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Culinary Adventures in Puglia

May 4 2025 to May 13 2025 GUARANTEED DEPARTURE


Join Us for an Unforgettable Culinary Adventure!

Departure from the USA for an overnight transatlantic flight to Bari or Brindisi Airport. DAY 1 - Departure

Please let us know the details of your flight or train arrival in Bari or Brindisi. We can arrange your transfer by private car to go to Leonardo Trulli Resort, located a few miles away from Alberobello. 

Get settled in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Enjoy your welcome dinner on premises with freshly-picked vegetables from the garden. 

Overnight at Leonardo Trulli Resort.
DAY 2 - ARRIVAL IN PUGLIA

Visit Bari, Puglia’s prosperous seaside capital with our expert guide. Stroll the tangled streets and the charming old town to discover the lively market, the spacious medieval piazzas and the beautiful San Nicola Basilica, home of Saint Nicholas, one of the most beloved saint in the whole world and father of the legend of Santa Claus. The city also boasts a lovely seafront promenade and an elegant pedestrian shopping area.Your culinary experience will start at the fish market where you’ll meet local fishermen and, if you are feeling brave, taste a wide choice of raw seafood! Then move to the old town and see the local ladies making pasta in the narrow streets outside their homes and sample the whole range of the local street food – focaccia, panzerotti, sgagliozze and popizze just to name a few! 

Duration: about 6 hours. 

Overnight at Leonardo Trulli Resort
DAY 3 - BARI: STREET FOOD IN PUGLIA’S SEASIDE CAPITAL

Get ready for a superb day! Today we visit the famous Trulli of Alberobello. These cone shaped dwellings are unique to the region and in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello you will see a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses. Our expert guide and local superstar will bring the history of this picturesque town to life. 

Next we’ll meet a local cheese-maker to discover more about mozzarella’s wildly indulgent cousin, burrata. This delicious fresh cheese is one of Puglia’s most celebrated products. He will demonstrate the art of making fresh burrata and let you try twisting a knot of mozzarella or two! Enjoy a light tasting lunch at the farm. After we will stop in the hilltop town of Locorotondo for stunning views over the Itria Valley. Return transfer to Leonardo Trulli Resort and remainder of the day at leisure. 

Overnight at Leonardo Trulli Resort. 

Duration: about 6/7 hours
DAY 4 - BURRATA & TRULLI HOUSES

You are off to discover the magical “white city” of Ostuni – an imposing citadel overlooking the olive plains all the way to the Adriatic. The tiny winding streets of the oldest quarter are known by the Arabic term “Casbah” and certainly look more Greek or eastern than the stereotypical piazzas of northern Italy. Our guide will reveal some of the hidden treasures of the town. 

Next you will travel to the olive plains of central Puglia to discover one of Puglia’s most important treasures: olive oil! The olive mill on this ancient estate has been in use for thousands of years and provides a fascinating insight into olive oil production. We’ll walk the beautiful grounds of the estate and of course enjoy some olive oil tasting. Sit down to enjoy an unforgettable private dining experience in the monumental olive groves. Shade will be provided. 

Return transfer to Leonardo Trulli Resort

Duration: about 4/5 hours


In the evening we will transfer you to the countryside near the town of Conversano to meet our friends at their beautiful farmhouse. Get hands-on in helping to prepare pasta. As you make it, Mara and Marina will share with you secrets of local dishes and ancient techniques of Southern Italian cooking. After the lesson, sit down around the table and enjoy the wonderful meal you have created. During the meal, Marina, also a sommelier, will introduce you to some of her favorite local wines. This experience is sure to provide you with plenty of wonderful memories and recipes that you can recreate at home. Transfer back to the hotel 

Duration: about 4/5 hours

Overnight at Leonardo Trulli Resort

DAY 5 - OSTUNI AND PRIVATE DINING AMONG THE OLIVE GROVES & PASTA-MAKING CLASS

Today we’ll cross the borders and visit Matera, in Basilicata. In the morning we will stop in Altamura for a special culinary journey. Here you’ll meet one of the most famous cheese producers in town. He will take you from the pulsating heart of his family business. During the tour, you will get a chance to taste their best cheeses, carefully paired with suitable wines, as well as to experience cheese production live, in a perfect blend of tradition, culture and culinary delight. You will then walk to the center of Altamura where you will visit one of the oldest ovens in town, renowned for its traditional bakery. Along the way, we will stop again for a visit to the Monastery of Santa Chiara followed by shopping at the pastry shop in front of the church. This is the bakery where the tradition of the “tette delle monache” was born, the typical sweets also known as the “Sospiri Pugliesi”. Enjoy a traditional Pugliese lunch before being transferred to Matera. Duration: about 4 hours. 

Upon arrival in Matera meet our best local guide who will take you to a walking tour of the town! 

A unique and ancient city perched high on a beautiful hillside and only recently seen by foreign eyes. This famed UNESCO World Heritage Site is just across the border from Puglia, in the Basilicata Region and has been awarded “European Capital of Culture 2019”. Our expert guide will lead you on a walking tour of the ‘sassi’, ancient cave dwellings restored for current use as homes, shops and restaurants. Return transfer to Leonardo Trulli Resort and evening at leisure 

Duration: full day 

Overnight at Leonardo Trulli Resort.
DAY 6 - CULINARY JOURNEY IN ALTAMURA AND SASSI OF MATERA

After check-out, we’ll head south where we’ll spend a few days exploring the Salento area and its culinary traditions. En route to Lecce, visit one of the most renowned wineries – Li Veli. After a fascinating tour with the vineyard’s expert oenologist, you will be treated to a private lunch and wine tasting overlooking the aging barrels of wine. 

You’ll then be transferred to your next lodging in the heart of Lecce, Risorgimento Hotel. 

Evening at leisure. 
 
Overnight at Risorgimento Hotel
DAY 7 - SALENTO VINEYARDS

This morning you will have the chance to go even further south! You are headed to Gallipoli for a cooking class and lunch with our friend and culinary legend, Anna Maria. 

First stop is the small fish market to select the ingredients for the class. Our chef will introduce you to local vendors and the renowned local seafood. Then we will head straight to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking lesson. Anna Maria will welcome you into the kitchen and share with you her vast knowledge of the Pugliese cuisine. Learn tips and tricks for creating delicious, traditional Pugliese dishes. After the class, sit down together and enjoy the beautiful meal you have created along with a glass or two of Pugliese wine. This experience is sure to provide you with lots of fun memories and wonderful recipes you can recreate at home. Return transfer to the hotel. 

In the evening we head to a truly charming country estate specializing in all the traditions of Salentine produce and recipes. See the ancient cheese stores and taste focaccia fresh from the wood oven. Everywhere you turn you will see evidence of the history of the estate which dates back to the 1200s and the delightful décor of hanging vine tomatoes, dried herbs and vintage olive presses where you will enjoy the dinner. 

Duration: about 6 hours & dinner (about 3 hours) 

Overnight at Risorgimento Hotel
DAY 8 - SEAFOOD MARKET TOUR & PRIVATE COOKING LESSON IN GALLIPOLI

Morning at leisure. 

In the evening you’ll meet an extraordinary host at her private home: Marilena. 

Former professor in psychology, she dedicates herself to permaculture and puts all her knowledge into the house to make it self-sufficient. She will open the doors of her house and welcome you at her property. Pick the vegetables from the garden, cook and share the meat together as friends. We guarantee you will have a memorable day! Next we will head to Lecce where our guide will take you on a fascinating and detailed walking tour of this city rich in history, architecture and culture. From the Roman amphitheater to the noble palazzi the city is just brimming with imposing sites. Return transfer to the hotel and evening at leisure 

Overnight at Risorgimento Hotel
DAY 9 - AGGIUNGI UN POSTO A TAVOLA: HOME DINING EXPERIENCE AT MARILENA'S PLACE & BAROQUE LECCE

Breakfast and check out. Transfers to Brindisi airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule or a possible extension of your trip. DAY 10 - RETURN

Pricing

$7,950 per person sharing in a double room Single supplement + $1,445 Final payment due: Monday, February 3, 2025
Deposit $1,500 due upon registration

Hotel Details

Leonardo Trulli Resort (5 nights)
C.da S.C 54, Contrada Semeraro, 107,
70010 Locorotondo BA, Italy
+39 080 431 6298

The upscale Leonardo Trulli Resort is surrounded by lush countryside, not far from Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and the most dynamic community in the Itria Valley. Our trulli have been finely restored into 3-bedrooms and suites thanks to an attentively conservative intervention with precious improvements making them an ideal location to spend unique and romantic moments.

Risorgimento Hotel (3 nights)
Via Augusto Imperatore, 19
73100 Lecce LE, Italy
+39 0832 246311

The Risorgimento Resort, one of the first hotels built in the historical city of Lecce, was inaugurated in 1880. After a restoration and refurbishment, the hotel reopened its doors in October 2007. The architectural design and the modern features of the Risorgimento Resort set it apart as the leader of the town’s accommodation. Located in the historical city center, the hotel allows for easy access to the city’s haute boutiques and nightlife.

Itinerary Note

This itinerary is subject to possible changes or adjustments due to weather and traffic conditions or other unpredictable events. We will make every effort to ensure that any substitutions are of equal value and interest. 

This custom tour was created for Aliza Green Culinary & Cultural Tours
www.alizagreen.com, spice@alizagreen.com


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Testimonials

India Tour

I have had the privilege of traveling extensively always independently with a one or two friends. When deciding to visit India, I was hesitant to do this trip on my own so I took my first group tour, lead by Aliza. It was 13 strangers that by the end of the trip were, and are, friends. It was a lot of surprises, calories and laughter and I would love to travel, with a group, and Aliza again.

-Judy S

India Tour

Travels with Aliza Green are like her incomparable cookbooks: a recipe of well researched ingredients, knowledge, and tidbits of history and lore that yield a delicious result. Highly recommended!

-Jim and Gail

Morocco Tour

My husband and I have taken two culinary tours with Aliza Green (Tuscany and Umbria in Italy and Morocco) and they were just amazing. Aliza is a thoughtful and knowledgeable guide. She took us to places which we never would have found on our own and balances educational experiences with dining and shopping to provide an excellent time. We would definitely travel with her again.

-Caryn and Gordon

Tour

Our trip to Morocco far exceeded our expectations.  Your cookbooks are a staple in our kitchen but this trip have them a whole other dimension.  The market tours and cooking classes opened our eyes to this extraordinary cuisine.  There were so many high points, but just to name a few; the night in the desert, the cheese maker in Essaouira, touring the Medina, and so on.  We also met some great people on the tour and have continued a relationship with them today.  With each trip we have taken with you the experience only gets better.

-Dave

Tour

10 out of 10 for the Israel Tour!

-Carter M

Morocco Tour

Probably the most enjoyable and informative trip I have ever taken. A fantastic itinerary and Aliza was very helpful and knowledgeable.  Best way to see Morocco!

-Tina W

Morocco Tour

When I returned from my Moroccan tour with Aliza Green, I felt truly grateful to have been able to experience this wonderful country through Aliza and the fabulous local tour guide's eyes.  What a treat for the senses!  Beautiful colors, exotic smells and dramatic scenery awaited me in Morocco.  Aliza was a tour de force leader of the group.  She was prompt in her email communications and answered all questions prior to the trip.  The little issues that arose during the trip she dealt with efficiently and courteously.  She has wonderful people skills and was easy to relate to making us feel warm and welcomed.  She chose a local guide who was the best guide I've ever had.  He was knowledgeable, engaging and warm.  I can't say enough good things about the experience.  The best testimonial is that I, who have never wanted to go on a group tour before, wouldn't hesitate to join Aliza on another one of her tours! 

-B. Nathan

Morocco Tour

[We] could not have been happier with our decision to spend our honeymoon on our trip to Morocco with you and the group. Every day, every hotel, meal and activity, you and the guides vastly exceeded our expectations. The seamless manner in which the entire trip played out is a testimony to you and your colleagues hard work. Having traveled throughout Europe, Middle East and North Africa in the past, no trip comes close to the experience we shared with you and the group and for that we are forever grateful. But the best testimonial is that we are already planning to join you on another tour. We can't wait! 

-R Sterling

Morocco Tour

My trip to Morocco with Aliza Green seemed like a miracle. Everything ran perfectly. We had an amazing local guide. Aliza was a wonderful companion and introduced us to one of the greatest cuisines in the world in a fascinating and beautiful country.  I cannot recommend her and her tours enough. 

- N Cutrer

Morocco Tour

Although I’ve done a lot of solo traveling as well as traveling with friends, this was my first time being part of a tour – and what a wonderful tour it was!   It was a pleasure to experience the culture and cuisine of Morocco with a comprehensive itinerary, an amiable small group, an experienced guide, and an expert driver.  Nothing was lacking, and in retrospect, I realized I could not have had as full or robust experience on my own.  Aliza’s tour of Morocco exceeded my high expectations in every way.   

-BA Nathan

Morocco Tour

By far one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever been on. Thank you for all of your work in ensuring it was a great trip. 

-N Whitehead

Israel Tour

Not just a tour of Israel’s best restaurants, but 12 days of hands on cooking, foraging for edible plants, meeting wonderful people, dining in the desert, tasting delicious wine and experiencing some of the world’s greatest monuments and cultural sites. We loved it so much, we went on the trip a second time!

-D Macey

Israel Tour

Our Israel culinary adventure was extraordinary; a real insider’s exploration of the tremendous diversity of inspirations for modern Israeli cuisine. The combination of Aliza’s expertises and insights and our local guide’s knowledge of the country’s food scenes made for a trip of a lifetime. 

-P Savidge

India & Israel Tour

Aliza Green's culinary tours go beyond the ordinary. Her unique perspective on the culinary roots of any place help bring the history and culture alive. As someone who went on tours to both India and Israel, I felt as though I was on a walk through history and the many different influences that brought h the country into being. And you have never had so much nonstop deliciousness anywhere else! But don't worry! With all the walking and touring and tasting, you won't gain a pound. The only thing you will bring back is delicious memories to treasure for a lifetime! And newfound friends to plan your next big trip! 

-Alison W

Tour Highlights

Explore the famous cone shaped Trulli of Alberobello, dwellings unique to the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover the magical “white city” of Ostuni – an imposing citadel overlooking the olive plains all the way to the Adriatic.

Visit an ancient olive oil mill in the olive plains of central Puglia.

 Hands-on cooking class at a beautiful farmhouse where you’ll learn the secrets of local dishes and ancient techniques from proprietors Mara and Marina.

 A walking tour of Matera, perched high on a beautiful hillside. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in neighboring Basilicata is famed for its ‘sassi’, ancient cave dwellings now restored as homes, shops and restaurants. 

In Altamura, meet a famed cheese producer with a tasting paired with wines, then visit a bread bakery with wood-fired oven, and the Monastery of Santa Chiara.

In Gallipoli, a cooking class and lunch with culinary legend, Anna Maria with a visit to the local fish market to select the best catch of the day.  

Tour of Li Veli, a renowned winery followed by a private lunch and wine tasting amidst the aging barrels of wine.

In Lecce, known as the “Florence of Southern Italy,” our guide will take you on a walking tour of this city rich in history, architecture and culture. 

Meet Marilena in her home dedicated to permaculture and self-sufficiency. Pick vegetables from her garden then cook and share a meal together. 

Services Included

  • 5 nights at Leonardo Trulli Resort in superior rooms 
  • 3 nights at Risorgimento Hotel in superior rooms
  • City taxes at hotels and porterage
  • 8 special breakfasts
  • 6 memorable lunches
  • 4 extraordinary dinners
  • All transfers throughout the itinerary as per the itinerary with a 19-seater
  • English-speaking guide throughout the trip 
  • Visit of an olive oil farm and private dining among olive groves 
  • Pasta-making class with dinner 
  • Visit to an award-winning winery, wine tasting and lunch
  • Seafood cooking class in Gallipoli with visit to the fish market
  • Burrata-making experience and light lunch
  • Home Dining Experience at Marilena’s place
  • Food tour in Altamura with a leading cheese-maker 
  • VAT and local taxes

Services Not Included

  • Single room supplement +  $1,445
  • International flights between the U.S. and Puglia
  • Arrival and departure transfers between airports and hotels​ 
  • Beverages (other than bottled water, coffee and tea) with lunches and dinners
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers (we will help with suggested amounts)
  • Trip cancellation and travel insurance (travel insurance is required)
  • Passport and visa fees as needed (Note: if you are not a U.S.citizen a visa may be necessary; a green card is compulsory.

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