Italy Delights - Puglia
.
Nature at its best, let yourself be enticed in a world of wellness based on local produce
We have a selected range of unique places that tell a story, from the location and history, to their interior design and style. Places that can inspire your senses to leave a mark on your imagination.
We have been on retreats ourselves and know the type of service and character that a location has to offer to make a great retreat stay. The research and inspection of these venues can add cost and time to the planning so we have done that for you.
We have researched properties that can offer meaningful and out-of-the-norm stay and experiences, to make sure that the whole event give great inspiration and fulfillment, maybe something that can spark changes and move people into their right reason of being. ....
ABOUT PUGLIA
Puglia, whose ancient name was Apulia, a Southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline. The capital Bari is a vibrant port and university town, while Lecce is known as “Florence of the South” for its baroque architecture. Alberobello and the Itria Valley are home to trulli, stone huts with distinctive conical roofs of Turkish inspiration.
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Immerse yourself in Puglia’s authentic and unspoilt culture as you journey through the length of the Italian heel. Culture meets cuisine as you visit UNESCO world heritage sites, immerse yourself in baroque towns, white-washed trullo houses, olive groves and orchards, not forgetting plenty of the blue sea and stunning coastal towns! And indulge in Slow Food, fresh frutti di mare, and ruby-red wines. At each turn you’ll find something to marvel at in this bountiful colourful region of Italy. There are towns and villages that seem to transport you to another time in history, cultures mingling in the footprints of the past. Its lush natural beauty makes Puglia an ideal place for those who crave a direct contact with nature. Olive groves mingled with vineyards dot the hillsides, enticing the palate of the visitors to fully immerse themselves in a food journey
OUR JOURNEYS
MEDITATION RETREAT
Friday 17 May 2024 : make your way to our resort near Otranto (approx 1hour)*
Otranto is a famous port on the Adriatic Sea, facing Greece and Albania, that has always been the first point of arrival of people from far away kingdoms, and from the East.
16:00: we welcome you at our resort, meet the other group members and we share information about the stay
17:00: we have a guided meditation in the garden, laying down on your mat or blanket - duration approx 1 hour
19:30: dinner in the resort. We will provide vegetarian local dishes, freshly prepared. We will practice mindfulness and silent observations for all the activities that we are practicing, including eating.
* [TBC Ryanair Flight, arriving at Brindisi Airport approx at 12.30pm - if all group is in agreement, we may provide a small travel bus for approx €15 each person, each way]
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 May 2024: 7am - simple hatha yoga class
8am: meditation near the pool for approx 1 hour
9.30am: breakfast
11.30am: we walk to the nearby beach. We practice some walking meditation near the water for half an hour. Rest of the day free
16.00: we regroup at the resort, for an exchange of questions and answers / satsang We set aside half hour for silence and for writing our journals
17.00: meditation in the garden, including a sound bath (approx 1 hr)
19.30: dinner in the resort.
Monday 20 May 2024: 7am - simple hatha yoga class
8am: meditation approx 1 hour
9.30am: breakfast
11.30am: We are going to the nearby port boarding a small boat for a short excursion along the stupendous coast.
16.00: we regroup at the resort, for an exchange of questions and answers / satsang. We set aside half hour for silence and for writing our journals
17.00: meditation including a sound bath approx 1 hour
19.30: dinner in the resort.
Tuesday 21 May: 7am - simple hatha yoga class
8am - meditation for approx 1 hour
9.30am: breakfast
11.00am: we are checking out from our resort, and we visit the nearby Bauxite Quarry, with beautiful view of a lake that was formed in the quarry, known for its turquoise water, framed by jagged red rocks & set in a scrubby landscape. Afterwards we visit a local organic farm, where we have lunch (not included)
15:30: we are regrouping on the hotel grounds for our farewell goodbye. Collect your luggage and travel to Brindisi Airport for your return flight (transfer not included)*
* [TBC AerLingus Flight, departing Brindisi Airport approx at 10pm - if all group is in agreement, we may provide a small travel bus for approx €15 each person, each way]
COST: €699 per person sharing - single supplement €475
Included: 4 nights B&B and dinner in a 5* masseria style resort, twice daily meditation classes, yoga class, guidance and satsang sessions, one afternoon boat excursion, excursion to the Bauxite Quarry
Not included: flights, transfer, transport, tips and local taxes, lunch and what not specifically indicated
ITALIAN DELIGHTS PUGLIA ITINERARY
Tuesday 21 May 2024: arrive at Brindisi Airport, meet our driver guide, and drive to a Masseria nestled into a magic place, in the center of Apulia, near Martina Franca. This masseria host 23 hectares of fields, vineyards, olive groves, pastures and rich century old oaks woods, where horses, cows, pigs and sheep freely graze, together with the famous martinese donkeys. We will have lunch, based on organically grown foods in the tenuta (not included)
After lunch, we will visit the Baroque Cathedral in Monopoli and visit the beaches and historical town of Polignano a Mare, famous for its seafood, ice creams, sea-caves and the home to the Italian Singer Domenico Modugno of the world-famous song "Volare"
We will drive then to our masseria, where will stay for 2 nights
Wednesday 22 May 2024: after breakfast we are visiting the main sights of the Valle d'Itria. First we are stopping in Alberobello where the Trulli houses have been widespreadly used and kept through the Centuries by the local farmers first and then by local businesses. These conical constructions are of Turkish origin, and were used initially as tombs. These cone shaped dwellings are unique to the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses in Alberobello alone!
We move forward stopping in Cisternino with a small, utterly charming old town centre that has remained virtually intact for centuries. Moving on to Conversano for our lunch.
After lunch, we stop briefly in Locorotondo before arriving in Ostuni, the White City, famous for its white-washed building, with a large center, bustling with businesses and restaurants and cafes. We will stroll around the town, before driving back to our masseria.
Thursday 23 May 2024: today we are visiting Manduria, famous for its wine, then Gallipoli with its many historical sites. Forward we have the option of doing a wine tour for lunch in a traditional winetenuta. Afterwards we stop in Galatina viewing the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most outstanding monuments of Romanesque and Gothic art and stopping at the oldest Café that invented the pasticciotto cake
Late afternoon, we are driving to Lecce, where we say goodbye for now to our driver. We check in our historical hotel where we are staying for 3 nights.
Friday 24 May Saturday / 25 May 2024: we have two full days to explore Lecce on foot, the capital of the Salento Province, known as the “Florence of the South”. The city hosts amazing Baroque masterpieces and treasures of Italy. It’s not all ancient-or even not-so-ancient-history in Lecce. There are streets filled with stores selling many of the goods and products for which Lecce is recognized for. There are also museums, and more than a few restaurants and wine bars where to enjoy traditional dishes.
Sunday 26 May 2024: Today we drive Matera for a visit of this unique and ancient city.
On the way (approx 1hour) we stop to visit one large "masseria tenuta" with sprawling olive and wine groves, belonging to another historical famous Italian singer, where we can have lunch.
WE This UNESCO World Heritage Site was developed among scenic surroundings and the rocks overlooking a deep ravine. Visit of the old town with its most characteristic districts, the “Sassi”, carved into the rock.
After visiting Matera, we check-in in our masseria just outside Matera, amidst golden wheat fields, filled with bird-songs, where we are staying for 2 nights.
Monday 27 May 2024: after an early breakfast, we are driving to the the atmospheric abandoned old town of Craco. We return to Matera for a late sightseeing, catching a glimpse of a beautiful sunset over the Sassi. We return to our Masseria for the evening
Tuesday 28 May 2024: after breakfast we visit the nearby town of Altamura famous for some of the ancient bread makers of the Region, dating back to the XV Century. After lunch, we are driving to Brindisi Airport to catch your return flight, late at night
* The itinerary is based on an early morning Ryanair flight and a late returning flight with AerLingus
* Flights are not included
* Drive time is approximate and can vary depending on traffic and other local conditions
* Price includes car transfers, transport, guide driver and all car expenses as indicated
* Masserie, hotels and pensioni include breakfast
* Local tax are not included and need to be paid when you check out
* Not included are tips, lunches & dinners, personal expenses and what not expressly indicated
* We always recommend to consult your doctor
* Check with your travel & health insurance and your phone & bank card providers for local charges
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why should I visit Italy with the VIP Retreat in Italy?
A: Our VIP Retreat in Italy is a special trip to visit locations of immense natural beauty coupled with amazing settings and facilities. The VIP Retreat in Italy gives a chance to truly experience first hand the local authentic culture, in luxury, staying in highly rated hotels or resorts of distinction
Q: Why should I travel with you with the VIP Retreat in Italy ?
A: For many of the people that have travelled with us, the VIP Retreat in Italy has been a life changing experience. Many availed of spa treatments based on products and by-products of production of wine and oil, to improve their health, which had benefited tremendously. Our VIP Retreat in Italy is fully supported so all you have to do is enjoy the experience and don't worry about anything else, just go with the flow.
Q: What will happen during my stay in the VIP Retreat in Italy ?
A: You can choose to spend as long or as short as you wish during our VIP Retreat in Italy as it is totally tailored for your own special time and experience. If you wish you can have a total surprise where we will not disclose fully the detail to enhance a sense of amazement once arrive. During your VIP Retreat in Italy you will have a full immersion in Italy's culture, rituals and food.
Q: What type of person do I have to be to go on a VIP Retreat in Italy?
The most important thing to to on VIP Retreat in Italy is to be flexible, open minded, go with the flow and trust your local contact, not be afraid to meet local people. In Italy things may not work as efficiently and smoothly as you would expect, but the motto of our VIP Retreat in Italy is “Exceed your Expect0taions " as this is part of the journeying within
Q: Can I travel on my own in the VIP Retreat in Italy ?
Yes, many of the people that travelled on the VIP Retreat in Italy have come on their own, we ensure that the amazing facilities available are exceptionally good for one as they are for a couple or family or group during the VIP Retreat in Italy
Italian Delights - Puglia - May 2024
Nature at its best, let yourself be enticed in a world of wellness based on local produce
We have a selected range of unique places that tell a story, from the location and history, to their interior design and style. Places that can inspire your senses to leave a mark on your imagination.
We have been on retreats ourselves and know the type of service and character that a location has to offer to make a great retreat stay. The research and inspection of these venues can add cost and time to the planning so we have done that for you.
We have researched properties that can offer meaningful and out-of-the-norm stay and experiences, to make sure that the whole event give great inspiration and fulfillment, maybe something that can spark changes and move people into their right reason of being. ....
ABOUT PUGLIA
Puglia, whose ancient name was Apulia, a Southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline. The capital Bari is a vibrant port and university town, while Lecce is known as “Florence of the South” for its baroque architecture. Alberobello and the Itria Valley are home to trulli, stone huts with distinctive conical roofs of Turkish inspiration.
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Immerse yourself in Puglia’s authentic and unspoilt culture as you journey through the length of the Italian heel. Culture meets cuisine as you visit UNESCO world heritage sites, immerse yourself in baroque towns, white-washed trullo houses, olive groves and orchards, not forgetting plenty of the blue sea and stunning coastal towns! And indulge in Slow Food, fresh frutti di mare, and ruby-red wines. At each turn you’ll find something to marvel at in this bountiful colourful region of Italy. There are towns and villages that seem to transport you to another time in history, cultures mingling in the footprints of the past. Its lush natural beauty makes Puglia an ideal place for those who crave a direct contact with nature. Olive groves mingled with vineyards dot the hillsides, enticing the palate of the visitors to fully immerse themselves in a food journey
OUR JOURNEYS
MEDITATION RETREAT
Friday 17 May 2024 : make your way to our resort near Otranto (approx 1hour)*
Otranto is a famous port on the Adriatic Sea, facing Greece and Albania, that has always been the first point of arrival of people from far away kingdoms, and from the East.
16:00: we welcome you at our resort, meet the other group members and we share information about the stay
17:00: we have a guided meditation in the garden, laying down on your mat or blanket - duration approx 1 hour
19:30: dinner in the resort. We will provide vegetarian local dishes, freshly prepared. We will practice mindfulness and silent observations for all the activities that we are practicing, including eating.
* [TBC Ryanair Flight, arriving at Brindisi Airport approx at 12.30pm - if all group is in agreement, we may provide a small travel bus for approx €15 each person, each way]
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 May 2024: 7am - simple hatha yoga class
8am: meditation near the pool for approx 1 hour
9.30am: breakfast
11.30am: we walk to the nearby beach. We practice some walking meditation near the water for half an hour. Rest of the day free
16.00: we regroup at the resort, for an exchange of questions and answers / satsang We set aside half hour for silence and for writing our journals
17.00: meditation in the garden, including a sound bath (approx 1 hr)
19.30: dinner in the resort.
Monday 20 May 2024: 7am - simple hatha yoga class
8am: meditation approx 1 hour
9.30am: breakfast
11.30am: We are going to the nearby port boarding a small boat for a short excursion along the stupendous coast.
16.00: we regroup at the resort, for an exchange of questions and answers / satsang. We set aside half hour for silence and for writing our journals
17.00: meditation including a sound bath approx 1 hour
19.30: dinner in the resort.
Tuesday 21 May: 7am - simple hatha yoga class
8am - meditation for approx 1 hour
9.30am: breakfast
11.00am: we are checking out from our resort, and we visit the nearby Bauxite Quarry, with beautiful view of a lake that was formed in the quarry, known for its turquoise water, framed by jagged red rocks & set in a scrubby landscape. Afterwards we visit a local organic farm, where we have lunch (not included)
15:30: we are regrouping on the hotel grounds for our farewell goodbye. Collect your luggage and travel to Brindisi Airport for your return flight (transfer not included)*
* [TBC AerLingus Flight, departing Brindisi Airport approx at 10pm - if all group is in agreement, we may provide a small travel bus for approx €15 each person, each way]
COST: €699 per person sharing - single supplement €475
Included: 4 nights B&B and dinner in a 5* masseria style resort, twice daily meditation classes, yoga class, guidance and satsang sessions, one afternoon boat excursion, excursion to the Bauxite Quarry
Not included: flights, transfer, transport, tips and local taxes, lunch and what not specifically indicated
ITALIAN DELIGHTS PUGLIA ITINERARY
Tuesday 21 May 2024: arrive at Brindisi Airport, meet our driver guide, and drive to a Masseria nestled into a magic place, in the center of Apulia, near Martina Franca. This masseria host 23 hectares of fields, vineyards, olive groves, pastures and rich century old oaks woods, where horses, cows, pigs and sheep freely graze, together with the famous martinese donkeys. We will have lunch, based on organically grown foods in the tenuta (not included)
After lunch, we will visit the Baroque Cathedral in Monopoli and visit the beaches and historical town of Polignano a Mare, famous for its seafood, ice creams, sea-caves and the home to the Italian Singer Domenico Modugno of the world-famous song "Volare"
We will drive then to our masseria, where will stay for 2 nights
Wednesday 22 May 2024: after breakfast we are visiting the main sights of the Valle d'Itria. First we are stopping in Alberobello where the Trulli houses have been widespreadly used and kept through the Centuries by the local farmers first and then by local businesses. These conical constructions are of Turkish origin, and were used initially as tombs. These cone shaped dwellings are unique to the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a concentration of over 1,000 trulli houses in Alberobello alone!
We move forward stopping in Cisternino with a small, utterly charming old town centre that has remained virtually intact for centuries. Moving on to Conversano for our lunch.
After lunch, we stop briefly in Locorotondo before arriving in Ostuni, the White City, famous for its white-washed building, with a large center, bustling with businesses and restaurants and cafes. We will stroll around the town, before driving back to our masseria.
Thursday 23 May 2024: today we are visiting Manduria, famous for its wine, then Gallipoli with its many historical sites. Forward we have the option of doing a wine tour for lunch in a traditional winetenuta. Afterwards we stop in Galatina viewing the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most outstanding monuments of Romanesque and Gothic art and stopping at the oldest Café that invented the pasticciotto cake
Late afternoon, we are driving to Lecce, where we say goodbye for now to our driver. We check in our historical hotel where we are staying for 3 nights.
Friday 24 May Saturday / 25 May 2024: we have two full days to explore Lecce on foot, the capital of the Salento Province, known as the “Florence of the South”. The city hosts amazing Baroque masterpieces and treasures of Italy. It’s not all ancient-or even not-so-ancient-history in Lecce. There are streets filled with stores selling many of the goods and products for which Lecce is recognized for. There are also museums, and more than a few restaurants and wine bars where to enjoy traditional dishes.
Sunday 26 May 2024: Today we drive Matera for a visit of this unique and ancient city.
On the way (approx 1hour) we stop to visit one large "masseria tenuta" with sprawling olive and wine groves, belonging to another historical famous Italian singer, where we can have lunch.
WE This UNESCO World Heritage Site was developed among scenic surroundings and the rocks overlooking a deep ravine. Visit of the old town with its most characteristic districts, the “Sassi”, carved into the rock.
After visiting Matera, we check-in in our masseria just outside Matera, amidst golden wheat fields, filled with bird-songs, where we are staying for 2 nights.
Monday 27 May 2024: after an early breakfast, we are driving to the the atmospheric abandoned old town of Craco. We return to Matera for a late sightseeing, catching a glimpse of a beautiful sunset over the Sassi. We return to our Masseria for the evening
Tuesday 28 May 2024: after breakfast we visit the nearby town of Altamura famous for some of the ancient bread makers of the Region, dating back to the XV Century. After lunch, we are driving to Brindisi Airport to catch your return flight, late at night
* The itinerary is based on an early morning Ryanair flight and a late returning flight with AerLingus
* Flights are not included
* Drive time is approximate and can vary depending on traffic and other local conditions
* Price includes car transfers, transport, guide driver and all car expenses as indicated
* Masserie, hotels and pensioni include breakfast
* Local tax are not included and need to be paid when you check out
* Not included are tips, lunches & dinners, personal expenses and what not expressly indicated
* We always recommend to consult your doctor
* Check with your travel & health insurance and your phone & bank card providers for local charges
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why should I visit Italy with the VIP Retreat in Italy?
A: Our VIP Retreat in Italy is a special trip to visit locations of immense natural beauty coupled with amazing settings and facilities. The VIP Retreat in Italy gives a chance to truly experience first hand the local authentic culture, in luxury, staying in highly rated hotels or resorts of distinction
Q: Why should I travel with you with the VIP Retreat in Italy ?
A: For many of the people that have travelled with us, the VIP Retreat in Italy has been a life changing experience. Many availed of spa treatments based on products and by-products of production of wine and oil, to improve their health, which had benefited tremendously. Our VIP Retreat in Italy is fully supported so all you have to do is enjoy the experience and don't worry about anything else, just go with the flow.
Q: What will happen during my stay in the VIP Retreat in Italy ?
A: You can choose to spend as long or as short as you wish during our VIP Retreat in Italy as it is totally tailored for your own special time and experience. If you wish you can have a total surprise where we will not disclose fully the detail to enhance a sense of amazement once arrive. During your VIP Retreat in Italy you will have a full immersion in Italy's culture, rituals and food.
Q: What type of person do I have to be to go on a VIP Retreat in Italy?
The most important thing to to on VIP Retreat in Italy is to be flexible, open minded, go with the flow and trust your local contact, not be afraid to meet local people. In Italy things may not work as efficiently and smoothly as you would expect, but the motto of our VIP Retreat in Italy is “Exceed your Expect0taions " as this is part of the journeying within
Q: Can I travel on my own in the VIP Retreat in Italy ?
Yes, many of the people that travelled on the VIP Retreat in Italy have come on their own, we ensure that the amazing facilities available are exceptionally good for one as they are for a couple or family or group during the VIP Retreat in Italy
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