May 9 - 17, 2026

Wine, Food, & Art Pairing in Puglia

KIKINETWORK TRAVEL
kiki@kikinetwork.com
Kiki 603-858-2733

May 9 - 17, 2026

Wine, Food, & Art Pairing in Puglia

• Price per person (Shared Room): $6890.00

• Single Room Supplement: add $1650.00

Journey beyond the well-trodden path on an 8-day bespoke luxury tour through the hidden wonders of Southern Italy.  

The journey draws inspiration from this region's ancient winemaking culture, from the incredible variety of gastronomic specialties and culinary traditions of this part of Italy. It explores the profound connection between food and wine production and the history and art that have developed here over the centuries. Vines were brought to Puglia by the Mycenaeans and the Greeks between the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Viticulture developed thanks to the Messapians and the Daunis, indigenous people of Puglia who settled there around 1200 BC, well before the Romans. The Romans, as they conquered surrounding areas, brought wine and vines to each area, spreading the knowledge and love of wine. They used Apulian ports to transport this "precious beverage."

Witness the profound contrast between the ancient, haunting Sassi di Matera—one of the world's oldest inhabited cities -  and the elegant "Florence of the South," Lecce, with its elaborate Baroque masterpieces. We will explore UNESCO sites like the mysterious octagonal Castel del Monte and the fairy-tale Trulli of Alberobello. Indulge in private wine tastings of rare and indigenous varieties, master the art of fresh pasta in a hands-on cooking class, and delve into the regional folklore of the "tarantate." From the Adriatic beauty of Otranto to the artisanal workshops of Grottaglie, this is an immersive and deeply emotional exploration of a truly resilient and magical corner of Italy.

Matera is just outside of Puglia, but worth a visit because it is a city that defies conventional understanding of human settlement. Carved directly into limestone ravines over nine millennia, the Sassi district presents an archaeological marvel where cave dwellings, rock churches adorned with frescoes, and labyrinthine stone passages reveal continuous habitation. Matera has undergone one of Europe's most extraordinary urban resurrections, transforming from a forgotten slum to UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of 2019 European Capitals of Culture. Your exploration will include the Crypt of the Original Sin—known as the Sistine Chapel of the Rock Churches—an extraordinary 7th-century monastic settlement containing remarkable frescoes depicting the Creation. As you walk through the Barisano and Caveoso districts at sunset, the golden limestone creates an enveloping atmosphere that echoes centuries of adaptation, resilience, and faith, revealing how sophisticated cistern systems and ingenious architecture allowed civilizations to thrive in seemingly inhospitable terrain.

This carefully curated experience offers discerning travelers something increasingly rare: genuine discovery in a region that rewards curiosity with authenticity. Your journey includes privileged encounters that surpass typical tourism—dining with the two sisters from Madri Leone Wine who produce their wines in the Northern part of the Region, creating papier-mâché art alongside master craftsmen in historic Lecce workshops, and visiting the mystical Basilica of Saint Catherine in Galatina, where healing rituals for the "tarantate" once took place, accompanied by the hypnotic rhythms of the pizzica dance. 

You'll tour noble Palazzo Tamborino Cezzi with its owner, witness the ancient art of hand-weaving at the prestigious Le Costantine Foundation (whose fabrics graced Dior's 2021 Cruise Collection), and explore Trani's Giudecca—home to one of Europe's oldest active synagogues. While exploring the arts and traditions of the area, you will also “navigate with your taste buds” tasting different varieties of grapes cultivated in Puglia and Basilicata and learning about how they got to Puglia:  Primitivo, Negromaro, Verdeca, Nero di Troia, Bombino, Aglianico, and more. We’ll taste wines specific to each area and the traditional food that goes along with it. This is not merely a tour but an invitation into a living heritage, where every hand-rolled orecchietta, every limestone archway, and every artisan's workshop tells the story of a people who have transformed isolation into distinction.

Itinerary Detail

Day 0: Fly overnight to Bari, Italy, Saturday, May 9, 2026

Fly overnight to Bari, Italy

Day 1: Drive to Trani, Sunday, May 10, 2026

Drive to Trani

Once you arrive in Bari, Italy our driver with take us to the Ognissanti Hotel in Trani Italy. We will kick off the trip with a welcome dinner at the hotel’s Rooftop Bar & Restaurant.

Daily Summary
Accommodation: Ognissanti Hotel, Trani
Meals: Welcome Dinner Local Trattoria  (8:00 PM)

Day 2: Trani tour, Monday, May 11, 2026

Trani Tour

Today we will witness history, beauty framed by the sea, a meeting of religions, imperial heritage, and authentic flavors. Trani and Castel del Monte represent two gems of the so-called "Puglia Federiciana," a land that flourished under the enlightened vision of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia—one of medieval Europe's most sophisticated rulers—and even earlier under Norman rule. Trani, with its enchanting sea view, offers a setting of rare beauty where three monumental treasures rise from the harbor: the majestic Cathedral resembling a white ship ready to set sail, the Swabian Castle built by Frederick II himself, and a monastery perched dramatically on the promontory. These are not mere monuments but gateways to understanding Trani's role as a bridge between East and West, a spiritual and commercial crossroads that embraced diversity when few European cities dared. At its heart lies the Giudecca, the ancient Jewish quarter that once housed one of Europe's most important Jewish communities, including what is considered the oldest continuously active synagogue on the continent.

After a light lunch showcasing Trani's coastal cuisine, the tour continues through countryside rich in centuries-old olive groves and vineyards where the exceedingly rare Moscato Reale di Trani is cultivated—the only Moscato wine in Puglia with Protected Designation of Origin. This exclusive tasting of a wine largely unknown beyond the region offers a privileged glimpse into terroir shaped by calcareous soil and maritime breezes. The experience culminates at the legendary Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose perfect octagonal geometry and astronomical alignments reveal Frederick II's mastery of mathematics, and philosophy. As twilight descends, an evening walk through Trani's historic center will unveil stories of remarkable figures, including history's first documented female lawyer, while the golden stone facades illuminate the eternal charm of Mediterranean civilization at its most refined.

We’ll close the day out with a group dinner guided by wine producers Marilia and Linda Leone, owners of Madri Leone Winery at Ognissanti. They will guide us in the pairings with food and tell us stories of the region. (There is an opportunity to buy wine and have it shipped to the US).

Daily Summary
Accommodation: Ognissanti Hotel, Trani
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Drive to Matera, Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Drive to Matera

Trani is in the Apulia Region, and Matera is in the Basilicata Region. We will witness a significant change of landscape, culture, and taste. The day in Matera will be an immersive experience into the heart, soul, and deepest essence of the third-oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.

The morning will begin with a walk through the Park of the Rock Churches, where we will be able to see the panoramic view over the Sassi of Matera, often compared to an eagle with its wings wide open—a city carved into the rock, dotted with thousands of "eyes" capable of speaking and telling stories. The tour includes a visit to caves and, most importantly, with a short detour to visit the Crypt of the Original Sin, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Rock Churches. This is an extraordinary monastic settlement from the 7th century that contains frescoes depicting Creation and Original Sin, as well as remarkable images of the Holy Virgin, saints, and archangels.

We’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant with wine/food pairing conducted by our expert Uliana Petrucci, and later we will stop at a local FORNO star to see the traditional bread famously baked in this area.

In the afternoon, the day will continue with a walk through the Barisano and Caveoso districts of the Sassi to appreciate the life that humble people once lived there. We will also explore the prosperous part of the city called La Civita and Il Piano. As we walk through the narrow streets of the Sassi of Matera with our guide her stories will help us experience the atmosphere that echoes the life of the past.

Once back in Trani, we will be free to stroll around and eat where we choose.

Daily Summary
Accommodation: Ognissanti Hotel, Trani
Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch

Day 4: Move toward Lecce, Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Move toward Lecce

Vetrere experience: We’ll start this wonderful day by visiting Vetrere Winery, giving us a chance to stretch our legs with a beautiful walk in the vineyards surrounding the cellar. We'll then be welcomed to the English Garden for a cooking class, where a local chef will demonstrate how to make fresh pasta, accompanied by a glass of Aureo, Vetrere’s own sparkling wine and followed by a wine pairing lunch with four wines.

The menu will consist of a typical Apulian appetizer: crepes with Don Carlo, mini portions of parmigiana and fried meatballs. The first course depends on the our choice, whether we prefer meat or fish, and served with cavatelli with chickpea and courgette cream, homemade dessert and seasonal fruit and coffee with tasting combined with the menu of our labels 

Grottaglie: On the way back to Lecce, we will stop at Grottaglie which is famous for its ceramics. The ceramics district is authentic and captivating, and we will be able to visit artisans where you can see firsthand how the pieces are made and decorated.

We’ll drive to Lecce to arrive in the late afternoon with just enough time for a stroll, an aperitif, and a relaxing dinner. 

Daily Summary
Accommodation: Palazzo Sant'Anna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner together: location TBD

Day 5: Lecce: Where Baroque Magnificence Meets Living Craft Tradition, Thursday, May 14, 2026

Lecce: Where Baroque Magnificence Meets Living Craft Tradition

Lecce is one of Puglia's jewels, the capital of an area known as Salento. From a city built in the 3rd millennium BC to a Roman military camp, to the exuberance of its Baroque architecture and noble palaces, Lecce retains traces of its important past. It’s often called “the Florence of the South.”

Lecce is also known as the Church City. It is full with churches and religious buildings, some of which now house public offices, museums, and exhibitions. Lecce is a city of art and craftsmanship and the streets of the historic center are still home to numerous workshops specializing in the arts for which Lecce is particularly famous: papier-mâché and ceramics. A Baroque legacy, papier-mâché was originally used for sacred statuary and has evolved over time to represent a craft of excellence that is today known and appreciated worldwide for the extraordinary skill and creative flair of its master papier-mâché artists.  

We will stop for a light lunch at an enotecca, where Lecce will also delight you at the table with the deliciousness of its traditional food and fine wine.

Historical points of interest: Porta Napoli, Piazza Duomo, Cathedral of SS. Maria Annunziata, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Roman Amphitheater, Giudecca (the old Jewish quarter), Basilica of Santa Croce.

Paper-mâché workshops: Baldari (here guests will have the opportunity to watch and try making a sheet of paper from cotton rags and see all the steps involved in creating the statues); Claudio Riso (We will have a workshop here where each guest can try "dressing" a statue), experiencing the simplicity of the process that makes each creation unique. We will start our evening with Aperitivo at Piero Paladini Atelier  and finish dinner in town.

Daily Summary
Accommodation: Palazzo Sant'Anna
Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner

Day 6: Galatina's Tarantella Rituals and Otranto, Gateway to the East, Friday, May 15, 2026

Galatina's Tarantella Rituals and Otranto, Gateway to the East

We will come together at 9:00 AM and transfer to Galatina (half hour drive from Lecce) and tour of the historic center.

The city of Galatina is a land of mysticism and magic. Until the 1950s, it was the place where the "tarantate" (women suffering from tarantula bite) would go to be healed from the poisonous bite of the tarantula. The "tarantate" were women said to suffer from "tarantism,” a hysterical fit attributed to the bite of a tarantula (spider).

It was believed that the bite caused agitation, convulsive movements, and an uncontrollable urge to dance frenetically for days to rid themselves of the poison. For this reason, a specific healing ritual existed, containing mystical and pagan elements. This healing ritual was often accompanied by music and the “pizzica” (pizzica in italian means bite) dance, known precisely as the "pizzica tarantata."

We will stroll from the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, to the Chapel of Saint Paul, where the religious/pagan healing rites of tarantism were performed, we will stroll to the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a true Gothic jewel, completely covered in frescoes and therefore considered the “Assisi of the South.” While in Galatina, we will taste the famous “Pasticciotto” accompanied by the Lecce coffee

We will travel to Otranto to enjoy a casual lunch on the water.

Otranto overlooks the Adriatic coast and, thanks to its geographical position, has been a crossroads of peoples since ancient times. Known as the Gateway to the East, this beautiful town is the easternmost point of Italy, a favorite destination for those who love the sea and history.

Otranto is appreciated for the beauty of its landscape and its crowning glory, the mosaic floor of the Cathedral dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, the town has been an important port for the Salento peninsula. It still bears traces of its Byzantine past and walking along the walls or at the foot of the imposing Aragonese castle, you can see signs of the 1482 invasion by the Ottoman Empire. 

Another highlight of this small seaside village is the "Basilichetta" of San Pietro, a clear trace of Byzantine rule that has also left its mark in our language. In fact, "Grico" is now a recognized and protected minority language by the European Union. Near Otranto, we will visit the historic Le Costantine Foundation, a hand-weaving and embroidery workshop based on the ancient art of the loom. Founded by two women in the early 20th century, it was initially a tool for women's emancipation and is now a recognized symbol of excellence worldwide. The fabrics produced at the Foundation were used for the Dior 2021 Cruise Collection, presented in Lecce.

Daily Summary
Accommodation: Palazzo Sant'Anna
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: The Huts of Alberobella & the Birth of “Volare.” Trulli, Clifftops, and Farewell, Saturday, May 16, 2026

The Huts of Alberobella & the Birth of “Volare.” Trulli, Clifftops, and Farewell

Our final full day begins with a scenic drive to Alberobello, the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site where over 1,500 trulli—those iconic whitewashed limestone dwellings with conical roofs—create a townscape unlike any other in the world. These extraordinary structures, built using prehistoric dry-stone construction techniques without mortar, represent one of the finest examples of vernacular architecture in the Mediterranean. Under the expert guidance of Stefania de Toma, we'll discover the ingenious engineering and social history behind these fairy-tale structures, many still inhabited by local families.

After a light lunch showcasing Alberobello's rustic cuisine, we'll pause in the dramatic clifftop town of Polignano a Mare for an intriguing coffee ritual, we’ll head to Bari by late afternoon for an introduction to Puglia's vibrant capital and time for to explore. Our farewell dinner will celebrate the extraordinary journey we've shared with a curated dining experience at one of Bari's most distinguished restaurants. The region's finest wines and culinary traditions will come together for us in a memorable conclusion to our Southern Italian odyssey.

Daily Summary
Accommodation: Hotel Dilman
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Fly back from Bari Airport, Sunday, May 17

Fly back home from Bari Airport.

Daily Summary
Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

PRICE

• Price per person (Shared Room): $ 6890.00

• Single Room Supplement: add $1650.00

Why Travel with Kiki and Uliana

Commitment
Planning a trip can be daunting. We want you to relax and know that we are committed to ensuring that you will enjoy your journey. We work hard to create trips that have the feel of casual travel with friends rather than formal tours and plan itineraries that match your interests and fit your budget. 

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Global travel can only succeed if communities benefit from tourism. We hire local operators who value sustainable travel and support their communities.

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We specialize in journeys of discovery and inspiration. Our adventures are all about local culture—the people, history, art, architecture, and food. Our trips showcase a rich source of inspirational people, landscapes, and cityscapes. Traveling is the time for discovery, exploration, and adventure.

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In case of an emergency, all our guides are licensed and trained to handle situations that may arise. We are always with you to assist in any way we can to make your trip safe and memorable.

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Payments: As soon as we receive your down payment, we will confirm your reservations and at this point, all change and cancellation policies will be in effect. KikiNetwork Travel will send you a finalized itinerary which will contain all necessary information including confirmation numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. We must receive 40% of the trip cost when you register for the trip. The full cost of the trip must be paid 90 days before the start date of the trip.

Forms of Payment: We accept ACH transfers (1% fee and .30) and credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard). There is a 2.9 processing fee for MC and Visa credit cards, and American Express incurs a 3.9% fee. If you pay by check there is no additional fee. You will need to mail the check to Kiki Keating, PO Box 223, Georges Mills, NH 03751.

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