Puglia Food & Wine Experience

Discover Puglia—Italy’s hidden gem—where centuries-old olive groves meet whitewashed villages, turquoise Adriatic waters shimmer against limestone cliffs, and every meal is a celebration of local tradition. This handcrafted, luxury food & wine journey blends culinary immersion with cultural discovery. You’ll stay in elegant countryside estates and historic boutique hotels, savor exquisite regional cuisine, and learn age-old Apulian cooking techniques—all against a stunning natural backdrop. Day 1: Welcome to Puglia – Bari, Monopoli & the Adriatic Coast Highlights: Monopoli walking tour | Private boat cruise | Check-in at Masseria Brigantino | Welcome dinner & wine tasting Begin your adventure in Bari, where you’ll be greeted by your tour host and driver before heading south to the charming seaside town of Monopoli. Enjoy a guided walking tour through its ancient streets, dotted with whitewashed homes, medieval churches, and the 16th-century Castle of Charles V. Weather permitting, embark on a private boat cruise along the dramatic coastline to witness the jaw-dropping sea caves of Monopoli and the cliffs of Polignano a Mare—a sight best seen from the water. Later, check into the serene Masseria Brigantino, a restored 17th-century farmhouse nestled between ancient olive groves in Fasano. With rustic-luxe rooms, a tranquil pool, and countryside charm, it’s the ideal Apulian retreat. That evening, gather for a traditional welcome dinner featuring local specialties like orecchiette pasta, grilled vegetables, and fresh seafood—paired with a guided tasting of Puglia’s exceptional wines, including Primitivo and Negroamaro. Day 2: Indulge & Immerse – Cooking in the Countryside Highlights: Leisurely morning | Olive grove bike ride | Hands-on cooking class. Wake up to a slow breakfast by the pool, with homemade focaccia, fresh fruit, and locally made cheeses. Spend the morning relaxing at the Masseria or take a guided bike ride through scenic roads lined with ancient olive trees and stone walls. In the evening, don your apron for a hands-on Apulian cooking class led by a local chef. Learn to make traditional dishes like tiella barese (rice, potatoes, and mussels) or pasticciotto (lemon custard tart) using garden-fresh ingredients. Share your creations over dinner with regional wines. Day 3: The Fairytale Towns – Alberobello & Locorotondo Highlights: UNESCO-listed trulli homes | Garden-to-table lunch | Hilltop Locorotondo After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its trulli—whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs that feel straight out of a fairytale. Enjoy a private guided walking tour through its labyrinthine streets, learning the story behind this iconic architecture. Stop for lunch at a charming garden trattoria, where seasonal produce and local wines steal the spotlight. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque hilltop village of Locorotondo, known for its panoramic views and white wine. Wander its quiet lanes or relax with a glass of vino bianco at a local enoteca. Return to the Masseria for a peaceful evening under the stars. Day 4: From Caves to Culture – Castellana Grotte & Matera Highlights: Castellana Grotte tour | Check-in at Il Belvedere Matera | Tuk-tuk Sassi tour Check out and head inland, stopping first at the Castellana Grotte, an awe-inspiring network of underground limestone caves filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites—Italy’s most famous cave system. Continue to the spellbinding city of Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Check in at Hotel Il Belvedere, perched above the ancient Sassi cave dwellings, with sweeping rooftop views that are especially magical at sunset. This evening, explore the labyrinthine streets of Matera on a fun and informative tuk-tuk tour, winding through ancient alleys, churches carved into rock, and cinematic landscapes used in films like The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die. Dinner at leisure in Matera’s atmospheric old town. Day 5: The Taste of Tradition – Altamura’s Cheese & Bread Highlights: Cheese-making at a caseificio | 700-year-old bakery visit | Forest cabin lunch with wine tasting Today is a true taste sensation. Travel to Altamura, famed for its PDO-protected bread and world-class cheeses. First, visit a family-run caseificio (cheese factory) where you’ll make your own mozzarella and burrata, with guidance from artisan cheesemakers. Next, tour a legendary paneficio (bread oven), operating continuously since 1306. Smell the heavenly scent of wood-fired loaves and sample the still-warm bread with olive oil and local salt. The grand finale? An exclusive lunch in a private forest cabin, hidden in the hills—a favorite retreat for celebrities like Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep. Enjoy a curated tasting of incredible cheeses, organic wines, and rustic dishes surrounded by nature and intimacy. This is more than a meal—it’s an unforgettable culinary experience of a lifetime. Return to Matera for your final night in Southern Italy. Day 6: Arrivederci, Puglia – Transfer to Bari After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing transfer to Bari, filled with memories of food, culture, and connection. Why This Journey Is Unmissable.... Intimate group size for personalized experiences Stay in authentic, stylish accommodations (historic masserias & boutique hotels) Daily gourmet experiences with private chefs, winemakers, and artisans Explore UNESCO heritage sites, sea cliffs, and ancient towns Curated access to places even celebrities treasure Book Your Spot Limited to just 12 guests to ensure exclusivity. Price per person (double occupancy): $5,495 Includes 5 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, most meals, tours, wine tastings, and all private transfers.