Puglia: Discover World-Class Gastronomy in Italy’s Best-Kept Secret
Discover Puglia, Italy’s best kept secret and most exciting culinary destination, on a luxury seven-day small-group tour (max. 16 travellers). Immerse yourself in the beauty, culture and gastronomy of this sun-bleached region whilst staying in a luxurious Palazzo and a 17th-century farmhouse. Set sail on the Adriatic Sea on a private sail boat, receive expert culinary tuition from Italian chefs, and 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, five unforgettable dinners, return airport transfers, private transportation, sightseeing, expert local guides, insider experiences and so much more.
Extend your tour: Continue through Italy and discover the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave town of Matera.
Your Itinerary at a Glance:
- Two authentic Italian cooking lessons with expert Italian chefs
- Scenic boat trip on a private sail boat on the Adriatic Sea
- Guided walking tours of some of the region’s most beautiful and characteristic towns including Monopoli, Ostuni and Polignano a Mare
- Access to small local producers not known to the public
- Hands-on burrata-making experience
- Visit to an ancient olive grove and olive oil tasting
What You’ll Love…
The Gastronomy - Indulge in the finest local produce and learn the secrets of Italian cooking
Embrace the cuisine of Puglia with insider access to the region’s best artisanal food producers.
Witness the ancient art of creating traditional burrata cheese at a local cheesemaker. This delicious, fresh cheese – made using mozzarella, 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 water – 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 aboard a private sail boat, admiring the ancient towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare from the water.
Visit 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 overlooking the oak wine barrels.
Enjoy a tour of the rambling gardens of the Masseria Montenapoleone estate as you collect fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking class, where you will learn how to create authentic ‘orecchiette’ pasta, among other delicacies.
Get hands on in an afternoon of culinary tuition with celebrated chef Gianna Greco at her cooking school kitchen, followed by a feast of the delicious Italian dishes you have created.
The Accommodation – Stunning Farmhouses and palazzo’s with an abundance of style and history to match
Discover the baroque city of Lecce in all its beauty while staying at Palazzo de Noha, a luxury hotel housed in a majestic Palazzo dating back to the 15th century. Timeless charm and contemporary design meet in this boutique hotel, finely decorated with antiquities, exquisite atworks and museum-grade pieces of Italian and international design. Relax at the elegantly furnished rooftop solarium and pool, and take in breathtaking views over the city from the lush terrace garden.
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 enjoy a cocktail among the vines. Relax by the pool, take in the beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding lush gardens, while the cicadas sing to you during Puglia’s sun-kissed, breezy summer afternoons.
The Experiences – Visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites and charming cities
Quintessentially Italian, Puglia is perfect for travellers wanting to experience everything Italy has to offer. Your hunger for art and history will be satisfied on this seven-day tour which takes 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 1,500 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), jewellery 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 with 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 private sail boat.
In Lecce, admire the historic architecture and 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 accommodation selected for excellence and location, including two nights at Palazzo de Noha and four nights at Masseria Montenapoleone
- 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
- Five memorable dinners, including a meal created during your cooking extravaganza with chef Gianna Greco
- Private transportation throughout the tour and private return airport transfers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge and experiences
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
Extend your journey
Make the most of your time in this beautiful region and discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave town of Matera on the extended nine-day tour. On your additional two days you’ll discover the beautiful baroque town of Martina Franca with its flower-decked balconies and immaculate white streets and discover the secrets of the famous cured ham, the capocollo of Martina Franca, a recognised D.O.P product
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 will 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. Afterwards, indulge in some of their creations, tasting for yourself why this recipe is World Protected.
Spend two memorable nights at Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa, a brand-new five-star hotel set into a tufa ridge in the city’s Sasso Caveoso district, located in the heart of UNESCO’s Sassi World Heritage site. With just 35 luxurious rooms and suites, privacy is guaranteed in this spectacular hotel, which boasts an impressive spa with a swimming pool carved into the rock. Offering a boutique experience in a unique setting, each room at Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa was cleverly designed by architect Simone Micheli to make the most of the unique surroundings, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay amid a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your Extended Package Includes:
- Two additional nights in luxury accommodations at Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sassi
- Daily breakfast, one lunch and one dinner
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave town of Matera
- Discover the town of Martina Franca – the home of the D.O.P Capocollo
- Visit a local bakery to see the artisans at work creating D.O.P certified bread
The tour begins in Brindisi and 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.
The extended 9-day tour starts in Brindisi and ends in Bari.
You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
Private return airport transfers are included in your tour from Brindisi on Day 1 and to Bari on the last day of your tour.
A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s 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, Italy
Upon arrival in Brindisi enjoy a private transfer to Lecce, where you’ll check into your accommodation for the following two nights – the stunningly restored historic palazzo, Palazzo de Noha.
This evening you start your holiday in style with a welcome drink and a delicious dinner with the rest of your group and local guide.
ACCOMMODATION: Palazzo de Noha
MEALS: Dinner
Day 2: 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.
ACCOMMODATION: Palazzo de Noha
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Salento Winery & Lecce
Bid farewell to Lecce and travel north 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.
Continue on north 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. Enjoy a welcome cocktail amongst the vines before an evening at leisure.
ACCOMMODATION: Masseria Montenapoleone
MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4: Burrata, Trulli and Cooking Class
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 5: Olive Oil & Ostuni
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’).
This evening you will be dining at one of our favourite local restaurants specialising in traditional Pugliese dishes. Buon appetito!
ACCOMMODATION: Masseria Montenapoleone
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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 6: Seafood, Monopoli & Polignano a Mare
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 7: Depart Puglia
After breakfast you are transferred to Bari Airport where your tour comes to an end.
MEALS: Breakfast
Matera Extended Itinerary
Day 7: Martina Franca & Matera
After checking out this morning we visit the beautiful baroque town of Martina Franca with its flower-decked balconies and immaculate white streets. Discover the secrets of the famous cured ham, the “Capocollo” of Martina Franca, a recognised D.O.P product and have lunch at a typical local butcher’s shop.
Afterwards we journey to Matera where you will check in to your unusual and stylish “cave” hotel - the Aquatio, complete with an amazing spa pool carved out of the rock.
The evening is at your leisure in Matera.
ACCOMMODATION: Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch
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.
Enjoy a final dinner with your group tonight – the perfect way to end your travels through Puglia.
ACCOMMODATION: Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9: Depart Matera
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 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.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from Australia. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Brindisi on your chosen tour start date.
Valid for select departure dates:
Low Season:
10 October 2020 - SOLD OUT
17 October 2020 - SOLD OUT
1 May 2021
High Season:
12 May 2020 (no extended tour available) - SOLD OUT
13 June 2020 - SOLD OUT
5 September 2020 (no extended tour available) - SOLD OUT
12 September 2020 - SOLD OUT
19 September 2020 - SOLD OUT
12 June 2021
11 September 2021
25 September 2021
Instant Booking: To secure your dates at purchase, click ‘Instant Booking’ and select your preferred package. Once your preferred package is selected you’ll click through to ‘Choose Your Dates of Travel’ and will be able to enter in your preferred tour commencement date.
Twin-Share Package: 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, an additional solo traveller surcharge will apply. Solo travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Private Departures Available: Guests must be aged 18 years or older. If you wish to travel with children, or on your own private tour together with friends, please enquire for further information (minimum four travellers – surcharges apply).
Maximum tour capacity is 16 people, minimum tour capacity is two people.
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels or similar:
Palazzo De Noha
Masseria Montenapoleone
Extended Tour Only:
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa
Maximum Room Capacity: Two adults, using double or twin bedding.
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 good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces, climb stairs and board boats. Please note that we do a lot of walking around historical sites and use public transport at times to travel between sites and to/from our hotel so please be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.
Your passport must be valid at least SIX months beyond the return date of your intended stay overseas.
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, visa fees, travel insurance, additional activities and anything not listed on the itinerary are not included with this package.
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).
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. 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.
Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ feedback as well as updates from our ground operators. Please note that while we operate successful tours in this region throughout the year, some changes may be necessary due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities may also vary from time to time.
Luggage allowance per person is 20kg maximum (unless otherwise stated) to allow for ease of transport on the journey.
All activities and services are subject to availability.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply.