New tour: Puglia & Matera
November 3-9, 2024
Sophie and I have always been fascinated with the town of Matera. I remember first hearing about it from my father, who visited the city in the early ’70s. He described a strange town that was built of caves and was totally abandoned. And back in the 1970’s it was and had been for about 20 years. His vivid descriptions of this romantic-sounding place made me want to visit, and I finally did while I was working on my book Restoring a Home in Italy. It was 1999, and the town had only just started its amazing recovery. A few architects and locals had realized the uniqueness of this place and had it placed on the Unesco World Heritage site. I got the chance to visit a handful of caves that had been lovingly restored into homes.
Sophie has visited on her own over the years since she has good friends (cheese makers and farmers mostly) in the surrounding countryside. She even got stuck there during a freak snowstorm, which remains one of her core memories.
All this to say, we have both always wanted to do a tour that incorporates Matera in some way. Up until now, we contented ourselves with a day visit from Bari. But today, I’m happy to announce our newest tour, where we get to spend 2 nights in one of the most luxurious and unique hotels in Italy. And yes, you will be sleeping in a cave. It is our feeling that the only way to understand how special Matera is is to be able to sleep here, walk the quiet streets in the evening, and wake to the silence of a bygone era.
The Culture of Food in Puglia & Matera (6 Day Tour) November 3-9, 2024
The Culture of Food in Puglia & Matera (6 Day Tour) March 9-15, 2025
Keep scrolling for more details about the itinerary, or click the link button below to receive the complete itinerary of the tour, including pricing details.
If the above button doesn’t automatically open into your mail application, you can request the brochure by emailing us at minchillitours@gmail.com)
The Culture of Food in Puglia & Matera
November 3-9, 2024
The tour begins in Bari, which will be our base for 4 nights while exploring Puglia, before moving onto our final 2 nights in Matera. November is a wonderful time to visit since we will have most places completely to ourselves. Sophie is joined by her friend and colleague Angelo to offer this six-day feast through Puglia and Basilicata.
In Bari, we stay at the luxurious seaside Grande Albergo delle Nazioni. You will each have your own room, with a balcony overlooking the sea. In Matera, we stay at the famous Sextantio, where each of you will have your own luxurious cave to yourself. Imagine waking up in a stone cave that has been designed with luxurious modern amenities while maintaining the aesthetic of a bygone way of life.
A few of the things you’ll be doing:
Welcome drinks and seafood dinner in Bari
Guided tour and street food in Bari Vecchia
Aperitivo and spaghetti all’assasina-making lesson
A morning learning all about olive oil
Visit to Cisternino and lunch at a butcher’s shop
Cheese-making class and lunch at a farm
Visit the UNESCO-recognized, Trulli-filled town of Alberobello
Ancient bakery and cheese making in Altamura
Pastries of the ancient monastery of Santa Chiara
Guided tours of Locorotondo, Altamura and Matera
Farewell feast in a cave
Here is a video of some of the highlights from Sophie’s past tours to Puglia and Basilicata:
Details
When: November 3-9, 2024
March 9-15, 2025
Where: You will be based in Bari and in Matera, staying in your own private rooms
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 will also have some downtime in Bari and Matera to explore on your own.
How: If you’d like more information, including pricing and the full itinerary, just send an email by clicking the button below:
(If the above button doesn’t automatically open into your email application, you can request the brochure by emailing us at minchillitours@gmail.com)
Love that place!