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Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History
$329.22
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
Overview
This tour will take you to discover 2 important cities of Salento peninsula such as Galatina, with its fascinating late Romanesque church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, built in 1390, full covered with stunning frescoes by workers from Giotto school.
Castro, which was an ancient Messapian town about 20 kilometers south of Otranto, where we'll be heading driving along the best coastal route for enjoying the breathtaking cliffs. It is said that it was the place where Aeneas, the ancestor of the founders of Rome, first landed in Italy following his escape from Trojan war.
Here you’ll visit the Castle which houses the archeological museum inside with several finds of Greek colonies, and spot of the mythic temple of the goddess Minerva.
Down the amazing cliff of Castro you'll have a stunning experience visiting the "Zinzulusa Cave" where we'll even stop for swimming in the clearest azure sea you've ever seen.
Castro, which was an ancient Messapian town about 20 kilometers south of Otranto, where we'll be heading driving along the best coastal route for enjoying the breathtaking cliffs. It is said that it was the place where Aeneas, the ancestor of the founders of Rome, first landed in Italy following his escape from Trojan war.
Here you’ll visit the Castle which houses the archeological museum inside with several finds of Greek colonies, and spot of the mythic temple of the goddess Minerva.
Down the amazing cliff of Castro you'll have a stunning experience visiting the "Zinzulusa Cave" where we'll even stop for swimming in the clearest azure sea you've ever seen.
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The experience offers several options. This price includes:
English and Italian languages
Pickup included
Pickup included
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
The experience offers several options, check yours above
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Ticket of Castro Archeological Museum
- Ticket of Zinzulusa Cave
- All Fees and Taxes
- The tour is just for you with flexible schedule
- Independent tour
- Lunch
Meeting point
You can recognize me by grey car.
Below Triumphal arch (Naples gate), you can recognize me by grey car.
In front of Hotel Tiziano, you can recognize me by grey car.
Return details
You can recognize me by grey car.
Below Triumphal arch (Naples gate), you can recognize me by grey car.
In front of Hotel Tiziano, you can recognize me by grey car.
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Basilica di Santa Caterina d'AlessandriaTransfer from Lecce to Galatina 30 minutes. You'll first visit the late Romanesque church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, built in 1390 by Raimondello Orsini del Balzo, count of Soleto. The interior contains frescoes by artists from "Giotto school" so that, for their pictorial cycles, the church is second in Italy to San Francesco d'Assisi Basilica.
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Centro storico di GalatinaWalking along the old town you can find out several aristocratic Palace built when Galatina was part of Soleto county with "Giovanni Antonio" the Son of Raimondello and Maria d'Enghien, Queen of Naples Kingdom from 1406 to 1414. Close the main square there is the Baroque church of San Pietro rebuilt from 1633 on a previous Byzantine (Greek-rite) edifice. Nearby is the small church of San Paolo who houses a well which, according to tradition, was able to heal people bitten by poisonous tarantulas (those bitten were called tarantati or pizzicati in the local dialect, from which starts the famous Italian folk dance). Galatina is also known for the delicious pastries produced for generations in the local pasticcerie. In the most famous one you can delight yourself by tasting the "Pasticciotto" with inside the stunning cream.
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Guglia di Raimondello OrsiniTransfer from Galatina to Soleto with quick halt along the way for visiting the spire of Raimondello Orsini.
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Punta Palascia LighthouseTransfer from Soleto to Palascia lighthouse 30 min. The tall white cylindrical lighthouse on the easternmost point of Italy. Walking along the path you can enjoy the splendid view of Otranto cost. From here we'll transfer driving along the stunning cliff, passing by tipical villages like Porto Badisco e Santa Cesarea Terme, heading to the Zinzulusa Cave (30 minutes about).
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Grotta ZinzulusaThe Grotto name comes from the "rags" in local dialect "zinzuli", because the stalactites resemble many hanging rags. The visit is divided into three parts: "La Conca" which is characterized by stalactites and stalagmites; "The Duomo" with its vault about 25 meters high; "Il Cocito" with very clear waters flow through it in which there are stratifications of fresh water at the top and brackish water at the bottom. It’s a true natural spectacle. The cave is not suitable for people with limited mobility. You first have to climb down a few steps, where you can even more easily swim, if you whish; It needs more steps to get into the grotto, sometimes narrow, damp/wet and slippery so you need to wear comfortable shoes. The grotto visit lasts 30 minutes and the waiting to go into depends on the queue. The remaining time could be spent for enjoying the terrace by the see, swimming in the clearest azure sea you've ever seen or having independent lunch in the close restaurants.
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Castello Aragonese e Museo Archeologico CastroTransfer form Zinzulusa cave to Castro historic center 5 min. The town derives its name from Castrum Minervae (Latin for "Athena's castle"), which was ancient Messapian town with a temple of the goddess Minerva. It’s said that it was the place where Aeneas, the ancestor of the founders of Rome, first landed in Italy following his escape from Trojan war (as also published by the Independent in April 2007). Here you’ll visit the little historic center and the Castle which inside host the archeological museum with several finds of Greek colonies, and spot of the mythic temple with the latest discovery of a female statue dating back to the 4th century BC, presumably depicting the goddess Minerva. In downstair room a large panel will show you all the stages of Aeneas' journey, recounted by Virgil in the Aeneid, before you go up to the tower for enjoying the amazing landscape.
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met,
you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
How it works?
01
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You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
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We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
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Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History
$329.22
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!