Cooking in Valle d'Itria
8 Days / 7 Nights | A Private Culinary Journey Through Puglia
Highlights of the Journey
– Private cooking classes focused on authentic Apulian cuisine
– Guided explorations of Ostuni, Martina Franca, Alberobello, Bari, Polignano a Mare, Cisternino and Monopoli
– Visit to a historic underground olive oil press with tasting
– Organic farm experience with seasonal lunch
– Winery visit in the Itria Valley with private tasting
– Dinner in a traditional grill restaurant in Cisternino’s old town
– Visit to the Castellana Caves
Each experience is designed for depth rather than speed — allowing you to connect with local artisans, winemakers, and culinary traditions in an authentic, unhurried way.
This is not simply a cooking tour.
It is an invitation into the rhythm of Southern Italian life.
DAY 1 — Arrival in Valle d’Itria
Welcome to Puglia
Private transfer from Bari or Brindisi airport to Tenute Monacelle, surrounded by ancient olive groves in the heart of Valle d’Itria.
After check-in, enjoy a refined welcome dinner at the hotel featuring traditional regional cuisine.
Free evening to relax and settle in.
DAY 2— Ostuni & Culinary Immersion
The White City & Olive Oil Heritage
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning hands-on cooking class introducing the foundations of authentic Apulian cuisine.
In the afternoon, guided exploration of Ostuni — the luminous “White City.”
Visit to a historic underground olive oil press, including a private tasting.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3 — Martina Franca, Organic Farm & Alberobello Baroque Elegance & Rural Traditions
Breakfast at the hotel.
Guided tour of Martina Franca, known for its refined baroque architecture and cultural heritage.
Visit to a traditional organic farm (approx. 100 acres), preserving rural traditions and sustainable cultivation methods. Seasonal lunch prepared with local products or countryside picnic (depending on season).
In the afternoon, guided visit to Alberobello — the iconic trulli town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 4 — Bari & Polignano a Mare History, Faith & Coastal Beauty
Breakfast at the hotel.
Guided tour of Bari, including the Cathedral Basilica dedicated to Saint Nicholas — one of the most venerated saints in both Eastern and Western traditions.
Excursion to Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically above the Adriatic Sea.
Dinner in a traditional grill restaurant in the historic center of Cisternino.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY5 — Culinary Experience & Leisure
The Art of Slow Living
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning cooking class followed by tasting of the prepared dishes.
Afternoon at leisure — time to relax, explore independently, or arrange optional private experiences.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 6 — Cisternino & Wine Experience
The Soul of the Itria Valley
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning cooking class.
Guided tour of Cisternino, one of Italy’s most charming small towns.
Visit to a winery in the Itria Valley, including production demonstration and wine tasting.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 7 — Castellana Caves & Monopoli
Nature & Coastal Heritage
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit to the impressive Castellana Caves.
Lunch in a traditional restaurant in Monopoli.
Guided tour of Monopoli’s historic center.
Farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY8 — Departure
Arrivederci, Puglia
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private transfer to Bari or Brindisi airport.
End of the journey.
The packige include:
- 7 nights’ accommodation in Tenute Monacelle 4*
- meals and beverage in restaurants and of various locations visited:
7 dinners(hotel), 7 breakfast, 2 lunches
- tickets where provided
- 2 degustation’s in farm and olive oil factory
- transfers during the all tour include from/to airport Bari or Brindisi
- guide assistance during the excursions
- 2 culinary master classes