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The anticipation and excitement of returning to Puglia never wanes, not an iota, not even a teeny tiny bit…
Why, you ask? Is it the picturesque towns and villages? The scrumptious local cuisine? Or maybe the absolutely fabulous local wines? Hmmm, si, all of that and more…much much more…
(Note: I took sooo many photos on this trip and there are well over 100 in this post so please be patient while the post/photos download(s). I promise it will be worth it! Grazie!)
More than anything it’s the people, the warm, wonderful, generous people. It’s like coming home to family and introducing them to my guests…introducing friends to Friends, the best!
Once again, my Friends in Puglia, Ylenia and Michele of YLTOUR DMC, and their fantastic team were our hosts. I’ll let the photos tell the rest…
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Our adventure begins with aperitivo time at their new wine bar and my fav place in Lecce to hang out, Strada del Vino Bistrot! Cin cin!
Then, off we go to our idyllic country-side masseria, a perfect place to recuperate from a long day of travel and start to immerse in the Salento lifestyle.
We are loving being spoiled with mouth watering home cooked regional specialties for dinner and sumptuous breakfasts!
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We’re in good hands! Our exceptional expert guide, Lucrezia, and our intrepid driver, Fabio, escort us on our daily excursions…
The Itria Valley
Heading north, we’re off to the Itria Valley. We begin with a visit to the elegant and classic Baroque town of Martina Franca…
…and then the unique trulli of Alberobello.
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More day tripping, today we’re visiting Ostuni, the “white city”, and Cisternino, named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy…
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Leisurely, interesting, informative guided walks, mouthwatering lunches…ah, la dolce vita Salento-style!
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…And an olive oil farm tour and tasting among the magnificent ancient millennial olive trees of Ostuni…si, many are over 1,000 years old! and still yielding olives!
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Another fabulous day and what’s better than coming back to the most exquisite home-cooked dinner and local wine! I’d say that is just about a perfect day, wouldn’t you?
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Lecce
After a few days, we move to the marvelous historical center of Lecce, in all her splendid Baroque glory! Exploring on foot is such a pleasure for the senses…
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Cooking School!
Off we go to cook with mums in Squinzano where we join fellow travelers from Canada and the Netherlands at CookinPuglia, the cooking school founded by Ylenia.
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Food brings us together! (Oh, and so does wine!)
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Just too much fun and sooo delicious! Buon appetito!
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South to Otranto on the Adriatic
More exploring as we head south to Otranto, the easternmost point of Puglia. Our guided visit includes the cathedral with its remarkable mosaic floor and hauntingly beautiful crypt.
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We’re a little hungry so we stop on our way back for a yummy-licious cheese tasting/wine pairing with Lina and Anna at their family-owned cheese and olive oil farm…
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Sea to Sea…
Exploring the other shore..we’re off to the Ionian coast! Galatina is a must-see en route…
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Then we head to the Gallipoli, town of the fisherman, on the Ionian for a leisurely stroll in and superb seafood lunch with a picture perfect view!
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Our last day and what a finale! An absolutely outstanding winery visit, wine tasting and “light lunch” (lol)…
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On My Own
Before and after each tour, I try to add a few days; to prepare for guests and connect with my local Friends and to explore a little on my own.
On this visit I enjoyed Ylenia & Michele’s new wine bistrot, Strada del Vino, strolling beautiful Lecce, shopping at my fav shop, La Salentina, visiting the Cartapesta (papier-machè) Museum, and even got my hair cut!
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Farewell to Puglia…until next year!
But now, I must say arriverderci, until my next visit!
♦ Read what guests, Michelle & Dale say about their recent Puglia tour!
♦ Are you ready to experience Puglia? Let’s plan your perfect vacation! ♦
With myItaly Trip & Tour Design Services, my Friends, Ylenia & Michele, we will create YOUR custom itinerary, always with valuable advice and suggestions, and the expertise of professional local destination experts.
⇒Your next fabulous Italy vacation is a CLICK away… Let’s begin today, shall we?
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