Dolce Vita Adventures

Fly straight into Bari or Brindisi, where our driver will pick you up and drive you along the coastline to Monopoli. Your new casa is in a beautifully restored 14th-century palazzo in the historic center. Choose a chic, modern room with breathtaking views of the sea or the majestic cathedral, each is thoughtfully equipped with kitchenette essentials and located just steps from the beach. Late afternoon we’ll explore Monopoli’s charm on a guided walk along the castle’s rampart walls before boarding a traditional gulet for an evening of sailing. Admire the coastline from the water with aperitivo and dinner onboard, and don’t forget your bathing suits for swim stops along the way. Welcome to your Pausa in Puglia. (D)

Unwind, follow your curiosity and ease into your Italian daily rhythm. To start your day sweeter, we’ve included breakfast at the local café. Cappuccino fortified, discover your neighborhood, beach, bakery and fruit vendor. This easy-going town beckons you with leisurely strolls to the beaches, the piazzas where children play soccer, or to cobblestone alleyways full of artisan shops. Maybe join a Street Food Tour revealing local legends and tasty treasures. Every corner is a dreamy photo, balconies with cascading bright blooms and colorful fishing boats bobbing in the sea. Rightly so, the international Art and Photography Fest will have installations throughout the town. As the sun begins to set, the piazza starts to buzz with a lively aperitivo hour. (B)

Our “Field Trip” will first take us to the UNESCO World Heritage site, fairy tale village of Alberobello. Enjoy a free morning to explore the iconic, Trulli houses; unique 14th C. limestone homes built without mortar for easy disassembly to evade marauders and tax collectors. Next we’ll visit a well-known Masseria and test our skill crafting mozzarella and orecchiette pasta, followed by a hearty late lunch. Our final stop is Matera, another UNESCO gem just an hour away in the region of Basilicata. We’ll explore the fascinating history behind the ancient Sassi cave dwellings, unbelievably used as actual homes until the 1960’s. Matera’s beauty shines brightest as dusk falls, so we’ll savor dinner together under twinkling streetlights before returning to Monopoli. (B, L, D)

Wander. A contrasting study of art and architecture can be found right outside your palazzo at the stunningly beautiful, baroque Cathedral della Madia versus the intriguing Church of Purgatory next door, complete with skulls and mummies. Only a 10 minute walk leads you to a more modern Monopoli side of town. Italians love to dress up and go out on the weekends, and in Monopoli they do this well. Sip on a Spritz, enjoy live music and street performers in the main piazza tonight. This small town has a big and vibrant evening life for you to play in. (B)

Today’s “Field Trip” takes us south to our first stop, medieval Ostuni, a dazzling, white-washed tiny town known for its labyrinth-like streets ready to be explored. Next, lunch at another famous masseria nestled among knotted ancient olive trees, where local Primitivo wines are paired to compliment a feast of regional flavors. Our last stop is in the “Florence of the South”, Lecce. The key word in this gorgeous little city is cream, as in creamy-colored, limestone palazzi intricately carved with gargoyles and cherubs, and the delicious, unforgettable cream-filled Pasticciotto pastry we’ll devour while admiring the 2nd C. Roman Amphitheater built during Hadrian’s reign. Stroll the boutiques and artists’ shops along pedestrian-friendly main street before our Monopoli return. (B, L)

Immerse yourself on your last day in the “local life”. Chat with your friendly barista, the local fishermen bringing in their fresh catch down at the port, soak up the sun as neighbors hang their laundry out on overhead balconies. You’ve certainly reached the comfort level to hop on the local train going anywhere. Try a quick 15-minute ride to Polignano a Mare, home to the world-famous cave restaurant that graces countless travel magazine covers. Add it to the other unforgettable memories and let’s share them all at tonight’s final group dinner! (B, D)

After breakfast and check out, you’ll have a private transfer back to Bari or Brindisi. Or extend your stay? Or join me for the OMG Greece tour in 2 days? Wherever your next destination, you’ll be provided with full support to ensure a seamless journey. All that’s left for you to do is bask in the memory of your week spent living La Dolce Vita, like a true Italian. (B)