Below we have outlined the program over the 9 days, 8 nights.
Day 1: Arrive to Bari / Trani
Typical arrival city for the region is Bari (airport or train station); from here your private transfer will take you to the city of Trani for hotel check in. Later in the afternoon, after all participants have arrived, we will hold a “meet and greet” to give overview of the program while having our first introduction to the local wines. The evening offers the also first opportunity to sample the local food with the welcome dinner. (W, D)
Day 2: Local Wines and Winery
Morning breakfast and then a full day in the countryside beginning with a visit to the historical Castel del Monte (UNESCO site). The intriguing octagonal castle was built by the famed emperor, Federico II of Sweden. After we are on to visit two winery located in the Castel del Monte DOC region and in between a stop for lunch. Afterwards, return to Trani and take the evening at your leisure. (B, L, W)
Day 3: Cooking Class
Morning breakfast and then your day will begin with a visit to a local “Masseria” (stone farmhouse) for a cooking class. You will experience a real Italian country kitchen and learn how to make the local pasta, “orecchiette” and focaccia. Then, of course the lunch follows the class in order to savor the fruits of your labor! After this active day, we return to the Trani and evening at your leisure. (B, L, W)
Day 4: Altamura
Morning breakfast and departure for a full food and wine experience in the town of Altamura. Well known for its bread production, we will visit to local bakery (or two) and also stop in to one of the well known local cheese producers. Plus we will visit a newly opened wine museum for tasting of the regional options. Afterwards, it is on to Matera, hotel check-in and relax time before the evening welcome dinner in this historical unique setting. (B, L, D, W)
Day 5: Matera (Sassi)
Morning breakfast, then a guided tour of this unique city (tagged City of Culture in 2019). The afternoon is free time for you to explore and then to enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. (B)
Day 6: Alberobello / Ostuni / Lecce
Breakfast, then moving back into Puglia for two cities known for their distinctive and unique architecture: Alberobello and Lecce. First stop, Alberobello, the city of the famed “trulli” – white washed, pointed-top houses; a UNESCO site and signature trademark for the region. Walking the city with free time, then on to Ostuni (citta bianca). Time will be taken to visit a medieval stone mill and the museum to reflect on the methods of construction for this architecturally unique city. Lunch will be provided in one of the select, local restaurants; then onward to Lecce and its baroque style deeming it as the Florence of the South. Early evening aperitif and then a special dinner at one of our select restaurants. (B, L, W, D)
Day 7: Lecce – Baroque City
Breakfast and then a morning city tour of Lecce, visiting the main highlights of this baroque architectual styled city, which has been commonly called, “the Florence of the South”. After the tour the day is mostly for your enjoyment and free time, but also provided is a special lunch at one of our select restaurants. (B, L, W)
Day 8: Wine Museum / Winery Visit
Morning breakfast and then an excursion to visit the museum for the local wines. The local history for the old “tools of the trade” are on display; you will also visit nearby fields where you can see and feel the history with their 50 to 70 year old trees; then in one of the winery a tasting of the local production. Afterwards, it is back to Lecce; then in the evening dinner at a special Osteria in the city. (B, D, W)
Day 9: Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and check out; your transfer will take you to Bari. (B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner W=Wine Tasting O=Olive Oil Tasting
Base price includes accommodations for 8 nights, arrival/departure transfers from/to Bari; transportation as needed for excursion activities, plus meals and cultural activities as indicated.
