Essence of Puglia  - Tour Introduction

TOUR CONCEPT 

Italy, with its 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is renowned for its rich history, art, breathtaking landscapes, and extraordinary cuisine. Yet, beyond the familiar lies the hidden charm of authentic Italy— Benvenuti to Puglia!

Join us for a nine-day journey through this unique region, a historic crossroads of trade and culture. Puglia offers a perfect blend of tradition and openness, with rich history, vibrant art, and incredible flavors awaiting.

If you've never heard of Puglia (Apulia), it's because you may have been too busy fantasizing about the many other stunning areas that the Bel Paese has to offer!

But believe us when we say Puglia is the next big thing!

Imagine the most picturesque, white-washed villages, iconic, cone-shaped little houses (trulli), and miles and miles of warm, peaceful, stunning coastline.

Imagine infinite fields filled with centuries-old olive trees, the most scintillating plants and flowers,  warm colors, and hilltop towns that look like magical fortresses.

Imagine the most sublime art and architecture from the mix of Western and Eastern cultures.

Imagine the most imposing Duomos and the stunning little roads in Lecce, the Florence of the South. 

Most importantly, imagine flocks of locals heading to the morning markets and engaging in impromptu conversations in Pugliese-Italian-broken English. 

Imagine friendly people wanting you to try all the dishes and excellent wine the region offers. Imagine sitting in a stunning, thousand-year-old square while sipping a delicious rose. This is the Essence of Puglia, and we're so excited to bring it to life for you. 

So, are you ready?

Andiamo!

WHO IS THIS TOUR FOR?

This small group tour is ideal for:

• Travelers who embrace a slower travel style and an educational, historical, artistic, and, most importantly, immersive lifestyle-focused tour. 

• Travelers looking to travel in a smaller, intimate, safe group with like-minded travel lovers. 

• Travelers who are looking for an escorted, impeccably organized tour led by an English-speaking travel professional who was born and raised in Italy.

• Travelers who are looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the best that Puglia has to offer! 

• Travelers search for an authentic experience in one of Italy’s most charming regions.

• Travelers dreaming of a quintessential, relaxing escape to Southern Italy, a place known for its peaceful, impeccable quality of life. 

• Travelers who are passionate about cooking, tasting excellent local wine and food, and learning about the local artisanal traditions. 

WHO IS THIS TOUR NOT FOR?

This tour may not be suitable for:

• Children.

• Travelers who prefer fast-paced itineraries.

• Those seeking traditional tourist spots instead of hidden, authentic locations.

• Individuals who may have difficulty walking through village streets and countryside areas.

STYLE & LEVEL

• Accommodation: A stunning, traditional Boutique Hotel in Lecce and an authentic Masseria Pugliese (Apulian Farmhouse).

• Transportation: High-quality private transportation

• Experiences: Focus on history, architecture, culture, hands-on activities, and Southern Italian lifestyle!

• Meals: Excellent, farm-to-table breakfasts, local, family-owned traditional restaurants for selected lunches and dinners.  Enjoy the simplicity and flavors of the Mediterranean Diet. 

GROUP SIZE

Up to 14 guests 

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Please put down your deposit today to secure your spot

• Spots are limited to 14

• Please don't book your flights until the tour is confirmed. We will send you a notice as soon as we have received a minimum number of deposits (8)

• Our Essence of Puglia allows you to pick between a spot in a double room or a twin room. If traveling by yourself, you will be randomly paired with someone of the same sex and will not be required to pay any extra

• Our Essence of Puglia allows up to 3 travelers to upgrade to a Double Room for single use throughout the retreat. The extra cost to upgrade to a Single Room is $800. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

We require a first, non-refundable $650 deposit to confirm the traveler’s participation in the tour. The deposit is transferable.

We require a final payment 90 days before departure. In case of tour cancellation, the following policies apply:

From the day of booking up to 90 days before departure, I, for Italia, retain the non-refundable deposit.

• Between 90 and 60 days before departure: 30% of the tour price.

• Between 59 and 30 days before departure: 75% of the tour price.

• From 29 days before departure to the date of departure, or failing to arrive at the point of departure of the tour: 100% of the tour price.

For any questions or information, please email us at info@iforitalia.com. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

At I for Italia, your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. For this reason, we require all travelers to carry travel insurance that meets the following minimum coverage:

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Coverage: At least 50,000 USD for emergency medical expenses

• Emergency evacuation & repatriation: At least 100,000 USD

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment: At least 25,000 USD

• Travel dates covered: From your departure from home until your return

We strongly recommend that your policy also include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Baggage loss or delay

• Travel delay

• Personal liability

You may purchase insurance from your preferred provider, or we can recommend trusted options tailored for travelers to Italy. We accept any travel insurance provider, provided we have a policy number, the company’s 24-hour emergency contact number, and confirmation of the minimum coverage specified above. Proof of coverage must be provided before the start of your trip. If travelers do not have travel insurance, they may be prevented from joining the trip.

Ciao! Mi chiamo Stefano! Piacere! 

I was born and raised in the Ciociaria area, just one hour south of Rome, and I currently live in beautiful Charleston, SC. Since childhood, I have dreamed of traveling to faraway lands to discover their culture and unique beauty. Living and working in many countries worldwide made me realize how fortunate I was to call Italy home. Working as a National Geographic tour guide in my beautiful Italia made me endlessly fall in love with Italy in all of its shapes and forms. I founded I for Italia as a tribute to the Italy I know and love dearly!

Favorite Pasta

As much as I don’t love to answer straight questions (especially when it comes to pasta!), I would say that there is no other answer than my grandma’s gnocchi with a ragù sauce ciociaro style. This dish of my childhood encloses the flavors but also the warmth and love for my maternal grandmother. 

Favorite Italian Word/Phrase

“Al cuore non si comanda” — which means something like “you can’t command your heart!”. It’s a great reminder not to forget to listen to our heart and what it says!

The Best Region of Italy

I'm not sure what the best Italian region is, but I personally LOVE traveling and discovering the southern regions of Italy. If I had to indicate just one, I would say Puglia, an incredible region where cultures from all over the Mediterranean Sea have built a unique, incredible culture, language, cuisine, and architecture. 

I could not be more excited to be your Tour Leader and show you my beautiful country!

- Experience the authentic heart of Apulia, with its stunning rural landscapes, world-renowned historic villages, and traditional Masserie.

- Stay in a stunning Boutique hotel in Lecce and a beautiful, family-owned Masseria in the Apulian countryside, one of the region's finest Masseria, offering a perfect blend of luxury and tradition.

- Immerse yourself in local culture with various unique and memorable experiences.

Some Interesting Facts about Puglia

Ovid referred to Southern Italy as Magna Graecia (Greater Greece), a nod to its rich legacy of Greek colonies dating back to the 10th century BC.

Puglia boasts the longest coastline in mainland Italy, stretching over 500 miles.

The region enjoys an impressive 300 sunny days each year.

Salento’s local dialect, Griko, shares more similarities with modern Greek than Italian.

With 60 million olive trees, Puglia is the heart of Italy's extra virgin olive oil production, surpassing the rest of the country combined.

Puglia’s culinary and wine scene is unmatched—from orecchiette pasta and barese focaccia to burrata cheese, it’s a true paradise for food and wine enthusiasts.

Andiamo!

Benvenuti in Puglia!

Upon arrival at Bari International Airport, you'll be greeted and whisked away in a reserved private transfer to your charming boutique hotel in the heart of Lecce. The journey to this stunning Baroque city takes approximately two hours.

Alternatively, for travelers who will already be in Italy before the tour starts, we can also arrange transfers from the Lecce or Bari train stations. (Please note that transfers can only be guaranteed for those arriving on the designated arrival day)

Once in Lecce, settle into our gorgeous Boutique Hotel, perfectly located in the historic center! In the afternoon, join us for a delightful welcome drink at the hotel, where we’ll gather for a brief introduction to the exciting journey ahead.

Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Lecce’s vibrant historic center, soaking in the lively atmosphere and breathtaking architecture. Savor a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant in the evening! 

After breakfast, meet our expert guide at the hotel for a full day exploring Lecce, the “Florence of Southern Italy” and a Baroque masterpiece. Visit iconic landmarks like Piazza Duomo, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazza Sant’Oronzo, with a stop to enjoy traditional caffè leccese and local pastries.

Savor a delicious lunch at Tre Rane, then visit a historic papier-mâché workshop to learn about this unique local craft. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, soaking in the lively atmosphere of Lecce’s vibrant movida of restaurants and bars.

Stefano, your tour leader, will recommend his favorite local restaurants and bars for tonight!

After breakfast, we will travel to Otranto, Italy’s easternmost city, to explore its charming seaside town and visit the stunning Cathedral!

Arrive at a stunning Masseria (farmhouse) by noon for a guided tour with Sandra, the owner. Discover the historic underground oil mill and the "Cathedral of Wine," followed by a delightful lunch featuring local products and wines.

In the afternoon, visit Galatina to marvel at the breathtaking frescoes in the Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria, stroll through the old town’s Baroque palaces and quaint streets, and taste the legendary pasticciotto at one the most historical pasticcerie (bakeries) in town!

Get dressed up! Tonight, we will visit a noble residence from the 1700s in Lecce and enjoy an elegant private dinner in its palace court. 

After breakfast, check out and depart for Ostuni. 

En route, visit a stunning Masseria (farmhouse), an authentic 17th-century estate renowned for its cheese production. Pietro, the owner, will guide you through the entire process—from the cowshed to the dairy—showcasing the creation of Mozzarella, Burrata, Stracciatella, and other Apulian cheeses. Explore the aging cellar and trullo filled with Caciocavalli and Canestrati. 

End with a rich Apulian-flavored tasting of cheese, cured meats, fresh produce, and baked goods!

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ostuni, the “White City,” famous for its medieval old town with whitewashed houses and winding alleyways leading to the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption!

Later, transfer to the Itria Valley for check-in to your new home for the next 4 nights!

After breakfast, transfer to the countryside of Fasano to visit a historic 18th-century Masseria. Rosaria, the warm and welcoming owner, will guide you through the ancient olive groves and the medieval underground oil mill. Conclude with a tasting of their exceptional EVO oil, discovering what sets artisanal production apart from store-bought varieties.

Next, head to Monopoli, a picturesque seaside town with whitewashed streets, ancient walls, and landmarks like the Co-Cathedral Basilica of Maria Santissima della Madia, the Church of Purgatory, and Charles V Castle. Stroll along the charming port and soak in the coastal beauty.

Return to the Masseria in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Enjoy a relaxing day at the Masseria or take part in optional excursions in the surrounding area (details to be organized later).

In the afternoon, transfer to Cisternino, a charming rural village recognized as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. Savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant or macelleria (butcher shop) featuring the famous meat bombette.

After breakfast, transfer to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the European Capital of Culture 2019. Embark on a guided tour through the Sassi of Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

Discover how humans have harmonized with nature over millennia, carving homes and churches into the stone. Explore the Rioni Sassi—Barisano and Caveoso—featuring Rupestrian Churches, Case Grotta (cave dwellings)!

Enjoy lunch at a typical cave restaurant, followed by a hands-on bread-making workshop in a historic Sassi house, where you'll learn about the tradition of Matera’s famous bread.

Cheers to an unforgettable day in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. 

After breakfast at the Masseria, transfer to Martina Franca, the elegant "Living Room" of the Itria Valley. This Baroque city is home to the stunning Basilica of San Martino and charming houses with traditional wrought-iron balconies.

Next, head to Locorotondo, a hilltop village known for its whitewashed houses (Cummerse) that shimmer in the Apulian sunlight. Listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, it offers a picturesque stroll and a delicious lunch.

Return to the Masseria for some relaxation before an unforgettable farewell evening. Enjoy a hands-on pasta-making workshop and a delightful dinner featuring local products in a traditional country house in Martina Franca. 

Let’s celebrate an unforgettable week in Puglia!

Salute!

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia and a historic trade hub with the East. Depending on your plans, we’ll drop you off at Bari Train Station or International Airport.

If time allows, we can explore Bari’s Old Town, known for the Basilica of San Nicola and its charming streets, where local women craft orecchiette pasta by hand. You’ll also have free time for a leisurely stroll or shopping in the city center.

Let us know if you’re extending your stay in Italy—I for Italia will gladly assist with your travel plans.

Arrivederci in Puglia!