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Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History

11 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 11 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Lecce, Italy
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from $166.46 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Zinzulusa Cave
Palascia Lighthouse - Otranto
Aeneas' journey
Castro Archeological Museum
Castro Archeological Museum
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.
6 to 7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Italian
Instant confirmation

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.

What's Included

  • The tour is only for your group with flexible schedule
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Ticket of Zinzulusa Cave
  • Lunch
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Start time refers to Lecce town departure as meeting point. Please provide your lodging name for direct pick-up. We keep in touch by Phone / whatsApp. You can recognize me by grey car.

OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

Transfer from Lecce to Galatina 30 minutes. You'll 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", that make the church the second in Italy, after San Francesco d'Assisi Basilica, for its pictorial cycles.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Centro storico di Galatina

Walking 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 Chapel 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 pastries produced for generations in the local pasticcerie. In the most famous one you can delight yourself by tasting the "Pasticciotto" with inside the delicious cream.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Guglia di Raimondello Orsini

Transfer from Galatina to Soleto with a short stop along the way to visit the Raimondello Orsini Spire.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Punta Palascia Lighthouse

Transfer 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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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grotta Zinzulusa

The Grotto's 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. There are several steps to get into the grotto, sometimes narrow, wet and slippery so it needs to wear comfortable shoes. The grotto visit lasts 30 minutes and the waiting to go into depends on the queue. Here you can also have your independent lunch in the close restaurants with their lovely terraces by the sea.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Castello Aragonese e Museo Archeologico Castro

Transfer form Zinzulusa cave to Castro historic center 5 min. The town's name derives from Castrum Minervae (Latin for "Athena's castle"), which was ancient Messapian town with a temple dedicated to 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 will be heading up to the tower for enjoying the amazing view.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • The visit to "Zinzulusa Cave" is not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • The remaining hours of the tour will be spent on travel

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-350880P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
11 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 11 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
11
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • The tour is only for your group with flexible schedule.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
  • Ticket of Zinzulusa Cave.
  • Ticket of Castro Archeological Museum.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Independent tour in the cities.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • The visit to "Zinzulusa Cave" is not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • The tour is only for your group with flexible schedule
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Ticket of Zinzulusa Cave
  • Ticket of Castro Archeological Museum
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Independent tour in the cities
  • Lunch

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • The visit to "Zinzulusa Cave" is not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • The remaining hours of the tour will be spent on travel

Report Product Issue

Activity name