Port
Gallipoli, Italy
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$160
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
Otranto—the door to East—is the gem of the Salento coast. For centuries it has been a cultural bridge between the Orient and the western culture of the Mediterranean. In fact, during the Middle Ages, Otranto was a departure point for the Crusaders headed to the Holy Land. The ancient part of the town lies within fortified walls, facing the clear Adriatic Sea, which is widely known for its transparent water. The Cathedral of Otranto is the largest Romanesque building of Apulia, and was built in AD 1080. Step inside to admire the largest mosaic in the world, created with thousands of fragments of stone. Somewhat gruesomely, the skulls and bones of 800 martyrs, killed by the Turks in 1480, are housed here. These people refused to be converted to the Islamic religion and were killed for their conviction. After a walking tour through the Old Town, led by your guide, you’ll have some free time in Otranto. Meet back up again for a chance to taste the local wine and olive oil. The venue is an ancient masseria in Cutrofiano—a typical fortified Apulian farmhouse. Visit the ancient underground oil press and the wine cellar, where wine barrels are stored.