PUGLIA
ITALIAN VILLAGE STAY
JUNE 22-29, 2025
In the extreme south of Italy lie the white villages of Valle d'Itria. Many travelers do not venture this far south and miss out on the magic of this place. A foodie's dream, Puglia offers the freshest seafood, floral and smokey capocollo from the village of Martina Franca, grano arso (charred grain) pasta from the burning fields of Basilicata, and more hidden culinary treasures.
This tour is part of our "Village Stay" immersive trips, where you will choose from our suggested list of properties which we are partnering with throughout Italy, offering you the immersive experience of living the Italian lifestyle like a local, even if only for a short while.
The seaside village of Monopoli will be our home base during this tour.
Rise early and walk to your favorite village cafe, (where you'll be come a local over the course of a week), order a cappuccino al banco, (at the bar as the Italians do), pick up fresh pastries while they are still warm. Practice your Italian on the morning walk as you'll surely be greeted with plenty of "buon giorno-s".
There are loads of adorable properties, from self catering apartments to full service hotels, so there is something for everyone, all located in the historic center just a short walk to shops, bars, and restaurants. We will meet each day for our excursions, classes, and meals.
AIR B&B PROPERTIES:
HOTELS & B&BS:
Below: One of the options for your stay in Monopoli.
DAY 1 WELCOME TO THE SOUTH
We will meet you at Napoli Centrale train station and head to Monopoli, stopping for a quick lunch along the way. Check into your accommodations then we'll meet for an aperitivo before dinner in Monopoli.
DAY 2 WINE, ALBEROBELLO & OSTUNI
Today we start the day with a wine tasting at I Pastini then it's onto Alberobello, the ancient trulli settlement. Lunch is on your own with free time to explore the streets and shops. Tonight we will have dinner in in the glowing city of Ostuni.
DAY 3 ANCIENT BREAD & THE SASSI OF MATERA
Lunch in the town of Altamura, famous throughout Italy for their breads. We'll enjoy a light lunch of local products and the pane di Matera bread baked in ovens which have been in use since the 1400's at Antico Forno Santa Chaira. (You may go in and take a peek at the ovens.) Discover the ceramic artisans and our favorite wood carver, Massimo, who specializes in hand carving bread stamps, and ancient tradition of Matera.
We will visit the Madonna della Idris ancient church and an original cave house, (The people of Matera lived in the caves of the sassi until the 1950's!) For digestivo fans, a stop at the Amaro Lucano shop for a tasting is a must, as it is made here. Dinner together tonight at a trattoria in the heart of the sassi.
DAY 4 POLIGNANO A MARE
Wine tasting and light lunch at the beautiful Tenuta Terre di San Vito. They produce the area's best wine and olive oil and you can buy some to take home, or they will also ship. After lunch we'll hop over to walk the dramatic cliffs of Polignano A Mare with free time to shop or just sit and take it all in. Dinner on your own tonight.
DAY 5, COOKING CLASS AT A MASSERIA
Hands on cooking class at a 16th century masseria with the local casalinge (house wives). Pick fresh vegetables from the masseria's garden to use in the cooking class. Make pasta, focaccia Barese, cheese and other local specialties. Recipes to keep! Dinner on your own tonight in the village.
DAY 6, FREE DAY & CISTERNINO
Free day today to explore the town on your own or head to one of the nearby gorgeous beaches.
Beach club passes will be available for those who would like them. Please inquire in advance.
Dinner tonight in Cisternino famous for their "rosticcerie" where you can try a wide variety of bombette, (Think bracciole, but smaller and cooked on skewers in a wood fired oven. ).
DAY 7 VISIT BARI
We'll visit the "orecchiette ladies" who make pasta in streets out front of their homes, have life-changing focaccia Barese and gelato for lunch. Shop for old fashion Italian sweets at the historic candy store, Manarid, or pick up pasta tools and ceramics at the little shops hidden in the alleyways. Farewell dinner together tonight.
Puglia 7 night tour rate:
$3,200.00 per person
Included in price:
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6 Lunches & 5 Dinners
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Wine included with all meals
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Transportation throughout the tour
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All entrance fees to excursions outlined in tour
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All taxes and gratuities
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Airport/Train Station transfers to and from Naples
Not Included:
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Accommodation (See our suggested properties here.)
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International Airfare
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Travel insurance
Reserve your spot for Puglia & Matera!
For questions or to book,
please email Angela at angela@cicalarestaurant.com
or call
(443) 440-0473 between
10am-5pm EST