Puglia: the heel of Italy’s boot and land of gourmet excellence

     

 

1^st day:  Arrival

 

Arrival of guests and hotel accommodation; short wine-cocktail lesson and welcome dinner in the hotel.

 

2^nd day: Ostuni, the WHITE CITY (1 DAY)

 

Visit of an underground oil mill and tasting of ancient cultivar of local olive oil. Following visit of a typical farm, here called “masseria”, where you can look at the production of the cheese cacio ricotta and of  fresh pasta. Country lunch with the typical orecchiette (fresh pasta) with fresh tomato, basil and the cheese cacio ricotta together with other seasonal delicacies. In the afternoon, walk through the many narrow alleys in the wonderful town of Ostuni and visit to an artisan that works terracotta to create coloured whistles of different shapes. Return to the hotel and medieval dinner.

3^rd day: In the land of Negroamaro

Departure for San Pietro Vernotico, to visit the interesting Museum of Wine and Country World dedicated to Ercole Giorgiani. You’ll proceed towards San Donaci situated in the Alto Salento’s land, in an extended area of vineyards. Visit to the wine cellar Cantina Sociale Cooperativa di San Donaci for a wine-tasting and a tour inside, to admire the underground rooms such as the suggestive “bottaia” that looks like a labyrinth. Light lunch with a typical menu. Following excursion to Cellino San Marco, passing along hills between olive groves and vineyards with the typical Negroamaro little plants, here used to produce the most important DOC wine in Puglia, the Salice Salentino. Stop at the wine estate Tenute Albano to discover the wines and country traditions of this very famous Italian singer. Gourmet dinner  in a typical restaurant and return to the hotel.

4^th day: THE PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA (1 DAY)

 

Visit to the Museum of Country Art in Manduria and walk through the vineyards of a farm. You’ll then visit the underground wine cellars and taste company wines during a light country lunch together with local specialities (friselle, taralli, cheese, pork salted meat of any kind, dried tomatoes, artichokes in oil). In the afternoon, visit of an archaeological park and of the wonderful Oria Castle ( this town hosts a traditional Palio horse race in August). Dinner and music in a typical wine bar (an ancient underground oil mill that has been restored).

 

5^th day: Lecce and the historical residences

 

Visit of the historical centre of Lecce, with stop on the Piazza della Cattedrale where you can taste an aperitif with local wine and typical appetizers. You’ll be welcomed by the owners of an historical residence and you’ll visit it. Following cocktail in the drawing room or in the garden. Free time at disposal for lunch. In the afternoon, visit of an artisan weaver and of a workshop, where papier-mâché artefacts are produced, to learn the techniques of production, design and firing of precious typical jewels. Transfer to Ceglie Messapico for a walk in town before dinner at Ristorante Cibus,  to taste a selection of its seasoned cheese and liqueurs. Return to the hotel.

 

6^th day: Barletta and the typical  “trani”

 

Morning excursion to Barletta to visit its historical centre and the wonderful cathedral. Free time for lunch among the many “trani” in town. You’ll later reach Minervino Murge, near Tormaresca, to visit the vineyards and discover the wines of one of the most renowned wine estate in Puglia, the Tenuta Bocca di Lupo. Dinner with a country menu in the hall of the estate. Return to the hotel.

 

7^th day: The Romantic Puglia in Alberobello and Castellana Grotte

 

Departure for Alberobello, to admire the characteristic constructions known as ‘trulli’ and to visit an important dairy, where you can look at the production of local cheese such as the caciotte or the fresh ricotta. Following excursion to the near town of Castellana Grotte, to admire one of the largest groups of caves in Italy. The visit to the caves follows a fascinating route through caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites, past deep crevasses and underground lakes. Return to the hotel for relaxing time before a cooking lesson, during which you’ll learn some seasonal recipes. Tasting of the created menu during dinner.

 

8^th day: Departure of guests