Puglian Culinary Experience
Holiday Highlights
Stay in an authentic, charming trullo in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage site, Alberobello
Guided tour of beautiful Baroque Lecce
Exploring the exquisite food of Puglia through tastings and food tours
Visits to Matera, Polignano and Monopoli
Cooking class of some Puglian classics
What's Included
Return flights from London Gatwick to Bari
Seven nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in a Charming Trulli, Alberobello, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double trullo (2025 departures) or Six nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in a Charming Trulli, Alberobello, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double trullo
Two dinners and two lunches
Wine Tasting and Cheese Tasting
Cooking Class
Transfers, tours, food tastings and entrance fees Tour manager throughout
NOT INCLUDED
Double for sole use for whole trullo supplement
Holiday insurance
Meals other than those stated Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
Porterage and gratuities
Itinerary
Day 1to day 8
Day 1:
Day 2:
Alberobello and wine tasting. This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Alberobello, home of the iconic Puglian Trulli. Explore this picturesque town with your guide ending at the Wine Museum which is housed inside one of the oldest wineries in Puglia. Here you will get to taste three different wines along with a local lunch of cheese and salami, fisella and focaccia. The afternoon will be at leisure to continue exploring Alberobello.
Day 3:
Lecce. Today travel to beautiful Lecce. With a history going back at least 2500 years, Lecce has a great deal to offer. During a guided walking tour explore this architectural gem of a town. It is full of soft creamy limestone baroque buildings oozing 17th century charm. The architecture is so distinct, its even called Lecce Baroque. Along the way, while taking in the picturesque surroundings you will enjoy various street food tastings. Return to Alberobello late afternoon.
Day 4:
Alberobello and Cooking Class. Today is the day to try your hand at cooking some Puglian classics. At the Terra Madre Trattoria you will be taken through how to prepare and make the dishes with you getting to enjoy them for lunch afterwards. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Alberobello for further independent exploration.
Day 5:
Matera. This morning set off for the historic town of Matera. It is believed to be the world’s third longest continuously inhabited human settlement. Natural caves in the limestone attracted inhabitants as far back as the 10th century BC. The Roman’s established a settlement here in the 3rd century BC and then in the 7th and 8th centuries monks-built chapels into the stone. Eventually the canyon became full of caves connected by steps and streets. Matera’s more modern history became the ‘Shame of Italy’ with people living in poverty. With investment by the government and businesses Matera is having a renaissance with people returning to live and set up businesses. It is a truly fascinating place to explore, to see how people lived through the ages and the stunning rock churches that were built. During your time in Matera there will be a visit to the Casa Grotta which has been furnished with original furniture to show what life in the 1950’s was life
Day 6:
Castel del Monte, Cheese Tasting and Trani. This morning visit the medieval Castle del Monte with a guided tour. This hilltop castle overlooks the town of Andria. Built in an octagonal shape it is quite the site to see. From here head to the famous cheese and mozzarella laboratory in Andria, the birthplace of burrata. There will be a delicious tasting of six cheeses with bruschetta, sun dried tomatoes and wine. In the afternoon visit the coastal town of Trani with its iconic seafront cathedral. The old town of Trani is a charming medieval network of streets and fine architecture.
Day 7:
Martina Franca, Polignano and Monopoli. Our day starts in Martina Franca, a pretty hilltop town with cobbled streets, baroque architecture and beautiful piazzas. With your guide, explore the labyrinth of winding alleys with whitewashed buildings, and enjoy the views of the stunning countryside. In the afternoon visit Polignano and Monopoli two beautiful seaside towns. Polignano is perched atop the high cliffs with the crystal-clear waters below. Monopoli has a picturesque fishing harbour and sea front promenade. There will be a delicious sea food dinner this evening before heading back to Alberobello.
Day 8:
Bari and return flight to London. The day will start with a visit to Bari, capital city of the Puglia region, with time to explore its grand boulevards, bustling traditional harbour and pretty buildings. Bari is a popular city for its traditional Puglian cuisine too – perhaps try some Orecchiette pasta, Riso patate e cozze (layers of rice, potatoes and mussels baked in terracotta pots in wood fired ovens) or Panzerotti (deep fried pastries stuffed with cheese and tomato). Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.
Fly from London Gatwick to Bari. Fly from London Gatwick to Bari and transfer by coach to Alberobello. Check into your Trullo. This evening there will be a welcome dinner with wine at the Terra Madre Trattoria.
Charming “trulli”, Alberobello
Several of the distinctive trulli in Alberobello (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) have been converted into ‘hotel’ rooms with all modern facilities with a central reception area and restaurant, with its own organic garden, where breakfast is served each morning. Each trulli has a private bathroom with bath or shower, TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.