Puglia: The Heel of Italy's Boot
Experience Puglia!
April 21-28, 2026
Discover Puglia—an enchanting land of whitewashed homes draped in colorful bougainvillea and olive trees thickened by centuries of growth. Situated between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Puglia is more reminiscent of Greece than Tuscany. Crystal clear water and golden beaches hug the shore. Traditional trulli homes with pointed roofs set in dried stone dot the rugged landscape. This area was once the center of the Mediterranean universe. Memories of its glorious past can still be seen in the palaces and churches, castles and fortress walls that adorn the towns.
As we explore this land of ever-lasting summer, we’ll discover its flavorful cuisine of fresh seafood and vegetables, fava beans, and creamy cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, burrata. Learn to make traditional Pulgian dishes: airy focaccia and the region’s famed orecchiette pasta. Visit wineries and sample the local Susumaniello grape; taste olive oil from a 1000-year-old tree.
We’ll begin our tour in Lecce, a town known as the “Florence of the South.” Staying at the Palazzo Rollo—a private home and palace in the center of town—we’ll discover this Baroque gem with its own Roman amphitheater. Then we’ll travel north to experience country living at the Masserie Cevarolo, a former fortified farmhouse with its own organic gardens, vineyards, swimming pool, and spa.
We’ll be visiting the following cities along the way: Lecce, Otranti, Ostuni, Martina Franca, Cisternino, Alberobello, Matera in Basilicata, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare. Nearby airports: Brindisi and Bari.
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Experience Pulgia
$4400 per person, double occupancy
$800 Single Supplement
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Included in the Puglia culinary tour are 3 nights accommodations at the Palazzo Rollo and 4 nights at the Masseria Cevarolo, all ground transportation after arriving in Lecce, all group activities and guided tours, cooking classes and tastings, and meals listed in the itinerary.
A $1000 deposit is required to secure your place. Since the number of participants is limited and accommodations vary, early registration is advised.
Delicious Expeditions also offers culinary tours to:
Croatia, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Istria, Michoacán, New York City, Northern Italy, Prince Edward Island, Puglia, Quebec, San Miguel de Allende, Savannah, Slovenia, Spain, The Camino, Tuscany, Umbria, Venice & ViennaDon't just take our word for it!
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An Ancient Land of Sun and Sea
¡Benvenuto!
Arrive to Lecce and the beautiful Palazzo Rollo. Settle in before an evening walking tour that delves into the town’s glorious past. Marvel at the stunning architecture and vibrant culture. Dinner of local specialties.
See Puglia photo gallery coming soon.
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Market Day
Tour Lecce’s main market with our local chef as we buy ingredients for our cooking class. Meet fishmongers and vegetable vendors before heading to the kitchen to learn how to create an amazing seafood meal. Free afternoon to explore on your own.
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A Glorious Past
Travel to the seaside town of Otranto, one of the most important maritime centers of the Roman Empire. Stroll the alleyways of the walled historic center and admire the turquoise sea. Trattoria lunch. Wine tasting and tour at a local vineyard. Late afternoon gelato-making class.
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Hidden Alleyways
We’ll head north to our next accommodations—the Masseria Cevarolo, a restored 16th-century farmhouse that’s surrounded by ancient olive groves. Stop in the charming town of Cisternino to wander its maze of narrow streets set against white stone houses. Lunch at a butcher shop that doubles as a restaurant. Free afternoon to explore Martina Franca with its elegant old town full of palaces and sidewalk cafés. Dinner at the Masseria.
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The White City
Discover our neighboring town of Ostuni, also known as the “White City” due to its many whitewashed buildings. This picturesque town full of hidden alleyways and squares is perched on a hill and offers stunning panoramic views. Free lunch. Visit a multi-generational olive oil producer to learn about what locals call “liquid gold.” Tasting and tour of the property. Dinner at the Masseria.
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Cave Dwellings
Explore the ancient city of Matera in Italy’s Basilicata province during a guided walking tour. Once considered “the shame of Italy” for its caves that housed the poor until the 1970s, the city is now a UNESCO site full of ancient churches, museums, restaurants, and boutiques. Free time to wander and explore. On the way back, we’ll stop in the charming town of Grottaglie to learn about its long tradition with ceramics. Dinner at the Masseria.
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The Deep Blue Sea
We’re off to Polignano a Mare, a seaside town that’s dramatically perched on limestone cliffs. Explore the historic trulli in Alberobello, a town with a concentration of traditional homes. Visit a buffalo farm and learn to make your own mozzarella cheese. Farewell dinner at the Masseria.
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Buon Viaggio!
After a final breakfast together, depart for Brindisi airport or train station.
Our itinerary is designed to showcase the best of the Pulgia while allowing enough free time for you to also explore on your own.
The above is a sample itinerary. Minor adjustments might be made depending on local events and festivals. Hotels may be substituted depending on availability.
Physical Requirements:
Walking 1-2 miles a day, standing at least an hour at a time, and climbing 2 flights of stairs.