Salento
Day 01: Upon your airport arrival, we’ll transfer you to the farmhouse. After check-in and a brief tour of the property, we’ll explore the farmhouse and delve into our olive oil production process. Note that the peak season is October to January, so outside this period, the activity may vary. You’ll also visit Emilio’s mill for a traditional oil-making demonstration and tasting. Dinner will feature Salento’s traditional cuisine, highlighting organic vegetables freshly picked from our farm, with an opportunity for guests to participate in the gathering.
Day 02:
Morning: Enjoy breakfast and embark on a scenic Adriatic coast tour, including Acquaviva marina and Marina Serra, followed by a stroll through Castro’s historic center. Savor lunch at your leisure in one of Castro’s many eateries.
Afternoon: Proceed to Santa Maria di Leuca, with a pause at Ciolo Bridge. Explore this easternmost Italian town before heading back to the farmhouse for some free time.
Evening: Relish a traditional dinner featuring local fish specialties.
Day 03: Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a tour along the Ionian coast, featuring a stop in the charming coastal town of Gallipoli, Apulia. Explore Gallipoli’s historic island center, notable for St. Agatha’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Mary of Purity. Visit the impressive Gallipoli Castle and the nearby ancient Greek Fountain on the mainland. After some leisure time to savor local cuisine, return to the farm for rest. The afternoon includes a guided tour of Lecce, known as the “pearl of the Baroque,” followed by dinner at a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria to experience authentic Italian pizza.
Day 04: After breakfast, we’ll head to Valle d’Itria and explore Alberobello’s iconic “Trulli” houses with a professional guide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture and history. Enjoy some free time for shopping and a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ostuni, the renowned White City, known for its stunning white buildings and vibrant summer atmosphere, including a guided tour of its charming center. We’ll then return to the farmhouse for dinner.
Day 05: Today is all about exploring local cuisine. Our journey begins in Maglie, visiting renowned artisan food workshops like a pasta factory a mozzarella cheese factory, famous for its “Burrata,” and a chocolate workshop. Enjoy some free time in Maglie. The afternoon features a wine-tasting session in a historic local cellar. Back at the farm, Chef Emilio leads a cooking class focused on traditional Salentine “homemade pasta” and other Italian pasta varieties. The day concludes with a dinner at the farmhouse, featuring dishes prepared in the class, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 06: Post-breakfast, we’ll embark on an Adriatic coast tour, stopping in Otranto to see the 15th-century Aragonese Castle and the 11th-century Cathedral with its intricate mosaics. We’ll enjoy panoramic sea views from Torre Matta and have free time in the city, including brief visits to Orte Bay, Porto Badisco, and Porto Miggiano. Our day concludes with a tour of the prehistoric Zinzulusa Cave, followed by a return to the farmhouse for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Day 07: Breakfast, followed by checkout. Farewell to newfound friends. Private transport to the airport or Brindisi/Lecce train station marks the conclusion of our services.