Perfect Puglia, An Exclusive Escape into Italy’s Hidden Heart

Plan to fly into Brindisi Airport (BDS) by 3 pm, jump into a taxi and meet at the pre-trip night hotel, we'll be whisked away to the charming Trulli region to start our trip. There are plenty of daily flights into Brindisi from major European hubs such as London, Zurich, Rome, and Munich. 

Our home for the next few nights is Masseria Calderisi, a historic farmhouse nestled amidst acres of centuries-old olive trees, citrus groves, and herb gardens. 

Unpack and settle in before we gather in the evening for our first of many apertivos. Apertivo is an Italian tradition enjoyed before dinner, consisting of light snacks and wine. It's meant to open up our appetites for the meal ahead, while offering space for conversation and laughter. 

We'll seamlessly transition into a lovely dinner prepared for us at the on-site restaurant, La Corte, made with fresh, local ingredients. It's the perfect introduction to all of the outstanding Italian cuisine we'll enjoy on this trip. 

Wake up and soak in the views while we have our first breakfast together at the hotel. Our driver will pick us up mid-morning to begin our adventure through the Itria Valley, famous for its rolling countryside, ancient olive groves, and picturesque whitewashed villages.

Our first stop is Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its iconic trulli, unique conical-roofed houses. After walking through the village and learning about its significance and history, we'll stop to enjoy lunch at a local taverna. 

We'll continue to explore Locorotondo, with its circular historic center, and Cisternino, known for its narrow alleys and traditional butchers grilling meat in the streets, a gem of authenticity.

We're in for a real treat as we head to visit an olive grove to learn about the process of making olive oil. Our good friend Luigi will introduce us to the wonderful plant that is the olive tree and explain the principles of sustainable farming.

He'll lead us through an olive oil tasting experience, teaching us how to appreciate the health benefits and flavor profiles of high-quality EVOO.

Dinner will be at Serri Bistro, a cozy restaurant that makes you feel like a true local with its authentic Val d'Itria cuisine.

After a long and wonderful day, we'll return to Masseria Camarda for dinner and a restful night's sleep.

After indulging in breakfast at our hotel, we'll spend the morning with a local cheesemaker, before continuing on to Martina Franca and Ostuni, two must-see towns in Puglia.

We'll have the pleasure of meeting Sara, a local cheesemaker who will explain the steps involved in transforming fresh milk into delicious mozzarella, ricotta, caciocavallo, and many other cheeses.

Sara will expertly create "pasta filata", which we'll take and shape into our own fresh balls of mozzarella. Can you think of anything more delicious? She'll then guide us through a tasting of the cheeses she produces at her farm, both new and aged. 

Once we're done with that delicious endeavor, we'll explore Martina Franca's historic center with its winding alleys and grand piazzas, including the UNESCO-recognized Basilica di San Martino. Then, we'll visit Ostuni, 'The White City,' known for its whitewashed buildings, hidden cafes, artisan shops, and views of the Adriatic Sea.

We'll round out the day back at the hotel with a private dinner, specially prepared for our group. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll toast to another gorgeous day in Puglia.

We absolutely must put the mozzerella we made yesterday to good use! Before we leave for our next destination, we'll meet up with Gigi, a local pizzaiolo who will teach us how to prepare the perfect Italian pizza. 

Gigi will impart the tricks of the trade for preparing and stretching the dough, dressing it with the best toppings, and baking it to perfection. We'll enjoy the fruits of our labors for lunch. Yum!

Then, we're off about two hours west to Matera, one of the most distinctive cities in Italy. 

Once we arrive, we'll check in and settle into our rooms at Sant'Angelo for the next couple of nights, a stunning 5-star cave hotel comprising 33 historic residences spread throughout the historic center of Sassi di Matera and connected by a maze of caves, stairways, courtyards, and alleys. Please note: Due to the nature of the property, most rooms are accessed via historic staircases that might be steep and narrow.

After some time to get situated, we'll step out to explore the town on foot with an experienced local guide. As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, it's famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi di Matera. 

We'll stroll through the picturesque streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the stunning rock-hewn churches, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Belvedere before wrapping up at one of the local cave restaurants, Oi Mari, a unique experience that's an essential part of any visit to Matera.

After choosing a sweet or savory breakfast spread at the hotel, we'll continue our Italian culinary adventure. 

A 20 drive brings us to Altamura, a hillside town known for its traditional pane di Altamura, a durum wheat bread. Here, we'll visit a legendary local bakery to discover how the local bread is made and savor fresh creations. Bread produced here is a designated protected designation of origin (PDO), similar to Champagne, halloumi, and kalamata olives, to name a few.

We'll sit down for a hearty brunch before returning to Matera to enjoy the rest of the day at our leisure.

Make sure to take some time and explore the iconic caves around Matera, many of which have been preserved and are open to the public. Enjoy dinner on your own or with new friends. Your guide has plenty of recommendations for local spots if you need inspiration. 

We'll have breakfast and check out of the hotel before beginning our journey to Lecce with a scenic drive through the region's sun-drenched countryside, where centuries-old olive groves and whitewashed villages.

Along the way, we'll stop at the renowned Cantina di Manduria to explore its fascinating wine museum and discover the history of one of Puglia's most celebrated wine-producing regions. We'll then settle in for a relaxed tasting lunch, pairing exceptional local wines with a selection of regional specialties.

By early afternoon, we'll arrive in Lecce, a city celebrated for its ornate Baroque architecture and lively piazzas. During a guided walking tour, we'll stroll through its streets, admiring intricately carved limestone churches, elegant palaces, and hidden courtyards while getting a feel for the city's unique character. 

Then, we'll check into our home for the next few nights, the charming Palazzo de Noha, an intimate boutique hotel tucked within the heart of Lecce's historic center.

This evening, we'll be welcomed into the home of Alessandra De Mauro for an unforgettable cooking experience that feels more like gathering with old friends than attending a class. Guided by conversation, local traditions, and the flavors we love, we'll prepare a menu of authentic Salento dishes, from fresh fish appetizers and handmade pasta to a beloved regional dessert. 

As the evening comes to a close, we'll gather around the table to enjoy the meal we've created together, sharing wonderful food and warm conversation.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart for a morning boat ride along the stunning Salento coastline, where crystal-clear waters and breathtaking cliffs create a truly unforgettable experience.

After taking in the beauty of the coast, we'll dock for lunch at Lo Scalo di Novaglie, a charming seaside restaurant offering freshly caught seafood-based dishes. 

This afternoon, we'll head off for some free time to stroll through the gorgeous town of Otranto, known for its stunning beaches, historic old town, and rich cultural heritage. 

While we're there, don't miss the iconic Aragonese Castle and the Cathedral, with its famous mosaic floor that reflects centuries of history. Stroll along the picturesque seafront, explore the medieval alleys, and admire the breathtaking views of the Adriatic.

Returning to Lecce, take the rest of the evening to explore, relax, and socialize at your leisure.

This morning we'll set off southwest towards the little town of Galatina and the once-fortified village of Gallipoli, perched on the Ionian Sea, stopping to visit the colorful fish market and to stroll its narrow, whitewashed streets.

We'll enjoy a late lunch and wine tasting at Masserie Le Stanzie. This agricultural farm is a diverse operation featuring orchards, olive groves, vineyards, a garden that produces seasonal vegetables, and livestock, including cattle and sheep. 

Take this evening to wander Lecce one last time, indulge in an Italian sweet treat, or sip on local wines while you watch the world go by. We'll toast to our last night in Puglia and the beautiful journey we've been on this week with a wonderful farewell dinner at Alex Ristorante. 

Sadly, our time in Italy together has come to an end. After breakfast, we'll transfer to the Brindisi airport for your onward travels. 

We'll exchange pictures and phone numbers and promise to stay in touch with all the new friends we've made along the way. Until next time...