ITALY - PUGLIA & MATERA - SEPTEMBER 15-24, 2027
— 10 Days, All-Inclusive —
— 10 Days, All-Inclusive —
Join Chef Michael Howell in his favourite corner of Italy—far from the crowds and rich with authenticity—where exceptional food, remarkable wines, and a true sense of place reveal the Italy few ever experience. The REAL Italy.
Puglia—Italy’s soulful south—where ancient olive groves, whitewashed villages, and two shimmering coastlines shape a cuisine of remarkable simplicity and depth. Handmade orecchiette, fresh mozzarella, pristine seafood, and bold regional wines define a place where tradition and hospitality are a way of life. This is the real Italy—unhurried, authentic, and deeply connected to the land.
Experience the very best of Puglia and Basilicata on this immersive ten-day journey. Stay in exceptional accommodations—including a magnificent private villa along the historic Appian Way and a vineyard estate in Salento—while enjoying unforgettable meals, from Michelin-starred dining to seaside caves and local trattorias. Explore UNESCO treasures like Alberobello and Matera, visit renowned wineries, vibrant markets, and artisan producers—and at the heart of it all: cooking together. Led by Chef Michael Howell, this is a deeply personal culinary adventure. Spend four nights at Villa Cappelli near Bari before continuing through Matera and into the Salento region for a relaxed villa stay among vineyards and the sea. Discover culture, history, and flavour by day, then gather each evening to cook, share, and celebrate.
Cost
10 Days / 9 Nights — All-Inclusive
€5,995 per person, double occupancy all-inclusive
Single supplement: €500
A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking. Deposits are fully refundable up to 90 days prior to departure, and 50% refundable up to 60 days prior. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Itinerary subject to change.
What’s Included
Private transportation throughout • Airport transfers • Luxury accommodations • All meals, wines, and beverages • Exclusive tastings, tours, and admissions • Private guides and curated experiences
Not included: Airfare, travel insurance, and gratuities for external guides.
Experience the very best of Puglia and Basilicata on this immersive ten-day journey. Stay in exceptional accommodations—including a magnificent private villa along the historic Appian Way and a vineyard estate in Salento—while enjoying unforgettable meals, from Michelin-starred dining to seaside caves and local trattorias. Explore UNESCO treasures like Alberobello and Matera, visit renowned wineries, vibrant markets, and artisan producers—and at the heart of it all: cooking together. Led by Chef Michael Howell, this is a deeply personal culinary adventure. Spend four nights at Villa Cappelli near Bari before continuing through Matera and into the Salento region for a relaxed villa stay among vineyards and the sea. Discover culture, history, and flavour by day, then gather each evening to cook, share, and celebrate.
Cost
10 Days / 9 Nights — All-Inclusive
€5,995 per person, double occupancy all-inclusive
Single supplement: €500
A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking. Deposits are fully refundable up to 90 days prior to departure, and 50% refundable up to 60 days prior. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Itinerary subject to change.
What’s Included
Private transportation throughout • Airport transfers • Luxury accommodations • All meals, wines, and beverages • Exclusive tastings, tours, and admissions • Private guides and curated experiences
Not included: Airfare, travel insurance, and gratuities for external guides.
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DAY ONE
Wednesday, September 15
Day 1 – Arrivals at Villa Cappelli - One of Chef Michael’s favourite regions of Italy
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Bari Palese Airport (BRI), followed by a short 20-minute transfer to Villa Cappelli. Set just outside the historic town of Terlizzi along the ancient Appian Way, this magnificent 12,000 sq. ft. estate will be your home for the next four nights. After settling into your rooms, unwind with a welcome cocktail or a glass of local Nero di Troia produced by your hosts. Enjoy time to relax—perhaps a dip in the pool or a quiet moment to recharge—before a gentle introduction to the region. In the evening, we head into nearby Terlizzi for a relaxed dinner featuring classic Pugliese specialties, the perfect beginning to your southern Italian escape.
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Bari Palese Airport (BRI), followed by a short 20-minute transfer to Villa Cappelli. Set just outside the historic town of Terlizzi along the ancient Appian Way, this magnificent 12,000 sq. ft. estate will be your home for the next four nights. After settling into your rooms, unwind with a welcome cocktail or a glass of local Nero di Troia produced by your hosts. Enjoy time to relax—perhaps a dip in the pool or a quiet moment to recharge—before a gentle introduction to the region. In the evening, we head into nearby Terlizzi for a relaxed dinner featuring classic Pugliese specialties, the perfect beginning to your southern Italian escape.
Day two
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day THRee
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Day Four
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Cheese Making & Bari Exploration
Begin the day with an optional excursion into the Murgia hills to visit a traditional dairy at Masseria Carone, where you’ll witness the art of fresh mozzarella making—and bring some back to enjoy later. We then head into Bari’s historic old town, where centuries-old streets come alive with local culture, including the iconic sight of women handcrafting orecchiette pasta, followed by a relaxed lunch. Return to the villa mid-afternoon for time at leisure—join an optional cooking session with Chef Michael Howell, relax by the pool, or explore the grounds with your host. In the evening, gather on the loggia for a memorable dinner prepared together, accompanied by local wines and the easy rhythm of Italian jazz. |
Tormaresca Winery & Castel del Monte
An inspiring day begins with breakfast at the villa before departing for Tormaresca Winery, the celebrated southern estate of the renowned Antinori Family. Here, enjoy a guided tour and tasting that showcases the elegance and depth of Puglia’s wines. From there, we travel to Montegrosso for a memorable multi-course lunch at Ristorante Antichi Sapori, where Michelin-starred cuisine highlights the very best of regional traditions, paired with exceptional local wines. In the afternoon, we visit the iconic Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most striking architectural treasures. After time to explore, we return to the villa for a relaxed, light supper to end the day. |
Trulli, Caves & Seaside Dining
Begin the day in Alberobello, the enchanting town of whitewashed trulli, where you’ll wander its winding lanes, take in the storybook architecture, and browse charming local shops. Continue to the coast for a spectacular lunch at Grotta Palazzese, dramatically set within a sea cave overlooking the Adriatic—an unforgettable setting paired with refined coastal cuisine. In the afternoon, journey inland to explore the breathtaking Grotte di Castellana, a vast network of extraordinary limestone caves, where guided pathways reveal soaring caverns, crystalline formations, and hidden chambers. Return to Villa Cappelli in the evening to unwind over a relaxed dinner and local wines, reflecting on a day rich in beauty, flavour, and discovery. |
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Day Five
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DAY 6 (SEPTEMBER 20) - GROTTAGLIE AND CASTELLO MONACI
We take our leave of Matera and enjoy a 1.5 hour drive through bucolic countryside to Grottaglie, a city where grafitti artists from all over the globe have left their mark. We have a walking tour of the city, visit some wonderful ceramics shops and then enjoy a simple lunch at a local trattoria.
We head SE to our next villa, 'Casino Metrano' on the grounds of Castello Monaci. We settle into the villa and enjoy a light supper on the grounds, and watch the sun set over the vineyards.
We take our leave of Matera and enjoy a 1.5 hour drive through bucolic countryside to Grottaglie, a city where grafitti artists from all over the globe have left their mark. We have a walking tour of the city, visit some wonderful ceramics shops and then enjoy a simple lunch at a local trattoria.
We head SE to our next villa, 'Casino Metrano' on the grounds of Castello Monaci. We settle into the villa and enjoy a light supper on the grounds, and watch the sun set over the vineyards.
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Day Seven
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Day eight
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day nine
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Castello Monaci & A Day at Leisure
Today is yours to savour at an unhurried pace. Relax at the villa—lounge by the pool, enjoy a good book in the shade, or linger over a leisurely lunch prepared by Chef Michael Howell, highlighting the flavours of the region. For those inclined, a short drive leads to the golden sands of Torre di Lapillo, where you can swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean or simply unwind by the sea. In the late afternoon, we make our way to Castello Monaci for a private tasting of the estate’s wines, set among historic cellars and vineyards. The evening unfolds with a spectacular dinner in this unforgettable setting—an elegant celebration of Salento’s rich culinary and winemaking traditions. |
Lecce: Baroque Beauty & Café Culture
Today we explore Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture and vibrant street life. With a private guide, discover the city’s most remarkable landmarks before enjoying time at leisure—browse elegant boutiques, sip espresso in a sunlit piazza, and take in the rhythm of this lively university town. We gather for a relaxed lunch at Crianza before returning to the masseria. In the evening, Chef Michael Howell prepares a light pasta dinner, perfectly paired with regional wines to close the day. |
Gallipoli & The Ionian Coast
On our final full day in Salento, we begin with an early visit to the lively fish market in Gallipoli, followed by a guided walk through its historic old town—now a vibrant seaside destination rich in history and charm. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the heart of the city, with time to browse local shops and soak in the coastal atmosphere. In the afternoon, we head just south to a beach club along the Ionian coast near Porto Cesareo, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters or unwind with a cocktail by the sea. Return to the villa in the evening to relax and savour a memorable seafood dinner, a perfect farewell to the beauty and flavours of southern Italy. |
The Winery at Castello Monaci
DAY 10
Thursday, September 24
Departures – Arrivederci Italia
After a warm and heartfelt farewell—and the friendships, flavours, and unforgettable moments we’ve shared—we depart early for Bari. Our journey takes us along the autostrada for approximately two hours to Bari Airport for your onward flights. We recommend booking departures after 12:00 pm to allow for a relaxed transfer and check-in. As you head home, may you carry with you the spirit of southern Italy—its generosity, its beauty, and its extraordinary food and wine—until we meet again. Arrivederci.
After a warm and heartfelt farewell—and the friendships, flavours, and unforgettable moments we’ve shared—we depart early for Bari. Our journey takes us along the autostrada for approximately two hours to Bari Airport for your onward flights. We recommend booking departures after 12:00 pm to allow for a relaxed transfer and check-in. As you head home, may you carry with you the spirit of southern Italy—its generosity, its beauty, and its extraordinary food and wine—until we meet again. Arrivederci.