THE PASSPORT TO PUGLIA TOUR
Trade the tourist traps for an 8-day escape filled with sun-soaked olive groves, whitewashed villages, and unforgettable Pugliese cuisine.
For food & wine lovers who want to explore Italy’s hidden gems, dine inside Trulli homes, and experience the charm of the heel of Italy like a local.
Explore
the way locals do
Skip the crowded buses and cookie-cutter tours. Instead, visit the stunning Valley of Itria carefree, indulge in fresh burrata straight from the cheesemaker, sail along the seaside caves of Polignano a Mare, and stroll through iconic whitewashed villages—all while enjoying world-class wines, authentic meals, and personalized service on this unforgettable journey through Southern Italy
ITALY'S HEEl
take it from these past guests
Angelica Estrada
Dick Bissel
california
florida
Christina
texas
"We wanted to be Italian for a week."
— RACHEL RUVO, NORTH CAROLINA
"The personal attention and service was amazing!"
—SUSANA SANCHEZ, california
“This trip was exactly what we wanted and gave a glimpse into real Italian life.”
“This is not like other tours. On this personally led tour you’ll get amazing service and gain local insight into a part of Italy not really known by tourists”
If you could connect with
the locals, while experiencing genuine Italian life — without ever having to lift a finger…
WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF THAT CHANCE? OR WOULD YOU KEEP ON…
Feeling overwhelmed with planning your Italian vacation while worrying about the logistics & guessing if the activities you’ve planned are money well spent or even worth your time?
DIY planning your Italian vacation with TripAdvisor and scoring a deal on Groupon to save big bucks only to find out the activities mentioned were “just suggestions” and “not included in the price”?
Purchasing a self-guided itinerary, hiring a private driver (white gloves top hat and all), just to realize your itinerary wasn’t put together by locals and those “hidden gems” mentioned are where every other single tour goes?
If you could connect with
the locals, while experiencing genuine Italian life — without ever having to lift a finger…
(and eat
like!)
"We got to see the real Italy!"
“The Italy that so many people who visit Italy multiple times, never get to experience in their lifetime.”
—JENNIFER LEVESQUE, North Carolina
BECAUSE THIS TOUR OF the Southern Italian region of Puglia IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE.
If you don’t want to fall into just another tourist trap — you’re in the right place.
If you’re looking to have that “wow, I can’t believe this is my life!” moment on your Italian vacation as you mingle with the locals, indulge in award-winning wines, eat incredible meals, and visit authentic places, Italy’s Epicurean Journey is perfect for you.
(again)
You’re going to love
THE PASSPORT TO PUGLIA TOUR
Dine in historic trulli homes, discover centuries-old cheese-making secrets, and explore whitewashed villages and hidden sea caves from Valle d'Itria to baroque Lecce - an intimate glimpse into Puglia's soul, offered just once per year.
You’re about to experience the real Italy, just like these travelers before you…
THE UNEXPECTED ORIGIN OF PASSPORT TO PUGLIA
For years, we hesitated to craft a Puglia itinerary. Despite its rising popularity, Puglia had become an overcrowded hotspot, especially in the summer months, with many towns feeling more touristy than authentic.
Giovanni’s parents are from Giovinazzo, and he spent countless summers at their family home, immersed in the true rhythms of Pugliese life. While we’ve always loved visiting this region, our trips were carefully timed during the off-season, when Puglia returned to its roots and the locals reclaimed their towns.
It was on one of these off-season trips that everything clicked. We stumbled upon an area untouched by mass tourism—where life still beat to the rhythm of the locals, even in quieter months. This place had everything we’d been searching for: a home base that gave an authentic feel for the Puglia Giovanni grew up with, far from the cookie-cutter experiences most travelers encounter.
What made this trip unforgettable was discovering a fifth-generation cheesemaker, whose work embodied the deep connection between food, people, animals, and the land. Watching burrata being made fresh on the spot felt like stepping into Giovanni’s past, back when he imported Italy’s finest cheeses to Canada’s top restaurants. That moment captured the very essence of what Passport to Puglia could be—a trip that would honor the authentic soul of this region.
From there, the vision for this tour was born: a celebration of Puglia’s vibrant food, wine, and culture, curated for travelers who wanted a true insider experience.
For the guests who’ve been asking for Puglia, we knew it was time to create a trip that did this extraordinary region justice—and we couldn’t be more proud to share it with you.
The Itinerary We Didn’t Want To Create… but knew we needed to.
real results
“I wanted an authentic experience as a local in Italy. Giovanni & Chantelle absolutely exceeded my expectations!”
"Chantelle and Giovanni are a very insightful, educated, cultured husband-wife team. From the moment they greeted me at the airport, I felt like a friend. A friend they looked out for and introduced to their local Italian friends who were also lovely, friendly… and local experts.“
BACKSTAGE PASS TO ITALY?
Select Your Dates
Book Your Tour
Pop the Prosecco!
It’s that simple—your backstage pass to authentic Italy is just a few clicks away.
HERE’S HOW WE CAN HELP
Choose the perfect time to experience Italy’s hidden regions with our small group tours.
Reserve your spot with a deposit of $997 USD and let us take care of all the details—no stress, just excitement.
Start counting down to the unforgettable meals, stunning villages, and insider moments that await you in Italy.
READY FOR YOUR
WHAT'S INCLUDED in your trip
7 nights 5-star Luxury boutique accommodations
complete with 2 restaurants, Spa, Gym, Swimming pool and One of Italy’s Largest Organic Wine Cellars
7 breakfasts at your hotel and 7 multi-course meals
Eat like a local as per the itinerary
Visit to a local olive mill
Get to know the cultural and culinary hidden gems of Puglia’s olive country with an extra-virgin olive oil taste.
Bespoke Privately guided walking tour of Alberobello
UNESCO heritage site famed for the Trulli homes – just for The Italian On Tour® guests
Private walking tour of Ostuni
Soak up panoramic views of Puglia’s Adriatic coast - just for The Italian On Tour® guests
All private day trips and visits to some of the Borghi più belli d’Italia (Italy’s Most beautiful Villages)
Private boat ride and apertivo
Escape the crowds of Polignano a Mare along the seaside caves of Puglia’s East Coast shores
Visit to the ceramic quarter of Grottaglie
internationally renowned for it’s craftmanshp
Privately guided walking tour of Lecce
Discover breathtaking Barroque architecture - just for The Italian On Tour® guests
All tips for drivers, restaurants and guides included.
All entrance fees to monuments included.
White-washed towns throughout Puglia
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES…
Guided Visit to a Multi-generational Zero-km Cheesemaker
Private boat ride and apertivo
And, don’t worry…we’ll pick you up…
• Ground transportation in private vehicles/boats in private air-conditioned vehicles
PLUS THESE
Curated Private Day Trips
DAY 1
YOUR 8 DAY ITALY ITINERARY
Welcome to Puglia!
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DAY 2
Martina Franca, Experience Modern Pugliese Life
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day 3
Cheese & Wine Lovers Day in Puglia
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day 4
Lecce, City of Baroque Architecture
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Alberobello, UNESCO Trulli Homes
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DAY 5
DAY 6
Iconic Coastal Caves
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day 7
Ostuni & Olives
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day 8
Arrivederci!
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“Best trip ever! The itinerary was spot on.”
—RACHEL STENDER, WASHINGTON DC
“Enough free time, interesting towns, great food and wine. Don’t just consider this tour – it is a must!”
You Only Need To Crave
To Claim This Exclusive Dream Vacation…
Live La Dolce Vita Full Out
Meet multi-generational zero-km cheesemakers, taste Burrata made right before your eyes, visit the UNESCO Trulli homes and still get to toss that coin into the Trevi fountain? Or dig into a slice of pizza napoletana? Or visit Pompeii?
You don’t have to choose. Just a 4 hours by train from Rome and less than 3 hours away from Naples you can tag on those bucket-list items before or after your trip with us.
Get Access To Local Experts
Giovanni’s passion for top quality Italian food and wine is your gateway to local guides, experts, celebrity chef approved truffle hunters, and drivers (who also happen to be passionate foodies & sommeliers!) leading your entire trip… with a dash of multi-generational wine-makers, & all-star chefs.
We’ve personally tried, tasted and tested every single experience ensuring quality and authenticity. Zero tourist traps, subpar service or food.
Travel With A Small Group (No More Than 12 People!)
Remember that whirlwind Contiki tour you took with 60 other guests? Not your jam anymore. You want to feel like you’re traveling among friends – not like you’re a reluctant participant on a high school field trip.
From the moment we welcome you on tour to our final goodbyes, we’ll be there every step of the way (and limit your group to just 12 people).
Make Lasting Memories
Instead of a whirlwind city-to-city, unpacking and packing every night trip where everything you see and do becomes a blur…
You want to create never forget moments with hand-picked highlights connecting you with the locals, fellow travellers, incredible meals, and culture in the unique territory of Puglia, spanning from its seaside caves, to the UNESCO Trulli homes of Alberobello, ending at the Southern Baroque City of Lecce.
4 things
PULL OUT YOUR WALLET FOR “EXTRA” FEES
Dreaming about an authentic Italian vacation?
UNCOVER THE NUANCES OF
ENJOY COUNTLESS
MOMENTS
On The Passport to Puglia Tour, you will....
EVERYDAY ITALIAN LIFE
"BEST MEAL
OF MY LIFE!”
NEVER
SIT BACK & RELAX AT A 5-STAR
ENJOY THE IN-HOTEL ORGANIC WINE CELLAR,
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
ONE OF ITALY’S LARGEST
2025 TOUR DATES
May 11 to 18, 2025 — 6 spots left!
Should you encounter any problems completing your booking, please contact info@theitalianontour.com.
2025 TOUR DATES
May 11 to 18, 2025 — 6 spots left!
Should you encounter any problems completing your booking, please contact info@theitalianontour.com.
“Since our group was small, we gained insight & actually experienced Italy.”
— ANNETTE PETRO, california
"This was an experience that throngs of other tourists won’t have."
—rachel ruvo, north carolina
PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Get the details on catching your flight home or connecting to the next leg of your Italian adventure. We’ll get your flight and connecting destination info to give you personalized trip planning advice.
INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS
Whether you want to spend the evening sipping aperol spritz in the piazza or hit-up the local art scene, you’ll get our local expert advice for where to eat, what to see, and what’s happening in town.
DON’T FORGET Your Trip Perks
Artisan Shopping Tips
For ceramic lovers we’ll take you to the pottery district of Grottaglie so that you can have your pick of the best local artisans to get unique gifts to bring back home.
Psst…more food & wine lover than artisan addict? We’ll take you to a multi-generational cheese producer, Puglia olive oil mills & top independent winemakers where you can taste, try & purchase your favorites to take back home.
"When I lost my luggage, Giovanni took his personal time to help me sort things out.”
— RACHELLE HYNES, canada
"Loved the personal shopping tips and all the food recommendations!"
—ANNA PESTI, australia
Ready to take a handmade bite of burrata cheese?
BOOK passport to puglia TODAY
Starting at $6,997 USD per person
BOOK NOW
Grab your spot for just $997 USD today, then pop open the prosecco & get excited for your trip!
TAKE IT FROM larry
Take the Plunge! the italian on tour® is definitely worth the price!"
"Relaxing & hassle free, it was the trip of our lifetimes. After the trip we felt invigorated! Wonderful tour hosts, Giovanni & Chantelle, provide unique experiences that you’d never be able to arrange on your own."
—larry cooke, north carolina
When you travel with us, you’ll also get a pass to the ,
where we keep all of our best Italy travel resources!
Packing lists & tips
Restaurant recs & a local event listing (so you can make the most of your free time on tour!)
What you need to know before you go guides
Vacation Vault
Meet Your Hosts,
With over 30 years of combined expertise in Italian food, wine, and travel, we’re here to share the Italy most travelers never see. Giovanni, a homegrown Italian with a deep passion for his country’s culinary traditions, and Chantelle, a Canadian who fell in love with Italy (and her Italian husband!), craft every journey with local insight, care, and authenticity.
Our guests arrive as travelers and leave as friends, having experienced the real Italy—its hidden villages, incredible cuisine, and warm hospitality—just as the locals do.
Giovanni & Chantelle
TAKE IT FROM belinda
“Italy is where Giovanni and Chantelle live. They have relationships with the people… every experience is very genuine!”
“This is relaxed touring with a personalised touch where you meet the winemakers or producers…It goes beyond herding people in the hopes they’ll buy merchandise. “
pay for your italy trip in just 3 instalments
secure your spot
+ Unlike, many other companies, with us your price never is subject to increases, even if our costs go up.
2nd instalment
+ Payable by 180 days before your trip’s departure date
+ You’ll get a reminder 5 business days before your next instalment, so you’ll never have to stress about making a late payment
last instalment
+ Cin, cin! You’re all set to travel Italy like a local. We can’t wait to meet you in Italy!
with just $997 USD down per person
$2997 USD per person
your remaining balance
Plenty of people DIY their Italy vacation, opting for the big bus tour because they just to see Italy’s “famous” spots
More often than not, that ends up being too good to be true. Instead, here’s what happens…
You wind up being just another tourist on a big tour with 50 other people, or stranded in the Italian countryside without a clue of where to go, what to see, who to meet, and what to eat.
…leaving you on the sidelines, missing out on experiencing the real Italy.
OR MAYBE THEY THINK THEY’VE SCORED THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME?
have
BUT THAT GOING TO BE YOU, BECAUSE…
You want more time relaxing than spending countless hours planning and stressing about all the details.
You want to forget about getting from point A to B, and relax knowing you’ll be taken care of by hosts who know Italy like the back of their hand, because they actually live there.
You want to enjoy sipping vino rosso under the Italian sun, digging into that second plate of pasta all’uovo made with Nonna’s love, and treating yourself with a second scoop of gelato because you’re in Italy and everyday is a celebration.
ISN'T
ANNE PETRO, SAN JOSE
You’re not shuffled in and out of a bus. There are no lines to cue up in. Chantelle & Giovanni take all the guesswork out of planning your Italian vacation.”
“They take care of where to go, what to see, where to eat: all while experiencing genuine everyday Italian lifestyle and cuisine. The authentic Italian food was AMAZING! And best of all we had two locals to enlighten each day with their knowledge and experiences.”
MICHELLE GRASEK, NEW YORK
It was a life-changing trip! This was my mom’s first trip to Europe and she can’t stop talking about it."
“What an amazing experience! Chantelle and Giovanni introduced us to an abundance of upscale, indulgent, fresh Italian food every single day.I’ve been to Europe three times before and this was easily my favorite trip!”
MINITHA BROWN, TORONTO
"The best trip ever—the tour of a lifetime! You’ll want to go back to experience their Italy again and again.”
“We had taken other tours around the world, but this was our first time to Italy. I was a little skeptical at first, not knowing the region of Le Marche, but to my amazement it turned out to be the best tour we have ever done! If you’re planning on going to Italy choose The Italian On Tour®.”
The
You Can’t Find on Your Own
You’ve seen the pictures. You’ve heard the stories. But experiencing Italy like a local—sitting down to meals prepared by chefs who know the land, meeting winemakers who pour their life’s work into every glass, wandering quiet villages untouched by crowds—isn’t something you can DIY.
With over 30 years of combined expertise and deep local connections, we’ve curated every moment so you don’t have to worry about logistics, language, or falling into tourist traps. All you have to do is book your flight, show up, sip the wine, savor the food, and enjoy the Italy most travelers will never have the opportunity to see.
Real Italy
Still on the fence
YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE… mark was once in your shoes:
about taking the trip?
“I really had no desire to go on this trip and did it for my wife as it was her dream trip. Now, I already want to do another tour with them because they are so professional and so likeable. We couldn't have asked for a better first time in Italy than they showed us. I had to compliment our hosts because they went over and above what anyone could have expected in their wildest dreams.”
"My wife has made a book of our Italy trip photos thanks to Chantelle sharing all the photos that were taken during the trip. I especially enjoyed Giovanni's sense of humor as we laughed many times during the week. The true test of a great vacation, is would you do it again? My answer: ABSOLUTELY!!!!”
HERE ARE THE 10 MOST-ASKED QUESTIONS BEFORE BOOKING OUR TOURS:
Giovanni – Your Exclusive The Italian On Tour® host & Italian Food & Wine expert – Chantelle, and your fellow Italian adventurers. Our guests range in age from their 30s to being in their 70s. When you’re on tour with us, age is just a number because everyone is here to sit back, relax, and experience Italy like a local all while enjoying Italy’s amazing culinary and cultural delights.
Yes, because this means you already love Italy and you’ve probably already traveled to all of Italy’s major tourist sites, but are dying to experience Italy like a local. When you travel with us you’ll experience a new culture among locals who become friends (and know Italy like the back of their hand!). Your trip will be the perfect balance of vacationing and relaxing so you can indulge in La Dolce Vita.
Just 3 hours from Rome and a train ride away from Venice you can tag on those bucket-list items before or after your trip with us.
While you’re with us, forget worrying about the language, logistics, or having a bad meal – you’ll travel stress-free knowing we’ve taken the guesswork out of planning your trip.
This itinerary has been carefully crafted to ensure you’ll enjoy the best of Italy’s hidden regions. To offer you the best experience possible this trip has limited to just a few dates per year.
Smack dab in the middle of Ascoli Piceno’s historic centre is your homebase: Palazzo dei Mercanti. Locally owned and operated boutique 4-star hotel dripping in history. Once a convent, it has been beautifully restored with modern amenities so that you can enjoy extra R&R at the spa after a fulfilling day of visiting vineyards & villages.
Home to one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, you’ll be walking distance to boutique shops, restaurants, your perfect scoop of gelato, and streets lined with cafes that have something perfect for everyone’s taste buds.
Great! Our guests travel with us because they’re looking for an authentic experience, something that they simply cannot pull-off on their own. Think of this as the kind of trip planned by your local Italian BFFs who just happen to be Italian food & wine experts.
You’ll be picked up from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at 11:30 am. Flying into another airport in Italy? The Italian On Tour team will help you plan the best way to meet up with your tour.
Forget the headache of organizing an airport transfer. You’ll meet us at Rome’s Fiumicino airport, hop in your private air conditioned vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride knowing you’ll be taken care of.
Every single city that our tours are based in are selected for their ease of travel and comfortability to be able to walk freely in the evenings and enjoy the amenities of the town you are staying in. Chantelle as an expat and female traveller enjoy walks in the city during the day and evenings. Plus to help you get your bearing for where everything is in town you get an orientation walk on your first night on tour!
Our trips are designed to share the authentic local dishes of the regions you travel with us to and this means dining on set tasting menus, in family homes and farm-to-table establishments that use seasonal ingredients and therefore often offer a very limited daily choice on their menus which is why not all food preferences can be accommodated.
To confirm if your select food preferences can be accommodated on this trip please write us directly at info@theitalianontour.com before booking.
Please note that prior to making your deposit for this trip it must be confirmed in writing via email that your specific food preferences can be accommodated or you risk cancellation of your trip.
If you’re ready to…
Explore Italy like a local, not a tourist, with exclusive access to hidden villages, award-winning wineries, and artisan experiences.
Indulge in unforgettable meals, and cooking classes led by local chefs.
Leave the stress of planning behind and enjoy a perfectly curated, hassle-free Italian vacation.
Travel at a slower pace, savoring each moment without feeling rushed or packed onto a crowded bus.
Connect with locals, sip vino under the Italian sun, and make “Wow! I can’t believe this is my life” memories.
Experience the real Italy with insider guides who treat you like family.
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
THEN IT’S TIME TO CLAIM YOUR BACKSTAGE PASS TO ITALY.
no
surprises
ever
Never get dinged for booking fees at checkout — what you see is what you pay,
We know you may have experienced this with other tours or vacations, so we want to be sure to tell you: we have no hidden charges or fees. The prices you see are the prices you pay, always!
no surprises ever!
TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS ITALIAN ADVENTURE,
➤Be ready for insider knowledge — you already know the best way to experience a new culture is among locals who become friends (and know Italy like the back of their hand!)
➤Want to take the guesswork out of planning your trip. Sit back and relax knowing we’ve taken care of it.
➤Never want to feel rushed. You’re in Italy to soak up the local culture and sticking to a by the minute military schedule is NOT your idea of vacation.
➤Love Italian food, enjoy walking, picturesque countryside, and off-the-beaten-path places where you can immerse yourself in the local culture – you want a ticket to being Italian for a week.
…and never want to stress about all the logistics, having a bad meal, or worry about speaking the local lingo.
YOU
should...
THIS TRIP IS THE BEST FIT FOR YOU IF…
➤The flow of Italian lifestyle – dinner at 8pm, shops closing for siesta, leisurely meals, and a full glass of vino – isn’t your idea of the ideal vacation.
➤Exploring Puglia’s villages & vineyards doesn’t feel fun. We visit Puglia’s UNESCO trulli homes & white-washed seaside villages — exploring them means we’ve arranged some private walking tours to give you insight into the history and local culture. (Please refer to each individual day in the itinerary for an approximation of the activity level.)
➤You’re a picky eater. Getting to know the local culture means trying a variety of authentic dishes – your meals on tour run the gamut of everything from organic cheeses, seafood and meat.
➤Luxury 5-star accommodations with focus on amenities, relaxation, character and pure Italian charm isn’t where you want to stay. You’re looking for a noisy city-center stay. (Need extra space? Don’t worry! Upgrades are available)
NOT
Your Backstage Pass
Explore hidden villages, savor world-class food and wine, and connect with Italy in a way most travelers never do. From boutique accommodations to exclusive experiences, from the second our tour starts, every detail is handled so you can simply soak it all in.
Spots are limited to just 12 travelers, and they sell out quickly—reserve yours today and get ready to experience Italy like a local.
to Italy Awaits
“They should charge more!”
“Their prices are unbelievably fair. If you’re hesitant about their pricing then I would say don’t go to Italy…”
—RACHEL RUVO, north carolina
New York Times Bestselling Cookbook Author, and Creator of Nom Nom Paleo