Food. Friends. Fun!
2018: July 7 — 14
- Shop like an Italian at fresh, local food markets
- Learn traditional Italian recipes, made NSNG
- Dine in world-famous restaurants
- Get an insider’s tour wherever you go
- Enjoy a complimentary happy hour every night
- Hang with Anna Vocino and other NSNG folks!
- Stay at Villa Cappelli
- Explore amazingly beautiful nearby sights
- Jog or take a walk down Via Appia Traiana, the ancient Roman highway
- Leave with amazing memories
This video does not cover exactly the NSNG meetup, but it gives you an idea of what you’ll see and do.
Below is the itinerary for NSNG Italian Meetup. We hope you’ll join us!
Saturday: Bon Giorno! Welcome to Puglia!
Arrive at Villa Cappelli and prepare for a week of food and fun.
We recommend you schedule your flight through to the Bari airport or if you are arriving by train, you take the train to Barletta or Molfetta and then take the commuter train to Terlizzi. You will be picked up at either the airport or train station and whisked away to Villa Cappelli.
After settling into your room, a light lunch will be available for those arriving early enough. The afternoon will be free to explore the grounds and relax.
That night, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.
Sunday: A Royal Expedition
This morning, you’ll head off to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured on the back of the Euro penny. Built in the 13th century by the Swabian Emperor, Frederick II, Castel del Monte is perched atop a hill, overlooking all of Puglia and the Adriatic. The castle is featured in many myths and legends, including the Holy Grail.
After a tour of the castle, we’ll head to the nearby Jatta Museum for a quick tour, then head to lunch a beautiful seafood restaurant that sits right on the Adriatic.
That evening, we’ll have an extra virgin olive oil presentation and tasting, and then head to Ruvo that night for a dinner of local specialties.
Monday: Become an Italian!
This morning you’ll head into Terlizzi to do some food shopping with Paul to purchase food for the next couple of days. You’ll visit all his favorite vendors and shop like a local Italian.
Head to one shop for fresh vegetables, then check out a couple of butchers (one for beef, one for horse, one for pork, etc). Then, of course, you’ll need fresh bread from the local baker. Oh, and you’ll pick up some cheese made fresh that morning. And that’s just a few of the stops.
Lunch will be a few of the local delicacies you find.
The afternoon is free to relax. Dinner is at the villa that night and as always, all those that wish to join in the cooking can.
Tuesday: A Meal with a View
This morning, you’ll enjoy a quick trip to Alberobello, a town famous for its trulli, which are stone buildings made without any mortar. If you’ve ever seen a Puglian guidebook, these structures are often featured on the cover.
Next, you’ll head off to Polignano a Mare, a true gem of a town. You’ll walk the winding ancient streets and enjoy the views from this amazing city that literally juts out into the sea.
You’ll lunch at Grotta Palazzese, named one of the top ten restaurants with a view. The dining room sits right on the sea and is literally caves carved out of the rocks.
That night, you’ll enjoy a light dinner at the villa.
Wednesday: Hike like Roman
This morning you’ll head to Castello de Garagnone. An ancient ruin of a castle that sits atop a tall hill. Hike to the top and enjoy amazing views!
Afterwards, we’ll head to Gravina and do a long walking tour of this ancient city with a beautiful Roman bridge, amazing ravine, and cave churches. We will lunch at Gravina before heading back to the villa. Tonight we will have dinner at the villa.
Thursday: A Meal to Remember
This morning you’ll travel the seaside town of Trani. This charming town features a beautiful port and a giant cathedral that sits right on the sea. It’s truly one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia.
Next, you’ll travel back in time to 216 B.C. and the site of the Battle of Cannae, a major battle of the Second Punic War, near the town of Cannae. Here Hannibal decisively defeated a numerically superior army of the Roman Republic, and it is regarded as one of the greatest tactical feats in military history.
From Cannae, you’ll lunch at the famous agriturismo Antichi Sapori and enjoy a truly special meal at a restaurant whose chef has won wide recognition. It’s a meal you’ll never forget.
After a long lunch, you’ll head back to the villa to relax. Dinner tonight will be something light at the villa.
Friday: OMG Matera!
Today you’ll head to Matera, another amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area dates back centuries but is still occupied today by residents, shops, restaurants and even hotels that are built into the soft “tufa” rock.
You’ll walk the ancient winding streets that are so well preserved that they have been used in many movies, including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and the recent Ben Hur. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before heading back to the villa.
Tonight we’ll have a farewell BBQ at the villa.
Saturday: Arrivederci! (See you soon!)
Today, you’ll unfortunately have to say goodbye to Puglia and all your new friends. Transfers will be available for those heading to the airport of train stations. But it’s not “goodbye” as we know we’ll see you again!
Join us!
€997 per person, double occupancy.
If you are single and would like a private room, there is a €300 single supplement.
Enter your name and email, and we’ll get the process started.
If you have any questions, just email us at [email protected]
Price includes: Lodging for 7 nights at Villa Cappelli; All meals at Villa Cappelli in the itinerary; Transfer from Bari Airport or Terlizzi or Molfetta train stations on arrival and departure days; any entrance fees and guide fees; transportation to and from events listed in the itinerary.
Price does not include: Air or other transportation costs to and from Bari, Italy or nearby towns; personal items such as souvenirs, snacks, faxes, telephone calls; admissions not described as included in the itinerary; gratuities for guides; 6 meals outside the villa.
For more detailed information, please read our Terms & Conditions.
Minimum of 8 people for tour.