Its name, derived from "zinzuli" (rags in the local dialect), refers to the striking stalactites and stalagmites that resemble hanging clothes. We'll continue along the rugged Salento coastline to our lunch stop at the beautiful village of Santa Cesarea Terme. In the late afternoon, we'll drive to Otranto, so we have time to wander the charming old town and stroll along the seafront promenade, explore the narrow medieval streets, and admire the 12th-century mosaic floor in the Cathedral before enjoying a leisurely dinner of local Puglian cuisine in one of the town's many restaurants.

Overnight: Masseria Violante

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

San Giovanni Beach, affectionately named "Bora Bora" by locals, offers a spectacular kayaking experience along the Ionian coast of Salento near Gallipoli. This stretch of shoreline is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white sand, reminiscent of a tropical paradise. Gliding through the translucent sea, you can easily imagine yourself in the South Seas. Unique rock formations and hidden caves along the coast add to the allure of this Italian slice of paradise. At the end of the day's paddling, we'll return to Masseria Violante before heading out to dinner at another of Salento's beautiful medieval towns.

Overnight: Masseria Violante

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we will journey north from the Salento peninsula to Valle d'Itria. The trip offers a captivating transition through Puglia's diverse landscape. As we leave behind Salento's coastal plains and ancient olive groves, the terrain gradually shifts to the gently rolling hills of central Puglia. En Route, we will make a stop at the archaeological site of Egnazia, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient past. This expansive site contains the remains of a Messapian and later Roman city. Approaching the Valle d'Itria, the scenery becomes more distinctive, with a landscape dotted by the region's iconic trulli - unique, cone-roofed stone houses. This evening we will dine out in one of the White Towns of Calle d'Itria.

Overnight: Masseria Montanaro

Launching from Lido Cala, we paddle along the coast of Santo Stefano through the now-familiar, crystal-clear waters of Puglia, past rugged cliffs and hidden coves. After landing, we'll enjoy lunch al fresco at a beachside restaurant. In the late afternoon, we'll visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the whimsical world of the iconic cone-roofed trulli. We'll wander the narrow streets through clusters of these fairytale-like structures. This evening we'll enjoy a dinner in the town of Cisternino to celebrate our paddling journey through Puglia.

Overnight: Masseria Montanaro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we'll drive to Monopoli, an ancient fishing port on Puglia's Adriatic coast, with a charming historic center featuring a picturesque harbor surrounded by whitewashed buildings. Drop-off is scheduled for mid-morning at the Monopoli train station, which offers frequent service to Bari Centrale, providing access to both Bari Airport (BRI) and high-speed Frecciarossa train service to Roma Termini. Arrivederci!

Meals: Breakfast