Puglia, Italy

Artisans, Markets and Secrets of Salento

May 1-9, 2027

Have Questions? Text Beth for Answers

Overview

Puglia is the setting, but the real draw of this journey is the sense of an “untouched Italy”. This is a thoughtfully curated small-group experience for women who want more than a checklist of pretty towns, or the most popular tourist spots. Over nine days, we will move through ancient olive groves, whitewashed villages, Baroque streets, coastal hideaways, and storied farm estates with a feeling of ease and intention. We will begin our journey in a family owned historic Masseria in the countryside, then continue on to Matera’s atmospheric stone lanes, and finally end in Lecce, where warm light, and Southern Italian elegance join together to give us a spectacular send-off!

What makes this journey especially compelling is its access. These are not surface-level sightseeing days, but experiences shaped through local relationships and insider connections: producer visits in private homes, time with women cooks and chefs, intimate meals rooted in regional tradition, artisan tastings, ceramics, markets, breads, fresh mozzarella, and a boat ride along the Salento coast. There is lunch with a local legendary female chef, whose cooking reflects generations of Apulian tradition; hands-on time with Altamura’s famed bread culture; time in Grottaglie, known for its heritage ceramics; and meals in places chosen not just for beauty, but for story, character, and a deep sense of local flair and flavor.

Just as important, the trip is designed around connection: connection to this stunning place, connection to the women who live and create there, and connection among the women traveling together. Wanderful Vintage Travel’s brand promise is rooted in curated small-group travel for women that feels connected, unhurried, and comfort-forward, with thoughtful partners, women-led touchpoints, intimate table moments, and a timeless point of view. That is exactly what makes this journey so premium: the thoughtful pacing, the high-touch planning, the access that would be difficult to recreate independently, and the rare feeling of being warmly welcomed into the real heart of Puglia while sharing it with a wonderful group of women.

Highlights

  • Trulli Houses of Alberobello

  • Explore Martina Franca

  • Visit the White City of Ostuni

  • Evenings in Historical Matera

  • Cook & Eat Experience

  • Ceramic Workshop Experience

  • Apericena Experience in Lecce

  • Olive Mill Visit & Tasting

  • Boat Ride on the Salento Coast

  • Explore Strada Romana, and Pilgrims Way in Lecce

  • Visit to Gallipoli Fish Markets and old town

  • Visit to Otranto

Itinerary: May 1-9, 2027

  • Day One: Saturday May 1, 2027

    ARRIVAL - BRINDISI


    Overview:
    Arrival in Puglia begins with a transfer from Brindisi to our Masseria (a fortified country estate, unique to Puglia—they represent a blend of rustic, defensive architecture with rural luxury) located in Ceglie Messapica.

    After settling in and getting oriented to the property, the day ends with a traditional welcome dinner at the Masseria.

    Highlights:

    Arrival transfer from Brindisi to Masseria

    Settle in and orientation

    Welcome dinner at Masseria

    INCLUDED:

    Accommodations

    Transfer from Brindisi

    Welcome dinner

    Welcome aperitivo

    NOT INCLUDED:

    International air travel

    Cocktails before or after meals

  • Day Two: Sunday May 2, 2027

    ITRIA VALLEY – ALBEROBELLO, LOCOROTONDO, CISTERNINO

    Overview:
    The day is dedicated to Valle d’Itria, with visits to Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Cisternino.

    Lunch is included in Alberobello at La Cantina, followed by dinner back at the masseria.

    Highlights:

    Visit Alberobello, Locorotondo & Cisternino

    Lunch in Alberobello

    Dinner at Masseria

    INCLUDED:

    Accommodations

    Transportation

    Guided cultural Tour

    Lunch & Dinner

    NOT INCLUDED:

    Cocktails before or after meals

  • Day Three: Monday, May 3, 2027

    MARTINA FRANCA–OSTUNI

    Overview

    This day explores Martina Franca and Ostuni, followed by lunch at Madia’s.

    Dinner is served back at the masseria, with another overnight at Masseria Camarda.

    Activities & Excursions

    Visit Martina Franca

    Visit Ostuni

    Lunch at Madia’s

    Cook and eat with Madia

    Dinner at the Masseria

    INCLUDED:

    Accommodations

    Transportation

    Lunch at Madia’s

    Cook and eat with Madia

    Dinner at the Masseria

    NOT INCLUDED:

    Personal purchases

    Additional wine purchases

  • Day Four: Tuesday, May 4, 2027

    CEGLIE MESSAPICA–MATERA

    Overview

    The group transfers to Matera in the morning and checks in at Palazzo della Fontana. In the afternoon there is a guided visit of the town followed by free time to explore independently. Dinner is in town.

    Activities & Excursions

    Morning transfer to Matera

    Check-in at Palazzo della Fontana

    Guided visit of Matera

    Free time to explore

    Dinner in town

    INCLUDED:

    Accommodations

    Transfer to Matera

    Guided cultural visit in Matera

    Dinner in town

    NOT INCLUDED:

    Cocktails before or after meals

    Personal incidentals

    Gratuity for tour leaders and van drivers

  • Day Five: Wednesday, May 5, 2027

    MATERA–ALTAMURA

    Overview

    Today focuses on Altamura, with a walking tour and lunch at one of the oldest bakeries in Europe. The day includes a focaccia demo, followed by free time back in Matera. Dinner is on your own this evening.

    Activities & Excursions

    Walking tour of Altamura

    Focaccia hands-on demo

    Lunch at a historic bakery

    Free time in Matera to wander

    INCLUDED:

    Accommodations

    Transportation

    Altamura walking tour

    Focaccia hands-on demo

    Lunch

    NOT INCLUDED:

    Dinner

    Personal purchases

    Additional wine purchases

  • Day Six: Thursday, May 6, 2027

    MATERA–GROTTAGLIE–LECCE

    Overview

    The day begins with a transfer toward Lecce, stopping first in Grottaglie for ceramics. After check-in at Palazzo de Noha or Palazzo Sant’Anna, the afternoon includes an introductory walking tour of Lecce, followed by apericena.

    Activities & Excursions

    Depart from Matera to Lecce

    Stop in Grottaglie for ceramics

    Introductory walking tour of Lecce

    Apericena Experience

    Overnight in Lecce

    INCLUDED:

    Accommodations

    Transportation

    Ceramic studio visits

    Guided cultural visit in Lecce

    Apericena

    NOT INCLUDED:

    Cocktails before or after meals

    Personal incidentals

  • Day Seven: Friday, May 7, 2027

    SALENTO COAST–OTRANTO

    Overview:


    The day starts in Santa Maria Leuca with a morning boat ride along the Salento coast. Lunch is at Lo Scalo a Novaglie, followed by a visit to Otranto. Dinner is on your own this evening, with an overnight in Lecce.

    Activities & Excursions

    Morning boat ride along the Salento coast

    Lunch at an Incredible Seaside Restaurant

    Visit to Otranto

    INCLUDED:

    Accommodations

    Transportation

    Boat ride along the Salento coast

    Lunch

    NOT INCLUDED:

    Dinner

    Cocktails before or after meals

    Personal incidentals

  • Day Eight: Saturday, May 8, 2027

    LECCE–GALATINA–GALLIPOLI

    Overview

    The final full day explores another side of Lecce before continuing to Galatina and Gallipoli. Along the way there is a visit to the fish market, a stroll through Gallipoli, an experiential lunch with wine tasting at Masserie Le Stanzie, and a final celebration dinner.

    Activities & Excursions

    Explore Lecce via the Pilgrim’s Way, Strada Romana, and Via dell’Olio

    Stop at the fish market

    Stroll Gallipoli’s narrow whitewashed streets

    Experiential Lunch

    Wine tasting

    Final celebration Aperitivo and Dinner

    INCLUDED:

    Accommodations

    Experiential lunch at Masserie Le Stanzie

    Wine tasting

    Final celebration Aperitivo & Dinner

    NOT INCLUDED:

    Cocktails before or after meals

    Personal incidentals

  • Day Nine: Sunday, May 9, 2027

    LECCE–BRINDISI AIRPORT

    Overview:


     The journey concludes with a transfer to Brindisi Airport for departure.

    Highlights:

    Transfer to Brindisi Airport

    INCLUDED:

    Transfer to Brindisi Airport

    NOT INCLUDED:

    International air travel

    Personal incidentals

Trip Host

Beth Kruger - Owner and Founder of Wanderful Vintage Travel

As a small business owner, I have the distinct pleasure of being your tour host for all of these travel experiences. This means you get all of my personal attention, plus the expertise of our multi-lingual tour guide. I have brought groups on retreats all around the America’s and Europe.

I have placed my trust in vetted partners through my connections in the travel industry and am excited to offer this trip to rugged and beautiful Puglia, Italy. This Puglia experience is a specially curated insider journey to places that we would never be able to access on our own. The relationships that make this trip happen have been developed over three decades and I consider us so lucky to be some of the privileged few to experience this adventure of a lifetime.

Join me for a side of Italy that few people get to see—Puglia and the Salento Coast!

Price

Private Room $8999

Everyone gets their own beautiful and private single room

Shared Room $7999

Must book with beloved Sister, Friend or Mother/Daughter, we don’t match roomies!

Have Questions? Text Beth for Answers

What’s Included

  • Accommodations

  • Transportation

  • Bilingual Tour guide

  • Breakfast each day

  • Welcome aperitivo and traditional dinner at Masseria Camarda

  • Village visits through Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Cisternino

  • Lunch in Alberobello

  • Time in Martina Franca and Ostuni

  • Cook-and-eat experience with Madia

  • Guided visit in Matera

  • Altamura walking tour

  • Focaccia demonstration and bakery lunch in Altamura

  • Ceramic studio visits in Grottaglie

  • Introductory walking tour of Lecce

  • Apericena in Lecce

  • Boat ride along the Salento coast

  • Visit to Otranto

  • Lecce’s Pilgrim’s Way, Strada Romana, and Via dell’Olio

  • Visit to Galatina

  • Gallipoli fish market and old town stroll

  • Experiential lunch and wine tasting at Masserie Le Stanzie

  • Cantina visit and tasting

  • Olive mill visit and olive oil tasting

  • Final celebration aperitivo and dinner

What’s Not Included

  • International airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Lunches not specifically named

  • Dinners not specifically named

  • Personal purchases

  • Extra wine purchases

  • Gratuities

  • Visa/passport costs

  • Items of a personal nature

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most flights from the US are overnight and you will arrive at a major hub, and then transfer for your Brindisi flight. Ideally you arrive by 2pm on the 1st. We will gather your arrival times and group you into transfers with other like arrivals. If you prefer your own private transfer we can arrange that for a fee. If booking your flights to Brindisi feels overwhelming, let us know and we will take care of all of the details.

  • Brindisi Airport in Brindisi, Italy is where your trip will begin and end. Many of the airlines that fly in and out of Brindisi may not use your points or be connected to your regular airlines. If you would like help booking your air travel, let us know. If you would like to arrive early or stay a day later in Brindisi or a connecting hub, let us know and we can help arrange that for you.

  • You're always welcome to extend your stay in Italy. But if you're flying home at the end of the trip, book an afternoon flight from Brindisi. We have breakfast available and included airport transfers will begin after 10am.

    If the best flight home from Italy is in the early morning hours, plan on staying an extra day in Italy in your final departure city—so you can comfortably make your connections and are not waking at 3am to leave for the airport all alone. We can help to arrange a hotel and a final airport transfer the following day, just let us know well in advance of your trip.

  • The weather in Puglia in May is dry and warm. It's the start of the summer season with an average high temperature 71°F. Evenings are mild, the sea is now nudging 55°F and it's one of the driest months with only 1.5" of rain falling over a handful of days. 

  • For most Wanderful Vintage Travel experiences, travelers should feel comfortable walking 3–5 miles per day without assistance. Guests should also be able to navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain with relative ease. Many of the places we visit are historic towns, villages, and cultural sites where vehicle access is limited, and walking is often the best way to take in the beauty, character, and rhythm of a place.

    Please also keep in mind that some of the boutique and historic 4- and 5-star properties we stay in may not have elevators. In some cases, stairs may be required to access guest rooms or other areas of the hotel.

  • Beginning in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries—including the U.S., Canada, and Australia—will need an ETAIS permit to visit most of Europe. Don’t worry, it’s easy and we will make sure you have all the details well in advance of our trip.

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