Join us for a historical, cultural, and culinary adventure to “the heel of the boot,” one of Italy’s least-exploited tourist destinations. The Salento Peninsula has been conquered and influenced by many ancient civilizations, from the Byzantine Greeks to the Romans, the Arabs to the Bourbons. Puglia has hundreds of miles of golden beaches lapped by azure waters, a breathtaking combination of whitewashed hilltop villages, and beautiful Baroque cities like Lecce and Bari. This is one of the most fascinating, history-filled destinations you'll ever visit. Puglia is home to some of the simplest yet tastiest Italian food. Bread, olive oil, vegetables, and wine are the main components of the Pugliese diet. It’s home to the so-called cucina povera (the cuisine of poverty). Pasta is made without eggs, and bread is made from local durum wheat. They are often combined with the fabulous fresh vegetables grown in the region. There are no rules. Recipes have long been improvised from what is available. The wines of Puglia are varied and renowned far and wide, and Puglia also boasts 1000-year-old olive trees. This trip is designed to immerse you in the local Pugliese culture. Each day, we'll introduce you to a different area, allowing you to discover its beautiful landscape, architecture, sacred sites, characteristic historic towns, local artisans and, of course, food and wine. On this trip, you won’t be a spectator. You’ll learn to cook in the rich Pugliese tradition, and you'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore on your own. You’ll be enchanted by the area's history, past and present, and you'll undoubtedly be touched by the magic of phenomenal Puglia.
A day by day itinerary in Puglia
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The combination of a 19th century palazzo and an authentic trullo makes for a uniquely beautiful hotel and a real step back in time but with added comfort and style.
A one thousand year old cave turned into a five-star hotel. Now that's alluring!
Since 1500 Masseria il Frantoio has been the answer to travelers who were wondering where to stay in Puglia. Located in the countryside near Ostuni, this transformed ancient farmhouse in one of the most authentic hotels in Puglia where culture and tradition are surely alive and well.
Meet Leigh- Intense Foodie, Lover of Italy, Wanderer, and guaranteed to offer you mint green tea.
Your host for this trip is L. Leigh Rhoads (“Linda Leigh” to her friends, of which you will assuredly be one after your travels). Leigh calls the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia home and is a true Southerner, replete with the warmth, manners, and charm for which that region is known. A Civil Rights attorney by trade and a yogi at heart, Leigh has taken every gift of time available to her, between practicing law and being mother to an extremely fun and mischievous set of twins, to seek out adventurous and meaningful travel experiences like this one. She is so looking forward to sharing it with you!
The Heel of the Boot of Italy
Dreamlike bays, stone villages, olive groves, wilderness, unique architecture and four UNESCO sites, one more fascinating than the other. Puglia has been named the "most beautiful region in the world" and for good reason. Scattered across the seashore and hilltop villages lie cathedrals, castles, whitewashed houses and flowered balconies. Puglia's captivating charm and delicious rustic food shall not be missed.
Lodging at unique hotels
All guides, experts and entry fees
All in-country transport including airport transfers
A small group experience
All meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary
A GG2W gift
Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.
All personal souvenir purchases
Travel and Medical Insurance (required)
Round Trip Airfare to Bari, Italy
The trip officially starts on May 10 2024 in the morning. If you’re traveling across an ocean to get to Italy, consider arriving a day or two early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, let us know and we’ll help you with arrangements if you like.
Fly into Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtylat. If you plan to see more of Italy you can fly into any other major airport and take the train to Bari. If you need assistance with trains let us help.
Other nearby airports include Brindisi (BDS) (105.3 km) and Dubrovnik (DBV) (196.4 km).
We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.
The weather in Puglia in May is dry and warm. It's the start of the summer season with an average high temperature 71°F. Evenings are mild, the sea is now nudging 55°F and it's one of the driest months with only 1.5" of rain falling over a handful of days.