Essential Italy

We know car choice is important for the enjoyment of your holiday, our supplier – Maggiore Car Rental – will guarantee the following:

• highly competitive prices
• no major tour operator is working with them, therefore we are quite sure that queuing will be kept to a minimum, even in high season
• all cars have air conditioning
• a full and comprehensive back-up system

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We do not book flights, we leave it to you to choose the best departure point and flight times to suit your party. We have compiled a list of airlines flying to those regions in which we offer accommodation.

Flights are from the UK, if you are travelling from elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we will recommend an airline flying from your departure point. If you are unsure which airport in Italy is closest to your accommodation, please call us on 01223 460100 or email

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Casa dei Mercanti Lecce

These fantastic apartments are perfect for those of you touring the area looking for something a little different to the usual hotel accommodation.

Actually located on the Piazza Sant’Oronzo, these 9 quality apartments offer space, comfort and contemporary design in the renowned city of Lecce. The old town with its squares and winding streets owes its charm to the Baroque architecture and the use of ‘pietra leccese’ – the local, golden coloured sandstone.

The entry to the Casa dei Mercanti is shared with other residents of the large 1920’s block and once you have arrived at the third floor reception, you will realise that you are in very attractive surroundings. The apartments are located in different parts of the building – some with views of the square and some with views of the side streets. The apartments are a new venture for a local business man and he has certainly grasped what is needed for short and long term guests – all the apartments have been tastefully decorated with a hint of the oriental and are spacious, airy and comfortable. Flat screen satellite televisions, direct dial telephone, broadband connection, air conditioning / heating, hair dryer and personal safe are standard services in all accommodation and Casa dei Mercanti also provides daily cleaning. The well equipped kitchens with 4 ring gas hob, oven and fridge freezer, provide everything you could need to rustle up a breakfast, snack or full blown dinner should you prefer to shop with the locals and dine in for a change. Breakfast is included at a local cafe just across the square.

Lecce is one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia and is known as the ‘Florence of the South’ due to its wealth of artistic treasures. Casa dei Mercanti offers the perfect base from which to get the best from this town and Lecce is also perfectly positioned to explore the region of Salento. There is stunning coastline, sandy beaches and cultural centres such as Gallipoli all on your doorstep. Should you have a car, Casa dei Mercanti has private parking which is payable locally (approximately 15 euros per day). Should you venture out for the day you are safe in the knowledge that upon your return you can dive into one of the many lovely restaurants of Lecce and then wander back home to Casa dei Mercanti.

New in Puglia for 2012

Helen & Sarah have just returned from a very fruitful trip to Puglia...

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