BEST OF PUGLIA
 Food and Wine Holiday

HIGHLIGHTS

• An 8-day premium accompanied food & wine vacation in fabulous Puglia.

• Small group (maximum 12 guests) accompanied by tour leader & licensed guides

• Seven nights total lodging in charming 4 star historical accommodations in Lecce and an Ostuni masseria:

  • Three nights lodging in our Lecce 4 star boutique hotel

  • Four nights lodging at our Ostuni partner masseria resort (w/ pool) and full restaurant and much more

  • Accommodations based on double standard occupancy and priced per person, upgrades possible

  • All rooms have ensuite baths, laundry service and WIFI is available at all locations​

• Full time bi-lingual host for the duration of the tour

• All breakfasts and 5-lunches, 5-dinners included in carefully selected trattorias, restaurants and winery osterie

• All land transportation in private coach

•  Memorable "welcome cocktail"

• Four premium wine tastings

• Olive Oil & Cheese tastings

• Privately guided city tours in Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Ostuni, Alberobello, Monopoli

• Seaside promenades

• Underground oil mill visit Frantoio Ipogeo

• Visit to the famous Trulli

• Excursion to Fragnite dairy farm

• Olive oil and balsamic tastings in selected wineries

• Plenty of shopping and just enough "down-time" included

• Two wonderful hands-on cooking classes followed by group dinner with wine pairing

• Shopping and relax time included

• Complementary transfer at tour-end back to Brindisi airport & train station

• This tour can be combined with the "Amalfi Coast & Ravello" tour

• Ideal for "first-timers" as well as "repeat visitors" to Puglia

• Level of walking on this tour: MODERATE with up to TWO consecutive hours of walking possible

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ACCOMMODATIONS

Seven nights in charming 4-star quality hotels, historical residences, wineries/country resorts. Room configurations are standard double occupancy with Italian queen size beds. Twin beds (in double occupancy) may not be available at all locations. Single/solo travelers (in their own rooms) will incur a surcharge of $US 750 for 2027, $US 800.00 for 2028. Please note that because of the historical architecture of the properties we partner with, rooms are unique and will likely vary in size. In many instances, it is possible to up-grade standard rooms to deluxe or suites on our tours. Please inquire when booking for supplemental prices for such upgrades.

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MEALS

All breakfasts and nearly all lunches and dinners included (two meals are included daily and there will be many days in which all meals are included as per itinerary).   We hand-pick all restaurants and trattorias on our tours so as to give guests the best experience possible.  Regional wines included at all lunches and dinners.

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TRANSFERS

Tour begins on day one at the hotel in Lecce. Taxi service is readily available upon your arrival at the Brindisi airport and train station to the Lecce hotel located in the city center.  

All land transportation is supplied as per tour specific itinerary including a complimentary transfer at tour end from final residence to the Brindisi airport and train station. Departure time at tour end (day 8) will be at 10.00 am. NB: If you add on days at the completion of the scheduled tour, you will NOT be able to benefit from the the complimentary transfer to the train station.  Naturally we will assist you in reserving a taxi or other service so that you can get to either the airport, train station or other destination in the area.

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GUIDED TOURS

IN PROGRESS SORRY

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COOKING CLASS

There will be two hands-on cooking classes on this tour.  Cooking classes are typically 3 hours that included 3-4 courses.  Upon completion of the classes you will dine as a group "family-style".  Cooking classes are either a local farms or in kitchens of a local restaurant. Local wines will be paired with the courses prepared.

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WINERY VISITS

There are 3 winery visits with premium tastings at local farms/wineries in the tour region.  All wineries are located in Puglia. 

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GROUP TOUR SIZE

Groups range from a minimum of.... oh there is no minimum....to a maximum of 6/12, not too many but just enough!

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AMALFI COAST TOUR

Add this magnificent Amalfi coastal tour on to your scheduled food & wine tour to create the perfect two week Italian vacation package! Visit the "Amalfi Coast" page for tour details. Available from 2028 in our Southern Italy tour.

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TIPS & GRATUITIES

Dining tips are included in your tour.  Should you desire to give a few euros to the hotel staff for the extra great service, that will be very much appreciated. Our licensed tour guides and coach drivers are selected because of their expertise and people skills.  We feel it important to let them know if they are doing a great job and tips are always appreciated. We do suggest tips Euro 5-10 per day for guides and Euro 5 for our coach drivers.

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SECURING YOUR SPOT (S)

After having forwarded the tour registration from this website you will receive a confirmation as well as a tour invoice. Tour deposits of US$550.00 pp (non-refundable) must be paid from either the portal on this website for credit card payments or from the link on your invoice for ACH payments.  Tour balances are due either December 1 (all spring tours) or April 1 (all fall tours). You will receive a payment reminder for final payments approximately 1 month prior to the due dates. You will receive e-welcome packets upon your deposit payment as well as hard copy versions sent to your home via USPS.

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EXTEND YOUR STAY

Let us know if you want to arrive early or stay on after your tour. It is suggested to arrive at least 1 day prior to your tour so that you can acclimate to the change in time zones. Should you like to prolong your stay in Italy,  we'll be happy to give you ideas and of course if you simply want to stay on and relax at one of our partner hotels or country resorts that's always a great plan.  Please inform us of your intentions when booking your tour to ensure your reservations.

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