Name: Secrets of Southern Italy (May 2023)
Start: 2023-05-20T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-05-28T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Polignano a Mare, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy

Sierra Busch

Email address verified

11 reviews

May 20 - 28, 2023

Group size: 5 - 7

Secrets of Southern Italy (May 2023)

Polignano a Mare, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy

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Sierra Busch

Email address verified

11 reviews

May 20 - 28, 2023

Group size: 5 - 7

Apulia (or Puglia in Italian) is dotted with white-washed villages hugging sea front cliffs on the Adriatic. Beneath this gorgeous facade is an ancient history that pulls you into the core of this magical region. Here in the heel of Italy's boot, we will experience authentic places still wild with mystery and alive with tradition! We will step back in time to discover an abandoned abbey circa 500 AD, learn the secrets to making gelato that have lasted generations, and unwind in untouched nature with unparalleled sunsets! With only 7 people per trip, Creative Edge Travel aims to bring you an exclusive and personally-curated trip where you'll create meaningful travel memories with your new friends in authentic Italy.

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Please note, we require at least 5 confirmed guests to run this trip. In the event that minimum requirements are not met within 2 months of the trip start date, you will have the choice to receive a full refund of your trip cost or credit applied to another trip within the next year. Flight costs and other costs outside of the trip itself would need to be reimbursed by the travel insurance which you are required to purchase.

Ciao! My name is Sierra and I'm the founder of Creative Edge Travel and the leader for your trip in Apulia! I fell hard for Italy in 2011 and have never stopped exploring its many regions since. From the tall mountains in the north to the sunny heel of the boot in the south, I scoured maps for Italy's hidden secrets, connecting with locals and soaking up the authentic everyday life along the way. This passion led to a career in travel in NYC, where I worked for top agencies and startups, planning luxury vacations for VIP clients. Now living half the year in Italy, my goal is to bring my guests meaningful travel experiences that will forever connect them to the genuine spirit of Italy.

OFFSET CARBON FOOTPRINT

We also believe our impact on this earth should be light. Your trip's carbon footprint will automatically be offset through MyClimate programs which take a bigger picture approach to not only reduce carbon emissions in the first place but also help underserved communities. Project examples are:

-installing energy efficient cookstoves in Rwanda

-building solar power installations in the Dominican Republic

-or partnering with indigenous communities in the Solomon Islands to create alternative income opportunities to avoid deforestation of the pristine rainforest (while supporting Women's Savings Clubs).

Transportation
Arrival and Departure
8 nights accommodation
Private room at 3 B&B's located in historic center with nearby beach and/or mountains
Private Driver
Private driver throughout the trip
Experiences
All activities, workshops, and visits
Trip Leader
24/7, English and Italian-speaking trip leader
Flight-Booking Assist
Our flight expert will help you find the best routes and fares to make this step easier for you.
Meals Included:
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 extra special dinners, including wine
Pre-trip Prep
Cultural and Italian language guidance, packing tips, and additional resources to fully connect you with what you'll experience!
Tips
for guides and drivers
Local Recommendations
Insider suggestions for each location.
Carbon Footprint Offset
Project to lower carbon emissions will be funded.

Day 1
Day 1
Let's Get This Party Started!
After a long journey, we'll meet at Bari Airport and head to our first base; the charming seaside town of Polignano! Here you can relax at our B&B (located in the beautiful historic center) or wander the village which is known for its winding, cobblestone streets and incredible sea views. In the evening, we'll have a welcome aperitivo to get to know each other, followed by a group dinner in a special seafood restaurant!

Meals Included: Aperitivo, Dinner
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Day 2
Day 2
Monopoli and Cheese Farm
Lead by our charming local guide, we'll get lost in the hidden sidestreets of this unique town with white-washed buildings and a fascinating history. You'll then have free time to find lunch and wander. In the afternoon we're headed to a cheese farm where we'll taste freshly-made cheese, visit the farm, and step inside a "trullo" (a traditional cone-shaped home). Enjoy free time and dinner on your own this evening at our base in Polignano.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Cheese Tasting
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Day 3
Day 3
Keep Calm and Dance Pizzica!
This morning you are free to wander and fully explore Polignano. Restaurants, cafes, local boutiques, artisans, beaches, seaside cliffs, gelato, and endless seafood- you'll fall in love with this stunning village! In the evening we'll head to a "masseria" (traditional farmhouse) where we'll be eating like true Italians! First though, we'll get our hands dirty with our friend and award-winning chef, Anna, to learn the secrets to Pugliese recipes and make some pasta by hand. Finally, we'll enjoy every bite seated in the open air as the sun sets. Just as you think it can't get any better, a live "pizzica" folk band will arrive to dance us into the night!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4
Day 4
From Seaside to Mountain Top
Today we'll drive to our second home base in Monte Sant'Angelo, part of Gargano National Park. Enjoy the view of red poppies along the way and if you're lucky, you may also spot flamingos (yes, actual pink flamingos live in the salt flats along the way)!

After a drive up scenic and winding roads, we'll have a guided walk in Monte Sant'Angelo. Perched at 2,600 feet above sea level, this is one of the oldest places of worship in Christendom with a protective castle looming above. After the tour, we'll check into our B&B next to the ancient sanctuary and you'll be free to enjoy the amazing views and piazzas full of locals.

Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 5
Day 5
Beach Bliss
Today we're heading to one of Puglia's best kept secrets; a beautiful, secluded beach that will take your breath with its tall white cliffs and calm blue water. After a picnic lunch of traditional products selected and prepared by a local, you can relax, catch up on some reading, take a dip, sketch, or do some journaling...this place is waiting to be soaked up and bookmarked as your new "happy place"!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
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Day 6
Day 6
Abandoned Abbey
Tie up your shoelaces because today we're going to discover a magical place- but first, a hike into Gargano National Park (1 hour walk up with breaks, 45 mins down)! Along the hike, you'll get lost in the amazing array of flowers as the Gargano area is home to around 2,200 types of flora, a paradise of bio-diversity!

You'll soon arrive in an opening where an arched, stone structure still stands after 1,600 years- an abbey that began as a site for a pagan cult that worshiped Jupiter! Walk amongst the vast ruins as you marvel at the structure, the architectural style, and what is left today.

To reward ourselves after all that exercise, we'll linger over a homemade multi-course lunch at the most authentic countryside farm in the area. Afterwards we'll continue to our third (and last) base. Situated by the sea and cliffs, with amazing gelato, kind locals, & a beautiful beach, the village of Peschici is a special spot in the "spur" of Italy's boot.

Pro Tip: Make use of our B&B's panoramic terrace!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 7
Day 7
Gelato Workshop
This morning we'll learn the secrets to making THE best gelato from a family that has done it for over 100 years.. We'll satisfy our sweet tooth and curious minds!

Have the afternoon free to try a restaurant with a great view of the beach or plant yourself directly in the sand with a good book!

Later this evening, we'll regroup and visit an original "trabucco", a fishing structure made of wood and ropes. This particular one has been there for over 80 years. End this amazing day with a sunset seafood dinner in an open air restaurant by the sea (they often buy their fish straight from the trabucco next door)!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 8
Day 8
Cruising the Coast
In the morning, we'll meet our captain and board our own private boat for an adventure along the stunning coast of Gargano! To top it off, we'll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a restaurant tucked away on a small hidden beach!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 9
Day 9
A Presto! (+ Matera Extension)
A presto! (See you again soon!)

Haven't had enough yet? Continue on with us for 4 more days in unforgettable Matera (May 31 - June 3)!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Read more

Day 1

Let's Get This Party Started!

After a long journey, we'll meet at Bari Airport and head to our first base; the charming seaside town of Polignano! Here you can relax at our B&B (located in the beautiful historic center) or wander the village which is known for its winding, cobblestone streets and incredible sea views. In the evening, we'll have a welcome aperitivo to get to know each other, followed by a group dinner in a special seafood restaurant!

Meals Included: Aperitivo, Dinner

Sierra Busch

11 reviews

Creative Edge Travel is about slowing down to connect with what makes Italy Italy— its people. We know from experience that what you'll remember most are the interesting locals you meet on your adventure. That's why we couple unique activities with opportunities to connect with locals in a meaningful way. We go beyond the typical tourist sites to off-the-beaten-path villages and farms where our friends and artisans are waiting to share their way of life with you!

Creative Edge Travel curates a very unique trip. Avoiding the tourist traps she takes you to small towns and villages creating exceptional interaction with the local people. We were accommodated by small local B&Bs with a love for hosting visitors. We were greeted with enthusiasm and love. We never felt like tourists, old friends. Every host went out of their way to create an atmosphere of comfort and excellence. If you are a seasoned traveler or your first time traveling, Creative Edge Travel will introduce and show you places you would never experience without her experience and love of Italy. I cannot recommend this company enough.

By Evelyn E for Living Slow in Tuscany (Oct 13-21, 2024) on Oct 24, 2024

The absolute best vacation tour, not just sightseeing but full on culture immersion and getting to know the people of Italy. A must do tour for anyone.

By Steve B for Secrets of Southern Italy (May 2024) on Jun 05, 2024

Sierra is a great organizer. The outings were well planned. We met very interesting people. The cooking class was so interesting! Her schedule gave us some time to rest and visit on our own. Of course the group blended together very well. I strongly recommend her trips !

By Suzanne G for Secrets of Southern Italy (May 2024) on Jun 04, 2024

5 stars don't begin to describe the amazing 8 days I had with Sierra in Tuscany. It was my second trip to Tuscany and I thought I knew how wonderful it would be to soak up Tuscan culture again. NO, Sierra's trips are not like any I have ever experienced. The trip was full of love, joy, and appreciation. There were no lines or crowds so that one couldn't appreciate anything. Music, wine, food, laughter, learning, new friendships, moments to reflect, these are what Sierra gave me. Thank you Sierra Judy Olitsky

By Judy O for Living Slow in Tuscany (Oct 15-23, 2023) on Nov 27, 2023

This was such a wonderful experience. We were able to see Florence in a much different way. Meeting the artisans, seeing the often missed historical aspects of this amazing city, and also spending time with the locals. Thank you Sierra for this opportunity.