From Vineyard to Table: Puglia's Gastronomic Getaway

Arrival in Puglia: Touch down at either Bari or Brindisi airport. As you exit the arrivals terminal, look for our friendly local English-speaking driver holding a sign bearing your name.
Scenic Drive to Lecce: Journey through the picturesque landscapes of Puglia, taking in views of olive groves and historic sites, as you make your way towards the majestic Lecce, fondly known as the “Florence of the South”.
Accommodation Check-in at 5* Hotel Patria Palace: Settle into the elegance of your deluxe room, offering breathtaking Barocco views. Discover a thoughtful touch from us – a Cooking Vacations’ Welcome Bag placed carefully in your room to enhance your culinary journey.
 Leisure Time: Unwind and refresh. Let the soft Puglian sunlight and the luxurious ambiance of the hotel recharge your spirit. Take a leisurely stroll through the hotel, or perhaps even venture out to get your first glimpse of Lecce.
Meet & Greet: Gather in the opulent lobby of Hotel Patria Palace. It's a chance to meet fellow travelers who share your love for culinary adventures.
Welcome Dinner: Prepare to be treated to an unforgettable culinary experience in a fine location. Savor local delicacies, share stories, and raise a toast to the beginning of your Puglian odyssey.

Stay: Luxuriate in the comforts of your room at Hotel Patria Palace for a restful night. Remember, every morning of your stay here, you'll be greeted with a sumptuous breakfast, setting the right tone for the day. 

Gather in the hotel lobby where your enthusiastic foodie guide eagerly awaits to embark on today's culinary journey.
Delve into the heart of Lecce's bustling food scene. Wander through stalls brimming with fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and other regional specialties. Experience the market's vibrant atmosphere and hand-pick ingredients for your upcoming cooking lesson. Every scent, color, and sound here tells a story of Puglia's rich culinary heritage.

Venture to Gianna's warm and welcoming kitchen. Under her expert guidance, immerse yourself in the art of Apulian cuisine. Discover the secrets behind crafting a traditional Apulian lunch, as you prepare a sumptuous 4-course meal. Feel the textures, breathe in the aromas, and embrace the joy of creating dishes steeped in tradition.

As you complete your culinary masterpieces, relocate to an exquisite historical building in Lecce. Here, surrounded by tales of times gone by, indulge in the dishes you've lovingly crafted. Sip on hand-selected Apulian wines, which perfectly complement your meal, enhancing the symphony of flavors dancing on your palate.

After a day rich in flavors and experiences, you have the evening at leisure. Whether you choose to dine at one of Lecce's renowned restaurants, explore its nightlife, or simply relax at Hotel Patria Palace, let Lecce's magic envelop you. 

 Wake up to a day of immersive culinary experiences. Begin at the heart of Italian mornings - the breakfast table. Meet your affable, English-speaking guide at the hotel, and together, set out to unearth the secrets of the most cherished morning ritual in Lecce.

Step into a world where time seems to stand still – an esteemed pastry shop, redolent with aromas that transport you to many yesteryears. Here, dive deep into the art of making Caffè Leccese and the much-revered Pasticciotto pastry. As you sip and nibble, listen to tales of Italian coffee's history, understanding its cherished place in Italian hearts.

With a satisfied palate and a heart full of stories, meander through Lecce's winding lanes. Discover artisanal boutiques, each a treasure trove of crafts, artworks, and intricate designs. Let the city's charm guide you, unveiling its secrets one corner at a time.

Reconnect with your guide and step into the fragrant world of an artisanal liquor laboratory. Immerse yourself in the meticulous art of crafting the iconic “Amari.” Under expert guidance, learn to make the zesty Limoncello and the luscious almond milk syrup, quintessential to the perfect Leccese coffee.

As the day inches towards a golden twilight, indulge in a curated aperitif session. Relish a spread that captures the essence of Apulia: traditional liqueurs, succulent pasticciotto, both sweet and savory taralli, and the finest extra virgin olive oil. Each sip and bite is a nod to Puglia's rich culinary tapestry.

Reflect upon a day filled with flavors and insights as Lecce's evening ambiance envelops you. Whether you choose a quiet dinner, a moonlit walk, or a cozy evening at the Hotel Patria Palace, let the memories of the day serenade you to sleep.

 Bid adieu to the charming Lecce. After checking out from the hotel, embark on your journey to the Salento providence in a comfortable private transfer.

he day’s first stop is a family-owned winery, where tradition meets passion. As you stroll the vineyard, the Winemaker will share stories of his family’s legacy and the vineyard’s rich history. Breathe in the essence of Puglia, experiencing a sensory tour amidst the vines.

Taste the vineyard’s finest labels, each pour telling tales of the land. As you savor, indulge in local treats like frisella Salentina, cheese, and focaccia. The symphony of flavors, intertwined with stories, promises an unforgettable morning.

Begin your mid-day escapade at one of the region's most cherished historical delicatessens - a 'Salumeria'. As you step through its time-worn doors, let the intoxicating aroma of aged meats and artisanal cheeses transport you to bygone eras. Your expert guide will regale you with tales of the Salumeria's storied past, showcasing its timeless dedication to preserving the culinary traditions of the region.

Often called 'The White City', Ostuni is a marvel of winding alleys, white-washed homes, and captivating history. After a delightful lunch at a local eatery, lose yourself in the city's charm, discovering its secrets and stories.

As the day wears on, find solace at the idyllic Masseria Montenapoleone. Nestled amidst sprawling vineyards and olive groves, this traditional estate is a haven of tranquility and luxury.

The estate's seasoned farmer and sommelier await to whisk you away on another wine odyssey. Wander through the vineyards, drinking in stories of yore and the intricate relationship between land, climate, and grapevine. When thirst beckons, relish organic wines from the estate, paired with an authentic Puglian aperitif, celebrating the region’s culinary diversity.

As twilight blankets the estate, prepare for a dining experience like no other. The Moroccan-style dinner promises a gastronomic journey through Apulia, set against a backdrop reminiscent of a desert night. Surrounded by a sea of candles, under a starlit sky so close you could almost touch it, indulge in the finest Apulian cuisine and wines. The distant scent of the sea, the whispers of ancient olive trees, and the magic of the night converge to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Embrace the morning sun as you journey through Puglia's picturesque landscapes. The sun-kissed roads, lined with olive groves and vineyards, promise a perfect start to the day.

Arrive at the quaint town of Alberobello, known for its iconic Trullo buildings. Here, under the conical roofs of a traditional Trullo, a local chef awaits to introduce you to the art of making Taralli biscuits. Dive into its rich history and discover the multitude of flavors these little wonders can take on. As the lesson concludes, relish freshly-made Taralli and Focaccias, each bite echoing centuries of culinary craftsmanship.

Wander the charming streets of Alberobello. Let the town's unique architecture, bustling markets, and rich heritage captivate you.

Satisfy your hunger pangs at one of Alberobello's finest restaurants. Relish a spread that celebrates the region's rich culinary tapestry, perfectly paired with locally produced wines.

Make your way to Valle d’Itria's renowned Masseria. As the stone walls and rustic charm envelop you, be prepared for an immersive cheese-making experience. Discover tales of the Masseria, the legacy of the family that has called it home, and the time-honored traditions that form the essence of their cheese-making process.

Step into the heart of the Masseria, where artisans breathe life into mozzarella and cheeses. Witness the magic unfold as milk transforms, adopting textures and tastes that have made Apulian cheese a sought-after delicacy across the world.

he day's adventures culminate in a tasting session. Savor the Masseria's signature cheeses, each bite a testament to generations of skill, passion, and love for the craft.

 Begin your day at your own pace. Whether you choose to lounge amidst the Masseria's serene surroundings, relish a leisurely breakfast or set out to explore the nearby coastal treasures of Apulia, the morning is yours to shape. Savor a leisurely lunch on your own, basking in the flavors of Apulia.

Gather with your guide and driver outside the accommodation to embark on an olive journey like no other. The Masseria Brancati is not just an estate; it's a living testimony to the age-old olive cultivation traditions. Wander through its monumental olive groves, delve deep into its underground oil mill – one of Apulia's oldest – and immerse yourself in stories of the fortified tower farm from epochs gone by. Your exploration concludes with a blind tasting of distinctive extra virgin olive oils, contrasting their myriad profiles on crisp friselline. Let the Masseria's owner guide your palate through the tales of olive oil craftsmanship, enlightening you on the nuances that make each blend unique.

As the sun paints the sky in golden hues, gear up for a culinary adventure that brings together all the flavors you've encountered during your Apulian voyage. Guided by a seasoned farmer, dive hands-on into the rustic wonders of Apulian cuisine. Craft the iconic orecchiette, shape playful cavatelli, and create smooth strascinate. As your hands mold these traditional pasta forms, let tales of local history and wheat production fill the air, further enriching your cooking endeavor.

As dusk sets in, gather amidst the vineyards for a meal that is both a celebration and a tribute. Bask in the ambience, accentuated by the gentle sea breeze and vintage design elements. Feast on the dishes you've lovingly prepared, paired with sumptuous wines and innovative cocktails from the Botanical Bar. As conversations flow and glasses clink, lose yourself in the authentic tastes and sounds of Puglia. It's more than just a dinner; it's a heartfelt culmination of your gastronomic journey in this enchanting Italian region.

Gather for a hearty breakfast, reminiscing over the week's highlights and sharing stories of the unforgettable experiences in Puglia.
Ensure you have all your belongings and check-out from the accommodation. Our team will be on hand to assist with any last-minute needs.

A comfortable vehicle awaits to transport you to the airport, ensuring you arrive in ample time for your onward flight.
As you soar above the enchanting landscapes of Puglia, reflect on the memories created, the stories heard, and the flavors savored. Though this chapter concludes, the spirit of Puglia will forever remain in your heart.

Nestled in the heart of Lecce, the Patria Palace stands as a testament to the grandeur of the 18th century. Originally envisioned by the marquises D’Anna-Petrarolo and crafted by Mauro Manieri, a notable architect responsible for some of Puglia's most exquisite Baroque masterpieces, this hotel exudes elegance and heritage. Today, as a five-star establishment, guests of Patria Palace are treated to luxurious deluxe rooms, all while being surrounded by an ambiance that whispers tales of nobility. Each morning, a sumptuous breakfast awaits, setting the tone for a day of exploration in this richly historic region.

Perched upon an ancient cave settlement, MASSERIA MONTENAPOLEONE emerges as a bastion of Puglia's rich heritage, ensconced amidst the time-honored olive plains known as the 'Ulivi Secolari'. With panoramas that stretch infinitely, blending the verdant hills with the azure horizon of the sea, this haven is the epitome of serenity and natural beauty. Guests indulging in a 3-night sojourn are invited to experience a myriad of luxuries: dine under a starlit sky, immerse oneself in the rejuvenating embrace of the Herbarium Spa, delight in curated wine tastings, and dive deep into the region's culinary soul with an intimate cooking class. MASSERIA MONTENAPOLEONE is not just a stay; it's an immersion into a world where nature's legacy and luxury intertwine effortlessly.

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