A taste of Puglia.

The gourmet break this October will be based in Monopoli, a lively, unspoiled, town on the sea, south of Bari and north of Brindisi (either airport around 40 minutes). All accommodation will be in the centro storico, or historic centre, of the town which has winding cobbled streets, white washed medieval houses and some beautiful churches including a baroque cathedral (see below). Monopoli has a daily fruit, vegetable and fish market and some excellent local restaurants serving the local dishes based on the freshest fish and seafood and the vegetables, bursting with flavour, which grow in the surrounding area. This area also produces exceptionally good olive oil, and this break is timed to coincide with the beginning of the olive harvest. The weather at the end of October is usually mild and, in a good year, it is still possible to swim. We also organise tailor made holidays or short breaks in the area. See Perfect Puglia on facebook, email perfectpuglia@yahoo.co.uk or ring 0039 333 7911030 for details

Puglia Gourmet long weekend 28th October to 1st of November

Friday evening . Arrive and check into your accommodation in the centro storico of Monopoli. Dinner at characteristic Puglian restaurant specializing in traditional local dishes and fresh fish and seafood, wine and water included Saturday morning. Whistle stop guided tour of Monopolis enchanting medieval centro storico, or historic centre then visit the local fruit, vegetable and fish market. Visit to local producer of olive oil who also specialize in sotto olii vegetables preserved in oil and vegetable pates still produced by hand with a minimum of mechanization. Tasting of oil and products. Lunch at a local agriturismo with a restaurant in the old frantoio or oil press. Saturday evening visit to nearby Polignano, with its dramatic cliff top setting and spectacular sea views for an aperitivo and then onto the town of Conversano la citta del arte to admire the Norman castle and cathedral before dinner at Pasha renowned, foodie restaurant famous for its inventive cuisine using local ingredients and traditional dishes with a creative and modern twist. We have organized a very special tasting menu and each dish will be accompanied by a glass of a prestigious local wine chosen to complement it. Sunday: Hands on cooking lesson learn to prepare the best local dishes and then eat the results for lunch! Evening optional trip to a local restaurant (not included) Monday: Trip to a local frantoio or oil press to see the oil being produced (subject to the weather).Visit to a historic cantina or winery in Alberobello, the town with the trulli (little houses with conical roofs) now a Unesco world heritage site. Explore the wine museum and have a wine tasting. Lunch in a local restaurant. Evening dinner trip optional (not included) Complete programme for 4 nights (includes everything listed above and all transport for excursions) 450,00 pp in a charming B&B or 4 person apartment 530,00 pp in a 2 person apartment 650,00 pp sharing a twin or double room in a five star hotel 970,00 pp for one person in a double room in a five star hotel Programme for 3 nights: From 346,00 leaving Monday morning From 426,00 leaving Monday evening Programme for 2 nights (arrive Saturday leave Monday evening): 332,00 in a charming B&B Price doesnt include: airport transfers, travel insurance, tips or anything not mentioned in the programme. For further information contact perfectpuglia@yahoo.co.uk, see the Perfect Puglia page on facebook or call Caroline: +39 333 7911030