Notes From the Road: A Research Trip in Puglia

Puglia offers a unique charm that sets it apart from the iconic scenes of Tuscany or the Dolomites. While these regions have their own undeniable allure, Puglia's multifaceted beauty is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the many facets of Italy's stunning landscapes.Travelling through the country is like experiencing 3-4 different regions within one trip, each with its own character. The south boasts a Greek and Baroque style with cities like <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/in-deep-a-brief-history-of-lecce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lecce</a> that will leave you astounded, while Alberobello and its&nbsp;trulli&nbsp;are like something out of a fairytale. But Puglia isn't just a pretty postcard; it's about the energy, the people, the feeling and emotion.Ernesto Fucci's life has always revolved around Southern Italy, particularly <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/puglia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Puglia</a>, where he now serves as B&amp;R's Experience Designer. As a seasoned guide, Ernesto has transitioned to curating unforgettable adventures for our travellers.Our Pugliese family welcomed Ernesto and the B&amp;R Puglia team with open arms during their recent research trip, from local olive farmers and restaurateurs to longtime friends and guides.Together with former Regional Director Christina Cain and Puglia Trip Manager Valentina, the team hit the road to discover new experiences for the upcoming season—and how special it was to have the entire team together again, reconnecting and sharing their passion for unearthing the very best the region has to offer.Ernesto shares his notes from the road in the interview below.

The purpose of our research trip was to harness the immense human potential that <a href="https://butterfield.com/who-we-are/meet-the-designers/christina-cain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Christina</a>, who has spent many years working in the region, has cultivated. The people, whether our guides or suppliers, add that special touch to our trips, making them truly exceptional and unforgettable. Upon visiting for the first time since the pandemic it was amazing to see Puglia in its full glory again and experience the atmosphere once more. Despite it being January, Lecce and Otranto were teeming with newfound energy. Puglia's creativity has finally awakened, an incredible spark we've observed in our longtime friends with whom we're planning incredible experiences.

So many! We were given exclusive access to palaces typically closed to the public, where we’ll be hosting events this season. We also visited the owners of a marble quarry that they transformed into a unique botanical garden (complete with a swimming pool) where we plan to organize picnics and relaxing afternoons for our travellers.&nbsp;We met the local farmers who are working hard to combat the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230111-the-super-sniffer-dogs-saving-italys-dying-olive-trees" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">xylella</a> problem that Puglia’s olive trees are currently facing, and we’ll be starting a collaborative project with them next season. We also have exclusive access to a natural reserve overlooking the ocean, where we can organize private events and picnics. We even found an amazing outdoor climbing space, and we have many more exciting discoveries to share!

While Ostuni is already on the tourism radar, we're able to experience it in a completely different way by going behind the scenes. We visit a personal home—a noble villa—that only saves events for B&amp;R. Paula, the lovely owner and host, will take us on a little tour, showcasing their antique horse carriage collection, the biggest in southern Italy!We visited a church on the property and enjoyed a lunch from their family's olive oil and cheese production. This experience highlighted the importance of building and maintaining personal relationships, which can lead to unique and authentic experiences unavailable to the general public.

When we’re not cycling through UNESCO-listed sites and on coastal roads, we’ll go from dancing and dinner in a private castle open exclusively for us, to a picnic in the most beautiful masseria in Puglia. We’ll learn how to make mozzarella with local farmers, we learn about the millennia old culture of oil making while being in an ancient underground oil mill open exclusively for us.But Puglia's real magic lies in the moments that seem to unfold effortlessly, a testament to the decades of relationship building we have cultivated. The locals have come to know and love us over the years, and it's not uncommon for a round of drinks in a local bar to lead to an invitation to someone's home for a traditional meal.&nbsp;

Two accommodations stood out to me. The first was the <a href="https://palazzomaresgallo.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Palazzo Maresgallo</a>, an old aristocratic palace in the heart of Lecce that has been transformed into a small luxury hotel. This hidden gem is a work of art, and we're proud to be pioneers as the only travel company invited to stay. The baroque essence of the city is beautifully juxtaposed with modern art, resulting in a fascinating style that truly impresses.

<a href="https://www.naturalisbioresort.com/home-en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Naturalis Bio Resort</a> left a lasting impression on me, and the place truly lives up to its name. It's located in the Salento countryside and feels like a world apart, where nature reigns supreme and time stands still. With a simple style dedicated to sustainability, this self-sufficient hotel inspires travellers to embrace the natural world. Everything is designed to minimize environmental impact, from vegetable gardens to aloe vera cultivation and oil production.

Abandon all preconceptions, as we’re about to enter an amazing place where every little glimpse, building and meal brings a jumble of emotions stemming from unparalleled cultural and historical intersections.&nbsp;From the Baroque architectural beauty and the small dwellings of <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/the-trulli-of-alberobello" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alberobello</a>, to unparalleled food, where authenticity, simplicity combined with an innovative approach will amaze the taste buds with every bite. And above all, the people, their hospitality and joviality.&nbsp;Puglia without its people would be lost, because it is precisely the people who give this land a dancing, festive, welcoming and unique character.

Discover Puglia

Puglia’s location may be down at the heel, but there’s nothing remotely shabby about the stunning, sun-drenched coastline routes or the whitewashed villages and charming locals. Think Italy, with Greek parents, exquisite organic cuisine and some of the finest, most serene biking we’ve found anywhere.

Experience Puglia's exquisite organic cuisine and some of the most serene biking with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel. 

Puglia | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Discover the true magic of old Italy, surrounded by olive groves and our charming local friends. We make every step count with routes featuring sublime coastal roads, cobbled paths that weave through whitewashed towns and distinctive stone trulli. End your journey with two nights in UNESCO-listed Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings inhabited for thousands of years.

The magic of old Italy

Bask in olive groves and gorgeous whitewashed villages as you stroll along the aquamarine Adriatic in one of Italy’s most blissfully low-traffic corners (we’re the only walkers here!). Back at hotel Sant’Angelo – a B&amp;R exclusive in UNESCO Matera – feast on the freshest seafood you’ve ever had while you quaff luscious local Primitivo.

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. And a post-ride aperitivo&nbsp;is even more refreshing when sipped in our friend’s garden.

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo led by our friends Domenica and Giuseppe. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. A post-ride lunch is even more delicious when enjoyed in our friend’s masseria. And the sound of live music is more enchanting when paired with an exclusive dinner in a fortified castle. After just a few days here, you’ll quickly see why Puglia has our heart. 

Adventure awaits on the Adriatic

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. And a post-ride aperitivo&nbsp;is even more refreshing when sipped in our friend’s garden.

In the south of Italy, two unique and closely interconnected regions beckon exploration. Basilicata boasts the impressive city of Matera—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture, a city built into the rock that saw the origins of European civilization. Puglia’s olive groves, gorgeous, whitewashed villages, delectable food and generous hospitality, set against the aquamarine Adriatic, is simply idyllic. Together, Puglia and Basilicata capture the true magic of old Italy.  

The history, landscape and architecture reflect the myriad civilizations that were drawn to the region’s influential port towns and position on the Adriatic; the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Normans and Spanish have all left their mark here. Be immersed in a magical place where art, culture, nature and gastronomy come together in perfect harmony. We'll visit sundrenched coasts, whitewashed towns, fortified farmhouses (Masseria), and distinctive stone trulli. The culinary highlights include fresh seafood, local wine and olive oil. Everything is more sumptuous in Italy’s south, making for a journey you won't soon forget. 

Experience old-world Italy in the heel of the boot

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Tell the kids you’re are going to Puglia and they’ll ask “where-ya?” Tell them you’re going to snorkel in the sparkling Adriatic, make pasta by hand, and zipline over olive groves and they’ll ask a different question: “when-ya!?”Note:&nbsp;The activities on our Puglia&nbsp;Family Adventure trip are recommended for children age 8 years and older.

$5,395 based on two travellers. $4,995 based on four travellers. $4,595 based on six travellers.

Reconnect with the family on a rejuvenating, sprightly and (dare we say) educational adventure along the Adriatic sea.

Pedal past whitewashed villages on quiet routes through the rolling countryside blanketed in olive trees and along the aquamarine Adriatic Coast.

Puglia

Notes From the Road: A Research Trip in Puglia

Find your next adventure.

Get insider access, travel inspiration and a first look at new adventures, straight to your inbox.