WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT?

 “A walk is only a step away from a story, and every path tells.”
― Robert Macfarlane, The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot

Puglia, Italy Walking & Yoga Retreat

Salamina Masseria in Puglia

Yoga, walk, eat and repeat is the rhythm of this retreat!

Walking through the Puglian countryside will delight all of your senses.  You’ll be absorbed by the beauty of the whitewashed villages, picturesque Trulli and wonderful farms featuring a sea of ​​olive trees. This is a land bathed by two seas and in the center of the Mediterranean whose beauty, food and people will enchant and captivate you.

Food is an integral aspect of the lifestyle in Puglia. Enjoy long, relaxed dining experiences that showcase the Italian way of living and being. Each meal features authentic flavors, fresh local produce, extra virgin olive oil, freshly baked focaccia bread and locally made wines.

Start your day with yoga. Then spend time walking, exploring and tasting.

Be transported back in time and learn the history of this area through visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Alberobello and Matera.  Follow the route of the ancient Roman road called Trajan’s Way and explore the narrow streets of Ostuni, la città bianca (the white town) dating back to an evocative and ancient time. 

Puglia is a region renowned for its delicious food, warm, inviting people, history and temperate climates. Come walk with us and see for yourself!

Pasta Class at the Masseria

 What to expect on this retreat:

Puglia is the Italian region that produces the most olive oil. Visit a farm that still produces organic extra virgin olive oil from trees that are many centuries old. This farm estate called a ‘masseria’, is a type that dates back to the 1500s. Some of these estates are still agricultural enterprises, while others have been converted into boutique hotels like the one where we will be staying. Walk amongst these ancient trees and then enjoy an olive oil tasting.

Each morning we will start with a yoga practice (optional) and breakfast. Then a private coach will whisk us away to begin the day’s adventure.

Ostuni, known as “la città bianca” (the white town) is a cluster of whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop overlooking the coast. Walking through the narrow streets of Ostuni is like being in a forgotten time, looking out over an expanse of olive trees.

Visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with streets lined with iconic structures called ‘trulli’. Find out why and how these unique dwellings were built, and about the cryptic symbols painted on the roof-cones.

Visit a family run winery focused on making quality wines from the traditional varieties that are grown in this area. The winemaker will show you the vineyard, and then invite you to taste a range of wines.

Visit Matera, another UNESCO World Heritage site, that is a unique step back in time. With a history of 8,000 years of continually inhabited settlements, one of the oldest in the world, Matera features cave dwellings that go back to the Bronze Age. Our exploration which includes a visit to the ‘sassi’ cave area, showcases cave houses and cave churches carved out of the rock face along the side of a steep ravine.  Our guide, whose grandparents actually lived in these caves, will share a fascinating insight into life in Matera, both now and in the past.

Visit the town of Locorotondo, voted as one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (most beautiful villages of Italy). The town is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Valle d’Itria, a broad fertile valley. Locorotondo is renowned for its wine production. The historic part of town – the centro storico – is circular with little lanes lined with historic buildings, including some impressive baroque archways.

The cuisine of Puglia features fresh, local produce, and is different from the food of other Italian regions. Seasonal vegetables, as well as focaccia and other breads, along with extra virgin olive oil dominate this simple and effective cuisine. Recipes have been handed down through the generations and are truly expressive of the Mediterranean diet. The food here is nothing short of spectacular. You will not leave hungry!

What’s included in the Puglia Walking and Yoga Retreat

• Transport from Bari airport, train station or hotel to retreat hotel (Masserina Salamina) on May 11, 2024 and return on May 17, 2024.
• Six night stay in a historic boutique hotel, Masseria Salamina in the Italian countryside. Their restaurant boasts a garden-to-table philosophy that features organic, traditional menus that enhance the taste of authentic flavors. In addition to being a hotel, they are an eco-sustainable family farm so much of the food comes from their own gardens.  https://www.masseriasalamina.com/en/home/
• Double Occupancy rooms include a private bathroom, sitting area, independent entrance, outdoor space, air conditioning and heat, an in-room safe, WIFI, television, and mini fridge
• Breakfast is provided every day. 
• Five dinners and 2 lunches are included. Enjoy one non-hosted dinner during our visit to Monopoli, a near-by village.
• Walking tours of three different areas of Puglia with specialist walking guides
• Visits to Alberobello, Matera, Ostuni, Locorotondo and Monopoli, unique and historic villages in Puglia
• Visit an olive oil producer and a winery with tastings at both locations
• Italian Cooking Class 
• Private Musical Performance by a traditional Italian folk group. This will include a Tarantella folk dance performed by a professional dancer.
• Daily morning yoga and three Restorative Yoga practices with Jeni Martinez and Clara Pelica, her co-teacher
• Yoga mats, blocks, straps and blankets are provided– no need to bring your own!
• Swim in the hotel pool or wander the gardens during free time.
• On-site massage is available although not included in cost of the retreat.
• Daily room cleaning and change of towels.

Not included:

Airfare, travel & cancellation Insurance (recommended), tips for guides, driver and wait staff, alcohol, 3 non-hosted  lunches and 1 non-hosted dinner, optional massage