Apulia: Vespa, Two Seas & La Dolce Vita

Arrival in Lecce.

Arrive in Lecce, the vibrant Baroque capital of Salento, often referred to as the "Florence of the South." Settle into your boutique accommodation in a beautifully restored historic palace, then head out to explore the city at its most atmospheric.

As evening falls, wander through Lecce's elegant piazzas and atmospheric streets, where warm limestone facades glow beneath the lights. Admire the intricate Baroque details of its churches and palazzi before choosing one of the city's lively restaurants or wine bars for your first taste of Salento.

Overnight: Lecce

Byzantine Abbeys & Coastal Tamarisk.


 Vespa riding: approximately 50-60 km.

After your Vespa handover, fitting and tour briefing, set off from Lecce and head north into the peaceful Salento countryside.

Your first stop is Lu Furnu te la Masseria Giammatteo, where you can sample traditional local baked specialities and get your first taste of the region's rural culinary traditions. Continue to the atmospheric 11th-century Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate, an important Romanesque monument surrounded by olive groves and farmland.

From the abbey, ride towards the Adriatic coast and follow the scenic road between Torre Rinalda and Frigole. Sandy beaches, wind-shaped tamarisk trees and wide sea views create a wonderfully relaxed stretch of riding.

Return to Lecce in the late afternoon, where your day ends with a local wine-tasting experience at a traditional bistro—the perfect introduction to Salento's celebrated wines and relaxed aperitivo culture.

Overnight: Lecce

Vespa riding: approximately 80-90 km.

Leave Lecce behind and ride west through the peaceful Salento countryside to Copertino, home to an imposing 16th-century castle and one of the region's most impressive historic fortresses.

Continue towards the Ionian coast, reaching the seaside town of Porto Cesareo before following the coast south through the fragrant pine forests of the Porto Selvaggio Natural Reserve. The road winds between Mediterranean vegetation and the sea, with plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the scenery.

Make time for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Santa Maria al Bagno, a picturesque coastal resort backed by rocky coves and sandy beaches.

Continue to Gallipoli, whose historic centre sits dramatically on an island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. Explore its narrow lanes, ancient churches and sea walls, then settle in for the evening as the sun sinks into the Ionian Sea—a spectacular end to a memorable day on the road.

Overnight: Gallipoli

Nardò, Galatina & the Dance of the Taranta.

 Vespa riding: approximately 70-80 km.

Leave Gallipoli and ride inland to Nardò, one of Salento's finest examples of Baroque architecture. Begin in the elegant Piazza Salandra, the heart of the historic centre, where the distinctive Immaculate Conception column rises above a remarkable collection of ornate churches, palazzi and sculpted limestone details.

Continue to Galatina, a town deeply connected with the traditions of pizzica and taranta, the lively folk music and dance of Salento. Take time to explore the historic centre and visit the magnificent Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, celebrated for its extraordinary medieval and Renaissance frescoes, including one of Italy's most impressive surviving Gothic fresco cycles.

After discovering Galatina's artistic and cultural heritage, return by Vespa to Gallipoli for a relaxed evening by the Ionian Sea.

Overnight: Gallipoli

The Meeting of the Two Seas.


 Vespa riding: approximately 70-80 km.

Leave Gallipoli and follow the spectacular southern coastline, riding past long stretches of sandy beach and turquoise water towards San Gregorio and Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of the Salento peninsula and the dramatic meeting point of the Ionian and Adriatic seas.

From the marina, board an approximately 90-minute boat excursion along the coast. Cruise into the spectacular sea caves and hidden coves carved into the limestone cliffs, with views of the rugged coastline that are best appreciated from the water.

Back on your Vespa, continue north along the scenic roads of the Regional Natural Park of the Costa Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca, where the landscape is quintessentially Salentine—dry-stone walls, prickly pear, ancient olive trees and dramatic coastal views.

Continue inland to Vignacastrisi, where you'll spend the night in a beautifully preserved historic palace residence, offering a wonderfully atmospheric setting for the evening.

Overnight: Vignacastrisi

Megaliths, Botanical Gardens & Cooking.


 Vespa riding: approximately 60-70 km.

Set out through the peaceful countryside of Salento, following quiet lanes bordered by ancient olive trees, dry-stone walls and traditional farmsteads.

Your first stop is La Cutura, a remarkable botanical garden home to more than 3,000 species of succulents and other Mediterranean plants. Continue to Giurdignano, where the fascinating Megalithic Garden of Salento reveals a landscape scattered with prehistoric dolmens and menhirs, some dating back thousands of years.

From here, ride to Otranto, one of Salento's most captivating coastal towns. Explore its historic centre and visit the magnificent Otranto Cathedral, famed for its extraordinary 12th-century mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life and scenes from biblical and medieval mythology.

Return to Vignacastrisi in the late afternoon for one of the tour's most memorable experiences: a hands-on traditional pasta-making class. Learn how to prepare local Apulian pasta before sitting down to enjoy your freshly made creations for dinner.

Overnight: Vignacastrisi

Cliffs, Cheese Tastings & Medieval Fortresses.

Begin your final ride along one of Salento's most spectacular cliffside coastal roads, with the Adriatic stretching out beside you. Take a break at a local dairy for a guided visit and fresh cheese tasting, discovering some of the traditional techniques behind Puglia's celebrated cheeses.

Continue north past the tranquil Alimini Lakes, where coastal lagoons, pine forests and sandy beaches create a beautiful natural setting. Follow the coastline through the seaside resorts of Torre dell'Orso and San Foca, with time to stop for a swim or coffee along the way.

The route then passes through the protected WWF Oasis of Le Cesine, one of Salento's most important coastal wetlands, before heading inland to Acaya. This beautifully preserved medieval fortified village is surrounded by an impressive moat and defensive walls and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.

Continueto Lecce, where you'll return your Vespa and bring your Salento adventure to a close.

Overnight: Lecce