An exclusive wine & food journey with
Puglia
October 28 - November 4, 2024
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12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
17
Meals
Join Va Piano Vineyards as we journey to Puglia to discover the rustic charm, rich culture, ancient olive groves, and sun-baked coastline of this region nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot. We’ll visit charming 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 Alberello, 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 hilltop town of Ostuni, and the charming seaside village of Polignano a Mare
Day 1
Arrival to Puglia
Welcome to Puglia! Our driver will greet you at the airport and transport you south to our accommodations 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 followed by a wine-paired lunch.
After some free time, we’ll venture into the Mandurian countryside to visit a winery celebrated for its Primitivo and Negroamaro wines. Explore the cellar, then savor a tasting of the estate’s award-winning wines, paired with a dinner buffet.
Day 3
Salento
Today, 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. 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, returning to the property afterward for an open evening.
Day 4
Ostuni
After breakfast, check out of our Lecce hotel and venture 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 maze of 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 an acclaimed family-run winery in the heart of Valle d’Itria. Learn about the native grapes used in their winemaking and enjoy a tasting of their wines. We’ll then head north to our countryside accommodations where we’ll check-in, get settled, and meet this evening for a wine-paired dinner.
Day 5
Valle D’Itria & Alberobello
This morning we’ll meet a local oenologist 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 traditional lunch paired with his wines.
After our meal, we’ll make our way to the town of Alberobello whose iconic trulli— ancient limestone structures with conical-shaped roofs— have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided walk through this unique fairy tale village, followed by a short drive to a nearby winery producing expressive organic wines where we’ll have a tour, tasting, and dinner.
Day 6
Polignano a Mare
Today we have a special visit to a family farm in the town of Polignano. This treasure trove of ancient vineyards, olive groves, and vegetable crops is unique in Puglia for cultivating the Malbec grape alongside a selection of other distinguished red and white varietals. We'll tour the picturesque property and enjoy a light lunch paired with the estate's wines. Next, we’ll head to the ancient seaside town of Polignano a Mare for a walking tour before venturing inland to another family-run winery. Here we’ll visit the winery’s historic 1882 cellar and see the family’s car collection followed by a tasting of their wines and light dinner.
Day 7
Cheese & Wine
After breakfast, we’ll journey southwest to a local farm where we’ll immerse ourselves in the art of cheesemaking. Witness the fascinating process of transforming milk from the farm’s cows into both fresh and aged cheeses, followed by a delicious tasting and farm-to-table 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
Day 10
Altamura
Accommodations
Patria Palace Hotel
Housed in an 18th-century palace in the beautiful 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 seasonal rooftop terrace & bar, a gourmet restaurant, and free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms offer air-conditioning, electric tea kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, hairdryer, 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: 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
Superior: $7,195
Deluxe: $7,895
Junior Suite: $8,995
Suite: $9,495
Single Occupancy: $8,995
Sold Out
Extension Rates From
Classic: $2,995
Junior Suite: $3,595
Suite: $3,895 Sold Out
Single Occupancy: $3,495
*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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