Embark on a stress-free excursion starting from Lecce, where we'll explore the captivating towns of Galatina and Gallipoli. These enchanting destinations are conveniently close to each other and easily accessible by a slow but direct train, making it effortless to visit both in just one day.

Galatina

We started our day by taking a short and easy train ride from Lecce to Galatina, a charming town that is conveniently located along the same railway line as Gallipoli. The journey only took us 45 minutes, and as soon as we stepped off the train, we were immediately drawn to the town's mini Lecce-like ambiance.

Galatina welcomed us warmly as we explored its streets, which were adorned with centuries-old buildings that had a rich history. One particular highlight on our itinerary was the magnificent Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria.

Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

The Basilica, built in 1383, impressed us with its exquisite artistry and religious significance. Stepping inside, we were immediately struck by a sense of awe. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes that took us on a fascinating journey through time, depicting scenes from biblical stories and the lives of saints.

The artistry displayed in these frescoes was truly remarkable, showcasing the talent and devotion of the artists who created them so many years ago. We were amazed by the vibrant colors that still retained their brilliance. It felt as though we had entered a living museum, where history came alive before our eyes.

What made our visit even more special was that admission to the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria was based on donations, making it accessible to visitors from all walks of life.

Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Continuing our exploration of Galatina, we stumbled upon another architectural gem - Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, also known as the Mother Church. Its grand façade enticed us to step inside and discover its hidden treasures.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a serene and reverent atmosphere. The ornate decorations adorning the altar and walls showcased Galatina's rich religious heritage. We took our time to admire the intricate details carved into every surface, a testament to the craftsmanship of those who built this magnificent structure.

Try out the Pasticciotto

Make sure to try the pasticciotto in Galatina, where it originated. This shortcrust pastry with a creamy filling is a local specialty which you can also find in most cafes in Salento. We had a delicious one from a bakery near the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria. It's a delightful treat that perfectly complements your visit to the basilica and allows you to experience Galatina's culinary heritage firsthand.

Where to Stay in Galatina?

The old town is pretty relaxed so if you want a quiet base then this is the place for you. I recommend staying in the center.

For mid-range, Casa Vacanza Vico Maroncelli is central and nicely decorated.

For luxury, check out the highly rated Amira 1899 Luxury Suite where you can pamper yourself in a hot tub or relax in a sauna.

Gallipoli

After our delightful time in Galatina, we hopped on a short train ride to reach the coastal town of Gallipoli. As we arrived, the refreshing scent of the sea filled the air, setting the stage for a culinary adventure.

Seafood in Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a seafood lover's paradise, thanks to its location on the Ionian Sea. We couldn't resist trying the local specialties at Trattoria Santa Monaca, a renowned restaurant in the old town. One dish that stood out was the succulent purple prawns cooked in salt. You can also have it simply grilled as it can be too salty. These local delicacies boasted a delicate flavor and vibrant color, offering a memorable taste experience.

To complement our prawns, we savored a flavorful fish soup brimming with mussels, clams, and squid. The broth was skillfully infused with herbs and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that delighted our palates.

Our meal at Santa Monaca, including drinks, came to a total of EUR 62, a reasonable price for the quality and quantity of food served. Portions were so huge that we didn't have space for dessert.

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Basilica Concattedrale di Sant'Agata

Also known as the Gallipoli Cathedral, it holds deep religious importance in this town and is dedicated to their patron saint Saint Agatha. Its history dates back several centuries, and as we wandered through its hallowed halls, we couldn't help but feel a connection to those who had come before us.

Hooded Penitents

While exploring one of the churches by the coast, I was shocked to see a hooded mannequin as I entered one of the churches simply because I wasn't expecting that and didn't do much research prior our visit. This is just a model of the hooded penitents that parade barefoot during Lent and are covered to protect their identity.

We found this at the Church of the Holy Crucifix just along the coastal road. They also have some photos of the penitents during Holy Week.

There are a few more churches that you can explore within the old town but these two are what I found most fascinating.

Left: hooded statue

Right: church interior

Take it Slow at a Café

When in Italy, take it slow. We settled into our seats and ordered comforting cappuccinos – creamy concoctions topped with delicate foam. As we sipped our drinks, we savored both their rich flavor and the relaxed atmosphere surrounding us.

Fontana Greca

The Greek fountain, believed to be built around 3rd century BC, is just located outside the fort of the old town so we visited this as we headed back to the train station.

We were here in the late afternoon and also watched fishermen and locals transact by the shore. There's also a church that you can visit from here.

Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto

Where to Stay in Gallipoli?

Coastal towns in Italy tend to be pricey but you can still find a place on a mid-range budget. Check out Centro Storico Casa Nel Cuoro

If you're feeling luxurious, check out the 4-star Palazzo Presta in the center of the old town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch/4yqARfS5ybU

Conclusion

Our day trip to Galatina and Gallipoli from Lecce proved to be a rewarding journey filled with historical marvels, tantalizing flavors, and the ease of travel. Thanks to the convenient train connections, we seamlessly ventured from one town to another, immersing ourselves in their unique charms.

If you want something more convenient and you do not have your own car, getting a private transfer is the way to go. Check out this full day tour of Galatina and Gallipoli. They provide a comfortable airconditioned car with a private driver from Lecce which really makes a difference especially during the hot peak summer season and saves you the long trip in the slow train. You still have the independence to get around and explore on your own. Combine this with the itinerary we have provided above. Have fun!

source

Galatina and Gallipoli Day Trip Itinerary from Lecce, Puglia, Italy

Embark on a stress-free excursion starting from Lecce, where we'll explore the captivating towns of Galatina and Gallipoli . These ench...

Galatina and Gallipoli Day Trip Itinerary from Lecce, Puglia, Italy

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When I think about Venice, the first thing I get in my mind is that I'm talking about a completely different city than what you are used to see in Europe with all the methods of transport being done on the water, hence why an experience with a Gondola is definitely a must try.

Either way, while we failed to book a ride for a gondola because it was both expensive and off-season so we couldn't enjoy one of those sunny and warm days while being on the water, we concluded that Venice is a lot more than that for sure.

Therefore, after two full days exploring more sides of Venice starting with the sunrise and returning home when it was already night outside, our hearts were forever conquered by the specific architecture that makes you turn your head from one building to another no matter if those represent a tourist attraction or not.

Click on the images to see them in full resolution

It was already a bit over 5 PM when we finished exploring San Marco which is perhaps a name that more people who went to Venice remember about, just because it represents the heart of the city and the home to some of the most iconic sights someone can enjoy while in Venice.

Since there was a bit more time until the night was settling, we decided to roam around San Marco, ending up on some very narrow streets. If you've been to Venice, then you can relate to those narrow streets that promise nothing but offer everything. It's basically the best way to get lost with no expectations but welcome everything with your heart wide open when being surprised by lots of cool buildings.

If you know a bit of Italian, then what you will see on the little panel from the image attached above will be a pretty good spoiler to figure out what you are going to see around the corner. But as none I or my family understand this language, I thought that was the name of the street, lol.

Either way, after just around 10 meters of walking in the narrow passage, we ended up in front of one of those buildings that are hard to ever forget.

Its full name is Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo but it's also known as Scala Contarini del Bovolo which is also what was written on the little board, where 'scala' means 'stairs'.

This is quite a suggestive name for the building which even though it represents a palace, is mainly formed of stairs which represent the biggest point of interest. So I guess it's fair enough to consider the name Scala Contarini del Bovolo too.

Not sure how people usually interpret when hearing about a palace or a castle, but my mind always flies to their past and yet the history that I am about to discover. Sadly or not, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo was the first palace I've visited that is not famous for its past nor its architecture, but actually for the stairs mentioned before which take you gradually to a world seen from the top.

Hence why, seeing the palace from the outside and even entering the garden for a closer look comes at no cost, while following all the way up comes with a fee that needs to be paid.

As much as I'd have loved this experience, we got plenty of views from the top admiring Venice at no cost, and made no sense to pay for a ticket with this purpose especially since we arrived just a few minutes before being closed and would rush our exploration even more. But if you are a fan of this kind of view and experience, go for it. You will have a nice perspective of San Marco that perhaps you won't find in other place.

Click on the images to see them in full resolution

Obviously, we couldn't leave before entering the county yard and seeing how this one welcomes the ones crossing the palace's threshold, but we couldn't find out much as there were no informative panels.

With this thought, I'm assuming that the elements placed on the grass are either pieces of history but without having interest in becoming a center of attention for the palace, or they might be part of a temporary exhibition which I heard is hosted from time to time.

An interesting thing is that the palace itself dates from the 16th century while the stairs were implemented one century later by an architect who's name is Giovanni Candi who also came up with the idea to have the palace entitled Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo which means The Spiral Palace. A pretty obvious change that was going to make the palace be recognized further only because he added the stairs following a spiral shape. Not sure if it's a good or greedy thing, but it does look pretty interesting overall, competing with many other famous buildings with a nice architecture from Venice.

Click on the images to see them in full resolution

The style of architecture design the palace followed is half Gothic and half Renaissance and what makes it even more unique is that the palace can't be observed from any part of the city unless you follow the narrow path we also followed, while this one manages to give the visitors a full new perspective over San Marco.

I'd like to compare this one to a saying that I absolutely love, namely, the shy people who observe everything but are never observed by others.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is 28 meters in height and composed of 5 different floors that can be crossed in 80 steps only, speaking about a fairly narrow tower.

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The full address of the palace is Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy and can be reached only by walking since there are no public transports taking tourists from one place to another. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is placed equidistant from Rialto - the economic center of Venice, and from San Marco - the political heart of Venice.

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Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, Venice

When I think about Venice, the first thing I get in my mind is that I'm talking about a completely different city than what you are us...

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, Venice

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What a beautiful September morning to be alive here in Ora surrounded by mountains on the gorgeous Adige Valley in the North of Italy. After couple of deep inhalations of this fresh mountain air, I'm now thinking where can I find a good cup of coffee and just laze in the sun like a lizard and indulge myself in the state of the famous italian saying "la dolce far niente". Luckily there is a place where I can achieve this state of elevated being and more, at the bakery just across the street from the camping.

Caffeine and sugar can take me anywhere :)

Now that the breakfast is served let me show you around the Camping Markushof where I stayed just one night but which exceeded all my expectations. The price was about 15 EUR/person/pitch/day when I was here in 2022 and varies slightly based on the season. I really liked this camping and is only 20 km away from Bolzano in case you plan for a visit in the area.

For those travelling super light there is also a 3* Hotel Markushof on site.

And yes there is also a pool under those palm trees and free wifi availableWashing machine, dryer and detergent available for your laundryModern and clean sanitary facilities

Now it's time to leave the camping and continue our route upstream towards Bolzano.

Adige RiverEntering BolzanoThe spectacular Dolomites are in the backBolzano CathedralA 14th century gothic masterpiece Waltherplatz

I think this is a nice place to have lunch and I just spotted a nice terrace.

Lunch break italian style of course and refuelling

Now let's have a look around the old town shall we?

"Nestled in the picturesque Italian Alps, Bolzano is a charming city known for its quaint streets, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Visitors can wander through the medieval old town, explore the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see the famous Ötzi the Iceman, or hop on a cable car to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. With its blend of Italian and Austrian influences, Bolzano offers a unique and delightful experience for any traveler seeking beauty and history in a stunning alpine setting." Damn this AI description of Bolzano is really good, I could not have summed it up so well myself, afterall I only spent 3h there.

It is the capital city of the province of South Tirol, in Northern Italy with a population of 108,245, Bolzano is also by far the largest city in South Tyrol and the third largest in historical Tyrol. In the 2020 version of the annual ranking of quality of life in Italian cities, Bolzano was ranked joint first for quality of life alongside Bologna. Bolzano is considered a bridge between Northern Europe and Southern Europe due to the three spoken languages in South Tyrol (Italian, German, and Ladin) and the confluence of Italian and German-Austrian culture.

Beautiful old streets of BolzanoThe Franciscan Friary is a must visit when you'll come to BolzanoGothic style Franciscan monastic church founded in 1221Grateful to be here for the first timeAnd a quick espresso before saying goodbye to BolzanoLeft Adige behind and continued along the Eisack riverside

This is actually an old railway transformed in cycle path which is such a brilliant ideea considering the uphill gradient is more or less constant and being so it's also easy on the legs, making the route accessible to everyone. This is the way!

Choo choo !!!

"The Brennero-Bolzano railway line was a historic railway route in northern Italy that connected the cities of Brennero and Bolzano. It was part of the Brenner Railway, a major line linking Austria and Italy. The line was built in the mid-19th century and closed in the 1990s when it was replaced by a more modern railway. Today, parts of the old railway path have been converted into the Isarco Valley Cycle Path, a popular route for cyclists and hikers."

Highway A22  connecting Italy with Austria up there on the right 100% joy on a day like thisIn case someone needs to adjust the pressure or do a quick fix on the roadTransiting Klausen old townOne of many transiting Brixen

I arrived in Brixen in the evening and went straight to the camping Lowenhof which I reserved in advance this time and set up my tent. After a quick shower I went for dinner at the restaurant on premise which seemed a bit fancy at the beginning considering this is a 4* hotel&camping but apparently this is the norm here in South Tyrol which I can totally adapt to, no problem as long as I'm solvent...at least for now.

Upgraded to 4* this evening as you can seeAnd switched to burger, I'm getting closer to Austrian border afterall :)

Day 4 map: Auer - Ora to Brixen 71 km (Bikemap App)

This was my experience cycling on EuroVelo 7 upstream Bolzano back in 2022 and I loved every minute of it, hope it can help you plan for yours. May the sun shine on you when you decide to visit!

Until next time,

source

https://travelfeed.com/@discovereurovelo/biketouring-eurovelo7-italy-auer-ora-to-brixen-2022

EuroVelo 7 - Auer Ora to Brixen 71 km

  What a beautiful September morning to be alive here in Ora surrounded by mountains on the gorgeous Adige Valley in the North of Italy. A...

EuroVelo 7 - Auer Ora to Brixen 71 km

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