Authentic  Puglia:    Cultural  immersion,  adventure,  and  gastronomic  exploration  

 This  is  a  beautiful  Southern  Visions  seven  (7)  day  trip  through  the  region  of  Puglia,  Italy,  which  lies  in  the  heel  of  the  boot,  along  the  sun-­‐drenched  Adriatic  Sea.  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.  Come  to  Puglia  and  hear  the  voices  of  the  past  call  out  over  the  trulli  houses...we  promise,  once  you  discover   it,  Puglia  will   leave  a   lasting  impression.    Day  1:  Arrival  and  check-­‐in  at  the  resort  Welcome  Aperitivo  &  Dinner:  Alberobello  –  Casanova    Lodging:  Alberobello  –  Le  Alcove  Resort  nei  Trulli  www.lealcove.it/main.asp?lang=ita    We  will  meet  you  at   the  Bari  airport  on  arrival  and   transfer  you   to  your   first  hotel.  You  will   find  your  guide  holding  a  Southern  Visions  sign.  Welcome  to  Puglia!    Day  2:  Traditions  of  Craftsmanship  Lunch:  Locorotondo  –  Taverna  del  Duca    Dinner  at  a  typical  agriturismo  farm  Lodging:  Alberobello  –  Le  Alcove  Resort  nei  Trulli  www.lealcove.it/main.asp?lang=ita    Our  day  will  begin  with  a  guided  walking  tour  through  Alberobello’s  alleyways  and  trulli  houses.  Starting  in  the  aia  piccola,  we  will  uncover  the  true  soul  of  this  UNESCO  World  Heritage  Site.  Along  the  way,  we  will   discover   several   shops   featuring   typical   local   craftsman   products.   We   will   also   visit   the  craftsmanship   museum,   the   oil   museum,   and   a   trullo   under   renovation,   allowing   us   to   explore   the  internal  structure  and  learn  about  building  techniques.  After  reaching  the  highest  spot  of  the  village  and  stopping  to  admire  the  sea  of  trulli  below,  we  will  walk  back  into  town  to  visit  some  workshops  where  craftsmen  still  follow  ancient  local  traditions.    

 

Afterwards  we  will  travel  to  the  nearby  village  of  Locorotondo  to  admire  its  unique  historic  center  and  visit  the  textile  workshop   Il  Tempo  Ritrovato,  where  skilled  tailors  exhibit  their  crochet  handwork.  You  will  also  have  the  opportunity  to  purchase  an  item  or  order  a  custom  piece.  Before  leaving  Locorotondo,  we  will  enjoy  a  delicious  lunch  of  typical  local  specialties  at  Taverna  del  Duca.  We  will  spend  the  afternoon  in  Putignano,  which  owes  its  fame  to  its  ancient  Carnival  celebration.  We  will   learn   stories   and   traditions   connected   to   this   important   event.  We  will   also  watch   the  making  of  papier-­‐mâché.  Another  element  of  Putignano’s  craftsman  tradition  is  the  production  of  wedding  gowns.  We  will  visit  a  local  shop  where  we  can  see  all  of  the  phases  of  creation  and  even  try  on  some  gowns!  The   day   will   end   at   a   typical   agriturismo   farm  with   dinner   and   a   show.   Two   dancers/actresses   from  Puglia  will  bring  to  life  stories  about  the  origins  of  the  pizzica  and  other  popular  dances.    Day  3:  Land  and  Sea  Lunch  on  board  ship    Dinner:  Alberobello  –  Il  Trullo  d’Oro    Lodging:  Alberobello  –  Le  Alcove  Resort  nei  Trulli  www.lealcove.it/main.asp?lang=ita    The  coastal  town  of  Torre  Canne  will  be  our  starting  point  for  a  truly  unique  experience  in  the  discovery  of  the  sea.  We  will  travel  in  a  boat  sailed  by  a  skilled  fisherman  through  the  deep  waters  of  the  Adriatic  Sea,  where  we   can   admire   its   unique   colors   close   up.  While   on   board,  we   can   learn   about   deep   sea  fishing,  take  a  dip  in  the  water,  or  simply  relax  to  the  rhythm  of  the  gentle  waves.  A  seafood  lunch  will  be   served   on   board.   We   will   sail   north   along   the   coast   to   Polignano   a   Mare.   As   we   approach   this  wonderful  village,  you  are  sure  to  notice  its  unique  coastline,  dotted  with  inlets  and  caves.  Once  back  on  land,  we  will   take   a   stroll   through   the   historic   center   of   Polignano   and   stop   at   a   famous  gelateria   to  sample  their  selection.  Then  we  will   travel  back   inland  to  explore  yet  another  Pugliese  natural  wonder:  the  beautiful  caves  of  Castellana.  We  will  return  to  Alberobello  after  a  full  day  for  a  relaxing  dinner  at  Trullo  d’Oro.    Day  4:  Flavors  of  Puglia  Lunch  at  a  beautiful  ancient  farm    Dinner:  Alberobello  –  La  Cantina    Lodging:  Alberobello  –  Le  Alcove  Resort  nei  Trulli  www.lealcove.it/main.asp?lang=ita    We  will  devote  today  to  the  discovery  of  the  flavors  of  Puglia.  This  is  a  great  chance  for  those  who  love  cooking  to  learn  the  secrets  of  the  region’s  traditional  cuisine.  First,  we  will  visit  an  ancient  mill,  where  we  will  learn  about  the  artisanal  production  of  flour  step-­‐by-­‐step.    

 

Then  we  will   visit   a  biological  dairy   farm   to   learn  about  another  Pugliese   specialty.  After  witnessing  a  cheese-­‐making  demonstration,  we  will  enjoy  a  tasting  of  the  different  types  of  cheese  produced  at  the  farm  and  also  have  an  opportunity  to  purchase  some.    The   highlight   of   the   day   will   come   when   we   get   to   discover   the   most   famous   product   of   Puglia:  orecchiette   (“little   ear”   shaped)   pasta.   At   a   beautiful   ancient   farm,   skilled   chefs   will   show   us   the  traditional  techniques  for  making  orecchiette.  You  will  leave  with  a  priceless  treasure  –  knowledge  of  an  art  form.  Our  lunch  will  feature  your  very  own  orecchiette.  Of   course,   we   couldn’t   end   our   culinary   tour   without   visiting   a   typical   local   vineyard,   housed   in   an  excavated  rock.  After  exploring  the  cellar,  we  will  enjoy  a  wine  tasting  accompanied  by  appetizers  such  as  cold  cuts,  cheeses  garnished  with  mustards  and  jams,  toast  with  fresh  tomatoes,  and  almond  pastries.  Be  sure  to  save  room  for  dinner  at  La  Cantina!    Day  5:  The  Itria  Valley  Lunch  at  a  working  farm    Lodging:  Lecce  –  Patria  Palace  Hotel  www.patriapalacelecce.com/eng/    The  landscapes  of  Puglia  are  certainly  one  of  the  region’s  most  important  treasures.  Today  we  will  take  you  on  a  quest   for  the  most  beautiful  and  enchanting  panoramic  views.  Our  guide  during  this   journey  through  the  Valle  d’Itria  will  be  Giovanni,  an  expert  photographer  who  will  help  us  to  capture  the  images  and  sensations  these  places  evoke.  We  will  learn  some  techniques  for  obtaining  clearer  shots,  choosing  the  best  time  to  take  a  picture,  and  creating  customized  photo  albums.  We  will  then  visit  a  working  farm  in  Martina  Franca  that  raises  pigs,  boars,  and  podoliche  (a  type  of  cow  typical  of  this  area).  After  a  relaxing  stroll  through  the  woods  on  the  farm,  we  will  enjoy  a  delicious  lunch  featuring  foods  produced  there,  all  served  under  the  shade  of  a  giant  oak  tree.    In  the  afternoon,  we  will  travel  down  to  the  city  of  Lecce,  symbolic  of  the  Baroque  era.  There,  we  will  embark  on  tour  of  typical  products,  from  papier-­‐mâché  to  fabrics.  Along  the  way,  we  will  pass  through  antique  bookstores  before  ending  up  in  a  tambourine  workshop.  After  we  check  in  to  our  hotel,  you  will  have  some  free  time  to  continue  exploring  and  enjoy  dinner  on  your  own.    Day  6:  Salento  and  Magna  Grecia  Lunch  at  a  local  restaurant    Dinner  &  Lodging:  Lecce  –  Patria  Palace  Hotel  www.patriapalacelecce.com/eng/    Today  we  will  explore  an  area  rich  in  history,  legends,  and  culture:  Salento,  once  part  of  Magna  Grecia.  In  all  of  the  small  villages  we  visit,  we  will  be  able  to  hear  the  older  generations  relate  stories  in  the  griko  dialect,  which  was  derived  from  Greek.  We  will  stop  in  Carpignano  Salentino  to  visit   its  unique  historic  center,  including  the  main  church  and  the  ducal  palace.    

 

We  will   continue  on   to   Soleto,  where  we  will   explore   the  historic   center   and   stop  by   a   characteristic  church   representing   the   intersection   of  Western,   Byzantine,   and   Italian-­‐Greek   cultures.  We  will   have  lunch  at  a  local  restaurant,  where  we  can  sample  regional  wine  and  typical  products  of  Salento  and  the  Grika  culture.  In   the   afternoon,  we  will   learn   about   the   phenomenon   known   as   tarantismo  by   visiting   the   town   of  Galatina,  as  well  as  one  of  Lecce’s  biggest  Baroque  churches,  which  afflicted  women  would  visit  in  hopes  of  finding  a  cure.  Afterward,  we  will  return  to  the  hotel  and  enjoy  our  final  dinner  together  there.    Day  7:  Departure    We  will  transport  you  to  the  Bari  airport  in  time  for  your  flight.    WHAT  YOU  GET!!!    

• All  guest  shuttles,  including  transfers  from  and  to  the  Bari  airport  • Boat  excursion  with  skipper  from  Torre  Canne  to  Polignano  a  Mare  • Guided  tours  with  English-­‐speaking  guide  • 4  nights  at  Le  Alcove  Resort  nei  Trulli  in  Alberobello  • 2  nights  at  Patria  Palace  in  Lecce  • 5  lunches  and  5  dinners  (water  and  wine  included)  • Visits  to  workshops  • Pizzica  dance  show  • Photography  workshop  in  Valle  dell’Idro  • Introduction  to  local  gastronomic  products  

o Gelato  tasting  o Flour  mill  visit  o Cheese  tasting  at  a  dairy  farm  o Lesson  in  making  orecchiette  pasta  o Wine  tasting  with  appetizers  

• Admission  to  craftsmanship  museum,  oil  museum,  Grotte  di  Castellana,  palaces  and  churches  Not  included:  

• Personal  insurance  • Gratuities  • Items  not  mentioned  above  or  unscheduled  events  

 

 

Arrival  and  Departure  Logistics    After  reviewing  the  following  information,  please  inform  us  of  your  arrival  and  departure  plans.    Please  be  sure  to  note  these  important  contact  numbers,   in  case  you  need  assistance  before,  during,  or  after  your  trip  –  Puglia:  +39  340  264  4128  or  +39  392  185  7704;  USA  +1  800  737  5760.    Flight  arrangements    We  recommend  flying  into  Milan  or  Rome.    You  can  catch  a  flight  to  Bari  (airport  code:  BRI)  or  Brindisi  (airport  code:  BDS)  from  either  city.    Or,   if  you  prefer  to  see  the  countryside  and  perhaps  enjoy  a  pre-­‐tour  stay  in  another  Italian  destination,  you  can  make  your  way  to  Puglia  by  train.    The  trip  from  Rome  takes  about  5  hours;  from  Florence,  it’s  about  7  ½  hours;  from  Milan,  expect  approximately  8  ½  hours  of  travel.    Transportation  between  the  Bari  airport  and  train  station    A   taxi   ride   between   the   airport   and   train   station   takes   25-­‐30   minutes   and   costs   around   €20.     An  Autolinee  Tempesta  bus  takes  approximately  30  minutes  and  costs  €4.15.    Booking  Italian  train  travel    You   can  purchase   Italian   rail   tickets   from  any   train   station   in   Italy.    Many   stations   are   equipped  with  automatic   ticket   machines,   from   which   you   can   purchase   tickets   and   reservation   coupons   for   travel  throughout  Italy  and  for  principal  cross-­‐border  routes.    The  machines  accept  cash,  credit  card,  or  ATM  card   with   PIN.     There   are   sometimes   unpredicted   system   outages   in   the   smaller   stations,   so   we  recommend  booking  your  entire  journey  in  advance  of  your  trip  (see  below)  or  at  a  major  train  station  at  the  start  of  your  trip.    For  more  information  on  train  travel   in  Italy,  visit  www.trenitalia.com.    There  you  can  purchase  tickets  and   make   seat   reservations   with   your   credit   card.     There   is   also   a   great   website   called  www.raileurope.com   where   you   can   purchase   individual   rail   tickets   as   well   as   rail   passes.     Another  option  is  to  purchase  tickets  and  make  reservations  through  your  own  travel  agent.    If   you   travel  on  one  of   Italy’s   faster   trains,   such  as  Eurocity,   Intercity,  or  Eurostar,  you’ll  be  charged  a  supplemental  fare  in  addition  to  the  regular  ticket  price.    If  you  travel  on  one  of  these  trains  without  a  supplemented  ticket,  you’ll  be  fined.    Don’t  panic,  though;  it  is  almost  impossible  not  to  get  the  proper  ticket  nowadays,  especially  if  you  buy  online  or  from  a  machine,  where  the  supplement  is  automatically  included  in  the  cost.    Intercity   and   Eurostar   trains   require   a   seat   reservation.     Reserving   a   seat   is   not  mandatory   on   other  trains;  however,   you  may  want   to  pay   the  extra   charge   for  a   guaranteed   seat,   especially   if   you   travel  during  a  peak  period  or  local  holiday.    Otherwise,  you  risk  having  to  stand  for  a  part  or  all  of  your  trip.    On   Italy’s   slower   trains   (Rapido,   Espresso,   Regionale,   Inter   Regionale,   and   Locale),   reservations   and  supplemental  tickets  are  not  necessary.        

Boarding  the  train  The  platform  number  will  be  listed  at   least  10  minutes  prior  to  departure  on  the  small  TV  screens  and  larger  schedule  boards  in  the  main  station  area.    If  you  are  traveling  without  a  seat  reservation,  you  will  need  to  validate  your  “open”  ticket  by  stamping  it  at  one  of  the  small  yellow  machines  located  on  each  train  platform  (the  machine  stamps  the  date  and  time  on  the  open  ticket  to  prevent  multiple  uses).     If  you   forget   to   stamp   your   ticket   before   boarding,   tell   the   on-­‐board   inspector   immediately   to   avoid   a  supplementary  fee.    WHERE  TO  STAY  BEFORE  &  AFTER  YOUR  TOUR    BARI    PALACE  HOTEL    Via  Francesco  Lombardi  13    70122  Bari    Tel  +39  080  521  6551    www.palacehotelbari.it/eng/index.html    GRAND  HOTEL  LEON  D’ORO    Piazza  Aldo  Moro  4    70122  Bari    Tel  +39  080  523  5040    www.grandhotelleondoro.it/e_index.php    HOTEL  VILLA  ROMANAZZI    Via  Giuseppe  Capruzzi  326    70124  Bari    Tel  +39  080  542  7400    www.villaromanazzi.com    MATERA    LA  CASA  DI  LUCIO    Via  San  Pietro  Caveoso  66    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  531  2798    www.lacasadilucio.it/en/    HOTEL  SANT’ANGELO    Piazza  San  Pietro  Caveoso    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  531  4010    www.hotelsantangelosassi.it/en/            

   HOTEL  ADRIA    Via  Zuppetta  10    70121  Bari    Tel  +39  080  524  6699    www.adriahotelbari.com/english/hotel.php    HOTEL  BOSTON    Via  Piccinni  155    70122  Bari    Tel  +39  080  521  6633    www.bostonbari.it/index.php?&lang=en                    HOTEL  RIDOLA    Via  Morelli  13    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  531  8811    www.hotelridolamatera.it/index.php?lang=en    ALBERGO  DEL  SEDILE    Recinto  Sedile  4  (Piazza  del  Sedile)    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  533  3436    www.albergodelsedile.it            

LOCANDA  DI  SAN  MARTINO    Via  Fiorentini  71  75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  525  6600    www.locandadisanmartino.it/en/hotel/                LECCE    HOTEL  PATRIA  PALACE    Piazzetta  Riccardi    73100  Lecce    Tel  +39  083  224  5111    www.patriapalacelecce.com/eng/index.htm    HOTEL  DELLE  PALME    Via  Leuca  90    73100  Lecce    Tel  +39  083  234  7171    www.hoteldellepalmelecce.it  

HOTEL  IN  PIETRA    Via  San  Giovanni  Vecchio  22    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  534  4040    www.hotelinpietra.it/page/home_e.php    ALBERGO  ITALIA    Via  Ridola  5    75100  Matera    Tel  +39  083  533  3561    www.albergoitalia.com/eng/        GRAND  HOTEL  TIZIANO    Viale  Porto  d'Europa    73100  Lecce    Tel  +39  083  227  2111    www.grandhoteltiziano.it/index_en.asp    B&B  PALAZZO  ROLLO    Via  Vittorio  Emanuele  II  14    73100  Lecce    Tel  +39  083  230  7152    www.palazzorollo.it/palazzorollo/