The sun-drenched region of Apulia comprises the heel and spur of Italy's boot. It is a land of fine beaches, unspoiled scenery, interesting historic sites and a cuisine that is kissed by the sun. The food here is based on fresh vegetables and seafood, homemade pastas and cheese, and the local olive oil. In Apulia you will find dishes unavailable anywhere else in Italy, such as favi e fogghi (a combination of cooked chicory and pureed fava beans flavored with olive oil), troccoli (homemade noodles cut with a ridged rolling pin), or marsciuli (bitter greens).

Join us for a week of sightseeing and cooking in Southern Italy, tasting the intensity of its cuisine and experiencing the friendliness of its people. Accommodations for the week are in the luxury Masseria, Torre Coccaro. Cooking lessons are taught by local women of the area, who are passionate about sharing the recipes of their grandmothers, passed down for generations.

Day One

Arrival and transfer from the Bari airport to Torre Coccaro, a luxury five star hotel and spa located in the heart of Trulli territory. This area is dotted with limestone conical structures that date back to the Middle Ages.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day Two

Your day begins with a cooking lesson in the masseria, followed by lunch. Afternoon on your own. You might want to schedule a massage or facial at Torre Coccaro's spa.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day Three

Morning cooking lesson in the masseria, followed by lunch. This afternoon you'll see the Castellana Grotte, a huge network of caves filled with grottoes with stalactites and stalagmites. Then it's on to Alberobello, a little town characterized by its trulli.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day Four

Morning cooking lesson followed by lunch. This afternoon enjoy a pleasant bike ride in the countryside.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day Five

Cooking lesson at the masseria followed by lunch. In the afternoon you'll go to Grottaglie and visit the area's artisan pottery shops. Dinner at the hotel.

Day Six

Morning at your leisure. Late afternoon departure for Ostuni, a medieval town with a lovely historical center. Here, you will enjoy a farewell dinner in an elegant restaurant.

Day Seven

Check out and transfer to Bari airport.