Brindisi (Lecce)
A very ancient city, gateway to the East and a melting pot of cultures and peoples. Its history has always been inextricably linked to the vicissitudes of its natural port that looks out over the Adriatic. The city's churches are a must-see, with many of them built in the beautiful Puglian Romanesque style.
Popular cruises
Excursions that bring the spirit of travel to life
Explorer package Split SPL16 Venice VCE11T Corfu COR55
Explorer package Split SPL08 Venice VCE11T Dubrovni DUB09
THE TRULLI OF ALBEROBELLO
Excursion Details<-strong><-p> Begin this excursion with an 80-minute drive to Alberobello, whose trulli have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Then enjoy a 75-minute visit starting from the town¿s main square, exploring the history of these unique buildings on a guided tour.<-p> It¿s said that the diminutive trulli were built without cement, so that when tax-collectors came calling, the houses could quickly be reduced to rubble. Less certain are the origins of the pagan and astrological symbols daubed on some of their roofs. Many of these "trullo" houses are topped by a so-called "pinnacolo" - a sort of white cap or sphere - and all of them have curious symbols, possibly good-luck charms, painted on the roofs. The tour also includes a visit to St Anthony¿s, an incredible trulli church.<-p> After the tour, there¿s approximately 45 minutes of free time for browsing the local craft shopping or simply relaxing, before the 80-minute drive back to the ship.<-p> Important Information:<-strong> Traffic conditions may change the duration of the transfers to and from Alberobello.<-p>
DISCOVER THE CULTURAL LEGACY OF BRINDISI
Excursion Details<-strong><-p> The Greeks were the first to appreciate the importance of Brindisi, followed by the Romans, who built the Appian Way to easily transport troops and supplies to Rome ¿ this vast and crucial Roman road once stretched over 563 kilometres. The archaeological site of San Pietro degli Schiavoni is testimony to the city¿s importance and is one of the stops visited on this excursion.<-p> Begin this historical journey with a 15-minute drive from the port to the distinctive, yellow-stoned Church of Santa Maria del Casale for a 30-minute visit to discover its exquisite 14th-century frescoes, columns thought to mark the end of the Appian Way. Board the coach again for a 15-minute transfer to the city centre.<-p> Enjoy a 90-minute guided tour with stops along the way including San Pietro degli Schiavoni site, featuring well-preserved Roman mosaics and terracotta floors and the gorgeous Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, which was constructed in the 1100s.<-p> After the guided tour, there¿s approximately one hour of free time, which could be used to continue exploring Brindisi¿s historical riches, purchasing souvenirs from some of the many craft shops around the old town, or getting off your feet for a while and enjoying some local food and drink at local cafes. The excursion concludes with a 15-minute drive back to the ship.<-p> Important Information:<-strong> Guests using a wheelchair can take part in this tour but should be aware that it includes periods of walking and a few steps to visit the church. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by a paying helper to aid with getting on and off the coach- wheelchairs must be collapsible-foldable since the coach has neither a ramp nor a lift. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. Should the visit to the Church of Santa Maria del Casale not be possible on the day of the call, participants will visit the Seaman s Monument.<-p>
SIGHTSEEING IN LECCE, THE "FLORENCE OF THE SOUTH"
Excursion Details<-strong><-p> Lecce¿s beguiling old town centres around Piazza Sant¿Oronzo, where a wild mix of architecture tells part of the city¿s story: Roman ruins, Spanish Baroque, 19th-century Venetian and many more styles are all on show. Dive into this eclectic city after a 45-minute drive from the port at Brindisi, beginning a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour that unveils Lecce in all its glory.<-p> Some of the sights covered during the tour include Piazza del Duomo (which houses the riotously adorned marble-and-gold Duomo di Lecce) and nearby Basilica di Santa Croce, which took over 150 years to complete, resulting in an extravaganza of decoration that includes sculpted animals and even vegetables.<-p> As the tour progresses, look out for numerous beautiful Baroque buildings (made from sculptable pietra leccese ¿ sandstone) dotted around the city. A 15-minute visit to a typical shop located in Piazza del Duomo is a good opportunity for an olive oil tasting accompanied by savoury and sweet "taralli". Afterwards there¿s approximately 45 minutes of free time in which to do some shopping or savour coffee and a sweet treat (or two) at one of the old town¿s many cafes. The return transfer to the ship takes 45 minutes.<-p> Important Information:<-strong> Guests using a wheelchair can take part in this tour but should be aware that it includes periods of walking and a few steps to visit the church. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by a paying helper to aid with getting on and off the coach- wheelchairs must be collapsible-foldable since the coach has neither a ramp nor a lift. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call.<-p>
VISIT OSTUNI, THE "WHITE CITY" BY THE SEA
Excursion Details<-strong><-p> Begin this informative excursion with a 50-minute drive to the town from the port to Brindisi and a modern oil mill. Spend 45 minutes visiting the oil mill, a chance to learn more about how olive oil is produced, as well as tasting some freshly made premium oils. After the experience, the transfer will take you to Piazza Libertà, from where a 10-minute walk will bring you to the city centre.<-p> Continue with a 90-minute guided tour of Ostuni. Along the way, explore winding streets and alleys, admire views of the luscious landscape surrounding hilltop Ostuni and be wowed by a 21-metre-high Baroque obelisk devoted to Sant¿Oronzo. Another key stop on the tour is Ostuni Cathedral, featuring an unusual, Gothic-tinged facade, and lavish decoration inside. You will be captured by Delia s story, a woman who died 25.000 years ago. She was pregnant when she died and her skeleton together with her phoetus was discovered in Ostuni in 1991.<-p> After the tour, there¿s approximately one hour of free time, which could be used to pick up local souvenirs and crafts, or further wander Ostuni¿s pretty streets. The drive back to the ship afterwards takes 50 minutes.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call. This tour includes periods of walking sometimes uphill. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part.<-p>
GET BACK TO NATURE ON A TREK THROUGH TORRE GUACETO
Excursion Details<-strong><-p> Begin this journey into nature with a 30-minute coach transfer from the port to Riserva di Torre Guaceto, before setting off on a two-hour trekking tour, offering a rare opportunity to explore the natural world close-up. The Natural Reserve of Torre Guaceto allows countless birds, animals and plant species to breed and grow in a safe environment. Plovers lay their eggs on the sand, marsh birds build floating nests anchored to plants, and migratory birds, such as flamingos, visit the area temporarily. Threatened loggerhead turtles have even found a permanent sanctuary here.<-p> The reserve is also home to a renovated 16th-century Aragonese defensive tower that now houses a museum, which can be explored on a one-hour visit following the trekking tour. This hour-long section also includes a tasting of delicious regional wines and traditional products from around the area, including taralli biscuits and local olives. Finally, return to the port on a 30-minute coach transfer.<-p> Important Information:<-strong> This tour is unsuitable for guests of limited mobility. It is advisable to wear hiking or trainers with rubber soles, ankle-length sandals (flip-flops are not allowed). In addition, it is recommended to dress according to the weather conditions on the day of the excursion and, in the summer months, to wear a swimming costume and bring beach towel, hat, and sunscreen. The break in the shell cove is only planned in the summer months. Minimum age to participate: 9 years. Prams are not permitted. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call. Guides available in English or Italian only. Sighting of animals cannot be guaranteed. This tour is available from June throughout September.<-p>
UNGUIDED TRANSFER TO ALBEROBELLO
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Leave the port and enjoy a scenic 80-minute coach ride through the picturesque Italian countryside, making your way to the charming town of Alberobello.<-p> Once in town, you ll have two hours and 15 minutes to immerse yourself in the town¿s enchanting atmosphere. Wander through the narrow streets lined with iconic "trulli" houses, their conical roofs adorned with a distinctive "pinnacolo" ¿ a white cap or sphere that gives the buildings their unique character.<-p> These UNESCO World Heritage sites are a photographer¿s dream, and you can spend your time discovering the charm of the town from every angle. While exploring, you may want to take a stroll through the winding streets of the old town, where quaint shops offer a variety of local handicrafts, including handmade pottery, jewellery, and trinkets. The peaceful ambiance of the town makes it ideal for leisurely walks, and you can enjoy a refreshing break at one of the many cafés, sipping an espresso while soaking in the views.<-p> Be sure to leave enough time to meet the coach for the 80-minute return journey to the port and your ship. Whether you choose to explore the "trulli", shop for unique souvenirs, or simply enjoy the stunning surroundings, this independent exploration gives you the freedom to create your own memorable experience in Alberobello.<-p> Important Information:<-strong>Traffic conditions may change the duration of the transfers to and from Alberobello.<-p>
Savona
Civitavecchia
Catania
Genoa (Portofino)
Trieste (Venice)
Messina
Venice (Marghera)
Corigliano-Rossano
Marsala
Alghero
Ancona (Urbino)
Bari
Cagliari (Sardinia)
Capri
Gallipoli
Ischia
Aeolian Islands
Tremiti
Lipari
Livorno (Florence)
Lampedusa
La Spezia
Naples (Pompeii)
Olbia
Porto Cervo
Porto Empedocle
Portoferraio
Palermo (Monreale)
Pantelleria
Porto Ercole
Porto Torres
Porto Torres
Poltu Quatu
Ravenna (Italy)
Salerno
Syracuse
S.NICOLA(IS.TREMITI)
Sorrento
Saint-Tropez
Stromboli
Taranto (Alberobello)
Trapani
Venice - Marghera
VULCANO
Reggio Calabria
Marina di Carrara
Milazzo
Oristano
Crotone
Monfalcone
Piombino
Augusta
GAETA
San Remo
GOLFO ARANCI
Civitavecchia (Rome)
La Spezia (Cinque Terre)
Portofino
Messina (Taormina)
Porto Cervo
Taormina (Naxos)
Capri bay
Venice lagoon
Etna skyline
Sanremo Bay
Aranci gulf
Stromboli Bay