Today, our journey leads us to the southernmost reaches of the beautiful country to the renowned "heel of the boot": Puglia.

This region stretches 400 kilometres to its tip, embraced by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It boasts countless pristine beaches, quaint villages, and cities rich in history, architecture and of course, it offers the epitome of Italian art: its regional culinary delights.

Join us on a 6-day voyage along the captivating Ionian coast of Apulia, exploring its most charming and fascinating destinations.

Day 1

Our journey begins with our first destination, Taranto, an enchanting town boasting one of Italy's most picturesque promenades overlooking the Gulf of the Mermaid. Departing from Sant'Egidio Marina along the Dolphin Route, we enter a special marine oasis where sightings of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat are common.

Amidst this marine splendour lie the breathtaking Cheradi Islands, ideal for brief stops and diving to admire Taranto's characteristic seabed. After a leisurely lunch at anchor, we continue to Campomarino, basking in the tranquillity of its azure waters and scenic vistas. Here, you have the option to spend the night under the moonlight at anchor or return to Taranto Marina to explore the city's historic centre and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Puglia.

You will not want to miss the wealth of historical landmarks, including the renowned Aragonese Castle dating back to Spanish rule. Taranto's historic centre unfolds like a captivating labyrinth of alleyways, resonating with the echoes of fishermen returning from their day at sea and the melodies of traditional music, creating the unique soundtrack of Taranto nights.

Make sure to immerse yourself in the authentic ambience of the Southern Italian cities, where the allure of numerous seafood restaurants awaits. Be sure to indulge in the local speciality, "tubettini con le cozze" (pasta with mussels) – a culinary delight you must try!

Day 2

On the second day of our trip, we journey to the charming city of Gallipoli. Our route meanders through the pristine waters of the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park, spanning 7 kilometres of untouched coastline adorned with coastal towers – fortifications that were previously erected to safeguard against pirate raids and marauders seeking the region's abundant natural resources.

This tranquil voyage offers opportunities to marvel at the splendour of pristine caves and majestic cliffs scattered along the route. The highlight of the journey is the renowned Punta Prosciutto beach, stretching approximately 2 kilometres, with its soft, white sand embraced by towering dunes adorned with the indigenous flora of the Mediterranean scrub.

After a delightful lunch, our path leads directly to Gallipoli, where we can stay for the night in the marina, immersing ourselves in the city's enchanting ambience. Gallipoli, which translates to "beautiful city," lives up to its name with its dual identity – the historic quarter adorned with ancient buildings and the modern district bustling with vibrant clubs and nightlife. Prepare to be captivated by a blend of emotions that Gallipoli effortlessly evokes, making it a destination hard to resist.

Day 3

A new day, a new destination, in the heart of Salento, where a tranquil boat ride along the coastline reveals the enchanting allure of the region's famed "Maldives of Salento." Pescoluse Beach emerges as the highlight, its expanse of ivory sands and azure waters casting a spell of serenity.

Indulge in the scenic vistas, basking under the sun's embrace and dipping into the crystalline depths as you venture toward our next stop: Leuca. Known as "De Finibus Terrae" by the ancient Romans, it's where their empire once believed the world's edge lay.

Perched at the heel's tip, Leuca exudes a mystical charm, its ethereal beauty accentuated by sun-kissed facades and the simplicity of its inhabitants.

Explore the bustling markets teeming with local delights, immersing yourself in the unhurried pace of summer days, where time appears suspended in an era where artisanal crafts thrived.

As daylight wanes, savour the kaleidoscope of hues at sunset, as the sun bids adieu to the horizon, casting its warm glow upon the merging waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, where waves serenade the shore in a timeless symphony.

Day 4

As we bid farewell to Leuca, our journey continues northward, leading us to the enchanting waters of Castro Marina and its stunning beaches. This region is renowned for its captivating caves, a must-visit attraction. It's important to anchor at a safe distance, as access to the caves by boat is strictly regulated and requires specific authorisation. However, swimming or using a rowing dinghy are alternative ways to explore them.

The scenery is truly captivating, warranting a pause in our journey. If conditions permit, spending the night anchored here allows you to be gently rocked by the soothing waves of the sea.

Day 5

As a new day dawns, we set our sights on another jewel of this breathtaking region: the city of Otranto.

For trivia enthusiasts, it's worth noting that Otranto holds the distinction of being the easternmost city in Italy. But beyond this fact, Otranto boasts a rich tapestry of history, architecture, seaside eateries, and pristine white beaches, making it one of the most captivating and picturesque cities in Puglia.

The coastline leading to Otranto is adorned with iconic landmarks such as Porto Badisco, a rocky inlet opening onto a stretch of golden sand. Legend has it that this was the very spot where Aeneas first set foot on Italian soil after his journey from Carthage.

Every New Year's Eve, crowds gather here to witness the first sunrise of the year in Italy, as Otranto's strategic location offers the earliest glimpse of dawn compared to the rest of the country.

The city is dominated by an imposing castle, its thick walls commanding much of the skyline Beyond the castle, a quaint harbour and a series of seaside promenades await, lined with excellent restaurants serving up local delicacies.

Day 6

Our journey now leads us to our destination: the captivating city of Brindisi.

For many, Brindisi is primarily known as a point of departure or arrival, boasting the main airport in the region, and serving as one of Italy's major ports. However, thanks to significant redevelopment efforts in recent years, Brindisi has emerged as a town of profound cultural and architectural richness, a result of its status as a bustling economic centre.

The route to Brindisi once again guides us along a picturesque coastline, where crystal-clear waters, ancient towers, awe-inspiring vistas, and Mediterranean flora paint a breathtaking tableau.

As we approach this vibrant city, let's seize the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the experience, engaging all five senses to etch these moments into our memories for as long as possible.