When it comes to choosing your next holiday, it can be a daunting experience… I mean, there are just SO many places out there to see, so how do you know where to start?
Well, that’s where I come in. Not only will I help you narrow down your destination choices (based on the time of year you want to travel, your ‘wish list’ and your budget), but I will design you an itinerary that ticks all of your ‘Must do’ boxes.
To help you discover new and exciting itinerary ideas, I’ve decided to share real itineraries with you every WEEK, so that it can kick start those ideas, and highlight exactly what it is that i do (because believe it or not, I’m not just here to book you the cheapest flight). I work with specialist travel partners around the world, who help me tailor your journey and who are on the ground, and able to incorporate immersive experiences that will add to the magic of your journey, and give it that something a little EXTRA.
So, without further ado, take a peek at this active foodie adventure, thought Italy’s hot spot, PUGLIA! This itinerary has been designed for a client, in conjunction with one of my travel partners
Active Food Adventures in Puglia – 7 Day Culinary & Cycling Itinerary
This is a beautiful discovery itinerary through the region of Puglia, Italy, which lies in the heel of the boot, along the sun-drenched Adriatic Sea. Puglia offers access to the freshest seafood, crowd-free open spaces, irresistible desserts and pastries, distinct wines, and the 50 million olive trees that make this region the world’s leading producer of olive oil. Head to Puglia and hear the voices of the past call out over the tru//i houses… I promise, once you discover it, Puglia will leave a lasting impression.
There is an openness and rustic charm in Puglia that is reflected not only the personality of the locals, but also in the sharing of food. Local dishes are simple yet thoroughly flavourful and have stood the test of time as they’ve passed from generation to generation. The region also has countless historical and cultural treasures. Its long and colourful history, ranging from Norman to Byzantine occupation, has resulted in an eclectic mix of architecture, cultural sites and matchless hospitality.
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
You will be met at your flight by our partner representatives upon arriving into Bari, where you will take a quick tour of the enchanting old city of Bari Vecchia. Here the local ladies still make pasta by hand sitting outside their houses. Their speed and precision will amaze you! From here we’ll shuttle you to Matera to settle into your hotel in the amazing “Sassi” district, now a UNESCO site. You’ll check into the unique cave hotel, the exclusive Sextantio. Overnight: Sextantio, Grotto delta Civilta, Matera
Day 2: Exploring the Sassi
This morning your expert local guide will meet you for a detailed walk around the Sassi and reveal the many secrets of this fascinating city, only recently seen by foreign eyes. You are free for lunch at one of Matera’s many great restaurants offering the typical “Lucana” cuisine of the region. After lunch you will be shuttled to you to your luxury home for the next four nights – the beautiful Borgo Egnazia Resort & Spa (approx. 90 minutes’ drive) Overnight at Borgo Egnazia (B)
Day 3: Adventures in the Puglia Kitchen
Your culinary adventure starts with a guided visit to the local market to select ingredients for your class. An executive chef will introduce you to local vendors and produce. He will share secrets of local dishes as you help him chop fresh zucchini and learn the ancient techniques southern Italian cooking.
After the class, you will all enjoy a delicious lunch together, and he will introduce you to some of his favourite local wine, although we might have a glass during the class as well! The chef will be more than happy to welcome you into his kitchen and is a patient, fun and highly skilled teacher. This experience will provide you with plenty of memorable moments from sunny Puglia and hopefully dishes you can recreate at home!
Evening and dinner at leisure at your hotel. We recommend a light bite at the champagne and oyster bar in the nearby village of Savelletri. Overnight: Borgo Egnazia (B, L)
Day 4: Olive Oil & Pedaling the ltria Valley Cycling:
Bargo Egnazia – Cisternino -Ostuni 68km / 42 miles with a visit to an olive oil estate
After a thorough bike fit it’s time to explore Puglia on two wheels! Your ride begins with a lovely climb into the chic and beautiful hilltop town of Cisternino, where you will enjoy sweeping views of the ltria Valley. You will have time for a coffee or gelato to recharge your batteries before continuing along the ridge of the Murgia plateau to Ostuni, a stunning white citadel with breathtaking sea views.
After lunch on your own in Ostuni you’ll visit a fascinating olive oil estate for an in-depth tour and tasting. Then it’s back on the bike to return to Borgo Egnazia for a relaxing evening. Overnight at Borgo Egnazia (B)
Day 5: Biking & Burrata in Trullo Country Cycling:
Alberobello – Locorotondo – Martina Franca loop 49km/3lmi with a visit to a burrata cheese-maker
This morning you will be shuttled to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, to visit the famous “trul/i” houses with our excellent local guide. These cone shaped dwellings are unique to the region and in Alberobello you see a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses.
You’ll also stop at a cheese maker for an insider’s look at the wildly indulgent burrata cheese. Today’s route is a circular ride deep into the altria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo – known for its excellent dry white wine made from local Verdeca grapes.
Continue on to Martina Franca – a must see town for its marvellously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning palazzo.
After your ride we will shuttle you back to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon and evening. Overnight at Borgo Egnazia (B)
Day 6: Salento Vineyards & Baroque Lecce
Following check-out, you will visit one of Puglia’s most renowned wineries – Li Veli. After a fascinating tour with the vineyard’s expert oenologist, you will be treated to a private wine tasting over-looking the ageing barrels of wine.
Your final destination is Lecce, the capital of the Salento Province. Known as the ‘Florence of the South’, the city hosts amazing Baroque masterpieces and treasures of Italy. On arrival in Lecce you will enjoy a light lunch at one of the city’s many “trattorie” before embarking on a dedicated walking tour where our guide will reveal the secrets of the imposing architecture and millennia of fascinating history revealed before your very eyes.
Evening and dinner at leisure in Lecce. Overnight at Fiermontina, Lecce (B, L)
DAY 7: Departure & Farewell
Take some time this morning to shop in a few of Lecce’s lovely artisan boutiques before carrying on with your onward journey.
What’s Included:
- 1 night at Sextantio Hotel, Matera (Classic Room)
- 4 nights at 5 star Borgo Egnazia Resort in a Corte Bella room
- 1 night at La Fiermontina Urban Resort, Lecce Arrival shuttle from Bari Airport
- Departure shuttle to Brindisi Airport
- All shuttles described in the daily activities
- Private cooking class and lunch with our executive chef
- 2 days professionally guided cycling with biking guide and dedicated support vehicle
- Use of the finest and best maintained road bikes in Southern Italy
- Detailed route notes and maps Visit to Bari Vecchia
- Walking tour of UNESCO sites Matera and Alberobello with expert local guide Burrata-making at a local cheese-maker
- Visit to an ancient olive oil estate with tasting Visit to a winery in the Salento province Walking tour of Lecce with an expert guide
- 6 breakfasts and 2 lunches (one lunch in Lecce and one during the cooking class)
YOUR ACCOMMODATION
SEXANTIO, MATERA
The Sextantio hotel “Grotta delta Civilita” is a fascinating hotel concept. The lodging is carved out of the rock and you are effectively staying in a cave – but a cave with the comforts of modern living and a stylish regeneration. The owners of the Sextantio group are passionate about preserving the history and architecture of Southern Italy’s historic centers and with this fabulous hotel you can experience the real heritage of ancient Matera from within. http://www.sextantio.it/grotte-civita/
BORGO EGNAZIA, SAVELLETRI DI FASANO
Inspired by Puglia’s rich traditions, yet thoroughly contemporary in its style, Borgo Egnazia is a true masterpiece of architecture and design. Every detail of the hotel’s main building, separate and private villas, each with its own swimming pool, has been meticulously designed to ensure the highest standards of luxury. The adjacent world renowned San Domenico Golf Course, with 18 holes, par-72, the Egnathia Spa with water and body treatments, the Beach Club, tennis club, and many other activities, make it an unforgettable destination. A shimmering coastline, ancient olive groves, the Roman town of Egnazia and are nearby for exploration. http://www.borgoegnazia.it/
LA FIERMONTINA, LECCE
An oasis of calm in the heart of Lecce, La Fiermontina is a rare urban retreat. Throughout its sixteen unique guestrooms and suites this historic palazzo features star-pinnacled ceilings, fireplaces and intimate balconies, all finished by the French interior design firm C.P. and C. The walled garden is a private hideaway in the middle ofthe bustling city. Groves of olive and orange trees and the pristine pool create the perfect setting for an afternoon of complete relaxation. http://www.lafiermontina.com
>> All prices on application and itinerary is subject to seasonality <<
************
As you can see this is an example of a fully inclusive, tailor-made experiential journey through one of Italy’s most idyllic regions. By working with myself and in conjunction with my travel partners on the ground in Italy, we are able to put together a truly memorable itinerary, that is more than just the logistics of planes, trains and automobiles (oh, and where you’ll lay your head each night).
For help planning your next journey, that will allow you to escape the ordinary, get in touch!
You can reach me here: kate@smartflyer.com.au
Kate xx
No Comments