Massimo Bruno's Culinary Tour of Puglia
7 Nights / 8 Days • Group Departure
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Picturesque lodgings at the agriturismo of Masseria Aprile
- Local olive oil, wine and cheese tastings
- A cooking class in traditional Pugliese cuisine
- Visits to the UNESCO world heritage sites of Alberobello and Matera
- Side trips to the Baroque city of Lecce and other scenic coastal towns
- Meeting with the locals, from the olive farmer to the town historian
- And best of all, dining with Massimo’s mom, Francesca Bruno!
INCLUDES:
- 7 nights four star accommodations
- Massimo Bruno, chef and local expert, as your Tour Leader – and local guides in some locations
- Cooking Class in Lecce
- Most meals (per itinerary) including special lunch with Massimo’s family
- Transportation via minibus or private vehicles
- Excursions and entrance fees as mentioned in itinerary
PRICE:
CAD$3,400
Price is per person, based on double occupancy.
May 14 – 21, 2018
September 24 – October 1, 2018
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 - Arrival Day
It’s arrival day! We will meet the group at 13:00 in Hotel Oriente in Bari and transfer to Agriturismo Masseria Aprile in Locorotondo Tonight, let’s discover the Locorotondo old town. We’ll get to know each other over dinner at 8pm at a local Pizzeria in Locorotondo.
DAY 2 – Alberobello
Today after pickup at Masseria Aprile we visit the UNESCO site of Alberobello, famous for its more than 1,500 trulli located right in the city centre. Here we’ll have a wine tasting at Albea winery, lunch in Locorotondo, and dinner in Martina Franca at a local restaurant.
DAY 3 – Lecce and cooking class
This morning is free: you have plenty of time to relax and read a book, sleep in, walk to town or just explore the grounds. We’ll have a lazy lunch at the Masseria before heading out.
This afternoon we’re off to the south part of Puglia to visit Lecce, the capital of Baroque. We’ll discover Lecce with a private guide – it’s a fascinating city. There will be plenty of time to stop for an espresso if you’d like! Afterwards, we’ll meet up with Massimo’s friend, Chef Gianna Greco, to try making some local Puglian fare at a fun cooking class. We’ll make our way back to the Masseria when we’re full!
DAY 4 – Ostuni
This morning we’re off to one of the oldest olive groves in Puglia – and an olive oil tasting at Masseria Brancati in Ostuni.
We’ll have lunch at local restaurant in Ostuni before spending the rest of the day relaxing at the Masseria. This evening we will visit a Caseificio, where they make fresh burrata on site. Eventually we’ll make our way to Cisternino where we eat at a typical Puglia Braceria (or, grill house).
DAY 5 – Polignano a Mare
This morning we visit the beautiful town of Polignano a Mare, where (weather permitting) we’ll have a boat tour of the coast. We’ll stop for lunch at a local seafood restaurant (not included). Later we head back to our home base, the comfortable Masseria. We’ll have dinner in Locorotondo this evening.
DAY 6 – Matera
Today we visit another UNESCO world heritage site, Matera, famous for the old houses dug into the rock – the “sassi di Matera”. We will have a private guide. We’ll stop for lunch at local Salumeria. After lunch, we make our way back to Masseria together – we have loads of time for a snooze or a walk, depending on your interests. Whatever you choose, you should work up an appetite! This evening we will have a special dinner at Masseria: a Panzerottata, (a typical Puglia calzone) and, of course, more food.
DAY 7 – Toritto “La Famiglia Lunch”
After a lazy start to the morning, we’re on to the highlight of the trip: today we have “La Famiglia” lunch with Massimo’s family! His mom, Francesca, and Zia Anna will make a nice southern Italian style lunch with his mom’s homemade orecchiette pasta.
After this, we visit Massimo’s hometown of Bitritto – it’s not a tourist destination, but Massimo’s stories will make the place come alive. His heart is still there! After seeing Bitritto, we head back to the Masseria. You probably won’t be hungry for the rest of the day, so there is nothing planned. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can head to nearby Locorotondo on your own (a 10-15 minute walk) or just relax at Masseria on your own.
DAY 8 – Departure Day
This morning we will say our good-byes. There will be one group transfer to Bari (depending on the majority of the group). Alternate transfers can be arranged.
Options:
- Many of our clients extend their trips. Ask us about affordable airfares and pre- or post-stay options
- If you like this trip but would prefer a private departure, let us know
1.877.926.2500
[email protected]
Price is per person based on two people sharing a standard room. Other room types: please inquire. Proof of insurance is mandatory; if you need to purchase trip cancellation or health insurance please inquire. For full Booking Conditions, please see thetravelsociety.com/booking-conditions/ Tour is operated by The Travel Society, Inc., 174 Spadina Ave., Suite 404, Toronto, ON, M5T 2C2, Canada; 1 (877) 926 2500; TICO Registration #1280649