Savour the sights and bites of southern Italy on this immersive journey through the regions of Apulia and Basilicata, which lies in the heel of the boot, along the sun-drenched Adriatic Sea. The regions offers access to the freshest seafood, crowd-free open spaces, irresistible desserts and pastries, distinct wines, and the 50 million olive trees that make this region the world’s leading producer of olive oil. Come to Apulia and Basilicata, and hear the voices of the past call out over the Trulli houses… we promise, once you discover it, it will leave a lasting impression.

There is an openness and rustic charm in Apulia and Basilicata that is reflected not only in the personality of the locals, but also in the sharing of food. Local dishes are simple yet thoroughly flavourful and have stood the test of time as they've passed from generation to generation. Apulia and Basilicata's emphasis on olive oil, wholegrains, vegetables and fish has drawn attention as a classic example of a healthy Mediterranean diet. The region also has countless historical and cultural treasures. Its long and colourful history, ranging from Norman to Byzantine occupation, has resulted in an eclectic mix of architecture, cultural sites and matchless hospitality.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL - ROME / BRINDISI / LECCE   

Welcome to Southern Italy! 

Arrive at Brindisi Airport where our guide will meet you. Transfer to Lecce and check into your hotel for the next three nights. 

Known as the ‘Florence of the South’, the city hosts amazing Baroque masterpieces and treasures of Italy. Enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Salento cuisine at a typical local restaurant.  

Meals: Dinner

 

DAY 02: LECCE

Today, our guide will take you on a fascinating and detailed walking tour of this city rich in history, architecture and culture. From the Roman amphitheatre to the noble palazzi the city is just brimming with imposing sites.

After the walking tour, we meet local chef, Gianna, to visit the simple food market at Porta Rudiae, to buy produce for today’s cooking class. From we take a short walk to her beautiful cooking school in the heart of Lecce’s old city. Gianna will share secrets of the region’s culinary traditions while you get hands-on in making a delicious 4-course lunch. The course lasts 2-3 hours, plus dining time. Buon appetite!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

 

DAY 03: OTRANTO EXCURSION

This morning we will travel to the Adriatic Coast and take a walking tour of the charming town of Otranto. We will see the Aragonese Castle and the cathedral with its outstanding mosaic floor in addition to having time to explore the town’s shops and soak in the outstanding panoramic views. 

Afterwards we head to a truly charming country estate specializing in all the traditions of Salentine produce and recipes. See the ancient cheese stores, make pasta with the local ladies, and taste focaccia fresh from the wood oven. Everywhere you turn you will see evidence of the history of the estate which dates back to the 1200s and the delightful décor of hanging vine tomatoes, dried herbs, and vintage olive presses. Back in Lecce in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

 

DAY 04: LECCE / SALENTO / OSTUNI 

This morning, check out of your hotel in Lecce and head north. We will take you to a renowned Salento winery for a private visit to the estate with the head enologist. Then we will be treated to a private lunch with winetasting overlooking the aging barrels of wine. 

After lunch, we will continue our journey to the Ostuni area where you will visit a fascinating olive oil estate, home to some of the most magnificent olive trees in the world and full of stories and history.

Next check into your luxury lodging for the next 4 nights.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

 

DAY 05: BARI EXCURSION

The best way to get under the skin of a new culture is to dine in the house of a local. This is true of any place in the world, but in Bari, this is a magical combination of incredibly warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. Food is in the lifeblood of the ‘Baresi’ and to share in its traditions is to really get a taste of life in Puglia. This prosperous seaside city is the capital of Apulia and is characterised by tangled streets in the old town, lively markets, spacious medieval piazzas, and the beautiful San Nicola Basilica. The city also boasts a lovely seafront promenade and an elegant pedestrian shopping area. Your expert guide and host will take you on a fascinating and detailed walking tour of this city rich in history, culture, and gastronomy.

Afterwards meet one of the local ladies, famous for making “orecchiette” pasta in the little alleyways of the old town. Her speed and precision will amaze you!

Following the pasta experience, you will dine in one of the little old houses for a traditional lunch Apulia-style. It’s likely that you will appreciate the tradition of “siesta” after your meal!

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

 

DAY 06: POLIGNANO A MARE EXCURSION 

This morning we’ll shuttle you to the striking cliff-top town of Polignano a Mare (which hosts the annual Red Bull Cliff Diving Championship). Weather permitting you’ll visit the dramatic sea caves by boat (a gullet-style Tall Ship) and imagine the many centuries of smugglers who used the caves. Enjoy 3 hours on the water and take a dip in the sea if you wish. 

The town of Polignano itself is a real must-see and is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the area. The town is also famous for its delicious artisan gelato, so we recommend you make a stop at one of the many tempting gelaterie!

Meals: Breakfast 

 

DAY 07: ALBEROBELLO, LOCOROTONDO & MARTINA FRANCA EXCURSION 

Get ready for another superb day!

Today we’ll meet a local cheese-maker to discover more about mozzarella’s wildly indulgent cousin, burrata. This delicious fresh cheese is one of Puglia’s most celebrated products. 

Next, we visit the famous Trulli of Alberobello where we will first have a walk of town with local superstar and level 3 sommelier, Mimmo. 

Thereafter, we will stop at the hilltop town of Locorotondo and the Baroque city of Martina Franca where you can taste the renowned Capocollo and visit the artisan workshops and local boutiques.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

 

DAY 08: OSTUNI / ALTAMURA / MATERA

This morning we will transport you to the town of Altamura where you will stop at a DOP bread producer for an inside look at how the traditional bread of the region is made. Here you will be welcomed into the bakery where the techniques and secrets for making these special bread will be revealed. The visit will conclude with a tasting of the day’s freshly made bread and some incredible focaccia. 

Then we will head to the UNESCO site of Matera and check into your next lodging. 

In the afternoon our guide will take you on a fascinating tour of the Sassi cave dwellings for which the town is famous for. Enjoy the stunning views across the ravine, the winding staircases throughout the city, and the incredible architecture throughout. For the last night before departure, we have booked a lovely restaurant serving refined local Lucana cuisine.

Option to extend a day to enjoy some downtime and sink into the slow rhythms of Southern Italy.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

 

DAY 09: MATERA / BARI / ROME - DEPARTURE 

There’s still time for a last taste of Apulia before heading to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

Meals: Breakfast

 

ACCOMMODATION WE LOVE:

Lecce:

• Patria Palace Hotel
• La Fiermontina

Ostuni:

• Paragon 700
• Masseria Cervarolo

Matera:

• Sextantio le Grotte della Civita (Design Hotels)
• Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort
• Palazzo Gattini