embark on an unforgettable journey to puglia, italy, a region renowned for its sun-drenched landscapes, rich history, and exceptional cuisine. this meticulously crafted culinary tour is designed specifically for gay travelers seeking an authentic immersion into the heart of this captivating italian territory.
our adventure centers around a week-long stay at the beautifully restored 14th-century villa cappelli, a historic gem nestled beside the fabled appian way.
your puglia adventure: a taste of authentic italy
this culinary expedition offers a deeply immersive experience into the unique flavors and traditions of puglia.
from the moment you arrive, you'll be enveloped in the warm hospitality and vibrant culture of southern italy. our itinerary is designed to showcase the region's best, blending historical exploration with hands-on culinary experiences, all within a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for gay travelers.
a week at villa cappelli: history meets luxury
your home for the week will be the enchanting villa cappelli.
this historic residence, dating back to the 14th century, has been lovingly restored to offer modern comforts while preserving its timeless charm. imagine waking up to breathtaking views, enjoying exquisite meals prepared with local ingredients, and participating in unique cultural activities, all within this magnificent setting.
the villa provides a tranquil base for your explorations, allowing you to relax and recharge after days filled with discovery.
unveiling puglia's culinary treasures
puglia's cuisine is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, yet profound, flavors.
our tour focuses on providing you with an intimate understanding of these culinary traditions through a variety of engaging activities.
hands-on pasta making and olive oil tasting
immerse yourself in the art of italian cooking with hands-on sessions.
learn to create traditional puglian pasta from scratch, feeling the dough come to life under your fingertips. discover the secrets of olive oil production with an expert visit to the villa for a comprehensive course, culminating in a delightful olive oil tasting session.
these experiences will not only deepen your appreciation for puglian gastronomy but also equip you with skills to recreate these authentic dishes at home.
sampling local delicacies
throughout your stay, you'll have numerous opportunities to savor the regional specialties.
from freshly caught seafood to locally grown produce, every meal is an event. enjoy light dinners at the villa or venture into nearby towns to sample local fare.
special lunches are arranged at renowned establishments, including a memorable experience at agriturismo antichi sapori, celebrated for its remote setting and acclaimed chef.
exploring puglia's iconic destinations
beyond the culinary delights, puglia offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions.
our itinerary includes visits to charming towns, ancient ruins, and significant historical sites.
bari: a coastal gem
your journey begins in bari, the capital of puglia.
this vibrant coastal city boasts a beautiful port and a magnificent cathedral situated right by the sea. it's a perfect introduction to the region's unique blend of history and modern life.
lecce: the "florence of the south"
discover lecce, a city renowned for its stunning baroque architecture.
wander through its ancient streets, admire the intricate facades of its churches and palaces, and soak in the artistic heritage that has earned it this distinguished nickname.
ostuni: the white city
explore ostuni, affectionately known as the "white city." perched on a hilltop, its whitewashed buildings create a dazzling spectacle against the blue sky.
meander through its labyrinthine alleys and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the adriatic sea.
trani: historic port town
visit trani, a picturesque fishing village that features a magnificently restored medieval town center. its impressive cathedral, standing proudly by the sea, is a sight to behold.
experience the charm of a working harbor and the authentic atmosphere of a traditional italian coastal town.
cannae: a site of historical significance
travel to cannæ, a place etched in military history. it was here that hannibal achieved a decisive victory against a larger roman army, a feat considered one of the greatest tactical achievements in military history.
learning about such pivotal moments adds a profound layer to your understanding of the region's past.
cave houses and local life
delve into the unique architectural heritage of puglia with visits to compact cave house museums, offering a glimpse into traditional living.
experience the daily rhythms of local life as you dine in charming, authentic restaurants.
culinary masterclasses and wine tasting
enhance your understanding of italian food and wine with expert-led sessions.
pizza making at the villa
don your chef's hat for a fun and interactive pizza-making session at villa cappelli.
learn to create your own pizzas from scratch, from rolling out the dough to selecting the perfect toppings, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor.
wine tasting with a sommelier
indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience led by a knowledgeable sommelier.
discover the nuances of puglian wines, understanding their characteristics and how they complement the local cuisine. this is a perfect opportunity to learn about and appreciate the region's viticulture.
important tour information
to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, please review the following details regarding pricing, inclusions, and exclusions.
price includes
- lodging for 7 nights in double occupancy at villa cappelli (some rooms share a bathroom; limited single rooms are available upon request).
- all meals during the stay at the villa, including local wine or soft drinks, with the exception of one dinner in a nearby village where you can explore at your own expense.
- services of a dedicated he travel tour director, subject to minimum participation numbers.
- transfers from bari airport or terlizzi or molfetta train stations on the first day of the tour, and return transfers to bari airport on the departure day.
price not included
- transportation to and from bari, italy.
- personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages not included with included meals.
- admissions to sites not explicitly mentioned as included in the itinerary.
- gratuities for guides and the he travel host.
travel and logistics
planning your journey to puglia is straightforward, with several options for reaching bari.
getting to puglia
the tour officially starts and ends in bari, puglia, italy.
most international travelers will fly into rome and then connect to bari. it is advisable to allow ample time for connections at rome's airport, particularly if you are traveling from north america.
airplane travel
flights to bari are often available from rome.
for travelers originating from north america, departing the evening before the tour begins allows for arrival in rome in the morning, followed by a connecting flight to bari. plan for a minimum of two hours for your connection in rome; three hours is recommended if possible, as the airport can be busy.
train travel
an alternative is to take a train.
the closest train station to the villa is terlizzi, a short four-minute ride away. you can take an express train to barletta centrale and then transfer to the local commuter railway for the final leg to terlizzi. trains typically run every 40 minutes.
returning home
for your return journey, book a morning flight from bari to connect with your international flights.
if time permits, consider extending your stay in rome for a few days before flying home.
physical challenge and what to bring
the physical activity level for this tour is rated as 1 to 2 on a scale of 1 to 5, indicating a generally moderate level of activity.
expect light walking and exploration on most days. it is recommended to pack comfortable walking shoes, light clothing suitable for the season, and any personal items you may need.
booking your puglia experience
ready to embark on this incredible culinary adventure?
securing your spot is simple.
reserving your tour
a deposit is required to reserve your place. you can also choose to pay the full amount or an additional amount towards your final balance at the time of booking. please enter your desired payment amount and any promo codes you may have.
personal information
please provide your name, email address, and phone number.
additionally, specify the start date of your tour and the number of passengers. don't forget to check your junk mail folder for important emails from us.
this puglia culinary tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, gastronomic exploration, and relaxed camaraderie, all within a welcoming environment for gay travelers.
join us for an unforgettable italian escape!