Puglia Food Tour with Cooking Class

A warm welcome awaits you in sun-drenched Apulia. Arrive to the idyllic organic masseria Lama di Luna, located near Montegrosso, approximately 45 miles west of Bari. Immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a refreshing aperitif with house wines. As a culinary start to your trip, a delicious dinner awaits you at your accommodation, where you can get to know your fellow travelers. The food is prepared using many products from the on-site organic farm, so you can enjoy the authentic flavors of the region. Sit back, let yourself be pampered, and look forward to unforgettable days in Apulia.

Relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that our tour guide will assist you at every moment.

Benvenuti in Puglia!

Enjoy an organic breakfast that includes a variety of homemade delicacies and products from the on-site farm, such as freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and other treats prepared with care and love. After breakfast, owner Pietro will accompany you on a tour of the extensive property. Not only are olives, wine, vegetables, and almonds grown here, but Pietro will share with you many secrets and stories about the region.

The next stop on your journey takes you to the impressive Castel del Monte, an architectural masterpiece from 1250, built by Emperor Frederick II. This octagonal building, whose function remains unclear today, has given rise to numerous myths and legends that continue to fascinate visitors from all over the world.

At lunchtime, enjoy a picnic prepared by your guide in the idyllic surroundings. After a relaxing break, take a culinary walk through Alta Murgia National Park. As you explore the picturesque landscape, collect herbs, vegetables, and fruits, and learn about the traditional uses of these plants. On your way, you will also come across some trulli, traditional Apulian dry stone huts with distinctive conical roofs.

In the evening, you will be driven to Ruvo di Puglia, where a special experience awaits you — an ethnobotanical dinner at Villa Fenicia Mezza Pagnotta. Here, you will be served dishes based on the region's rich culinary traditions, made with carefully selected ingredients. Immerse yourself in the aromas of Apulian cuisine and let yourself be carried away by the delicious creations.

Relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that our tour guide will assist you at every moment.

This morning you can take it easy and enjoy the silence or even the pool of your beautiful accommodation.

In the late morning you will walk with your guide to the nearby village of Montegrosso, where Pietro Zito awaits you in his Osteria Antichi Sapori. Pietro is an exceptional host and chef who maintains a 1.5-hectare garden with his father, growing most of the ingredients for his dishes there. He describes himself as cuoco contadino, or a “farmer chef”. Take a fascinating tour of his garden, where you will be able to taste around 15 different varieties of fragrant thyme.

At Pietro’s, expect a real taste explosion in the form of his cucina dell’orto, his “kitchen from the vegetable garden”. Look forward to a variety of small, light dishes served at short intervals that will make your mouth water. The combination of fresh ingredients and Pietro's culinary creativity will delight you and offer an unforgettable taste experience.

After a relaxing digestive walk back to your accommodation, you have leisure time during the early evening to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. While you won't be very hungry after Pietro's delicious creations, you can still look forward to an aperitivo rafforzato accompanied by an exclusive wine and olive oil tasting. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of flavors and nuances of local wines and delicious olive oil. Let yourself be seduced by the diverse flavours and learn more about the production of these exquisite products that come from the masseria's lands. More than just a simple aperitif, this is a chance to rejuvenate and gain new energy and joy in life for the evening.

After breakfast, you will be taken to Altamura, a picturesque town located on one of the hills of the Murge plateau.

Here, you can enjoy a special culinary experience in a bakery that produces traditional Apulian pastries, such as pane di Altamura DOP. Close your eyes and let the tantalizing smell of freshly baked bread fill your senses. Immerse yourself in the delicious world of local baking traditions.

For lunch, you will be taken to a nearby Osteria that specializes in rustic local dishes. Treat your taste buds to traditional culinary delights, such as pecora alla rzzaul, a hearty lamb dish that reflects the flavours of the region.

After lunch, you will visit the historic town of Gravina, which impresses with its ancient Roman bridge. Immerse yourself in the city's fascinating history and take time to explore its beauty. Stroll through the alleys, admire the architectural treasures, and let the special atmosphere work its magic on you. In Gravina your guide will take you to a small artisan distillery, which only uses herbs from the Alta Murgia for its products. You will be able to relive the walk through the beautiful nature.

As soon as you arrive back at your accommodation, you will have a free evening to relax and unwind. Review what you discovered and look forward to the adventures to come. You won't be very hungry after all you tasted throughout the day.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast, which sets the stage for the culinary adventures ahead.

The morning begins with an exclusive mozzarella lesson with Nicola, where you will learn the art of processing this beloved Italian cheese. Afterward, you will enjoy a light lunch accompanied by a tasting of local cheeses and specialties such as burrata di Andria. After lunch, take a walk through the charming town of Andria to discover its hidden gems, such as the narrowest alleyway in Puglia and the majestic cathedral.

In the afternoon, you'll embark on a unique culinary journey, not your typical cooking class, but rather a familiar experience with the chef of a renowned local restaurant. Grazia will lead you through the secrets of Apulian cuisine, turning this moment into a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover her culinary tricks and specialties crafted with fresh, regional ingredients. To cap it off, you'll enjoy dinner directly at Grazia's beautiful restaurant, adding a delightful touch to the overall experience.

Enjoy the taste of authentic Apulian food and toast to your shared culinary successes!

An unforgettable highlight of your trip awaits you with Giancarlo Ceci, the proud owner of an impressive fattoria that extends over 300 hectares. Here, he produces biodynamic wines, olive oils, juices, and canned vegetables, continuing the traditions of his family. When Giancarlo took over the property in 1988, he decided on sustainable, biodynamic production and to self-market his products. You will feel his passion and dedication to his craft firsthand during your visit. Giancarlo takes you on a fascinating journey through his history and gives you insight into wine and olive oil production. He then invites you to an unforgettable lunch in his family's historic masseria. There, you will be seduced by the flavours of the regional cuisine and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of this special place. Giancarlo himself is an innovative entrepreneur, an excellent host, and an interesting conversation partner who will give you valuable insights into his work. In the afternoon, you will have time to relax and enjoy the property's wonderful organic pool. Relax and refresh yourself in the clear water while admiring the surrounding natural scenery. After this relaxation, you will return to Trani in the evening, where you will visit another first-class fish restaurant. Enjoy the evening in a relaxed atmosphere and let yourself be pampered by the delicious creations.

Today it's dolce vita by the sea as you set off on an exciting day trip to Trani. The city's slogan is città slow because everything moves at a comfortable pace in this little harbour town. After a half-hour drive, Anna Lisa will welcome you for a guided tour of this charming place. Trani bears witness to the region's former heyday in the 12th and 13th centuries, when merchants and crusaders set off from here for East Asia. During the city tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the historic cathedral, which rises directly on the sea and is an impressive testimony to bygone times, along with the narrow streets of the old Jewish Quarter and the Templar Church, a historical jewel of exceptional beauty. A delicious seafood lunch awaits you at the port. Here, you can watch the fishermen haul in freshly caught seafood. Once you've had your fill, you'll have the afternoon free to explore picturesque Trani at your own pace. Wander the town and discover ice cream parlors, bars, small shops, churches, and museums. Your tour guide Luciano will be happy to provide you with valuable tips and recommendations. In the evening, an unforgettable culinary experience awaits you in another carefully selected fish restaurant. Immerse yourself in the flavours of local seafood and indulge in sophisticated dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. With a satisfied palate and pleasant memories, you finally make your way back to your accommodation. Note: Appropriate evening attire is required for the seafood restaurant in the evening.

Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye to your journey through Apulia, unless you booked an extension. Just because this trip is over doesn't mean your thirst for adventure has to be satisfied. If you want to continue your exploration of southern Apulia, we are more than happy to assist you with recommendations and ideas for staying a little longer.