This 9-day journey will take you around the region of Puglia, Italy, which lies in the heel of the boot, along the sun-drenched Adriatic Sea. On this trip you will tour the region by car, by bike and by foot, and partake in one-of-kind culinary experiences – a cooking class, wine, gelato and olive oil tastings, a visit to the famous Li Veli winery, and decadent dinners at the most indulgent restaurants in Puglia. Puglia offers access to the freshest seafood, crowd-free open spaces, irresistible desserts and pastries, distinct wines, and the 50 million olive trees that make this region the world’s leading producer of olive oil.

This morning, an expert local guide will meet you for a detailed walk around the Sassi and reveal the many secrets of this fascinating city, only recently seen by foreign eyes.

Next, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to one of Italy’s only DOP bread producers at a fabulous bakery in nearby Altamura.

Afterwards, you will be shuttled to your luxury home for the next four nights – the beautiful Masseria Torre Coccaro (approx. 90 minutes’ drive).

It’s time to explore Puglia on two wheels! Your ride begins with a lovely climb into the chic and beautiful hilltop town of Cisternino, where you will enjoy sweeping views of the Itria Valley. You will have time for a coffee or gelato to recharge your batteries before continuing along the ridge of the Murgia plateau to Ostuni, a stunning white citadel with breathtaking sea views.

After lunch in Ostuni, visit a fascinating olive oil estate for an in-depth tour and tasting.

Then, it’s back on the bike to return to your hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.

What better way to explore the gently rolling hills of the Itria Valley and Murgia Plateau then from behind the wheel of a vintage car?

This morning, drive along the coast to Monopoli and then to Polignano a Mare, a striking cliff-top town famous for its amazing gelato.

After a thorough gelato-tasting experience, head up the Murgia Plateau for some driving along the lovely gently rolling hills, decked with almond and cherry trees. Enjoy the spectacular views across the sweeping olive plains as you descend back to the coast and your hotel.

This morning you will be shuttled to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello to visit the famous trulli houses with an excellent local guide. These cone shaped dwellings are unique to the region and in Alberobello you see a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses. We’ll also stop at a cheese maker for an insider’s look at the wildly indulgent burrata cheese.

Today’s route is a circular ride deep into the Itria Valley to visit stunning Locorotondo –known for its excellent dry white wine made from local Verdeca grapes. Here in Locorotondo, meander the atmospheric alleyways bedecked with geraniums and citrus plants.

Continue on to Martina Franca – a must-see town for its marvelously intact historic centre, beautiful Baroque architecture, and stunning palazzo.

After your ride, return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon and evening.

Following check-out at your hotel, your guide will take you to visit one of Puglia’s most renowned wineries – Li Veli. After a fascinating tour with the vineyard’s expert oenologist, you will be treated to a private lunch and wine tasting over-looking the ageing barrels of wine.

Your final destination is Lecce, the capital of the Salento Province. Known as the Florence of the South, the city hosts amazing Baroque masterpieces and treasures of Italy. Here you will check-in to the gorgeous, La Fiermontina and have the rest of your evening at leisure!

This morning you are heading west, to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast!

Your driver will take you to the beautiful old town for your cooking class and lunch. First collect some seafood from the local fishermen. The fish market is lively and captivating and you are sure to see some colorful and unusual produce.  Create some delicious, local dishes then have the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Take some time this morning to shop in a few of Lecce’s lovely artisan boutiques before departing Italy.

Transfer to the Brindisi Airport for your departure flight, only a 25 minute drive from Lecce. Have a safe flight!