'Puglia Unwrapped' by Tony

To make our Puglia Unwrapped holiday even more authentic, I flew down to Bari to meet my good friend and local artisan, Alex to review all the local experiences which make the tour so memorable.

After travelling through a busy departures area at Gatwick airport, Bari airport was quick and easy; security and passport control was a breeze, and my hold luggage was dancing around the carousel when I arrived. As I stepped out into the warmth of the Italian sunshine my spirits soared! True to form, Alex met me at the airport, and we jumped in the car for the hour’s drive to the charming town of Monopoli with its narrow winding streets dotted with tiny shops and inviting seafood eateries.

Strolling through bustling piazzas filled with tourists, we slipped away from the crowds down hidden alleyways to my favourite osteria, a ‘locals-only’ spot, lively with friends and families enjoying fresh seafood and local wine. If you didn’t know it was there, you might miss it with its unassuming small blue entrance. Small with tables close together and a simple décor, as usual the waiters were rushing about serving a packed restaurant. We always enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch when we go there and today was no different – delicious clams, shrimp, octopus and calamari washed down with a glass of the local Puglian house white!

After lunch, we headed to the UNESCO-listed Alberobello, famed for its unique whitewashed drystone cottages with conical roofs known as ‘trulli’ where I checked into my own historic trullo offering all hotel comforts. Each trullo is individual which makes it such a unique experience – each one is a beautifully restored piece of history.

Freshened up, I explored the Rione Monti district – for me it’s the wonderful view of this incredible historic area which is such a highlight. Matching my pace to the relaxed atmosphere in the town, I strolled down the narrow winding streets and window shopped at the trulli housing artisan boutiques. I found my way back to Alex’s authentic trattoria and once again sat down to a mouth-watering simple dinner made with the freshest vegetables from the garden plot.

For Magari guests, daily breakfast is on offer across the square from the trulli at the trattoria from 7.30am onwards. So the following morning, I headed there for a lovely strong coffee full of flavour! Spoilt for choice, local honey, breads, focaccia, mozzarella, hams, eggs, yoghurts, and homemade cakes are on offer.

Later, Alex and I met a colleague who helps craft our immersive experiences, and visited an artisanal winery, Cantina Torricella set in beautiful grounds in the Valle d’itria for an incredible wine tasting and tour and now added to our 2026 farewell evening.

Still dry but a bit cooler, we then drove through the rolling Valle D’Itria, passing olive groves and trulli villages, before reaching the pretty village of Locorotondo with views over vineyards. It’s such a pretty town with white-washed walls and a circular layout with narrow alleys winding around the hilltop. A delicious hazelnut gelato topped off a perfect afternoon.

Over dinner, Alex and I agreed to add a vintage car ride to the itinerary. The next morning, we tested a fiat 750, turning heads as we cruised to exclusive Masseria farms. At one, specializing in bakery goods, clients will watch bread and focaccia making under the olive trees, with tastings too. At another, a dairy farm, we witnessed Nonna and Mama preparing mozzarella using generations-old recipes — warm, welcoming, and unforgettable. Returning to Alberobello, we enjoyed another outstanding dinner at Alex’s trattoria, paired with a fabulous Apulian red.

The following morning, we visited a secret garden plot where guests will enjoy an exclusive pasta making session amongst the fruit trees and a lunch using ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding garden — an enchanting, one-of-a-kind experience.

Finally, we visited the stunning UNESCO-listed historic town of Matera. No matter how often I return, it’s the Sassi quarter with its Palaeolithic cave dwellings which always leaves me awestruck. We also stopped by our local bread makers for a warm welcome (and plenty of treats to take home). The perfect ending to a magical and rewarding trip.

I can’t wait to share the magic of Puglia Unwrapped with our clients in 2026!

By Tony Flanagan