Doing Italy’s exclusive expedition begins in Monopoli*, Italy, at the 5* Don Ferrante.

Hotel room check-in: Available from 2pm.

Meet and greet with your host, Thea Duncan: 5pm.

Enjoy a welcome cocktail on the terrace with sea view over the stunning Monopoli coastline and bastions. We’ll then stroll to the captivating town of Monopoli, rich in history and Mediterranean charm. Its ancient origins are mirrored in the winding, narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and the impressive fortified seafront that tells tales of a past with maritime prowess and cultural exchanges. The soul of Monopoli is its picturesque old harbor, where traditional fishing boats paint a scene straight out of an Italian postcard.

Indulge in the local cuisine and enjoy your welcome dinner in Puglia in a traditional Slow Food osteria.

Meals: Dinner

Begin the day with a 100% Apulian adventure, taking you into the heart of the countryside where sees of olive groves find their natural setting. We shall visit the premises of a former Benedictine monastic agricultural settlement at the foot of Castel del Monte. Get to know the native varietals, Nero di Troia and Bombino, at a local biodynamic wine estate, set in the heart of the Alta Murgia national park.

We'll move on to learn the ropes of vegetable growing, then relish them at an all-time great Slow Food osteria with Pietro, a remarkable ambassador and true apostle of Apulian cuisine.

After lunch, we will continue south to Alberobello, an astonishing UNESCO heritage site with endless unforgettable views, and tour the old town with its unique dry-stone conic dwellings.

Enjoy a traditional gelato in the piazza of Alberobello before going back to Monopoli at around 6pm for a relaxing evening with dinner at your leisure and some recommendations and tips for wine and dine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We depart today for Altamura, a city steeped in history and tradition, perhaps most famous for its bread, Pane di Altamura. These delicious loaves are baked in traditional stone ovens giving it a unique flavor, a crispy crust, and a soft, fragrant interior. 

After a visit and tasting at one of the oldest ovens in town, enjoy the drive through the gravine and murge Lucane, on our way to Matera. Once there you’ll enjoy a traditional tasting lunch with vegetables and Slow Food presidia ingredients from the region.

Continue the adventure with a private walk in the Sassi as we explore the history of its urban development along narrow paths, alleys, and stairways with numerous stops at rock churches, cave houses, and water collection systems. 

After the guided stroll, you’ll have some free time before heading back to Monopoli. You’ll then enjoy dinner with a local butcher. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You’ll begin your adventure today after breakfast with a white dive into traditional burrata, mozzarella, and scamorza making with a local family. Look forward to a cheese making demonstration followed by a thorough tasting of these milky treats while talking about Apulian culinary tradition and learning more about these world-renowned dairy delights. 

Next, we’ll make a quick stop at a traditional locale for a taste of Apulian Street Food, aka Panzerotti. Panzerotti are unbelievably tasty fried calzones – folded, hand-held golden packages filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

We’ll then embark on a captivating afternoon catamaran journey along the stunning Apulian coast, setting sail from the enchanting town of Polignano a Mare. As you glide over the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and the white-washed houses of Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on the edge of the sea. As the catamaran sails away from the harbor, relax on the deck, feel the gentle sea breeze, and soak up the sun’s warmth, all while marveling at the scenic beauty of the Apulian coastline.

The journey includes stops at secluded swimming spots, where you can dive into the refreshing waters for a swim or snorkel to explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. 

Once on land, enjoy a walk through Polignano a Mare, the city that gave birth to “Mr. Volare”, Domenico Modugno. Through serpentine alleys, you’ll be on the hunt for the hyper-local “caffè speciale” -– a curious mix of coffee, lemon zest, cream, and almond liqueur. 

In the evening, dine in the village of San Vito, indulging in fresh seafood (with vegetarian options) and the flavors of Apulian cuisine. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll check out from Don Ferrante and take a short, scenic drive toward the pastoral beauty of Fasano. First stop is a traditional masseria, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Dive into the rustic life with a tour through the estate’s olive groves, vineyards, and vibrant vegetable gardens. Return to the farmhouse for a hands-on cooking class. Today’s menu? Crafting the perfect orecchiette pasta, whipping up golden focaccia, and simmering a fresh tomato-basil sauce. Indulge in a lavish buffet featuring the farm’s freshest produce. Imagine plates filled with pickled delights, seasoned friselline, wood-fired focaccia, and the richest cheeses, all married beautifully with sips of the estate’s delicious wine.

En route to Salento, we’ll break at Ostuni to wander through its captivating alleys. Discover architectural gems like the Cathedral, Carmelite Monastery, and the mysterious Scoppa arch connecting ancient edifices.

As the sun dips, we’ll arrive at the 5* Palazzo Ducale Venturi in Minervino di Lecce, our residence for the last 3 nights. Check into your luxurious room and start unwinding. 

Cap the day with an enchanting aperitivo beside the pool, enveloped by the fragrance of Mediterranean flora. It’s the perfect toast to the beautiful complexity of Puglia, setting the stage for three nights of relaxation and discovery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Aperitivo

Imagine heading for a morning of discovery with a walking tour of Lecce, the capital of Salento. The walk in this unique Baroque town includes a stroll through its old “centro storico” and visits to the Cattedrale, Santa Croce, and the old Roman theatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo. We’ll relax by enjoying a delicious and refreshing iced coffee with almond syrup (latte di mandorla, an eminently southern soft drink), and enjoying some window-shop along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. 

Take your time to wander through the picturesque streets of Lecce, where artisan shops and enticing food stores beckon. Once you’ve soaked up the ambiance of the city, return to Palazzo Ducale Venturi for an immersive pizza cooking class. Here, you’ll not only learn the techniques of stretching dough and crafting your favorite pizzas but you’ll also have the opportunity to savor the experience of baking your creations in the centuries-old ovens of the Palazzo, adding a touch of history to your culinary adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Indulge in the relaxing atmosphere of our noble Palazzo and take advantage of the free morning to sunbathe or reserve a beauty treatment or massage with the Ducale Venturi’s concierge. Embark on a serene adventure along the Adriatic coast and treat your palate to a sumptuous seafood lunch at a Slow Food trattoria, where traditional recipes meet the fresh bounty of the
sea. 

Afterward, cool off with an artisanal gelato from G&Co in Tricase, and savor flavors inspired by the local terroir. 

Move on to old town Otranto, a UNESCO listed ‘centro storico’, with its medieval castle and the most beautiful Romanesque Cathedral considered to be one of the largest churches in Italy. Step inside the cathedral to admire the incredible 12th century mosaic floor – the world’s largest paving mosaic – with representations of the Old Testament and the ‘tree of life’, intertwining Norman, Greek, and Byzantine ideas of fate. 

Conclude your coastal excursion with a handcrafted gin cocktail, offering a perfect sundowner in its secluded garden. 

We’ll head back to Ducale Venturi around 6pm for some relax time before our farewell dinner at a magical masseria that will transport you back at least a century in time with its rustic charm. The exceptional menu respects the seasonal rhythms embodying the farm-to-table philosophy with ingredients sourced directly from their
own fields and livestock. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Doing Italy’s - Materia Prima expedition ends in Minervino di Lecce, Italy, at Palazzo Ducale Venturi.

Enjoy your breakfast in Salento and leave for a group transfer*** to the Bari airport (2.5h drive) or the Brindisi airport (1h-15’ drive).

 Reminisce over the next few days, weeks, and months about the memories you have made.

***NB: individual transfers will be paid extra and organized ad hoc.***

Meals: Breakfast