FULLY ESCORTED by Food I Am - Lecce, Bari, Matera, Polignano a Mare, Cisternino, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Alberobello
Discover the flavours and heritage of Puglia like never before with Food I Am, your culinary and cultural tour specialists. Embark on a journey of discovery as we guide you through the enchanting region of Puglia in Southern Italy. Puglia, with its diverse influences from the Mediterranean, Greek, Arabic, and Spanish cultures, unfolds a rich tapestry of traditions and flavours that will captivate your senses.
Carefully curated by Food I Am, this fully escorted tour promises a road trip like no other. You will be introduced to artisan producers of renowned Puglian cheese, olive oil, and ancient breadmaking. Immerse yourself in a diverse culinary experience, ranging from street food and traditional Pugliese cuisine to exquisite fine dining. Enjoy exclusive visits to esteemed winemakers, complete with informative tours and tastings.
Our adventure begins in Lecce, a city celebrated for its exquisite Baroque architecture, earning it the well-deserved moniker "Florence of the South." From Lecce, we set our sights on Matera, Bari, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Locorotondo, and Alberobello, each town offering a unique cultural or culinary experience.
In Matera, you'll step back in time as you explore the ancient Sassi cave dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bari, a coastal city, invites you to savour fresh seafood delights along its picturesque waterfront. Polignano a Mare, perched on limestone cliffs, offers breathtaking views and a taste of its renowned gelato. Ostuni, the "White City," showcases dazzling whitewashed buildings against the blue sky, creating a stunning backdrop for your cultural exploration.
Locorotondo, a charming hilltop town, beckons with its winding streets and excellent wine offerings, while Alberobello, famed for its unique trulli houses, provides an immersive glimpse into Puglia's distinctive architecture. Fully escorted by Food I Am, this tour promises an immersive experience, blending the best of Puglia's cultural heritage and culinary delights in each enchanting town we explore.
Join us and check off Puglia from your bucket list in an unforgettable and enriching experience!
Tania Sibrey
Creator & Global Food Explorer, Food I Am
PLEASE NOTE: Your place on the tour isn’t confirmed until you have paid your deposit, received a deposit receipt from Culinary Curious Travel Pty Ltd and email confirmation from Tania Sibrey at Food I Am.
Places are allocated according to deposit payment date, the sooner you pay your deposit and confirm your booking the sooner your place on this tour is secured.
We join a local chef for a visit to the vibrant food market at Porta Rudiae and handpick fresh produce for an immersive hands-on cooking class and create a delightful 4-course lunch.
Enjoy a guided walking street food and history tour. Adorned with Baroque masterpieces, Lecce is a treasure trove of Italian wonders. We will explore the Roman amphitheatre, noble palazzi, and other sites, unravelling the rich tapestry of history, architecture, and culture. We will indulge in delectable street food snacks that are quintessentially local to the area and of course, an aperitivo.
Enjoy a guided tour of the estate, starting from the vineyards and following the entire production process, concluding with vinification and ageing. The tour unfolds into a delightful lunch featuring a tasting menu of carefully selected traditional local dishes, perfectly paired with representative wines.
Renowned for its unique ancient cave dwellings, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s enchanting Sassi districts, carved into limestone, unveil a rich tapestry of architecture and history.
A visit to a renowned Matera baker, offering a behind the scenes glimpse into the age-old art of crafting the traditional breads of the region. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Matera bread in one of the city’s historic bakeries. Here, the techniques and secrets of these special breads will be unveiled. The workshop concludes with a delicious tasting and aperitif, featuring the freshly baked products paired with a selected Lucanian wine.
Join our guide for a walking tour of Matera, a city steeped in historic significance. Perched high on a picturesque hillside, this unique and ancient city has only recently been unveiled to foreign eyes. Your guide will lead you through the ‘sassi’ - ancient cave dwellings restored for contemporary use as homes and shops.
Weather permitting, we embark on a boat excursion in the breathtaking cliff-top town of Polignano a Mare on a modern skiff. We explore the ancient sea caves, allowing you to envision the centuries of smugglers who once navigated these mysterious waters. Indulge in a tasting lunch served on board, surrounded by the stunning coastal scenery.
With a focus on the enchanting old part known as Bari Vecchia, we wander through a labyrinth of small, winding roads - you’ll feel transported into a storybook. Explore the twelfth-century Norman Swabian castle, marvel at the Basilica of St. Nicholas, and witness local Noona’s skilfully crafting pasta by hand outside their homes. Be amazed at their swift hands, shaping the iconic orecchiette, the small ear-shaped pasta typical of Puglia.
A journey to the white city of Ostuni - an imposing citadel often referred to as La Città Bianca.
As you meander through the tiny winding streets of the oldest quarter, known as the “Casbah,” you’ll be captivated by its Arabic influence, presenting a more Greek or eastern aesthetic than the stereotypical piazzas of Italy.
Explore the fairytale-like town of Alberobello, renowned for its iconic trulli – small, round houses with conical stone roofs. Take a guided walking tour and enjoy the unique architecture and charm of this picturesque town.
Join us at the artisanal dairy, where our master cheesemakers skilfully craft fresh mozzarella and burrata, showcasing the true art of cheesemaking. Indulge in samples of the day’s delicious produce, offering a fabulous experience that captures the essence of this authentic Apulian peasant tradition.
Journey to the heart of Puglia’s olive plains, a region where olive oil stands as one of its most cherished treasures. Visit a local ancient olive oil estate boasting over 2000 olive trees, home to some of the world’s oldest and most magnificent olive trees. Embark on a short walk and take in the breathtaking views of the expansive olive plains.
Stroll through the estate’s beautiful grounds, immersing yourself and gaining a deeper appreciation for the qualities of real extra-virgin olive oil. Return to the farmhouse and indulge in an authentic olive oil tasting experience, savouring the nuanced flavours and aromas that make Puglia’s olive oil truly exceptional.
