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The Secret Explorer

The Best Spot for a 1-week International Trip

Read this Travel + Leisure article about the best destination for a one-week international trip, featuring insights from Anita Cagnazzo, founder and managing director of The Secret Explorer. Read this article about the best spot for a 1-week international trip featuring The Secret Explorer: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-experts-best-one-week-destination-11948489

Tarantism and Salento’s Healing Dance

Deep in the baroque heart of Galatina stands a small chapel that once pulsed with rhythm, faith, and mystery: the Chapel of Saint Paul. Within its walls, generations of women sought healing through one of the Mediterranean’s most enigmatic rituals. This summer, The Secret Explorer interviewed Manola, a former religion teacher who now volunteers in […]

Discovering Salento: A Journey of Friendship and Flavors of Southern Italy

When fourteen American friends and family members boarded their flight to Puglia, they expected good food, warm sunshine, and memorable local wines. What they didn’t expect was a week that would uncover this region’s true soul, immerse them in centuries-old traditions, and leave them with a new home in their hearts: Salento. This southern gem […]

Discovering Lecce: The Florence of The South

Nestled in the heart of Puglia, Italy’s sun-kissed southern region, Lecce is often referred to as the “Florence of the South” — a title earned for its extraordinary Baroque architecture and deep-rooted history. One historian even called it the Florence of Baroque, a fitting name for a city where artistic expression became a powerful symbol […]

A 5-Day Escape in Valle d’Itria’s Whitewashed Towns

Have you ever imagined a place where olive trees outnumber people, where whitewashed towns seem to float above sunlit valleys, and where fairytale dwellings whisper century-old stories? Welcome to Valle d’Itria, Puglia’s most enchanting secret — a region where elegance is rooted in simplicity, and every corner is a celebration of beauty and authenticity. Located […]

A 5-Day Journey Through Puglia: Discovering the Soul of Salento

Did you know there’s a hidden gem in the heel of Italy’s boot? Salento offers visitors breathtaking landscapes – from golden sandy shores to rugged coastlines – alongside a rich cultural heritage shaped by Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences, Baroque architecture, and warm local charm. Add in some of the most authentic and delicious culinary […]

The 10 Best Places To Visit In Puglia

Read our feature article on Italics Magazine to learn about Puglia, the region nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas in southern Italy where history, culture and language intertwine revealing the true essence of the region, one that speaks of ancient values, entrenched wisdom, and a deep connection between land and people. Read the full […]

Live the Italian Dream: Steps to Acquiring Italian Citizenship

Traveling to Italy is an unforgettable experience, offering a deep immersion into its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine. Many visitors develop a profound connection to Italy, leading them to explore ways to make this beautiful country a permanent part of their lives. One way is to apply for Italian citizenship, which not only […]

What do you need to travel to Italy as a U.S. citizen?

In recent years, an increasingly high number of U.S. citizens have decided to travel to Italy and explore the country’s historical cities, natural landscapes and hidden coastal gems where Italy’s dolce vita is truly sweet; from Rome’s timeless beauty to the maze of Venice’s bridges and canals to the trendy fashion capital Milan, Tuscany’s elegant […]