itinerary     

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day 1 arrival 

Transfers from Bari and Brindisi to our masseria south of Bari. First group meeting in the early evening for an orientation cocktail and group supper. 

 

day 2 Valle d'Itria, olive oil and wine 

Out and about exploring the villages of the Valle d’Itria we’ll visit a producer of super high quality extra virgin olive oil to learn about how it’s made and how to recognize the perfumes and flavors of high quality olive oils. Lunch with a great chef in Putignano and an afternoon visit to a natural winemaker who works with the region’s primitivo grapes. Evening cooking lesson and group supper.

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day 3 Barivecchia 

Tour of the maze that is the ancient historic center of Bari. The warren of little lanes hides, surprisingly, the ponderous Norman cathedral dedicated to San Nicola, fry shops and one of the best bakeries in the city for iconic foccaccia barese.  Barese recipes for lunch and free time to explore the city. Seaside aperitivo and group supper. 

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day 4 cheese, breads, Ostuni 

Visit artisan laboratories for traditional cheeses (like burrata and ricotta forte) and breads (frise and taralli) in San Vito dei Normanni. Lunch served by two brothers who opened a restaurant in their grandmother’s house in order to exalt her recipes. Afternoon in Ostuni for a visit to their imposing Norman cathedral and and excellent antique ceramics shop. Supper on your own in Monopoli (restaurant suggestions provided).

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day 5 the Salento

In the Salento, the most southern part of the region we’ll visit the city of Lecce with its particular brand of baroque architecture .. exuberant architectonic detail carved from the warm colored local tufa. Traditional pastry demo and  lunch. Free time to explore the lively little village of Nardò and supper at an osteria serving the most simple yet tasty salentini flavors.  

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day 6 Grottaglie and Martina Franca

Head west this morning for a visit with ceramic artisans in Grottaglie practicing Puglia’s millennial artisan craft in a more modern key. Tasting lunch and a visit to an artisan producer of capocollo, Martina Franca’s signature pork that's cured with wine. Farewell group supper.

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day 7 departure

Transfers to Bari and Brindisi. 

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Please note that this is an initial itinerary to provide a template of what to expect.

Specific visits are subject to change depending on producer availability and as new

opportunities present themselves. The people and places that we will be visiting are not

typical tourist destinations so plans may be modified at the last minute.

We will craft the final itinerary to provide the experience as described above.

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details

With a group of 10 - 12 travelers we’ll stay at a carefully restored masseria /  farmhouse in the area between Bari and Brindisi, easily accessible to airports in both cities and the areas included in our itinerary. We will have a private van and driver for all ground transportation. We chose a 7 day itinerary so you can arrive few days early or stay on a few days after to visit one of the art capitals of Italy or relax on Puglia's beaches.  

The total program cost for this 7 day itinerary in 2024 is TBD, as a guide program cost in 2023 was $5,650 per person in double rooms.