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Puglia: The Heel of the Boot has been hand-crafted to ensure total immersion into its rich cultural heritage, both ancient and modern; to delight with authentic culinary adventures and to provide the opportunity to indulge in slow travel, with time and space to explore and relax in equal measure.
Private guided touring throughout in delightful towns and villages
Private cooking lesson with a local chef & sommelier – Gianna Greco
Private lunches and wine tastings at renowned vineyards
Olive Oil tasting
And much, much more…
This beautiful, bespoke tour has been exclusively designed for the Moreton Club, to showcase the culinary and cultural delights of Puglia.
At the heel of Italy’s boot, Apulia is dotted with pretty hilltop towns, Baroque architecture and expansive farmhouse masserie. Nowhere else in Italy will you find such a diverse mix of architectural styles, ranging from decadent 18th and 19th century palazzos to the humble, cone-roofed ‘trulli’ – peasant houses dotted around the lush landscape, reminiscent of homes in childhood fairytales and fantasy films.
Thanks to a new influx of tourism, long-forgotten towns like Ostuni are welcoming life to their narrow, white-washed streets again. Those with Apulian roots are returning from Rome, Milan and Turin, to embrace a slower pace of life, marrying the modern design-led Italy they know with the rural Puglia they love.
This tour has been handcrafted to ensure total immersion into Puglia’s rich cultural heritage both ancient and modern; to delight with authentic culinary adventures and provides the opportunity to indulge in slow travel, with time and space to explore and relax in equal measure.
Bookings will open soon, so read on for more detail about your tour of Puglia, in the heel of the boot!
Tour Price: Twin Share AUD $11,425 per person Single accommodation AUD $13,410
Fully escorted from Lecce by our bi-lingual Italy based partner, Carol Sicbaldi
10 nights boutique hotel accommodation in Puglia
Private airport transfer on arrival
Group airport transfer on departure
Private transport throughout
Breakfast daily
Main meals including wine as detailed in the itinerary
Welcome aperitivo
Two private cooking lessons in homes/farmhouses
Five cantina/winery visits and tastings
An olive mill visit and oil tasting
Ceramic studio visit
Guided cultural tours in Lecce, Otranto, Giurdignano and additional villages
Entrance fees or open air museum tickets
Local guide and vendor tips
Not Included:
Airfares unless stated in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas (if applicable); entry fees into countries charged at the airport; laundry or tips. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and additional government taxes not covered already; travel insurance. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; beverages unless specifically described. Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price. Camera tickets at sights were allowed.
Today arrive into Brindisi, and meet your private transfer on arrival. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Check-in, relax and then meet the rest of the group for a welcome drink and a tour briefing this evening. Dinner is at leisure this evening and suggestions will be provided for those in the mood to go out. For those just arrived and wanting an evening in to recover from your flight – feel free to do so!
Overnight Accommodation: Patria Palace Hotel (or similar)
This morning we’ll explore this marvellous city, called the “Florence of the south”, with our local guide Dionne. Famous for its architecture, we find traces of a roman amphitheater and medieval buildings, but Lecce’s ebullient baroque architecture, carved in local golden sandstone, is the real highlight of the town.
Enjoy a light lunch in town.
In the afternoon we’ll have a private cooking lesson with the local chef and sommelier Gianna Greco in her wonderful kitchen in a historic palazzo in the heart of Lecce. Together we’ll cook some traditional Pugliese dishes, learn about the local wines, and sit down to enjoy the fruit of our labour.
After dinner return to the hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Patria Palace Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (cooking class)
Today we drive southwest towards the once fortified village of Gallipoli perched on the Ionian Sea, stopping to visit the colourful fish market and stroll its narrow whitewashed streets.
We’ll then drive to Cutrofiano to the family run masseria, (agricultural estate) of the Astore family. They have rescued and developed ancient varietals such as Susumaniello, Zagarese Primitivo and Aglianico Hellenic. After visiting their historic cantina, we’ll enjoy an open-air lunch accompanied by a tasting of their organic wines and farm products.
Now on to some spectacular frescoes!
We’ll enjoy a brief stop in the tiny town of Galatina to visit the surprising Franciscan church of Santa Caterina dell’Alessandria, a jewel box of romanesque and gothic architecture, splendidly frescoed top to toe.
Late afternoon return to Lecce and dinner is at leisure.
Overnight Accommodation: Patria Palace Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we’ll leave the Salento area and transfer northwest stopping in Grottaglie, the town best known in Puglia for production of its classic ceramics with blue dotted borders. In 1700 there were 42 ceramic factories here. There will be time to explore these ceramic workshops before meeting for lunch.
Enjoy an optional lunch in town before transferring to Otranto.
The easternmost town of Otranto, perched on the peninsula overlooking the clear Adriatic Sea was founded by the Greeks, and still is circled by massive fortified walls built first by the Normans and then later by the Aragonese.
Check into the hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure.
Overnight Accommodation: Basiliani Spa Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Late this afternoon, a short drive takes us to the nearby town of Minervino di Menhir where we’ll dine in the fantastic osteria in the renowned Menhir Salento vineyard, offering the best of ancient traditions and indigenous varieties–with a vision towards the future! Get ready for some excellent organic food and wine!
Overnight Accommodation: Basiliani Spa Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll offer lots of suggestions for things to see and do and where to dine, but this is your day to do exactly what you want. Chill by the pool, enjoy some spa time or explore further into Otranto – the choice is yours.
Overnight Accommodation: Basiliani Spa Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast
Our morning explorations take us to the unassuming sleepy little town of Giurdignano, set amidst acres of thriving olive trees, and loaded with ancient treasures. Here we go back in time, first to a Byzantine crypt carved into the rock and decorated with remains of frescoes, then to view prehistoric menhir and dolmen–primitive stone markers dating back to the Bronze Age. We’ll also descend into a fascinating 16th century underground olive oil press carved into the stone.
Continuing south we’ll reach the town of Scorrano. The local dialect is called griko, lingering still from when Greek colonies were settled. For hundreds of years the area has been known for its production of olive oil and wine, and we will do honours to both. A noble family, in this area for centuries, owns the cantina where we will have our wine and olive oil tasting (guided by the Duke himself!) and a light lunch. The hot sunny climate of the region ripens the grapes and makes for delicious deep rich wines, such as Primitivo, Negroamaro e Malvasia Nera which are gaining popularity all over Italy.
Transfer back up to Otranto along the stunning coastline and turquoise sea with afternoon time to relax.
Dinner in town at our favourite thin-crust pizzeria, cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven.
Overnight Accommodation: Basiliani Spa Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will visit Alberobello, a protected UNESCO site. Alberobello is the land of the little fairy tale trulli: hundreds of small whitewashed round houses with cone shaped stone roofs that make this area unique in Italy and the world. We’ll visit the “trulli” unique architecture of Alberobello and learn about it with a local guide.
We’ll explore the enchanting countryside, and mid afternoon enjoy a wine tasting lunch at the Pastini vineyard in the heart of the Itria valley. They have been cultivating local white grapes: Verdeca, Bianco d’Alessio, Fiano, and Minutolo.
We arrive this afternoon at our hotel, the classical Masseria Il Melograno (means pomegranate), our home for the next three nights. The winding architecture of whitewashed walls, ancient olive trees and flowering gardens illustrate its 17th century origins.
Locorotondo is a lovely, circular town of whitewashed houses with festive colourful doors. The town is famous for its grilled meats: fragrant pork, lamb and beef.
Overnight Accommodation: Masseria Il Melograno (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Conversano is a gem of a town in southern Italy’s Puglia region, not far from Bari. Picture winding cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and an impressive medieval castle that seems straight out of a storybook. This town has a relaxed vibe, perfect for wandering around and soaking up centuries-old history. It’s dotted with charming old churches and the Monastery of San Benedetto, adding to its rich cultural tapestry. Surrounded by lush countryside and vineyards, Conversano is where history meets laid-back Italian life—ideal for anyone looking for authentic charm and a taste of local traditions.
We’ll meet our friends Mara & Marina at their beautiful farmhouse, Masseria San Pietro. Here you will be immersed in the strong culinary traditions and the local, seasonal ingredients of the region. Get hands-on in helping to prepare the meal. As you chop vegetables and make the pasta, Mara and Marina will share with you secrets of local dishes and ancient techniques of Southern Italian cooking. After the lesson, sit down around the table and enjoy the wonderful meal you have created. During the meal, Marina, also a sommelier, will introduce you to some of her favourite local wines. This experience is sure to provide you with plenty of wonderful memories and recipes that you can recreate at home.
Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Overnight Accommodation: Masseria Il Melograno (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ostuni, known as the “White City,” is a stunning hilltop town in Puglia that’s famous for its dazzling whitewashed buildings. Wandering through its maze of narrow alleys, you’ll find hidden cafes, artisan shops, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. It’s got a mix of laid-back Mediterranean vibes and rich history, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting a slice of authentic southern Italian life.
A relaxed morning to visit some of the nearby small towns, with a late morning visit to the Ionis cantina, a large cooperative of local growers that produce many wines. After the tasting and lunch your afternoon will be free to enjoy our lovely hotel, its pool and spa, and pack before our farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight Accommodation: Masseria Il Melograno (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sadly all good things must come to an end. Thank you for joining us and bon voyage. A group transfer to Brindisi airport to meet your departures.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Lecce:
Patria Palace Hotel:
Born as a noble residence of Petrarolo D’Anna family, Patria eighteenth-century palace rises majestic and elegant in the heart of Lecce. Unique with its refined decorations, it’s one of Mauro Manieri’s most important baroque masterpieces. The Palace’s privileged location is amplified by an elegant and welcoming atmosphere where classic and modern design meet. A harmony of styles, a perfect blend of precious baroque details and unique contemporary masterpieces.
Otranto:
Basiliani Spa Hotel:
The “Basiliani Hotel is only 800 metres from the old town of Otranto, set amid its ample vine-trellises, external terraces, stone paths that are typical aspects of local architecture. The Basiliani offers various categories of finely furnished rooms which providing guests a pleasant relaxing stay. The Hotel has a beautiful and well-equipped SPA “Il Melograno”, the biggest of Salento. Thanks to its strategic location, Guests have the possibility to visit wonderful places like the old town of Otranto with its castle and its medieval cathedral, Alimini’s white fine sand beach, and Lecce, the city known as the capital of baroque architecture.
https://cdshotels.it/en/basiliani-en/
Monopoli:
Il Melograno:
Il Melograno is renowned throughout Italy as the first masseria to open its doors to guests and reveal 400 years of history. This country estate outside Monopoli is a place of simple beauty, echoing with past lives of noblemen and farmworkers.
These must be read in conjunction with our standard terms and conditions.
A $3500 deposit will be required at the time of booking to secure your tour booking. This will only be refunded if minimum numbers are not reached and the tour does not proceed. If the tour does not proceed your deposit will be refunded in full. Cancellation for any other reason will need to be claimed on travel insurance.
Once minimum numbers are met, deposits are converted into Euro and forwarded to the suppliers. A statement confirming the outstanding balance will then be provided prior to final payment. Please note we will make no conversions until minimum numbers are met and the tour is a confirmed departure.
A second payment of $3000 will be required once the tour departure is confirmed.
Comprehensive travel insurance will be required for you to participate on this tour.
Hotels are indicative. They may change subject to final numbers and confirmation.
Rooms will vary due to the age of the hotels. No room envy please!
This tour is limited to 20 guests, with a minimum number of 10 guests required for this tour to proceed. If minimum numbers are not reached, we will discuss this with you well before departure to finalise how to proceed i.e. re-quote with less participants or cancel the departure. If we cancel the departure your tour deposit will be refunded.
Once full payment is received the price is guaranteed. Until that time, the price is subject to change. This tour has been converted to Australian Dollars from Euros and the price is subject to currency fluctuations until finalised.
Deposit is by a payment link via the booking form to secure your spot. We accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Merchant fees of 1.5% + .30c apply to Australian based credit card payments and will be added at the time of payment. International credit cards will attract a higher merchant fee depending on the card.
All payments are processed by E-way – a secure payment gateway that is certified to stringent levels of certification.
Please note interim payments may be required due to meet supplier terms and conditions.
Final payment will be required by 15 June 2025
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