Travel in Italy with Monica
Italy has been part of my life for decades. I have traveled there countless times and even maintain a home there.
I have personally explored each region and carefully vetted every winery, guide, artisan, and experience included in our journeys. The people we will meet are not simply tour stops — they are trusted relationships.
I owned Primi Piatti Market for 15 years and have been making pasta for close to 60. Sharing the traditions of Italian cooking has always been one of my greatest joys. My tours reflects a lifetime of passion for authentic food, meaningful connection, and the beauty of Italian culture.
I would love for you to join me in experiencing Italy not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest.
Experience Puglia
A Culinary & Cultural Escape in Italy
October 24-31 2026
Discover the magic of Puglia — the sun-drenched jewel forming the “heel” of Italy’s boot. With its whitewashed hill towns, ancient olive groves, and breathtaking Adriatic coastline, Puglia offers an intoxicating blend of history, architecture, natural beauty — and, of course, extraordinary food and wine.
Join us for an immersive journey where every village, vineyard, and shared meal tells a story.
🍝 A Historic Culinary Experience
We will savor the authentic flavors of Puglia — from the bounty of the land to the freshest Adriatic seafood — while participating in hands-on culinary traditions that define the region.
Our experiences include:
Orecchiette, cavatelli and cavatini making — tradition pasta shapes of Puglia
Focaccia making — a staple for lunch and aperitivo
Burrata and Mozzarella making experience — learning to create Puglia’s rich, creamy signature cheese and tasting it at its freshest.
Each experience connects us deeply to the heart and soul of Apulian culture.
🍷 Discover Puglia’s Wines
We will visit three renowned wineries for guided tours and tastings, exploring the region’s celebrated varietals:
Primitivo — bold, rich, and velvety
Negroamaro — dark, earthy, and beautifully structured
Verdeca & Fiano — crisp whites with floral and citrus notes
From vine to glass, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the land, climate, and generations of tradition behind every bottle.
🌿 The Olive Oil Legacy
No visit to Puglia is complete without stepping into its ancient olive groves. Between the Adriatic Sea and the inland hills, mineral-rich soil and Mediterranean sunshine create ideal conditions for olive cultivation.
Some trees are centuries old. Their olives are cold-pressed into a sweet, buttery extra virgin olive oil that defines the region’s cuisine. Visiting these orchards offers insight into one of Puglia’s most treasured traditions.
🏛️ Cultural & Historical Treasures
The Trulli of Alberobello
The cone-shaped limestone dwellings of Alberobello are found nowhere else in the world. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a surreal village seemingly frozen in time.
Ostuni — The White City
A dazzling hilltop town crowned with whitewashed houses, medieval streets, and a magnificent 15th-century cathedral overlooking endless olive plains.
Conversano — A Hidden Gem
A charming hilltop town of cobbled lanes, artisan shops, and sweeping countryside views.
Highlights include Castello Aragonese and the Romanesque Cathedral of Conversano.
⛵ Adriatic Boat Excursion
From our base in Monopoli, we will experience the Adriatic from the most spectacular vantage point — the sea.
As we sail along the coast toward Polignano a Mare, we’ll pass dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, ancient watchtowers, and natural sea caves, including the iconic Grotta Palazzese carved into the cliffs.
It is Puglia at its most breathtaking.
🏡 Our Private Villa Experience
We will be staying in an elegant private villa where comfort, intimacy, and authentic Italian living come together.
Each guest room features a private bath
Italian-style breakfast each morning
Lunches enjoyed at our daily destinations
Evening dinners prepared by our private chef at the villa
Wine included with all meals
After full days of exploration, we return “home” to relax, unwind, and dine together under the Puglian sky.
Cost: $6,000 per person, double occupancy. (single occupancy + $1,000)
A $2000 per person non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot.
The balance is due August 15. Tour is limited to 12 guests
Tour includes transportation from and to Brindisi (BDS) airport or Monopoli train station daily transportation, meals with wine or beverage of choice, all excursions, entrance fees, and guides.
Check-in is available after 3:00 on Saturday October 24th.
Tour does not include airfare.
Please call (248)752-4473 for additional information.
