SLOW down and settle into the dreamy seaside town of Monopoli, your inviting home base in picture-perfect Puglia. Spend your days soaking up the small town’s charm, wandering the beachfront, connecting with locals, and enjoying moments of solo discovery in quieter piazzas at summer’s end. Then venture out with our small group for unforgettable shared experiences - sailing along the sparkling blue coast, fresh pasta and cheese making, olive oil and wine tasting at the local vineyards and exploring magical Matera and Lecce, the Florence of the South.

This balanced, “hub & spoke” week is a perfect blend of DIY freedom, cultural immersion, coastal beauty and small-group adventures, immersing you in the rhythms of authentic Italian life, so you can feel less like a visitor and live more like a local.

Days & Experiences

October 6 • Tuesday • Day 1: Arrival + Walk + Welcome Dinner

Fly into Bari or Brindisi. Our driver will pick you up and drive you south along the coastline to MONOPOLI. Check into your beautifully restored 14th-century palazzo in the historic center with modern rooms thoughtfully equipped with kitchenette essentials, views of the sea or the town’s majestic cathedral, located just steps from the beach. Settle in and unpack for the week. Late this afternoon we’ll gather to explore Monopoli’s charm on a professionally guided orientation walk revealing highlights, local legends and tasty treasures before tonight’s welcome dinner waterfront, under the castle’s rampart walls.(D)

Wednesday • Day 2: Local Flavors + Sailing & Swimming.

Unwind, follow your curiosity and ease into your Italian daily rhythm for your free day. Get to know the corner barista, start your day fortified with a sweet cappuccino and explore your beachfront neighborhood. It’s your option to join me on a walk to the focaccia bakery (Forno delle Meraviglie), deli shop (Angolo della Mozzarella) or fruit vendor for local goodies. This is an easy going town, welcoming you with leisurely strolls to the piazza or down cobblestone alleys lined with cathedrals and artisan shops. Each corner is a dreamy photo - balconies with cascading geraniums and colorful fishing boats bobbing in the sea. The yearly international Art & Photography Fest will have installations throughout the town. Late this afternoon we’ll board a traditional gulet for an evening of sailing along the coastline with aperitivo and dinner onboard. Don’t forget your bathing suits for swim stops along the way. (D)

Thursday • Day 3: Dairy Farm + Cheese and Pasta Making + Ancient Matera

Free morning – maybe a swim? Around lunch time we’ll take our first field trip – off to a well-known, dairy farm Masseria complete with Trulli houses to learn the process of local cheese, pet baby calves and test our hands-on skills creating several types of pastas - all followed by a hearty late lunch. Our next stop is ancient Matera, a UNESCO gem in the neighboring region of Basilicata. Here we’ll explore the museum depicting the fascinating history behind the ancient Sassi cave dwellings, unbelievably used as actual homes until the 1960’s. Matera’s true beauty shines brightest as the sun sets, so we’ll savor dinner together under twinkling streetlights before returning to Monopoli. (L, D)

Friday • Day 4: Follow Your Heart

Free day to wander. Monopoli’s contrasting study of art and architecture can be found right next door at the stunningly beautiful, baroque Cathedral della Madia. Also intriguing is the Church of Purgatory, complete with skulls and mummies just infront of our palazzo. It’s an 8 minute walk to Monopoli’s modern side of town. Or take a short ride to another UNESCO World Heritage site, the fairy tale village of Alberobello for the iconic, Trulli houses - unique 14th C. limestone homes built without mortar for easy disassembly to evade marauders and tax collectors. An e-bike ride out of town? Your free day’s options are endless.

Saturday • Day 5: White Towns + Olive Tree Farm + Wine Tasting + Barroque Lecce

Today’s field trip takes us south – first to medieval Ostuni, a white-washed tiny town known for its labyrinth-like streets. Next, an elegant farm to table Masseria experience in a picturesque olive grove, a historic setting that highlights their locally produced organic olive oils with a multi course menu of Puglian dishes paired with Negroamaro and Primitivo wines. Our last stop is in Lecce, the “Florence of the South”. The key word in this gorgeous little baroque city is cream, as in cream-colored, limestone palazzi intricately carved with gargoyles and cherubs, and the delicious, 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 we return to Monopoli for the evening. Italians love to go out and stroll about the piazza on Saturday nights - especially in Monopoli. So sip a Spritz, maybe enjoy live music or street performers, this small town has a big and vibrant evening life for you to play in. (L)

Sunday • Day 6: Free day + Aperitivo Hour & Arrivederci Dinner

Totally immerse yourself in the local life on your last free day. Chat with 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 a “comfort level” to hop on the 7 minute local train 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 during our aperitivo hour and final group dinner! (D)

12 October • Monday, Day 7

After check out enjoy a private transfer back to Bari or Brindisi airport. 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 living La Dolce Vita, like a true Italian. Buon Viaggio!