Discover the Gastronomy of Italy’s Best-Kept Secret
Explore Italy’s most exciting culinary destination, Puglia, on a seven-day luxury small group tour (max 16 travellers). Immerse yourself in the beauty, culture and gastronomy of this sun-bleached region of Italy whilst staying in a stunning historic hotel, a 17th-century farmhouse and a luxurious Palazzo. Set sail on the Adriatic Sea on a private yacht, receive expert culinary tuition from Italian chefs, gain access to local artisan producers including a burrata cheese maker, Puglia’s oldest existing olive oil estate and a prestigious local winery. Includes daily breakfasts, two gourmet lunches, four unforgettable dinners, private transportation, sightseeing, expert local guides, insider experiences and more.
Explore the sun-kissed heel of Italy’s stunning Puglia and embrace the laid-back Italian lifestyle on the **ultimate seven-day escape **for lovers of good food, fine wine and rich history. Indulge in local produce, **learn all the secrets of the art of pasta making **with expert chefs, explore picturesque towns and a gorgeous coastline all while staying in carefully selected luxury accommodations.
What You’ll Love
Where you’ll stay – stunning properties with an abundance of style and history to match
Spend four, remarkable nights at the impressive Masseria Montenapoleone, a renovated former farmhouse dating back to the 1600s, one of the most** elegant and unique boutique hotels in Puglia**. Let the perfumes of wild rosemary, olive trees and the pink colour of the bougainvillea flowers embrace you, as you toast the beginning of your holiday with a welcome drink. Relax by the pool, take in the beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding** lush gardens**, while the cicadas sing to you in Puglia’s sun-kissed, breezy summer afternoons.
Discover the baroque city of Lecce in all its beauty while staying at the Risorgimento Resort. Ideally located in the heart of the historic city center, Risorgimento Resort is a beautifully restored historic palazzo which first opened as an inn in the 1400s.
The food - Indulge in the finest of local produce and learn the secrets of Italian cooking
Embrace the culinary inspiration of Puglia with insider access to the region’s best artisanal food producers, not usually open to the public.
Witness the ancient art of creating traditional burrata cheese at a local cheesemaker. This delicious, fresh cheese – made using mozzarella, and filled with an indulgent mixture of cream and cheese curd – is one of Puglia’s most celebrated products.
Tour the oldest existing olive oil estate in Puglia, with its underground mill used for olive oil production since the bronze age.
Puglia is renowned for its fantastic seafood – eaten fresh from the waters – and you’ll have the opportunity to sample the bounty of the seas at a** local fish market before setting sail on the Adriatic Sea **on a private yacht, where you’ll be able to admire the ancient towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare from the water.
Head south to one of the Salento Province’s most prestigious wineries, where you’ll enjoy an** in-depth vineyard tour** followed by a delicious lunch served in a private dining room which overlooks the oak wine barrels.
Enjoy a tour of the rambling gardens of the Masseria Montenapoleone estate as you collect fresh ingredients for the hands-on cooking class where you will learn how to create authentic** ‘orecchiette’ pasta**, among other delicacies.
Complete this unforgettable gastronomical adventure with an afternoon of culinary tuition with celebrated **chef Gianna Greco **in her cooking school kitchen, followed by a feast of the delicious Italian dishes you have created.
The Experiences – Visit UNESCO World-Heritage sites and charming cities
Quintessentially Italian, Puglia is one of the most popular destinations for travellers wanting to experience everything Italy has to offer. Your hunger for art and history will be satisfied on this seven-day tour that will take you to some of the most amazing cities in the region: from the trulli houses of Alberobello and the whitewashed city of Ostuni, to the incredible baroque city of Lecce.
Wander the streets of the fairytale village and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alberobello. Spread across two hills, Alberobello is a dense mass of 1500 dry stone, beehive-shaped houses called trulli. Walk up the steps to the highest point of the town for spectacular views, and get lost in the maze of streets, lined with artisanal shops and dotted with flowers - where you can sample locally grown olive oil, buy some traditional taralli (typical snacks from Puglia), jewelry and leather goods.
**Explore the old quarter of the whitewashed city of Ostuni **(‘La Città Bianca’). Take a stroll around the village’s labyrinth of tiny streets and alleys, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon coffee among the locals, embracing the Italian lifestyle.
Bask in the seaside atmosphere as you cruise along the pristine waters of the Adriatic, admiring the beautiful towns off the coast of Puglia from a different point of view, aboard your beautiful yacht.
When in Lecce, your eyes won’t stop gazing at the historic architecture and the charming ornate baroque buildings. Tour the city at your own pace, checking out the incredible churches and museums, or join your guide for an in-depth tour to discover even more about this magnificent city, compared often to Rome and Florence.
Your Package includes:
- Six nights in luxury accommodations selected for excellence and location, including four nights at Masseria Montenapoleone and** two nights at Risorgimento Resort.**
- Daily breakfasts including freshly-baked cakes, preserves and other homemade delicacies crafted using organic, locally grown produce.
- Two lunches including an atmospheric lunch served in the private dining room of one of the Salento Province’s most prestigious wineries.
- Four memorable dinners, including a meal created during your cooking extravaganza with chef Gianna Greco.
- Two authentic Italian cooking lessons with expert Italian chefs, during which you’ll handcraft pasta and other delicacies.
- A scenic boat trip on a private yacht on the Adriatic Sea.
- Guided walking tours of some of the region’s most beautiful and characteristic towns.
- Access to small local producers that do not usually open to the public.
- Return private airport transfers.
- A hands-on** Burrata making experience.**
- Visit to an** ancient olive grove and olive oil tasting.**
- Private transportation, local guides, sightseeing, entrance fees and insider experiences.
- Small group sizes of just 16 people max. for the perfect balance of intimacy and freedom throughout your tour.
Extend your journey
Make the most of your time in this beautiful region and extend your tour to nine days. On your additional two days, discover the town of Grottaglie – the pottery capital of Puglia – with its 13th-century castle, where you can see the local artisans at work and peruse workshops full of beautiful ceramics.
Also explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave town of Matera, the third oldest settlement in the world, famous for its **‘sassi’ **stone houses and caves, now filled with restaurants, bars and hotels.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local bakery to see the artisans at work creating D.O.P (short for Denominazione di Origine Protetta –literally ‘Protected Designation of Origin’) certified bread, which is authentic and exclusive to that region.
Make the dream of sleeping in a UNESCO World Heritage site a reality, with two memorable nights at Palazzo Gattini, in Matera. This stunning** historic palazzo**, situated in Matera’s Duomo Square - the highest point of the city - gives you the most breathtaking views of the iconic ‘sassi’ di Matera, the world famous complex of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside.
Explore the area with the assistance of a** local guide**, plus enjoy** daily breakfasts and dinners on the extension**.
The tour begins in Bari and ends in Brindisi (extended tour ends in Bari).
Your international flights are not included in your package. Flights to Puglia from Australia will typically take a minimum of two stops and approximately 24 hours, departing from most major cities with Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways and various other airlines.
Book your flight through us. First, confirm your tour booking dates. Our Tours Concierge will then be in touch within 48 business hours to assist with additional arrangements, with no booking fee to you.
If you are booking your flights independently you will need to arrive into Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS) no later than 2pm on Day 1. Please book your flight out of Brindisi (BDS) anytime after breakfast on Day 7. If you are extending your journey to the 9 day tour you will need to book your flight out of Bari (BRI) anytime after breakfast on Day 9.
A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each travellers responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visa’s Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
DAY 1 - Welcome to Puglia
Upon arrival in Brindisi or Bari, enjoy a private transfer to Masseria Montenapoleone, a beautiful, privately-owned country estate in Puglia dating back to the 1600s where you will stay for the following four nights.
Start your holiday in style with a welcome drink and a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
**ACCOMMODATION: **Masseria Montenapoleone
MEALS: Dinner
DAY 2 - Burrata, Trulli and Cooking Class Day
Visit a local cheesemaker to discover more about burrata – a delicious fresh cheese similar to mozzarella, but with an indulgent creamy, melting middle – one of Puglia’s most celebrated products.
Next, see the famous fairytale, cone-shaped trulli houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alberobello. Take advantage of some free time to explore Alberobello and enjoy some lunch (not included) before returning to Masseria Montenapoleone.
During a tour of the estate, you’ll have the opportunity to collect ingredients in preparation for a hands-on cooking class, during which you’ll learn to make the famous ‘orecchiette’ pasta using flour grown on the estate.
ACCOMMODATION: Masseria Montenapoleone
**MEALS: **Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3 - Olive Oil & Ostuni Day
Spend the morning at your leisure before travelling to the oldest existing olive oil estate in Puglia. Enjoy a tour of the grounds with the owner and see the underground mill that has been used for olive oil production since the bronze age.
For lunch we’ll enjoy an exclusive private picnic on the estate, catered by one of our favourite locals chefs and featuring the best seasonal produce. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed afternoon coffee and a stroll through the old quarter of the whitewashed city of Ostuni (‘La Città Bianca’).
In the evening, you are free for dinner at Masseria Montenapoleone (if you have any room left!)
ACCOMMODATION: Masseria Montenapoleone
MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch
Note: if the weather is too hot for the picnic in the middle of the day, we reserve the right to move the picnic to a lovely evening experience
DAY 4 - Seafood, Monopoli & Polignano a Mare Day
Puglia is renowned for its fresh seafood, and today you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local fish market to sample some of the treasures of the ocean.
Afterwards, set sail on the waters of the Adriatic Sea, where you’ll be able to admire the beautiful ancient towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare from the water.
Finally, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Masseria Montenapoleone to end the day.
**ACCOMMODATION: **Masseria Montenapoleone
**MEALS: **Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 5 - Salento Winery & Lecce
Bid farewell to Masseria Montenapoleone and travel south to one of the Salento Province’s most prestigious wineries. Enjoy an in-depth vineyard tour followed by an atmospheric lunch served in the private dining room overlooking the oak wine barrels.
A short 30-minute drive away is Lecce, where you’ll check into your accommodation for the following two nights – the stunningly restored historic palazzo, Risorgimento Resort. Enjoy an evening at your leisure, during which you might choose to take advantage of one of the city’s many excellent restaurants.
**ACCOMMODATION: **Risorgimento Resort
MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6 - Lecce Cooking Class
Explore Lecce at your leisure or join your guide for an in-depth tour to discover more about this beautiful city with its historic architecture, ornate baroque buildings and churches.
In the afternoon, an incredible culinary experience awaits with Chef Gianna Greco in her cooking school kitchen, after which you’ll be invited to dine on the delicious dishes you’ve created during a farewell feast.
**ACCOMMODATION: **Risorgimento Resort
**MEALS: **Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 7 - Tour ends
After breakfast you are transferred to Brindisi Airport where your tour comes to an end.
MEALS: Breakfast
Extended itinerary
DAY 7 - Grottaglie, Basilicata & Matera
After checking out of the Risorgimento Resort, head west to Grottaglie, the pottery capital of Puglia. See the local artisans at work and peruse workshops full of beautiful ceramics before enjoying some free time in the old quarter for some lunch.
Next, travel across the border to the region of Basilicata, where you’ll check into the beautiful Palazzo Gattini in Matera.
**ACCOMMODATION: **Palazzo Gattini
**MEALS: **Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 8 - D.O.P Bread, Matera UNESCO Site & Sassi
In the morning, visit a local bakery to observe the artisans at work creating D.O.P certified bread, which is exclusive to the region.
Next, enjoy a guided walk around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave town of Matera, perched high on the edge of a ravine, whose ancient caves are home to charming shops, restaurants and ‘sassi’ houses.
**ACCOMMODATION: **Palazzo Gattini
**MEALS: **Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 9 - Tour ends
After breakfast you are transferred to Bari Airport where your tour comes to an end.
**MEALS: **Breakfast
The ’7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Luxury Escapes Refund Policy applies.
After you have made your booking, please follow the instructions on your confirmation email and ensure you complete your traveller information details within 48 hours.
Valid for select departure dates from Bari
15 October 2018 - SOLD OUT
8 April 2019 - SOLD OUT
13 May 2019 - SOLD OUT
10 June 2019 - SOLD OUT
23 September 2019 - SOLD OUT
7 October 2019 - SOLD OUT
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels:
Masseria Montenapoleone
Risorgimento Resort
Palazzo Gattini (extension only)
Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar standard.
Maximum tour capacity is 16 people, minimum tour capacity is two people.
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion (as a guide, approx. US$10-15 per person, per day is the industry standard).
Arrival and departure transfers are only available on the first and last day of the tour. Any arrivals and departures outside of these days will need to make their own arrangements to/from the airport.
Travellers should have a basic level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces, climb stairs and board boats.
Travellers are advised to check with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective. Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas.
The package is valid for ONE PERSON aged 18 years or older (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise if travelling alone, you must purchase the Single Traveller package option. See the package options for further details. Single travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
All surcharges are payable directly to Luxury Escapes.
Dining inclusions do not include beverages (unless otherwise stated) and menu options are subject to change.
Additional expenses such as (but not limited to) international flights are not included with this package.
Package cannot be split.
Travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Strictly no refunds for this package for amendments and change of date.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or on existing reservations.
Any unused portion of the package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.
Please note: disability access is limited during the tour, please consider this when making your booking.
Before making a reservation, please ensure that the name on the reservation is the same as it appears on your passport. An error may result in a name change penalty or boarding being denied by the airline. Luxury Escapes accepts no responsibility for accuracy of name on the travel documents.
The value and comparative savings have been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.
All activities and services are subject to availability. Please note that full terms and conditions apply – refer LuxuryEscapes.com/terms