Lecce isn’t just about pretty facades and ornate churches — it’s a city that invites you to explore its streets, underground secrets, and coastal wonders with a variety of engaging tours. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or someone seeking outdoor adventures, Lecce offers experiences that deepen your understanding of this charming region. We particularly appreciate the Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour because it combines stunning architecture with fascinating underground sites, including the Jewish Museum. It’s a great way to get a well-rounded introduction to Lecce’s layered past.
If you’re after a taste of local flavor, the Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide combines cultural sights with delicious regional bites. For those who want a more personalized experience, the private Lecce: Baroque and Underground Tour offers tailored insights at a relaxed pace.
1. Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour
This guided walking tour is a fantastic way to discover Lecce’s architectural gems and underground history in just 1.5 to 2 hours. It includes visits to Santa Croce Church, the Roman Column, and the Jewish Museum, offering a layered look into Lecce’s past. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll hear stories about the city’s Roman roots, medieval heritage, and Jewish history. Guests praise the guide’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, often mentioning the inclusion of the Jewish Museum and oil tasting as highlights. The tour is flexible, with shared or private options, making it suitable for different preferences. The key advantage is the combination of architecture, history, and underground sites that make Lecce unique.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts who want an efficient but in-depth overview of Lecce’s core sites without feeling rushed.
2. Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide
For around $338, this 2.5-hour tour offers a delicious dive into Lecce’s culinary traditions alongside its main sights. Starting at Porta San Biagio, your guide will escort you through the historic streets, sharing insights about baroque architecture and local customs. Along the way, you’ll taste savory rustico and frisella pastries, as well as sweet pasticciotto, making it a perfect light meal. The tour also covers major landmarks like Piazza del Duomo and the Santa Croce façade, blending food with sightseeing seamlessly. Guests love how the guide’s passion and knowledge make Lecce come alive, often remarking that it changed how they see the city.
Bottom Line: Best suited for foodies who want to combine sightseeing with authentic tastings, this tour offers a flavorful introduction to Lecce.
3. Lecce: Baroque and Underground Tour – Private Tour
This personalized 2-hour private tour provides a flexible way to explore Lecce’s most iconic sites with your own guide. You’ll visit Santa Croce Church, Sant’Oronzo Square, and the Jewish Museum, with the option to customize the route based on your interests. The guide’s tailored approach and deep knowledge make this a top choice for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience. Guests note the opportunity to ask questions and explore at a comfortable pace, with some mentioning how the underground Jewish Museum was a highlight. Price-wise, it offers excellent value for a private experience, especially if you’re traveling with others.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a personalized, in-depth look at Lecce’s key sites, especially if you prefer a flexible schedule.
4. Lecce Historical Attractions Tour in Group (2h)
This budget-friendly group tour is a great way to see the major highlights of Lecce’s historic center in just 2 hours. Led by a multilingual guide, it covers Piazza del Duomo, Porta Napoli, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Guests appreciate the eco-friendly approach, touring via bike or rickshaw, which makes it easy to cover more ground quickly. The tour’s strength lies in its concise yet rundown, giving you context and background on Lecce’s most famous monuments. Reviewers mention the guide’s excellent knowledge and the convenience of the route, making it suitable for travelers short on time or looking for an affordable introduction.
Bottom Line: Excellent for budget-conscious travelers wanting a quick, informative tour with a focus on key landmarks.
5. Leuca: Caves tour 1h 30 min
Taking a boat trip along the coast of Santa Maria di Leuca, this 1.5-hour caves tour explores stunning sea caves and coves. Led by an experienced skipper, the boat glides past Santa Maria di Leuca’s dramatic cliffs, stopping for swimming near the caves. The natural rock formations and crystal-clear waters make this a memorable experience. The tour is praised for its friendly guides like Gigi, who bring a personal touch and ensure everyone feels safe and engaged. The small-group setting makes it easy to explore closely and enjoy the scenery.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers and those who want a relaxed, scenic boat trip highlighting coastal geology and the opportunity to swim.
6. Leuca kayak tour + swimming + speleo-trek in cave
This 3-hour kayak adventure is the most immersive way to see the coast, suitable even for beginners. You’ll paddle along the Ionian coast, discovering hidden caves and ravines, with the chance to swim in crystal waters. Included is a sea kayak course for beginners led by a certified instructor, making it accessible if you’ve never kayaked before. The guides, like Marco, are friendly and attentive, ensuring everyone stays safe and has fun. The tour is highly rated for its stunning scenery, with some reviewers calling it “the most beautiful tour” they’ve taken.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers eager to explore caves up close and enjoy some snorkeling and paddling in a small-group setting.
7. Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine
In this 2-hour tour, you’ll walk through Lecce’s streets, tasting local street food and regional wines. Beginning at Porta Rudiae, the tour stops at Santa Croce to admire its façade and at Piazza Sant’Oronzo for a glass of Apulian wine alongside local snacks like taralli. The guide shares stories about Lecce’s culinary heritage and architecture, making the experience both tasty and informative. Guests enjoy the relaxed pace and the chance to sample local delicacies like puccia and pettole, with some noting it’s enough for a light meal.
Bottom Line: A delicious way to get to know Lecce’s culinary scene while exploring its streets and monuments.
8. Jewish Museum and Ancient Jewish District – Private guided tour
This one-hour private tour centers on Lecce’s Jewish heritage, exploring the Jewish Museum in the basement of an old synagogue. You’ll see relics like Mikwe’ot (ritual baths) and learn about Jewish life in Lecce during medieval times. The guide’s passion and knowledge shine, with visitors noting the engaging storytelling and well-preserved artifacts. The tour is intimate, allowing for questions and a deeper understanding of the Jewish community’s impact on Lecce.
Bottom Line: Suitable for history buffs and those curious about Lecce’s multicultural past, providing a focused, personal experience.
9. Lecce: Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
This 2-hour walking tour is a solid introductory experience, covering Lecce’s most prominent landmarks like the Roman amphitheater, Santa Croce, and Piazza del Duomo. Led by enthusiastic guides such as Mattia or Cristina, the tour offers engaging stories and insights into Lecce’s artistic development, especially its Baroque architecture. Reviewers highlight the guide’s deep knowledge and the optional gelato treat, making it a fun, light way to start your visit. It’s perfect if you want a quick overview without the hassle of navigating on your own.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time visitors who want a lively overview of Lecce’s highlights and ambiance.
10. Cycling Across Salento: Capo di Leuca 4-Hour Bike Tour
This 4-hour bike tour takes you through the scenic countryside of Capo di Leuca, including hidden villages such as Giuliano and Barbarano. The roughly 9.3-mile ride is suitable for all fitness levels, making it accessible and fun. Guides like Carlo share stories about local history and point out features like medieval castles and olive groves. The small-group format provides an intimate experience, and the ride’s pace allows plenty of time for photos and breaks. Reviewers say it’s a great way to see parts of Salento that are inaccessible by car.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to experience rural Salento at a leisurely pace.
11. Lecce to Cesine Protected Natural Reserve Full-Day Bike Tour
This full-day adventure covers around 8 hours of cycling through olive groves, wetlands, and historic towns. Starting from Lecce, you visit Acaya’s castle, stop for coffee, and then cycle to the Le Cesine Nature Reserve, a rare wetland habitat. After swimming at San Foca, you return via scenic country lanes. The tour includes all equipment and is praised for its well-paced itinerary and knowledgeable guides. The highlight is the combination of nature, history, and outdoor activity — a perfect choice if you want an active day in stunning surroundings.
Bottom Line: Best for avid cyclists who enjoy a full day immersed in nature and local history.
12. Kayak and Canoe tour in Leuca and the Ponente Caves
This 3-hour marine excursion is a splendid way to explore Santa Maria di Leuca by water. Paddling in kayaks and canoes, you’ll visit famous caves like Grotta del Drago and Grotta delle Tre Porte, with stops for swimming and close-up views of towering rock formations. The guides, including Alessio, are friendly and ensure safety while sharing insights into the geological and historical significance of the caves. The small group size makes the experience personal and memorable.
Bottom Line: Great for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and water enthusiasts wanting an active coastal exploration.
13. Private Tour: Gallipoli 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour
This two-hour private walk in Gallipoli offers an up-close look at its medieval walls, churches, and the lively fishing port. Your guide will share stories of the city’s past, pointing out Greek-inspired fountains and Renaissance castles. The private format ensures a tailored experience, with time to explore or revisit favorite spots. Reviewers mention how the guide’s local knowledge made the city’s landmarks come alive, and some appreciate the flexibility in the route.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an intimate, personalized glimpse of Gallipoli’s historic and scenic highlights.
14. Lecce Street Food Group Tour (3h)
This three-hour tour combines sightseeing and street food tasting via bike or rickshaw. Starting at Piazza del Duomo, you’ll explore scenic streets, stopping to sample local specialties like puccia, taralli, and pettole, all washed down with Apulian wines or local drinks. The guide shares stories of Lecce’s culinary traditions as you enjoy regional snacks and local drinks. Reviewers find it a fun, relaxed way to see the city, with some saying the food alone made it worth the price.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine cultural exploration with authentic, flavorful bites in a casual setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lecce Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you have. If architecture and underground sites fascinate you, the Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour is a top choice. For a culinary adventure, the Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing offers a tasty blend of sights and bites. If you’re short on time but want a rundown, the H2: Lecce: Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour is straightforward and engaging. For outdoor lovers, consider the bike tours or coastal boat trips, which showcase the region’s natural beauty.
Balance your interests and schedule. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
Lecce offers an array of tours that cater to history buffs, food lovers, outdoor adventurers, and those simply seeking a deeper connection with this scenic city. From exploring underground Jewish sites to paddling along dramatic coastlines, you’ll find experiences that turn a simple visit into a memorable journey. Whether you prefer an intimate private tour or a lively group adventure, the options listed above give you plenty to choose from. Remember, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on your top picks, so plan ahead and enjoy every moment in Lecce.