We present a series of studies based on high-resolution UVES/VLT spectroscopy of several faint stars for which a transit by a giant planet has been detected. The spectra were used to derive accurate stellar parameters and chemical abundances for the targets, as well as to estimate their ages and galactic cartesian coordinates. The results are discussed in the context of the chemical abundances of stars with known giant planets. The derived chemical abundances are also compared with those found for stars in the solar neighborhood.