An exclusive wine & food journey with
Puglia
October 17 - 24, 2027
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
17
Meals
Join Bella Grace as we journey to Puglia to discover the rich culture, ancient olive groves, and sun-baked coastline of this region nestled in the heel of Italy's boot. We'll visit historic towns and artisan food producers, savor traditional food and wine, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals as we soak in the unhurried pace of life on this authentic Italian experience.
Explore
the iconic trulli buildings of Alberobello, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Taste
olive oil from ancient trees, Primitivo wine from family-owned local wineries, and freshly made burrata cheese
Discover
the Baroque city of Lecce, the fortress town of Otranto, the whitewashed village of Ostuni, and clifftop Polignano a Mare
Day 1
Arrival
Welcome to Puglia! Our driver will greet you either at the Bari or Brindisi airports (your choice) and transport you south to our accommodation in a historic residence in the ancient Baroque city of Lecce. Take some time to relax and get settled before gathering this evening for introductions and an aperitif followed by a Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2
Lecce
After breakfast, meet a local guide for a walking tour through the history, culture, and legends of Lecce— dubbed the “Florence of the South.” Stroll through the winding streets of the old town and take in the monuments, ornate churches, and beautiful Piazza del Duomo. Our tour will wrap up at the market where we'll meet a local chef for a hands-on cooking class of typical Puglian dishes, which we'll enjoy together at the table for a wine-paired lunch. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is open to relax and explore the area independently. Our Travel Director will be glad to provide recommendations.
Day 3
Otranto
Today, we'll venture to Otranto, a picturesque fortress town on the Adriatic coast known for its historic castle, seaside views, and medieval architecture. After a walking tour of the city, we will have free time to explore the historic center and cobblestone streets. Afterward, we'll head to a nearby family-run winery for a cellar visit and guided tasting of wines made from the signature red varietals of the Salento region, returning to Lecce afterward for an open evening.
Day 4
Salento
This morning, we'll venture south to the countryside of the Salento peninsula. Winding past ancient olive and fig trees, our first stop is a historical farm with one of the oldest rural buildings in the region. We'll tour the olive mills and sample some of the fruity extra virgin olive oil before sitting down to a traditional lunch made from local seasonal ingredients. In the afternoon, we'll continue exploring the Salento region before returning to Lecce for an open evening.
Day 5
Ostuni
After breakfast, check out of our Lecce hotel and venture northwest to the hilltop town of Ostuni, dubbed the "White City" for the white-washed buildings of its old town. We'll have a walking tour of the town's narrow alleys, arches, and staircases, followed by some free time to explore and have lunch on our own. Next, we'll make our way to a family-run winery in the heart of Valle d'Itria. Meet the family, learn about the native grapes used in their winemaking, and enjoy a tasting of their wines. We'll then continue to our countryside accommodations, where we'll check in, get settled, and meet this evening for a wine-paired dinner.
Day 6
Valle D’Itria & Alberobello
This morning, we'll journey northwest to a local farm to learn the art of cheesemaking. Witness the process of transforming milk from the farm's cows into both fresh and aged cheeses, followed by a tasting and farm-to-table lunch. Next, we'll make our way to Alberobello for a guided walk through the village. Its iconic trulli are ancient limestone structures with conical-shaped roofs that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Later this afternoon, we'll visit a nearby winemaker who will share his approach to making handcrafted, small-production wines from his native land. Tour his winery, see where the labels are hand-printed, and enjoy a light aperitivo of local products paired with his wines before returning to the property.
Day 7
Polignano a Mare
Today we'll visit a family farm just outside the town of Polignano. This working farm of ancient vineyards, olive groves, and specialty Polignano carrots is the only vineyard in Puglia to cultivate the Malbec grape alongside a selection of other distinguished red and white varietals. We'll tour the property and enjoy a freshly prepared wine-paired lunch. Next, we'll head to the seaside town of Polignano a Mare for a walking tour of the clifftop historic center. Later, return to the masseria to relax before we come together this evening to toast our journey and enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner.
Day 8
Matera
Check out this morning and venture west toward the ancient city of Matera. On the way, visit Cantine Polvanera to taste their excellent wines made from Primitivo grapes and enjoy a wine-paired lunch. Arrive in Matera in the afternoon and check into our elegant accommodations in the 17th-century residence of the Gattini noble family. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free to relax and explore your new surroundings.
Day 9
Sassi & Matera
Day 10
Altamura
Head out this morning, stopping first at an ancient cave adorned with thousand-year-old Biblical frescoes. Continue to the historical town of Altamura, where we'll visit a bakery dating back to the early 15th century. The bakery contains one of the few public communal ovens still in operation, used for centuries by local families to bake their bread. Sample the traditional pane di Altamura bread, enjoy a wine-paired lunch, and have time to explore this village in the heart of Puglia.
Accommodations
Pollicastro Boutique Hotel
Housed in a 16th-century residence in the historic center of the Baroque city of Lecce, this property provides an ideal base to begin our exploration of the history and wines of the region. The property features a rooftop terrace, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms offer air-conditioning, electric tea kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, coffee machine, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobe, and slippers.
Masseria Montenapoleone
Set in the Valle d'Itria countryside near Pezze di Greco, this family-run property is housed in a fortified farmhouse dating back to the 1600s. Surrounded by ancient olive groves and organic farmland, the masseria features an outdoor pool, outdoor fitness area, on-site restaurant, and bar. Each room is unique and all provide air conditioning, in-room safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, and free WiFi. Bathrooms feature toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and hair dryer.
Palazzo Gattini (Matera Extension)
Perched atop the ancient city of Matera, Palazzo Gattini offers a panoramic view of the Matera Sassi. The well-preserved 17th-century residence of the Gattini counts is elegantly decorated with a mix of antiques and contemporary art and features a roof terrace bar, restaurant, and underground spa with steam room and heated pool. Each room offers complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, minibar, safe, bathrobe, slippers, toiletries and hairdryer.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/terms.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and transportation
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates From
Double Occupancy:
Classic: $TBD
Deluxe: $TBD
Junior Suite: $TBD
Suite: $TBD
Single Occupancy:
Classic: $TBD
Deluxe: $TBD
Junior Suite: $TBD
Suite: $TBD
Extension Rates*
Double Occupancy:
Classic: $TBD
Deluxe: $TBD
Junior Suite: $TBD
Single Occupancy:
Classic: $TBD
Deluxe: $TBD
Junior Suite: $TBD
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple accommodations.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/
Travel Terms & Conditions
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