Galatina & Gallipoli Day Trip from Lecce with Wine Tasting

Summary

Discover Salento’s Art, Wine & Coastal Traditions in One Day

You’ll get to explore Galatina’s historic heart, taste real Salento wine straight from the source, and soak up Gallipoli’s lively seaside energy—all without worrying about transport or logistics. Perfect if you want culture, food, and authentic local moments packed into one easy day.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off the morning right at 9am, scooped up from our Lecce hotel by a friendly driver who seemed to know every shortcut in town. The drive out to Galatina was smooth—windows down, you catch that early Apulian breeze mixed with the faint scent of wild herbs. Galatina itself surprised me. It’s not just another old town; it feels alive with stories. We wandered through narrow lanes where Latin and Greek influences blend together, and our driver pointed out the Church of Santa Caterina. I’d seen photos, but nothing really prepares you for those Gothic-Byzantine frescoes—layers of color that almost glow in the dim light. Locals still talk about tarantism here, that old dance ritual, and you can sense a bit of that magic in the air.

Next stop: Cantina L’Astore in Cutrofiano. The place is surrounded by vineyards and olive trees as far as you can see—honestly, it smells like summer even in spring. We had time to try a couple of local wines (Negroamaro was my favorite) and grabbed a quick lunch under the shade outside. The staff didn’t rush us; they chatted about harvest seasons and even let us peek at their old wine presses.

Gallipoli came after lunch, and wow—it’s got this laid-back vibe but still feels like a working fishing town. The old city sits on its own little island, connected by a stone bridge that rattles when trucks go over it. We strolled through the tangled streets until we hit Piazza della Dogana. The fish market there is something else: fishermen shouting prices, silver fish glinting on ice, the salty smell mixing with fried snacks from a nearby stall. I picked up a tiny paper cone of fried anchovies—still warm—and just watched the boats bobbing against that crazy blue sea. Our driver waited nearby for the ride back to Lecce around 4:30pm, so there was no stress about catching trains or buses.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Galatina, Wine Tasting, and Gallipoli

• Visit historic Galatina
• Lunch and wine tasting at Cantina L'Astore
• Explore Gallipoli and fish market

Top questions

Is there an English-speaking guide included?

No guide is included on this tour. Drivers may speak some English depending on availability, but bringing a guidebook is recommended.

Are entrance fees to churches or museums covered?

No, entrance fees aren’t included. You’ll need to pay directly at any sites you choose to visit.

Can I join the wine tasting if I don’t drink alcohol?

Absolutely—you can still enjoy lunch at Cantina L’Astore and sample local foods even if you skip the wine.

How much free time do we have in each town?

You’ll have enough time to explore each stop at your own pace before meeting your driver for transfers.

What’s included

Your own private driver for the day, pick-up and drop-off at your chosen spot in Lecce, comfy air-conditioned minivan rides between towns—and infant seats if you need them. No guides or entrance fees included; just bring your curiosity (and maybe a snack for the road).