Puglia in Spring 2025
Let's explore together!
I’m starting to gear up for my upcoming Puglia and Rome tours. What that means for me before I head to the airport is recording all the shows of Good Food that will air while I’m gone, as well as the weekly appearances on Press Play. I still take my set up with me so I can record as needed which sometimes means long days, as I connect to KCRW from a hotel room somewhere in Italy after I get back to the hotel from some fabulous dinner. It means a late night but is strangely grounding to hear the familiar voices of Good Food producer Gillian Ferguson and audio engineer Sue Margulies.
In addition to the anticipatory excitement for this October trip, I’m pleased to announce 2025 tour dates. This is another trip to Puglia. I love it so and what a treat to experience the region in springtime. Thank you again Elizabeth Minchilli for asking me to host another jaunt.
Puglia is the heel of the boot, a peninsula surrounded by both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In our six food focused days together we’ll feast on menus focused on vegetables, seafood, cheese, olive oil and pasta, of course. We’ll be centered in the Salento, the tip of the heel, where panoramas of the seasides are glorious. From my first visit to the stunning baroque town of Lecce decades ago the region captivated me. I’ve always thought of Puglia as Greek Italy in terms of the look of towns. The elemental simplicity of the food has similarities too. Traveling in Italy in Spring is always surprising as weather shifts and fresh floral displays spill forth.
We’ll be based in Lecce and Monopoli and visit some of the most beautiful towns in the region: (Gallipoli, Galatina, Martina Franca, Bari and Alberobello) while exploring southern and central Puglia's food, wine, and history.
A few of the things you’ll be doing:
-Welcome drinks and dinner in Lecce
-Market tour, cooking class, and lunch
-A day learning all about olive oil
-Cheese and pasta making at a traditional Apulian Masseria
-Visit the Unesco-protected, Trulli-filled, town of Alberobello
-Seafood feasts in Monopoli and Gallipoli
-Visit the pasta ladies in Bari
-and more (there is always more)
Details:
When: April 6-12, 2025
Where: You’ll be based in Lecce and Monopoli, staying in your private room
Who: The tour is limited to 12 guests
What: The tour is six nights and five very full days, with trips in our private 20-seat bus. But don’t worry; you’ll also have some downtime in Lecce and Monopoli to explore on your own.
How: If you’d like more information, including the pricing and the full itinerary, just click the button below. Contact email is minchillitours@gmail.com
I'm so happy you are hosting another tour to Puglia!! We've already received tons of requests to sign up, I hope there is room for everyone!
Oh my goodness I want to do this so badly! I've become obsessed with Puglia. Hmmmm. Thinking cap, donned.