An exclusive wine & food journey with
Puglia
October 28 - November 4, 2024
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
15
Meals
Join Va Piano Vineyards as we journey to Puglia to discover the rustic charm, rich culture, ancient olive groves, and rugged coastline of this region nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot. We’ll visit charming towns, meet artisan food producers, and savor traditional food and wine, as we soak in the unhurried pace of life and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals 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 walled medieval village of Otranto, and the charming seaside villages of Ostuni and Monopoli
Day 1
Arrival to Puglia
Welcome to Puglia! Our driver will greet you in either the Bari or Brindisi airports (your choice) 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.
Day 2
Lecce
After breakfast, join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class followed by a wine-paired lunch of our creations. This afternoon, meet our expert 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 Roman monuments, the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, and the ornate churches of Santa Croce and Chiesa del Gesù. After the tour, enjoy free time to meander and discover Lecce at your own pace.
Day 3
Salento & Otranto
Today, we'll venture south to the countryside and coast of the Salento peninsula. Our first stop will be a farmhouse that dates back to the 1500s. Tour the olive orchard and sample some of the aromatic and fruity extra virgin olive oil before sitting down to a traditional lunch. Next, we’ll head east toward the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Coast where we’ll visit a local winery for a guided tour and wine tasting.
Our last stop will be the charming seaside town of Otranto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclosed by medieval walls and filled with history, architecture, and small boutiques and cafes. Stroll through the historic town center with a local guide followed by some free time to have dinner and wander on your own before returning to the property.
Day 4
Negroamaro Wine & Ostuni
After breakfast, we’ll check out and make our way to a family-run winery in the northwest of the Salentine peninsula. Learn about the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions during a guided tour and tasting of the winery’s high-quality wines. Next, travel north to the hilltop town of Ostuni, dubbed the “White City” for the white-washed buildings of its old town, which form a maze of narrow alleys, arches, and staircases. Enjoy time to explore and have lunch on your own before we continue our journey to our countryside accommodations. We’ll meet this evening for a wine-paired dinner at the hotel.
Day 5
Mozzarella, Burrata & Cisternino
Our first visit today will be to Masseria Lamapecora, one of the premier cheese making farms in Puglia. We’ll visit the production area and see how mozzarella and burrata are made before sitting down to sample the cheese during a light lunch. Return to our accommodations afterward for some time to relax before venturing back out to a winery in the Valle d’Itria for a cellar and vineyard tour and tasting of high-quality wines.
Our last stop is the charming town of Cisternino where we’ll have free time to stroll in the historic city center, take in the elegant central piazza and historic churches, and find a spot for dinner. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations.
Day 6
Monopoli & Polignano a Mare
This morning we visit the lovely town of Monopoli, located on the Adriatic Sea. Join a local expert guide to explore its narrow meandering streets, historic squares, and charming harbourside. Dine at a quaint restaurant before returning back to the Masseria for some downtime. Later in the afternoon, we will head to the ancient seaside town of Polignano a Mare for a winetasting and time on your own to meander through its small alleys, and artisanal shops. Enjoy free time to sit dow for dinner on your own and soak in the ocean view.
Day 7
ALBEROBELLO
Today we drive west to the village of Alberobello whose iconic trulli— ancient limestone structures with conical-shaped roofs— have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of this unique fairy tale village, followed by some free time to wander before continuing to a nearby wine cellar for a tasting of the local varietals and a light lunch.
After, return to the property for time to relax before we gather this evening to toast our journey and savor 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 a 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 Torre Coccaro
Surrounded by olive groves, this luxury family-run Masseria offers chic and comfortable accommodations in the Puglia countryside. The hotel is set in a 16th-century fortified farmhouse and features a large outdoor swimming pool, several restaurants, a spa and wellness area, as well as 2 beach clubs. Each room provides air conditioning, in-room safe, minibar, and free WiFi. Bathrooms feature bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, 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 3 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 Sold Out
Suite: $9,495 Contact us for availability
Single Occupancy: $8,995
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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