An exclusive wine & food journey with
Puglia
October 25 - November 1, 2025
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
Join Experi on an unforgettable journey to Puglia, a region of rustic charm, rich culture, ancient olive groves, and stunning coastlines in the heel of Italy's boot. Explore picturesque towns, meet artisan food producers, and indulge in traditional cuisine and local wines. Along the way, experience the genuine warmth of Puglia’s hospitality and soak up the region’s unhurried pace of life.
Discover
the Baroque city of Lecce, the walled medieval village of Otranto, and the charming seaside villages of Ostuni and Monopoli
Taste
olive oil from ancient trees, Primitivo wine from family-owned local wineries, and freshly made burrata cheese
Explore
the iconic trulli buildings of Alberello, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 1
Arrival to Puglia
Welcome to Puglia! Our driver will greet you at the Bari or Brindisi airports (your choice) and transport you south to our historic accommodations in the 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 of Lecce, often called the "Florence of the South." Wander through the charming streets of the old town as you uncover its rich past, vibrant culture, and fascinating legends. Admire historic monuments, intricate Baroque churches, and the elegant Piazza del Duomo. The tour concludes at the bustling market, where we’ll join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class, creating traditional dishes for our wine-paired lunch. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore Lecce at your own pace.
Day 3
Salento
Today, we'll venture south to the countryside of the Salento peninsula. Winding past ancient olive groves 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 the fruity extra virgin olive oil before sitting down to a traditional lunch made from local seasonal ingredients. From here, we’ll head to a nearby family-run winery for a guided tasting of wines made from the signature red varietals of the Salento region before returning to the hotel for an open evening.
Day 4
Ostuni
After breakfast, we’ll check out of our Lecce hotel and venture to the hilltop town of Ostuni, dubbed the “White City” for the distinctive white-washed buildings of its old town. A guided walking tour will reveal the town’s maze of narrow alleys, arches, and staircases, which we’ll have some free time to explore on our own. Next, we’ll visit 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. Afterward, we’ll continue north to our countryside accommodations where we’ll get settled and gather later for a wine-paired dinner.
Day 5
Cheese & Alberobello
Today, we’ll head southwest to a local farm to discover the art of cheesemaking. Experience the fascinating process of transforming fresh milk from the farm’s cows into fresh and aged cheeses. Afterward, savor a tasting paired with a farm-to-table lunch featuring local ingredients. Following our meal, we’ll journey to Alberobello, famed for its iconic trulli—ancient limestone dwellings with distinctive conical roofs that have earned the town a UNESCO World Heritage designation. Enjoy a guided walk through this fairy-tale village before returning to the Masseria where we’ll gather later for a tasting of local wines.
Day 6
Polignano a Mare
After breakfast, we’ll head to the ancient seaside town of Polignano a Mare for a walking tour and free time for lunch, before venturing inland to another family-run winery. Meet a local enologist who will walk us through his journey of making handcrafted, small-production wines from the land of his birthplace. Tour his winery, see where the labels are hand-printed, and enjoy a light lunch of local products paired with his wines. We’ll return to the Masseria afterward for an open evening.
Day 7
San Vito
Today we have a special visit to a family farm in Polignano. This treasure trove of ancient vineyards, olive groves, and vegetable crops 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 postcard-worthy property and enjoy a wine-paired lunch. Later, return to the property 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
The ancient city of Matera—the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Italy— is a maze of winding staircases, steep lanes, cave dwellings, and tiny courtyards. Meet an expert local guide for a walking tour of the millennia-old Sassi cave-dwelling district and hear the stories of this unique and fascinating neighborhood. Afterward, have lunch at a local restaurant with the rest of the day open to further enjoy Matera on your own.
Day 10
Altamura
After breakfast, we’ll begin our day with a visit to an ancient cave adorned with centuries-old Biblical frescoes. From there, we’ll continue to the historic town of Altamura, home to a bakery that has been in operation since the early 15th century. Here, we’ll discover one of the region’s few remaining communal ovens, still in operation today. Savor a taste of the renowned pane di Altamura, celebrated for its exceptional quality, before enjoying a wine-paired lunch. Afterward, take some time to explore this charming village at your own pace, soaking in the heart of Puglia’s authentic culture.
Accommodations
Risorgimento Resort
Housed in a historic 18th-century building in the heart of Lecce’s Baroque old town, the Risorgimento Hotel provides an elegant and comfortable base for exploring the region’s history, culture, and culinary delights. The property features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a gourmet restaurant, a wellness spa, and complimentary WiFi throughout. Rooms offer air-conditioning, an electric tea kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, hair dryer, toiletries, bathrobe, and slippers.
Masseria AuraTerrae
Located in the heart of Puglia, this beautiful property offers an unforgettable experience in a historic farm village. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and fruit orchards, the property features expansive outdoor spaces, two swimming pools, a restaurant and bar, and a selection of wellness treatments. Rooms provide modern comforts including complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, and bathrooms equipped with 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: 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 4 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*
Double Occupancy:
Deluxe: $7,995
Junior Suite: $8,795
Suite: $9,995
Single Occupancy:
Deluxe: $9,995
Junior Suite: $10,995
Suite: $12,995
Extension Rates
Double Occupancy:
Deluxe: $2,995
Suite: $3,995
Single Occupancy:
Deluxe: $3,895
Suite: $5,395
*Rates are per person in US Dollars.
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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