PUGLIA
JUNE 2023
Adventure with us across the plains of Basilicata and over the rocky terrain of the Murgia, to reach the sun drenched stone houses and sparkling beaches of the Adriatic Sea. In the extreme south of Italy lie the white villages of Valle d'Itria. Many travelers do not venture this far south and miss out on the magic of this place. A foodie's dream, Puglia offers the freshest seafood, floral and smokey capocollo from the village of Martina Franca, grano arso (charred grain) pasta from the burning fields of Basilicata, and more hidden culinary treasures.
Accommodation:
2 nights at Sant Angelo Resort in ancient Matera, and 5 nights in your own trullo in Monopoli.
Sant Angelo is a luxury resort carved from the tufa stone that makes up the city of Matera. This property has some of the best views of the sassi, modern Italian furnishings and amenities, and is located in the middle of it all, making it perfect for exploring the village on foot.
Our second leg of the trip brings us into Puglia to experience this region through ancient eyes at DON FERRANTE . Each trullo once used to house farmers, animals, and hay, have been converted into a private luxury apartments at this 17th century property. Each apartment has all of the modern amenities including air conditioning, en suite bathroom, satellite TV, and Wi Fi. Relax poolside or explore the surrounding olive groves.
DAY 1 WELCOME TO THE SOUTH
We will meet you in Naples at Capodichino Airport, Napoli Centrale train station or if you have already arrived we will pick you up at your hotel in Naples and head to Matera for the next two nights. Check into Hotel Sant' Angelo then meet for dinner in the ancient heart of Matera, The Sassi.
DAY 2, THE SASSI
Discover the workshops of the artisans of Matera to learn about the Greek roots of their art and culture, and visit the ancient Madonna della Idris. Free day to shop and explore with lunch on your own. Dinner with a view tonight in the sassi.
DAY 3 ANCIENT OVENS & HIDDEN ART LECCE INSTEAD
Venture into the countryside into a shepherd's cave, where some of the best preserved and oldest frescoes are located, dating back to the 8th century. Lunch at one of the oldest known bakeries in Puglia to see the famous pane di Matera still being made in a 600 year old oven. Transfer to Masseria Cappucini with dinner in the nearby village of Cisternino, famous for it's "bombette".
DAY 4 SAIL ALONG THE ADRIATIC COAST NO BOAT RIDE
After breakfast, we depart from Polignano A Mare and cruise on private boat to visit the alcoves and dramatic cliffs of the Adriatic coast. Free time in Polignano A Mare before returning to the agriturismo. Relax before dinner tonight.
DAY 5 COOKING CLASS AT A MASSERIA.
Hands on cooking class at a16th century masseria with a group of local casalinge, (Italian housewives). Dinner tonight at the agriturismo.
DAY 6 THE TRULLI OF ALBEROBELLO
Wine and olive oil tasting at Amastuolo today and a stop in Martina Franca, well known for its salumi production, especially cappocollo. Wander the labyrinth of ancient trulli houses in Alberobello to figure out their mysterious origins. Dinner al fresco tonight at Il Frantoio.
DAY 7 FREE DAY THEN DINNER IN OSTUNI INSTEAD OF BARI??
Visit the "orecchiette ladies" of Bari and try the best focaccia Barese in the region at a tiny bakery tucked inside the historic center, followed by a stop at an organic gelateria. Free time to explore historic Bari then back to the masseria before dinner tonight at Il Tempo Perso in the glimmering hilltop city of Ostuni.
DAY 8 RETURN TO NAPLES OR TRAVEL ON WITH US FOR A 4 NIGHT EXCURSION INTO THE HIDDEN GEMS OF THE AMALFI COAST. SEE ITINERARY BELOW
We will meet for breakfast before heading back to Napoli Centrale train station or Capodichino Airport, depending on their travel needs. If you will be joining us for another 3 nights, we will return guests to the airport before departing for our hotel in Raito.
Puglia 7 night tour rate:
$4,200 per person, double occupancy
Included in price:
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2 Nights Luxury Accommodations at Hotel Sant Angelo in Matera, Italy and 5 nights accommodations at Hotel Don Ferrante, Monopoli, Italy.
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Queen size bed, air conditioning, ensuite
private bath, TV, Wi-fi
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Breakfast daily
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5 Lunches & All Dinners
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Wine included with all meals
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Private transportation throughout the tour
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All entrance fees to excursions outlined in tour
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All taxes and gratuities
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Airport/Train Station transfers to and from Naples
Not Included:
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International Airfare
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Travel insurance
Reserve your spot for
Puglia 2024
For more details or questions please contact Angela at angela@cicalarestaurant.com
or call (443) 440-0473
3 NIGHTS ABRUZZO INSTEAD AMALFI COAST EXCURSION
(Immediately following Puglia tour.)
Often visitors to the Amalfi Coast have only scratched it's surface of culinary treasures. To find some of it's best kept secrets you must head higher up still into the mountains, far above the tourist towns. Our home for 4 nights is on the coast at Hotel Raito.
$2,800.00 per person
EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS:
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Wine tasting at Le Vigne
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4 dinners and 4 lunches
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Hands on cooking class at an agriturismo
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Boat excursion for lunch
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Visit to local artisans
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Transportation to Napoli airport or train station for departure.
4 Nights accommodations at Hotel Raito Wellness Spa. Located just above the village of
Vietri Sul Mare, Hotel Raito is within walking distance to tiny shops, bars, and cafes, making it a perfect location to explore on your own and get to know the locals.
DAY 1
Check into Hotel Raito and relax a while or explore the village. We will meet in late afternoon to visit Le Vigne winery for tour followed by a sunset dinner with wine tasting overlooking the Bay of Naples.
DAY 2
Today we cruise the coast to have lunch at a restaurant accessible only by boat. Free time in Vietri Sul Mare for shopping afterward. Dinner tonight in Minori at Ristorante Giardiniello.
DAY 3
Today we visit our neighbors in the tiny village of Albori for a cooking class. Rest of the day free then
tonight is a casual dinner of Neapolitan pizzas in Vietri Sul Mare.
DAY 4
We grab lunch at a local bruschetteria before heading to Praiano. After lunch we are off to Praiano to visit two very unique hidden artisans. Free time in Positano. Farewell dinner tonight in Salerno.
DAY 5
Return to Naples for departure. Ciao until next time!