Those who...
Like learning more about the history and culture of the lesser-known of Puglia region with a local!
Enjoy daily activities such as sightseeing, walking, and meeting local food entrepreneurs.
Love learning stories behind sustainable food and enjoy conviviality around the table because food unites us all!
Wish to explore the landscapes of the region with a professional Tour Leader and a Pugliese!
Love dinners featuring regional foods and wines.
Like to travel like locals, trading the guidebook script for a personal, curated experience and standard hotels for traditional accommodations!
Michele Iadarola grew up in the small medieval town of Pietramontecorvino in Puglia. As a child, he handpicked olives with his grandfather and thrived on his mamma’s local, from-scratch cooking. After moving to New York in 2010, Michele founded Especially Puglia out of his desire to share the unique culinary traditions of his homeland with the world. His Adopt an Olive Tree, FarmShare, and FarmStay programs are all focused on supporting small-scale farmers and meaningfully connecting Americans with the foods of Puglia.
This itinerary has been meticulously custom designed based on Michele’s unforgettable past experiences and favorite flavors. Every single establishment you will visit has been personally vetted, tested and enjoyed by us. In some cases we’ll take you to places you could not find by yourself or in a guidebook.
Minimum of 6 participants, maximum of 8.
SOLD OUT
To check date availability please email us to [email protected].
$3,200 per person for double occupancy room
Supplement for Single room: $490
6 nights of accommodation in 3- or 4-star hotels and masserie (farm stay)
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners with either a 3- or 4-course menu
Entry fee to the UNESCO site of Castel del Monte hunting lodge
1 guided visit of UNESCO Site of Matera
1 visit to an olive oil producer and tasting during the harvest!
1 hands-on cooking class and 1 pasta and focaccia cooking demo with Michele’s mamma and aunt
1 wine tasting and visit to local winemaker and 1 to a pasta maker
1 visit an tasting to a mozzarella and 1 to tapenade & preserved veggie maker
2 visits to Slow Food Presidia: Gargano Podolica (cow’s milk cheese) & Altamura D.O.P. bread
1 music event with local folk group and 1 visit to a trabucco fishing platform
Comfortable transportation by 9-seat van for all travel on tour as cited in the itinerary
Bilingual, professional Tour Leaders
Group transfers to/from Bari airport at beginning and end of the tour
Local taxes and gratuities for luggage porters and restaurant servers during tour
4 lunches and 1 dinner on your own
Alcoholic beverages at group dinners (including wine and spirits)
Round-trip airfare and expenses to/from the tour
Trip cancellation, baggage loss or travel delay insurance (this optional coverage is highly recommended and is not provided by Especially Puglia)
Gratuities for your driver
Personal expenses, such as, but not limited to, phone calls, laundry, emails, snacks, gifts
When you are ready to book please call us or write an email at [email protected]. We accept only checks.
Upon receipt of your completed Booking Form and the $480 deposit you will receive a confirmation for your payment followed by an invoice and a suggested reading list.
Final balance is due 90 days prior to departure and, approximately 30 days before the tour, you’ll receive an email with contact info of your guide and other important requests such as your travel plans, if you have not informed us already.
By check to the order of Casa Italiana di Las Vegas to be mailed to: 6787 W Tropicana Avenue – Suite 239 Las Vegas, NV 89103.
Deposit: $480 per person at the time of reservation.
Balance due: 90 days prior to departure.
Your cancellations and requests for refunds must be communicated in writing by email to [email protected] as soon as possible.
See below for our refund policy. We cannot make exceptions for any reasons including personal or weather emergencies.
There is no refund for leaving the tour early or arriving to the tour late.
The following cancellation charges apply:
90+ days before departure $150 for administrative fees
61-90 days before departure $480 deposit
45–60 days before departure 50% of trip cost
45 days or less to departure No refund
We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance.
Especially Puglia and Casa Italiana di Las Vegas reserve the right to cancel trips that are below the trip minimum (usually 6 persons). All trip members will receive a full refund and will be notified a minimum of 30 days before the trip departs. In the event of trip cancellation, Especially Puglia and Casa Italiana di Las Vegas are not responsible for additional expenses incurred by trip members such as non-refundable air tickets, medical expenses, and passport and visa.