Welcome to Puglia!

For our first evening together, we will enjoy a delicious welcome dinner in the historic town center savoring traditional culinary delights of Puglia and Lecce.

During dinner, we will introduce ourselves, get to know each other, and discuss the week ahead.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure! Start your day with a light breakfast, then tie on your apron as we head to Lecce for our very first hands-on cooking class. We’ll meet our welcoming host in the heart of Lecce’s main square, who will lead us through the vibrant local market in this charming city, often called the “Florence of the South.” At Lecce’s oldest market, you’ll discover how to select the freshest ingredients for our class, while learning about the nutritional power of legumes and why they deserve a bigger spot on our plates.

Once we’ve gathered our market treasures, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the kitchen. We’ll craft pasta from scratch, pairing it with the beautiful produce we just picked out, and the experience wouldn’t be complete without exploring the rich world of Puglian wines.

After indulging in our homemade feast, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through Lecce, guided through its baroque splendor. As we wander its elegant streets and admire the city’s ornate architecture, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this enchanting place we’re lucky to call home during our journey.

Today’s journey takes us to one of our favorite masseria and wineries, where we’ll indulge in a delectable lunch paired with an exquisite wine tasting. The culinary delights we’ll savor are crafted from fresh, authentic ingredients, rooted in ancient traditions and infused with the creativity that defines Salento’s iconic cuisine. We’ll immerse ourselves in the rich flavors of Pugliese gastronomy, enjoying a series of sumptuous courses perfectly matched with five distinguished wines from the masseria. Gathered around a bountiful table, we’ll share stories, laughter, songs, and those unforgettable moments that embody Italy’s enchanting “Dolce Vita.“

Following our incredible lunch, we head to the captivating town of Alberobello. Be sure your camera is fully charged—today’s adventure will be one to remember! Alberobello’s charming, narrow streets are lined with unique “trulli,” the iconic conical-roofed houses made of whitewashed stone. This whimsical and extraordinary town is a must-see gem of Puglia.

We’ll return to Lecce in the late afternoon, giving you some free time to relax or explore on your own.

Later, after our class and the hearty lunch, we’ll embark on a guided tour through Lecce, often hailed as the capital of Baroque art. Wandering through its elegant streets, we’ll uncover the city’s artistic treasures and gain a deeper appreciation of our beautiful home base. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with culture, cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.

Puglia offers a delectable array of traditional sweets, each tied to a special occasion. Today, we’ll uncover the time-honored secrets passed down through generations of local grandmothers—secrets that have helped our instructor preserve the authentic flavors of the region. Our class will be held in a charming masseria, where we’ll craft some of Puglia’s most beloved desserts, such as pasticciotto, mustazzoli, cartellate, purceddhuzzi, and zeppole. As our treats bake, we’ll enjoy a light lunch together. Naturally, dessert will be the fruits of our labor.

After class, we’ll walk off some of those sweet indulgences with a visit to the picturesque seaside town of Otranto, known as the pearl of Salento. Explore the striking Aragonese Castle, with its distinctive pentagonal layout that inspired Horace Walpole’s gothic novel The Castle of Otranto, and marvel at the Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest floor mosaic—its true meaning still a subject of debate. You’ll also have free time to browse the charming shops that line the town’s lively main piazza.

Today, we embark on a flavorful journey to an olive oil mill, where we’ll uncover the secrets behind organic extra virgin olive oil — from its meticulous production and preservation to its optimal use. Our guided tour will take us through the charming Masseria, an ancient underground mill, and a breathtaking millenary olive grove. We’ll then savor a technical tasting of four distinct organic extra virgin olive oils, guided by an expert olive oil sommelier. After indulging in this ‘liquid gold,’ we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch in a stunning, picturesque setting.

Post-lunch, we’ll stroll through the enchanting streets of Ostuni, affectionately known as the ‘White City’ for its gleaming whitewashed buildings — a perfect way to walk off our meal.

We’ll return to Lecce in the late afternoon, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your own pace.

Today promises another unforgettable experience as we visit a breathtaking Masseria, where every moment will engage your senses. Prepare to be immersed in a vibrant journey filled with colors, scents, and heartwarming encounters. You’ll meet the joyful animals of the Masseria—cows, sheep, goats, and their playful young—and discover a love story that begins and ends with milk. Get up close, feed them, and even share a gentle caress.

The experience continues with a stop at the bottega, a true feast for the senses—a colorful array of cheeses boasting a variety of flavors and shapes. And of course, a delicious full lunch awaits. Indulge in a carefully curated menu featuring organic cheeses and dairy products made on-site, traditional Salento frisa, flavorful local vegetables, aubergines in oil, and much more.

After our farm adventure and hearty meal, we’ll stroll through the charming town of Gallipoli. This picturesque fishing village, with its Greek origins and Mediterranean charm, offers a stunning old town perched on an island, now linked to the mainland by a bridge. Wander through its maze of quaint alleys and scenic streets, each corner inviting you to capture the perfect photo in this truly unique seaside gem.

Today, you will have the day on your own to spend at leisure in Lecce. Do some shopping, visit the hotel exquisite spa, visit the nearby Duomo or arrange with our wonderful hotel staff to be escorted to the beach for the day. The day is yours to spend as you wish!

​In the evening, we will enjoy a final celebration dinner.

Our time together has come to a close, if your flight schedule allows, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

NOTE: As we partner with small, family-run businesses, some flexibility in the above itinerary is necessary. We may adjust the schedule, modify activities, or substitute locations to ensure the best possible experience. A finalized itinerary will be provided two weeks before our adventure begins.