At a glance
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Our group trips are a great chance to travel with others. We also recommend adding in a few extra nights tailor-made to ensure you build the perfect itinerary.
Embark on a captivating eight-day culinary odyssey through Puglia, Italy, with our specially curated gay group getaway.
Dive deeper into Italy’s captivating landscapes and historic marvels, as this journey goes beyond the palate, inviting you to experience the soul of Puglia.
Each day concludes with leisurely evenings at the villa, where you can share stories with fellow travelers under the stars. This trip not only satiates your taste buds but also feeds your spirit, making every moment a cherished memory in the company of a vibrant, inclusive community.
Set in a beautifully restored 14th-century villa, this adventure immerses you in the rich flavors of authentic Italian cuisine and the vibrant tapestry of Italian culture. Tailored for the LGBTQ+ community, it combines exquisite gourmet dining, and interactive cooking workshops led by renowned local chefs.
You’ll embark on tours to some of Puglia’s most spellbinding locations, like the majestic Murgia National Park and the historical Castel Del Monte.
Enjoy a fantastic adventure with like-minded folk, meticulously designed to create an intimate, welcoming, and deeply engaging Italian journey. Ideal for culinary aficionados, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore Italy’s lesser-known treasures.
More Information
The legal picture in Italy is more mixed than elsewhere in Western Europe. Civil unions have been legal since 2016 and provide most of the practical rights associated with marriage, including inheritance and hospital visitation, though Italy is one of the few Western European countries that hasn’t yet legalized full same-sex marriage. Anti-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education and services.
In practice, LGBTQ+ travelers will find the destinations on most luxury itineraries entirely comfortable. The cities, the lake regions, the coastlines and the major islands all welcome same-sex couples as standard. Italian luxury hospitality is unbothered, and the staff at the kind of hotels we book have been welcoming same-sex couples for decades.
Italy also has one of the most interesting LGBTQ+ cultural histories in the world. Michelangelo’s love poetry, Leonardo da Vinci’s biography, the writing of Pier Paolo Pasolini and the films of Luchino Visconti are part of how the country has thought about sexuality for centuries. The legal framework may lag behind the rest of Western Europe, but the cultural ease that comes from that history is real, and it’s what travelers notice on the ground.
- 04 Sep, 2026
- 7 nights accommodation
- All meals during your villa stay (except one dinner)
- Transfer from Bari Airport
- Tours as described
- International Flights
- Travel insurance
In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1: Villa Cappelli
Arrive into Bari where a transfer awaits for you to Villa Cappelli, just a short distance from the Adriatic Sea. Once settled you’ll enjoy a light lunch and in the afternoon explore the grounds. In the evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner with the rest of the group whilst you sample the local olive oil and wines of the region.
Day 2: Puglia
In the morning, visit the Murgia National Park to witness mozzarella being made before your very eyes — and of course try it! Choose a variety of cheeses to enjoy for lunch and throughout the week.
After this you’ll visit the nearby Ruvo di Puglia and the Jatta Museum, famous for its Grecian Urns before returning to the villa for lunch. If you’d like to join in cooking lunch then you can or perhaps you’d rather relax by the pool.
In the afternoon enjoy exploring Puglia before visiting nearby Terlizzi in the evening for a delicious group dinner.
Day 3: Castel Del Monte
Today you’ll make fresh pasta in the villa’s kitchen before letting it dry for this evening’s meal.
You’ll then visit Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built in the 13th century by the Swabian Emperor, Frederick II. The castle is featured in many myths and legends, including the Holy Grail.
After a tour of the castle, head back to the villa for a light lunch. After lunch, guests can enjoy some down time at the villa. Later in the afternoon, an olive oil expert will visit the villa for a course in olive oil production and olive oil tasting. This evening you’ll taste the fresh pasta you made with your dinner.
Day 4: Trani
Today travel to the beautiful seaside town of Trani. Its giant cathedral and beautiful port sits right on the sea.
Visit the site of the Battle of Canae before heading to Antichi Sapori where you’ll enjoy a special lunch in a remote restaurant with a chef who is multi-award winning. This is one meal you won’t want to miss.
After a long lunch, we’ll head back to the villa to relax. Dinner tonight will be something light.
Day 5: Murgia
Explore the mountainous region of Murgia en route to Matera, yet another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back centuries, the area has an authentic Italian feel to it and is still occupied by residents and restaurants that are built into its rock formations.
The ancient and winding streets have been used in many a movie, including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and the recent Ben Hur. Enjoy lunch in the town before heading back to the villa to relax.
This evening you’ll learn to become an expert pizza chef. Choose your own toppings and cook in the villa’s own ancient wood-burning pizza oven.
Day 6: Alberobello
Today you’ll visit 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.
After touring the town, you’ll visit the seaside town of Polignano a Mare. This city literally juts out into the sea so you’ll explore and enjoy the amazing views it affords. Have lunch at Grotta Palazzese which is named one of the top restaurants with a view as its dining area is built into caves.
Day 7: Bisceglie
Set off early today to the Adriatic port of Bisceglie and its busy fish market, picking out some of the freshest seafood you will ever find — right off the boats minutes before.
You’ll pick what you want for dinner before exploring a further quaint fishing village.
Once back at the villa, there will be a wine tasting with lunch. A sommelier will visit the villa to help educate you in many of the local specialities.
In the afternoon you’ll visit a nearby ceramics centre which has a kiln that dates back to 1AD.
This evening gives you a chance to share an amazing farewell dinner of seafood at the villa.
Day 8: Departure
Today it’s time to head home; you’ll be transferred to Bari airport for your return flight.
Why book with us?
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Call our travel experts on +44 (0)20 7157 1570
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