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The Secret Explorer

Travel to Italy with The Secret Explorer

Take our 1-minute quiz to unlock your perfect Italian escape

Answer ten quick questions and we’ll craft a personalised itinerary built around how you actually want to travel, the hidden beaches, the family-run kitchens, the towns most visitors never find.

Take our 1-minute quiz to unlock your perfect Italian escape

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Our unique packages

Castro appartamenti (66 di 68)

Discover Salento: Italy’s
untouched region

If you wish to experience one of the most authentic parts of Italy surrounded by olive fields, crystal clear waters, quiet and pristine rocky beaches, majestic Baroque facades and Roman ruins dotted in a tapestry of enchanting old towns, you should head to Salento.

Discover Puglia: the heel of
the Bel Paese

The region of Puglia might still be a somewhat under-the-radar destination compared to other regions in Italy such as Tuscany and Sicily, yet the country’s easternmost region is emblematic of all the best things in Italy: strikingly beautiful beaches and whitewashed fishing villages, millennia-old history and a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Basilicata and the Sassi
in Matera

Sometimes the unique Italian experience can be lodging itself. The city of Matera, for instance, in the southern region of Basilicata is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. For centuries people lived in the so-called sassi, cave dwellings which have now been converted into restaurants, apartments and modern hotels.

Where to Go

Our journey in Naples starts with a light, soaked in rum babà and a flaky

Nestled in the heart of Puglia, Italy’s sun-kissed southern region, Lecce is often referred to

Have you ever imagined a place where olive trees outnumber people, where whitewashed towns seem

About The Secret Explorer

The Secret Explorer was born out of a desire to enable travelers to enjoy an authentic travel experience in Italy by designing custom-made packages around clients’ unique preferences and needs. Its founder and collaborators have travelled extensively and lived in many regions in Italy as well as in many countries around the world such as the United States, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Therefore, they have gained outstanding knowledge and background information about all aspects and types of travel.

The Secret Explorer experience

Discover the Authentic
Beauty of Italy

The Secret Explorer ensures that you will enjoy a unique and authentic experience wherever you go in the country, by focusing on your needs and comfort

Not sure from where to start? Contact us today!

Contact us today and share your travel expectations. Our team will review them and get back to you with a tailor made travel experience

A Word from Our Clients

My first vacation in Salento far exceeded my expectations, thanks to Anita's invaluable advice and suggestions. All I had to do was explain the type of vacation I wanted to have, and she gave me numerous suggestions for places to visit and eat. Always available and smiling. I will be using The Secret Explorer for my next vacations too!
Alberto Benussi profile picture
Alberto Benussi
1 year ago
During our vacation we were followed by Anita, born in Salento, kind and very prepared.
An excellent guide in every detail
rosa mangia profile picture
rosa mangia
1 year ago
If you are looking for a reliable, helpful, precise and always kind person, you must trust Anita, her experience is super!!!
Peta Wilson profile picture
Peta Wilson
1 year ago
I had the best time in Otranto thanks to Anita. , it was really wonderful..i thoroughly recommend getting ANita to help plan the best holiday ever...the Marea Stays was also amazing...perfectly placed and decorated...the owner gregory is very very accommodating ...
Laura Fossati profile picture
Laura Fossati
1 year ago
Anita gave us invaluable and helpful advice on beaches and towns to visit near Otranto, as well as on restaurants in the area outside the typical tourist hotspots. She was attentive to our needs and always available. I've included some photos of the recommended spots.
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Wonderful Anita who transported us to another time by welcoming us to this castle of Casamassella. Huge rooms just for us, a delicious breakfast on the terrace of the castle with the magnificent trees of the park as neighbors, the birds that we hear singing with joy! A well-maintained park, a welcome swimming pool on the return of the visits. And Anita who gives us very good advice to discover the surroundings, to get off the beaten track, to find a very good restaurant well located. Excellent stay and thank you again Anita !! Not to be missed!
Eoin F profile picture
Eoin F
1 year ago
Touring Salento with The Secret Explorer was an unforgettable experience that far exceeded my expectations. Anita has an exquisite personality — warm, funny, and incredibly intuitive. She understood exactly what I was looking for, even when I wasn’t entirely sure myself!

Her deep knowledge of the area, combined with impeccable taste, means you don’t just visit places — you discover them. From hidden beaches to local gems you won’t find online, every stop felt truly special — especially Porto Badisco, which has become one of my favorite places on Earth.

What truly sets The Secret Explorer apart is the care and personalization she brings to every detail. Everything is thoughtfully tailored to your interests and preferences.

If you’re looking to experience the real South of Italy in a meaningful and unforgettable way, The Secret Explorer is your go-to. You’ll return with memories of magical places you’d never have found on your own 🙂
Natsu Nagasawa profile picture
Natsu Nagasawa
1 year ago
I stayed here during my summer vacation, and my time in the city of Otranto is one of my unforgettable memories.
When you think of Italy, there are many tourist cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, but they are all overflowing with tourists. If you want to stroll through a good old Italian town, enjoy a local restaurant, and enjoy a relaxing time while looking at the beautiful sea, I recommend visiting this city! I was able to experience the real life of people living in southern Italy.
Thank you so much to Anita, who arranged all of the trip. She is a very friendly and helpful travel coordinator, so please feel free to consult with her about what you would like to do during your stay!
Grecia Eguia profile picture
Grecia Eguia
1 year ago
Charming holiday!!!
Travelling to this area in Italy was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It couldn’t have been better! Ani is an excellent travel consultant and transmits all the love she has for these small towns in Salento. Minervino di Lecce is one such place but it has a certain charm. I found the local people to be so warm and welcoming. Otranto, though, is quite something else with its many beaches, gorgeous historic centre, which boasts a Cathedral and a Castle. When I went, there was an interesting art exhibition on featuring Frida Kahlo- perfect for a Mexican visitor!
I really enjoyed touring other coastal towns, such as Porto Badisco, Santa Cesarea, Castro, Sant’Andrea and Torre dell’Orso. It was sensational- the sea air is so pure, and relaxing and swimming in turquoise- colored water was amazing.
This area has beautiful beaches, great food and wine, and without a doubt, it’s a trip you have to make at least once in your lifetime!

Discover the Authentic
Beauty and Cuisine of Italy

Live Italy’s true Dolce Vita with The Secret Explorer. Discover its
unique and exclusive holiday packages