Join us September 29 - October 4, 2024 for a culinary and cultural odyssey through the heart of Italy's up-and-coming gastronomic paradise: Puglia. Tour the charming towns, delight in farm-to-table dining, sample award-winning wines and discover the secrets behind Puglia's signature dishes.
Puglia beckons with its sun-soaked olive groves, crystalline coastline and a rich culinary tradition that's making quite a name for itself in the food world. Explore this rustic region, with its charming white-washed towns and discover why the world is waking up to all that Puglia promises.
Located just outside the charming town of Cisternino, we will have the exclusive use of a newly refurbished nine bedroom, eleven bathroom 'masseria' farm, complete with its own pool, barbecue grill and several outdoor lounge areas. The villa is conveniently located near all our day trip destinations: Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Cisternino and Alberobello.
The villa has several indoor and outdoor lounge areas, perfect for enjoying the temperate Pugliese climate, which is warm well into October.
The villa has nine fully refurbished rooms, decorated in the soothing whites that are iconic to this region. All rooms are double but single supplements are available. Each room has its own connecting private bathroom.
A pristine pool surrounded by lush, thick grass will provide the perfect place to take a cooling dip after a day of walking around the towns, before dinner made by our private chef!
We'll visit the whimsical 'trulli' houses of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where cobblestone streets lead to hidden treasures. We'll breathe the clear air of Locorotondo, perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of endless vineyards, olive groves and whitewashed beauty.
We'll tour an iconic, historical olive grove and have a picnic amid the three-thousand year old trees.
We'll head to a legendary mozzerella-monger to witness how it's made... and of course taste this incredibly, fresh, delicious Italian delicacy. We'll pair our mozzerella with local wines.
We'll let the azure waters of Polignano a Mare captivate our imaginations as we stand on the craggy cliffs and stroll its ancient streets, led by a local guide. There will of course be plenty of time for gelato, swims, wine and naps.
A private chef will be preparing our dinners using farm-to-table ingredients and locally-sourced wines.
"There's nowhere quite like the white-washed heel of Italy's boot. From olive trees that once yielded oil for the Romans, sweeping countryside views that unfurl towards a glistening turquoise sea, to towns perched atop cliffs hovering over emerald waters, wonderfully flavorful fresh foods, it has a distinct, authentic charm that's strikes the heart and imaginations of all who visit. It's a lot to take in which is why we've given utmost attention to every last detail of this itinerary. We've specifically designed our week to maximize all that Puglia offers while prioritizing exploration, fun and relaxation. We can't wait for you to join us!" -- Regina Tingle
"I've always believed that food brings us together in almost spiritual ways, and I'd love the opportunity to have you at our dining table. If you're looking to get away, take a break, breathe, and not worry about a thing for a week - this trip is for you! Regina takes care of every detail so you can relax and have the week of a lifetime enjoying the beautiful region of Puglia." -- Christina Musgrave
Prices start at £3400 per person in a double occupancy room (single supplements available)
Roundtrip group transfer to and from Bari
Five nights' accommodation in your choice of room at private villa
All meals except for lunch on Day 1 (wine with dinner)
Guided Tour of Polignano a Mare by local English-speaking guide
Guided Tour of Alberobello by local English-speaking guide
Mozzerella & Wine tasting
Day trip to Ostuni with thirty-minute microtaxi tour of old town
Entrance to historical olive grove with a tour, picnic lunch and drinks amid the trees
All daily transportation to and from organized excursions
Add-on experiences, before and after the retreat are available. Details and more information to come.