Top Puglia Archaeology Tours

Explore the enchanted magic of Lecce under the stars with our tour of the illuminated historic center. Join us for a journey through centuries-old palaces and baroque monuments that transform into living works of art with night lights. Through the ancient labyrinth of squares and courtyards, you will discover the unique charm of Lecce after dark. From the magnificence of the Duomo to the evocative Piazza Sant'Oronzo and the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre, every corner reveals a thousand-year history and timeless beauty. With your expert guide, you will hear fascinating tales and legends that make the experience even more magical. Prepare to be captured by the enchanted atmosphere of this Salento city, where every building seems to preserve a history and every glimpse promises a new emotion. An unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted by the magic of Lecce in the evening.

Departure at 9:00 AM – Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari Meet your driver and guide in front of Teatro Petruzzelli. After a short welcome, depart by comfortable minivan toward Lecce. Transfer to Lecce Scenic drive of about 1 hour and 45 minutes through the Apulian countryside, with commentary on Lecce’s history and culture, often called the “Florence of the South.” Arrival in Lecce – Guided Walking Tour (approx. 2 hours) Explore the historic center, including Piazza Sant’Oronzo with its Roman amphitheater, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the elegant Piazza Duomo with cathedral and bell tower. Learn about Lecce Baroque, local traditions, and papier-mâché craftsmanship. Free Time (approx. 1 hour) Enjoy lunch at a traditional trattoria, sample local specialties, browse artisan shops, have coffee and pasticciotto, visit a small museum, or relax in a piazza. Return to Bari Depart around 2:00 PM for Bari, arriving by approximately 4:00 PM at Teatro Petruzzelli.

Enjoy an unforgettable experience between three authentic jewels of southern Italy : Bari, its capital, Matera, the famous "City of Stones," a UNESCO Site, and Altamura, renowned for its DOP bread and Swabian cathedral. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll begin your journey in Altamura, a city with medieval roots and the beating heart of the Alta Murgia. You'll visit the magnificent Cathedral of Frederick II, strolling through the narrow streets of the historic center. You'll also stop at a traditional bakery to taste the famous Altamura Bread. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Matera, where you'll immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Sassi, ancient dwellings carved into the limestone rock. You'll discover how the city, once a symbol of poverty, has been reborn as a film set and the 2019 European Capital of Culture.

Discover Lecce in a new way with an immersive experience that combines technology, culture and inner well-being. Thanks to the i-Tourist app, you can explore the city in total autonomy following 16 audio guides that will accompany you through the masterpieces of Lecce Baroque, from the decorations of the Basilica of Santa Croce to the scenic Piazza Duomo, up to the ancient Roman traces of the Amphitheatre. This tour is not just a visit, but a sensory and holistic journey: as you walk through the alleys of the old town, you will be invited to slow down, observe and experience the places with greater awareness. The experience stimulates curiosity, emotions and connection with the authentic soul of the city. Flexible and accessible to all ages, you can start whenever you want and proceed at your own pace, turning a simple walk into an engaging journey through history, art, traditions and personal harmony in the heart of Salento.

Lecce is best known for its sumptuous baroque architecture, but the city has an equally rich cuisine worth exploring. Discover both its cultural treasures and gastronomic delights with this tour that combines a guided walk past the Basilica of Santa Croce, the cathedral, and other highlights of the historic center with stops to sample traditional specialties like savory “rustico” and “frisella” pastries, and the sweet custard-filled “pasticciotto”.

Immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class in Lecce. Learn to make orecchiette and maccheroni al ferretto, enjoy fresh sauces, local wines, and traditional Salento specialties in a cozy family setting. The small-group lesson of no more than seven people means you'll get plenty of attention from your teacher, plus, you'll leave with recipes to take home with you.

The archeological sites at the coast of Porto Cesareo tell us about a local history that was intimately bound to the rest of the Mediterranean. Indeed, the archeological remains that we will see will lead us to consider the relationships with other parts of the basin and to talk about ancient navigation, the “marble route” coming from the Aegean and deities coming from ancient Egypt. In addition, it will appear clear the relevance of physical geography shaping local history. Thus, we will talk about the main features of the Mediterranean Basin, the evolution of coastal topography and geomorphological processes. After describing and talking about the history of modern and contemporary buildings that we will see, we will try to reconstruct the evolution of the coastal landscape and the destruction of the coastal ecosystems. This tour is recommended for archeology, history, geography and culture enthusiasts, naturalists, swimmers, active tourists and adventure seekers.