Gourmet Wine & Food Experience in Puglia
6 nights from $5,706pp
In a country renowned for its exquisite food and wine, Puglia stands out as a real foodie gem. This seven-day gastronomic experience introduces you to the flavours of Puglia with visits to vineyards, olive oil farms, a cheese dairy, and fine dining restaurants in unique locations. There’s plenty of culture too, with visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the cave-town of Matera and conical trulli of Alberobello – and the opportunity to explore two picturesque seaside towns by land and sea.
Highlights of our Wine & Food Experience in Puglia
- Stay in two exquisite hotels, a romantic cave-hotel in the heart of Matera, and a resort hotel resembling a traditional Puglian town near Savelletri.
- Discover the unique hilltop town of Matera and explore its cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches on a walking tour.
- Learn about Apulian wines with chauffeured wine tours around vineyards in Salento and Alberobello, and sample some of their fine vintages.
- Savour the flavours of Puglia with olive oil and cheese tastings, and a selection of fine dining dinners in unusual settings including a cave restaurant in Matera and a natural sea cave in Polignano a Mare.
- Discover the picturesque seaside towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare by land and sea on a full-day guided tour with boat trip.
- Visit the town of Alberobello, renowned for its conical trulli dwellings.
- Learn the secrets of Apulian cuisine with a cookery class in the heart of the Puglian countryside.
Day 1: Arrival in Matera
Upon arrival at Bari Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver for the journey to Matera, a unique hilltop town in southern Italy comprised of cave dwellings that’s the third oldest continuously inhabited town in the world.
Your hotel for the next three nights is equally unique, a luxurious cave-hotel set around a 13th-century church hewn into the rock. Settle in your gloriously romantic room and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the Gravina Canyon. Dinner reservations are at a fine dining restaurant with superb views over the town and rock church.
Day 2: Discover the Deep History of Matera
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, Matera has undergone a dramatic transformation from a town in poverty to 2019 European Capital of Culture. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be met by your private guide for a walking tour of this fascinating place.
Trace man’s occupation from the Palaeolithic to the present day, as you wind your way through cave dwellings and along narrow alleyways, gaining an understanding of daily life in the caves. Learn about the town’s turbulent past as you explore rock-hewn churches and local museums, and enjoy some free time for lunch (or ask us to include this as part of your tour).
Day 3: A Chauffeured Wine Tour of the Salento Region
After breakfast at your hotel, your private guide will collect you for a full-day chauffeured wine tour of the Salento region in south-eastern Puglia. This warm, sunny region boasts rich, fertile soil, ideal for cultivating a range of wines including white, red, rosé and sparkling, though it’s perhaps best known for its local grape varieties such as negroamaro, primitivo, malvasia nera and fiano.
Your tour takes you to two of the region’s best-loved wineries, an Old World winery dating back to 1665 which produced Italy’s first rosé, and a family-run vineyard that’s equally renowned for its olive oil, jams and dips. Tour the vineyards, learn about their unique terroir, climate and grapes, enjoy tastings of their wines and other goodies, and savour a fantastic vineyard lunch paired with wine.
Day 4: Matera to a Savelletri, With a stop for Wine Tasting
Following breakfast at your hotel, check out of Matera and hop in your private car heading for the petite seaside town of Savelletri. Along the way, you’ll enjoy several stops introducing you to the Apulian food and wine of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historic trulli – dry stone huts with conical roofs.
Enjoy a tour and tasting at a local vineyard, discover more about ancient winemaking techniques at the Albea Wine Museum, savour local cheeses at a dairy, and make the most of some free time to wander amongst the trulli.
After a fascinating day, check into your castle-like hotel in Savelletri, built in the style of a traditional Puglian village.
Day 5: Discover the Seaside Towns of Puglia
Discover two of Puglia’s most popular seaside towns in this full-day guided tour of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. A traditional fishing village, Monopoli old town is a delightful jumble of arches and alleyways, lined with whitewashed houses, noble palaces and boutique shops. Explore its ancient churches and marvel at the picturesque working harbour.
Perched atop dramatic sea cliffs, Polignano a Mare enjoys panoramic views over the sea. Wander around the historic centre, take in the views from its many balconies, and discover beautiful old churches and picture-perfect beaches.
Your tour includes a boat trip so you can admire the town from the sea and visit sea cliffs. Round off the day with dinner in a fine dining restaurant set in a natural sea cave with sublime views.
Day 6: A Cooking Class in the Coutryside of Puglia
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be driven to the heart of the countryside to embrace the flavours of Puglia. Discover the secrets of Apulian cuisine at a hands-on cooking class, wander through ancient olive groves learning about the cultivation of extra virgin olive oil and enjoy a tasting of three different oils, then enjoy a vineyard lunch among the vines paired with wines from the estate.
Back at your hotel, you have a little free time to laze around the pools, unwind on the private beaches, or revitalise with a treatment in the spa.
Day 7: Final day in Puglia
It’s the final day of your trip today, but you may still have time to squeeze in another swim before your transfer to the airport.
If you fancy extending your Italian holiday, why not head to the opposite coastline to explore the Amalfi Coast or venture further west to Sicily?
Where You Could Stay in Puglia
Masseria Torre Maizza
Amongst the sun-kissed landscapes of Puglia, the 16th century Masseria Torre Maizza was inspired by the sensational beauty of this region and guided by the ethos of Rocco Forte Hotels.
Read more
Borgo Egnazia
Tradition weaves its magic into every sun-drenched courtyard at Borgo Egnazia.
Read more
We craft each itinerary just for you. Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable food and wine tour in Puglia.
Start Planning
