The very southern tip of the “heel of the boot” is known as Salento. A landscape of olive tress and vineyards peppered with cactus and agave and bathed in sunlight. This is the land of Southern Hospitality at its finest. We have fallen in love with this area and we know that you will too. Join us for a week in our Secret Salento and leave feeling rejuvenated and relaxed and in love with the hospitality of the south.
Day 1 – Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the Masseria. After settling in we will start the evening with a local aperitivo followed by a lavish dinner served al fresco with our hosts as they tell us the history of their property ad how they have transformed it into a wellness retreat.
Day 2 – Start the day with a yoga class, a stroll through the botanical garden or just lounging by the pool. We will take the morning to have some time to enjoy the resort. Before lunch we head to a beautiful olive oil producer, sample their single varietals and enjoy a light lunch on the terrace served with the estate-grown produce. After our visit we head to a boutique wine and oil producer for a tasting of local varietals and a candlelit dinner in their caves dating back to the 1600’s.
Day 3 – It’s now time to experience the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. You’ll have the option of lounging at the beach or sailing the local waters. We’ll dine on local seafood and spend a little time strolling the streets of this seaside town. Dinner is on your own back at the hotel or take a taxi into town for a local dinner.
Day 4 – Another yoga class to start the day followed by a little leisure time to enjoy your last day at the property. There are optional excursions to the local monastery and to see the production of botanicals or visit the estate’s winery. In the afternoon we will be guided on a tour of the gardens where we will harvest what we will use as we prepare dinner with our local chef.
Day 5 – Morning check-out and off to Lecce to visit the “Florence of the South”. Enjoy some time on your own to stroll the ancient streets and stop into shops, museums, or perhaps a local enoteca. Lunch will be on your own as Lecce offers many wonderful dining options. After lunch we are sped off to our lodging for the next two nights. A castle in the Puglian countryside known for its world class wine and Michelin-starred restaurant. After some time to relax in your room we will rejoin the group for a food and wine pairing.
Day 6 – Today is all about wine. We will visit two local boutique wineries to learn more about the local grape varietals and taste some obscure wines of which you have probably never heard. We finish the day with another amazing dinner and enjoy our last evening together under the stars in the midst of a candlelit castle courtyard.
Day 7 – Morning check-out and airport transfer. Option to add Rome excursion to your trip.