Matera & Puglia

Wednesday September 13: Midday pickup in Bari and transfer to Matera. 

After settling in to your hotel, we'll kick off the week with a feast of Matera's signature dishes 

Thursday, September 14: Exploring Italy's Oldest City

After breakfast we'll being exploring Matera, known as the city of stones. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the world's oldest cities. After being abandoned in the 1950s, the city was first revitalized by the film industry, serving as the backdrop for Pasolini's "The Godspel According to St. Matthew" and continuing today as the setting for scenes in Wonder Woman and the most recent James Bond film. 

We'll visit a cave home which preserves the conditions in Matera that led to its death, thene explore the cave churches which were carved out of rock and painted in the Middle Ages, but only recently discovered. 

Friday, September 15: Flavors of Bari 

After check-out we'll head to Bari, Puglia's capital. We'll explore the quaint alleys and narrow streets of the historic center that lead fo the Basilica of San Nicola, as well as the famous street where women sit outside making orechiette pasta by hand to sell to passersby. We'll taste an panzerotto pugliese made with mozzarella and steaming hot tomato sauce.

In the afternoon we'll enjoy a wine tasting paired with local dishes.

Saturday, September 16: The Trulli

After breakfast we'll visit Alberobello, famous for the conical houses called "i trulli." We'll take in the panoramic views and wander the charming streets of the village with plenty of opportunities for shopping. 

Lunch time comes with a cooking class where we'll learn the secrets of the Pugliese kitchen, then sit down together to enjoy a family-style lunch.

Sunday, September 17: Monopoli & Polignano a Mare

Monopoli's fortified sea-front walls and castle tell many stories. We'll explore its seafront in the morning, then transfer to Polignano a Mare in the afternoon. This cliff-top city is famous for spectacular views and coves from which it earned its nickname "The Pearl of the Adriatic."

Monday, September 18: The Salentine Peninsula

After breakfast we'll visit Lecce, called the "Florence of the South" for the extraordinary state of architectural preservation. In the afternoon, visit Otranto, a true bridge between east and west and Italy's most easterly coastline. There we'll visit the Aragonese castle and the mosaic of the "Tree of Life" made by the monk Pantaleone.

Tuesday, September 19: Ostuni & Olive Oil

Enjoy a scenic ride to Ostuni, called "the white city" for its limestone streets. After exploring the narrow lanes of the city, you'll have a panoramic view of a a plain of ancient olive trees,  many of which are nearly 1,000 years old. In the afternoon we'll visit a family-run olive mill to learn about how olive oil is produced both presently and historically. 

We'll enjoy a communal seafood lunch at the seaside. 

Wednesday, September 20: Villages of the Itria Valley

The morning begins with a visit to Martina Franca in the heart of the Itria Valley where you'll have time to explore the ancient village and visit a the weekly food market. Later we'll visit Locorotondo, the jewel of the Itria Valley, famous for its sparkling white wine. 
 

Thursday, September 21: After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Bari