An immersive journey through Italy.
Our Puglia tour is designed for curious explorers seeking something unique and inspiring. Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot along the Adriatic coast, this region remains one of the country’s hidden gems, offering untouched beauty and a deeply authentic experience for photographers. And for those who wish to wander a little further, an optional 3-day extension leads to Matera: a timeless city of stone and light, where history whispers through every winding alley.
SMALL GROUP: 6-12 Guests
This tour has a minimum group size of 6. You will receive a notification when the trip is confirmed. Or you can inquire here.
Secure your booking with a $500 deposit. The balance payment is due 120 days prior to your trip departure.
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Accommodations
3 nights at a 4-Star hotel in the historic center of Lecce
Accommodations
4 nights in beautifully restored Trulli houses on a centuries-old Masseria farmhouse. Hosted by the Aprile family, owners for 13 generations.
Breakfast
Wake to a great home-cooked spread each day
Transportation
Our own private driver will transport us by mini-bus
Meals
We include for you: 4 meals at our favorite Pugliesi restaurants to taste the local specialties! In italy it's never just eating, it's a whole experience!
Air Travel
Arrival and departure from Bari, Italy
Meals
Marked as "on own" on the trip schedule. For these meals you'll have some free time each day to explore on your own but we'll give you good recommendations everyday.
Travel Insurance
Hotel Incidentals
May 8-11 Matera Extension (available from $2250, double occupancy)
Join us on an unforgettable photo adventure in Puglia, Italy, where breathtaking seascapes are ready for your lens! Frame the dramatic cliffs and sparkling azure waters of the Adriatic coastline, ideal for sweeping landscape shots. Wander through vibrant villages to meet and photograph the region’s warm-hearted locals, soaking in the authentic cultural atmosphere. Be sure to capture the iconic trulli houses, Puglia’s distinctive stone dwellings, as they make for enchanting photographic backdrops. This tour offers a heady mix of natural wonders and cultural treasures, truly a photographer’s dream!
"Mozarella Man" photo by guest Wendy Jansson
Drake Busath, Master Photographer
Drake founded Italy Workshops in 1999, bringing his passion for Italy and photography to a wider audience. Over the past five decades, he has either lived in or visited Italy frequently, immersing himself in its culture, history, and landscapes. Fluent in Italian, Drake has developed a deep affection and intimate understanding of the country. Hundreds of photographers have joined him on what he describes as a “personal Renaissance,” exploring the rich and diverse regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Liguria, Venice, Lake Como, the Dolomites, Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily. Through his workshops, Drake offers a unique blend of artistic inspiration and cultural discovery, making each journey a memorable experience.
Mauro Riva, Travel Designer & Local Guide
Mauro is a travel professional and passionate photographer with a love for nature and exploration. Raised in the Dolomites, Italy, he developed a deep connection to hiking and mountains. His true passion lies in discovering cultures and traditions that enrich the soul. With his mother from Puglia, Mauro has a special bond with this region and is especially drawn to its unique landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. For him, travel is an ongoing source of inspiration and growth.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to acclimate to the time zone and enjoy the historic city of Bari at your leisure.
Here are some hotels we've enjoyed during our tours and we suggest for your stay before the workshops starts:
Hotel Oriente Bari - 4 star
Hotel Boston - 3 star
Grande Albergo delle Nazioni - 5 star
From Bari Centrale, you’ll travel comfortably by train to the beautiful city of Lecce.
Join us for a walkabout with cameras and our favorite local guide, learning about Lecce's history while exploring some uncommon corners of this honey-colored town. Along the way, we’ll capture intricate baroque details, quiet alleyways, and everyday street scenes that bring the city’s charm to life. It’s the perfect blend of storytelling, photography, and local insight.
Check in to our first accommodation, a beautifully restored 4-star hotel in the historic center of Lecce for three nights of indulgence and relaxation. More details in the dedicated Accommodation section.
On opposite shores of the Salento peninsula, Gallipoli and Otranto offer two distinct yet equally captivating coastal experiences. Gallipoli, with its sun-washed old town set on an island, invites you to wander through narrow alleys, past baroque churches and vibrant fish markets, all kissed by the Ionian Sea. Otranto, facing the Adriatic, enchants with its dramatic coastline, medieval charm, and the haunting beauty of its cathedral mosaic. Together, they embody the wild, poetic spirit of southern Puglia.
The central focus will be Urban Still Life, a chance to uncover the quiet beauty hidden in plain sight. These locations are ideal for capturing fine art images that often go unnoticed by passersby, yet subtly reveal the true character and spirit of a place.
Leaving Lecce, we rent spacious 9-Passenger vans, providing us with the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning countryside at our own pace over the next 4 days. This flexibility allows us to stop and appreciate the breathtaking views, charming villages, and local attractions along the way, creating a personalized adventure that truly enhances our travel experience.
Known as the "White City," Ostuni gracefully perches on a hill, offering stunning views of the Adriatic. We'll take time to explore its charming winding alleys, visit the magnificent duomo, and savor a light lunch.
Check in to your "home away from home" for four nights. Masseria Aprile, owned by the April family for 13 generations, welcomes us with beautifully restored rooms in the ancient Trulli buildings of the original farm.
The farmhouse, just minutes from the village of Locorotondo, sits on 50 acres of vineyards, olive orchards, and fields of wildflowers.
Just a stone’s throw from our Masseria lies a circular village perched gracefully on a hilltop, Locorotondo, one of the most enchanting gems of the Itria Valley. With its whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, and winding alleyways, it feels like stepping into a timeless postcard. Locorotondo is a favorite among our guests, not only for its postcard beauty but for the warmth of its people, the depth of its traditions, and the authentic rhythm of local life that still pulses through its quiet streets.
Polignano a Mare, Italy, is a stunning coastal gem known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. We will arrive before dawn to capture the breathtaking sunrise over the water, illuminating the white-washed buildings that cling to the cliffs.
Visit our good friend Giorgio on his farm and witness the creation of fresh mozzarella, from the cows to the hand-spun burrata. Then, be invited into the house for a feast featuring the very cheese you just saw come to life.
Photos courtesy of guest Wendy Jansson
One more leisurely morning. A wonderful breakfast, a workshop wrap-up and then alas, we say farewell to our generous hosts at the Masseria.
We'll say our goodbyes at the Bari airport about noon. (Or a hotel in Bari if you're staying another night)
In Italy, eating well, or "mangiare bene," is essential to the travel experience. Each region boasts its own specialties, and in Puglia, that means bold, sun-drenched flavors, from fresh burrata and orecchiette to rustic breads and rich olive oils. We take the extra time to discover the best little trattorias where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine.
Dining family-style and asking for a variety of the chef's recommendations is a favorite way to share meals with our groups. Everyone gets to taste everything and enjoy as much as they like.
Of course, wine and soda are included with our meals.
Immersing yourself in a local region’s culinary traditions, especially in a place as flavorful as Puglia, enhances your photography, making it more informed and authentic.
In the neighboring region of Basilicata lies the ancient cave town of Matera, which is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable history and unique architecture. This enchanting town, with its stunning stone-carved houses and winding streets, offers a glimpse into a way of life that has persisted for centuries.
During your stay, you will enjoy the exceptional experience of residing in an amazing 4-star "cave" hotel, where modern comforts meet ancient charm. Take the time to explore this fascinating town and its surroundings, including breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage that will leave you in awe.
After a 4-day / 3-night stay, we'll return you in comfort to the Bari BRI airport for departure.
3 nights at Sextantio / Le Grotte della Civita
A one-of-a-kind stay in the heart of Matera’s Sassi, where each suite is carved into ancient stone and lit by candlelight. An intimate, atmospheric experience where timeless charm meets refined simplicity.
Our journey ends around midday with drop-off at the Bari airport, or at your hotel in Bari if you're staying on to explore a little longer.