Lecce, Puglia

Overview

Discover Lecce: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel

Lecce is the main city, one could say the capital, of the Salento subpenisular of Apulia. Although part of the larger region, the culture of Italy's heel, has historically been quite distinct from the rest of the region.

Lecce is undoubtedly one of Apulia's most beautiful towns, which thanks to its own brand of Baroque architecture is often known as 'the of the South'. Some 'not-to-miss' examples of this period are the Duomo and the masterfully sculpted Basilica di Santa Croce.

Her roots date back much earlier than this however and there is plenty of evidence of her Roman past. Just wander through the town center and you will see most of a Roman amphitheater, which was only properly excavated in the post-war years. Today it is a delightful venue for summer performances. Close by, the city's patron saint, Sant'Oronzo, stands on top of a column that once signalled the end of the Appian Way, the strategically important road that linked the City of with the port of in the south. The column was given to Lecce after Sant'Oronzo is said to have saved from a plague in the 17th century.

Despite the architectural wonders, Lecce is a southern city in an area which has little industry. Tourism is important here, but Lecce's somewhat isolated location means that industry has developed slowly and sensitively, keeping in tune with the city's culture. Visitors can expect a warm welcome, but also to find a traditional southern Italian town of good food, locally produced products and lunchtime closing!

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Our own photographs

Lecce Through Our Eyes

Photographed during our own travels and research, these images follow the journey through Lecce, from the first view of the landscape to the small details that give the place its character.

Italy Vacation Specialists offers privately guided tours of Lecce, in the Puglia region of Italy and private holidays in Italy

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Multi-Day Holidays Tours

Whole journeys, planned end to end

Magical Matera and Puglia Private Discovery Experience

Embark on a captivating 6-day private tour exploring the enchanting regions of Matera and Puglia in southern Italy. Delve into the rich history and stunning landscapes of these areas as you visit Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings, Bari wit...

Private

6 Days / 5 Nights

Puglia Discovery (6 nights/ 7 days ): Mostly All Inclusive Private Tour of Puglia including Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto Bari and incredible wine tastings and olive farms

Our Puglia Discovery Experience is a great option for first time visitors or returning visitors to the Puglia region who want to experience the region with local hosts and visit the region in a relaxing, comfortable way with visits to local farms, wi...

Private

7 Days / 6 Nights

Private & Small Group Tours in Lecce

Days out with people who know the way

Lecce & Otranto Full Day Tour

This full day tour of Lecce, Otranto and Santa Cesarea is great way to experience some of the most beautiful towns in the Salento region. Lecce is known as the 'Florence' of southern Italy and it is best experienced with a local English speaking gui...

Private

Photo Gallery

Gargano Coast including Vieste

Alberobello

Bari

Brindisi

Cisternino

Foggia

Gargano Coast including Vieste

Lecce

Locorotondo

Martina Franca

Monopoli

Ostuni

Otranto

Polignano a Mare

Santa Cesarea Terme

Santa Maria di Leuca

Taranto

Torre Canne

2 Beds 5

BBQ +12 more

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Getting here

The Road to Lecce

Most of our guests arrive by private car, with a driver who knows these roads and where it is worth stopping along the way. These are the journeys we arrange most often.

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Brindisi, Puglia with Italy Vacation Specialists

Bari region of Apulia, Italy Big ferris wheel on the waterfront of Bari

City and Cathedral, South Italy, Lamezia Terme, Calabria

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