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Puglia / Heel of the Boot

May 11-18, 2027 (Matera Ext. May 18-21)
Puglia / Heel of the Boot image

May 11-18, 2027 (Matera Ext. May 18-21)

About this trip

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.

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Partners are welcome!  The warm climate, the delicious food and fascinating history of this region make it a rich experience whether you're photographing or not.

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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

Booking Your Trip

Costs & Inclusions
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You are one click away from the photograph vacation of a lifetime!

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Trip Payment - $5450 per person (double occupancy)

Secure your booking with a $500 deposit. The balance payment is due 120 days prior to your trip departure.

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Lock in today’s rates before they change. Space is limited and your dream trip isn’t reserved yet. Please proceed to guarantee your spot now.

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Inclusions

  • 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 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

    Included are four special meals at our favorite Pugliesi restaurants to taste the local specialties! In italy it's never just eating, it's a whole experience!

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Exclusions

  • Air Travel

    Arrival and departure from Bari, Italy

  • Some meals

    Marked as "on own" on the trip schedule. You'll have free time each day to explore and we'll provide cafe and restaurant recommendations.

  • Travel Insurance

  • Hotel Incidentals

  • Matera Extension

Overview

Puglia: A Journey Through Culture, Flavors and Landscapes
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Capture the Magic of Puglia

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

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Our Team

Directors Mauro Riva, Drake Busath and Gabriele Angelini
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Instructor

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Wendy Janssen, travel photographer

Wendy Janssen lives in The Netherlands.  Adventure is in her veins as she was born and raised on an inland ship, traveling the rivers of Europe with her family.

A world traveler, photography has been a fascination from a young age, always with a desire to discover new places and new travel stories. With her eye for detail, strong compositions and her patience, she sees things most people pass by.

She’s also an engineer and has her own company advising civil contractors working with government and housing associations. Photography plays a part in her projects and she has recently built a new studio.

Wendy has been a part of several Italy Workshops, in the USA and Italy. With great pleasure she is now part of the Italy Workshops team. She is looking forward to meeting you and taking your photography skills to a higher level, always with a dose of her great sense of humor.

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Instructor & Guide

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Gabriele Angelini, Photographer

Gabriele is an Italian photographer and publisher who makes his home in Imola, near Bologna.  His passion for street photography is infectious and it’s a pure pleasure to shoot alongside him.   The first thing you’ll notice is his big smile and his unbridled enthusiasm for every place we photograph.

See Gabriele’s work

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Map

1. Bari

Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy

2. Lecce

73100 Lecce, Province of Lecce, Italy

3. Otranto

73028 Otranto, Province of Lecce, Italy

4. Faraglioni di Sant'Andrea

73026 Melendugno LE, Italy

5. Gallipoli

73014 Gallipoli, Province of Lecce, Italy

6. Ostuni

72017 Ostuni BR, Italia

7. Locorotondo

70010 Locorotondo, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy

8. Alberobello

70011 Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy

9. Polignano a Mare

70044 Polignano a Mare, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy

10. Cisternino

72014 Cisternino BR, Italia

Pre-Workshop

Early arrival to Bari
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We recommend arriving a day or two early to acclimate to the time zone and enjoy the historic city of Bari at your leisure.

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Recommended hotels in Bari for your pre-workshop nights

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

Day 1 - lecce

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May 11, 2027

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Meet in Bari

DepartureBari Oriente Hotel11:00 AM

From Bari you’ll travel comfortably by private van to the beautiful city of Lecce.

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Lecce, the "Florence of the South"

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.

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Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel

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.

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Day 2-3 Otranto and Gallipoli

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Otranto & Gallipoli: Jewels of Southern Puglia

On opposite shores of the Salento peninsula, Otranto and Gallipoli offer two distinct yet equally captivating coastal experiences. Otranto, facing the Adriatic, enchants with its dramatic coastline, medieval charm, and the haunting beauty of its cathedral mosaic. 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. Together, they embody the wild, poetic spirit of southern Puglia.

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Workshop

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.

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Overnight - Palazzo Zimara

Day 4 - Ostuni & Valle d'Itria

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Transfer by private car

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.

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Ostuni

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.

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Masseria Aprile

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.

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Day 5 - Itria Valley & Alberobello

Day 5 - Itria Valley & Alberobello image
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Fresh Mozzerella & Burrata

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
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Alberobello

Alberobello is a fairytale place, a small gem nestled in the Itria Valley between the Apulian provinces of Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto. The capital of the trulli, extraordinary examples of dry-stone construction with conical or pyramid-shaped roofs, will enchant you with over 1,500 trulli, which have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996. The entire Itria Valley is characterized by these picturesque buildings, dating back to prehistoric times, but Alberobello boasts the highest concentration of the best-preserved examples.

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Overnight - Masseria Aprile

Day 6 - Polignano a Mare & San Vito

Day 6 - Polignano a Mare & San Vito image
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Polignano a Mare

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.

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Locorotondo

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.

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Overnight - Masseria Aprile

Day 7 - Cisternino

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Masseria Aprile

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Cisternino

Cisternino is famous not only for its charming historic center, with its whitewashed alleys, but also for its slow-paced atmosphere, while the air is filled with the aroma of freshly cooked food. Strolling through the narrow streets, you'll notice flower-filled stairways and iconic corners with texts on the walls of the houses. The village is immaculately kept and truly immerses you in the Apulian spirit.

Masseria Aprile

A relaxing afternoon in Masseria for a photo discussion / revision / editing time

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Overnight - Masseria Aprile

Day 8 - Arrivederci

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One more farm fresh breakfast

One more leisurely morning. A wonderful breakfast, a workshop wrap-up and then alas, we say farewell to our generous hosts at the Masseria.

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Transfer to Bari

DepartureTuesday, May 18, 202710:30 AM
Destination12:00 PM

We'll say our goodbyes at the Bari airport about noon. (Or a hotel in Bari if you're staying another night)

Come Hungry

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Eating Well Improves Your Photography

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.

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EXTENSION

Matera 4 days / 3 nights
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Transfer Bari to Matera (optional extension)

DepartureTuesday, May 18, 20272:00PM
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Matera

In the neighboring region of Basilicata lies the ancient cave town of Matera, 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.

You’ll have free time to explore this fascinating town and its surroundings, including breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences.

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.

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Blue Hour Overlooks

Matera is truly magical in the dusky light when the lights come on, casting a warm glow over the ancient stones. You'll have the chance to photograph two stunning overlooks of the city at sunset, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. Later, as day turns to night, you’ll capture the enchanting blue hour, when the city’s charm is heightened, and the illuminated buildings twinkle like stars.

This experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to document the breathtaking beauty of Matera as it transitions from the golden hues of sunset to the serene blues of twilight.

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Walking tour with our local guide

Benny will take you right to the most photogenic overlooks and some hidden gems while he shares the fascinating history of this unique city of caves.

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Four star hotel in the historic center

Check inTuesday, May 18, 2027
Check outFriday, May 21, 2027
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Welcome Lunch and a Special Farewell Dinner

Join us at our favorite haunts, where you can savor delightful local specialties that are unique to Matera and the beautiful Basilicata region. Experience the rich flavors and culinary traditions that this area has to offer, making every bite a memorable part of your journey.

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Transfer Matera to Bari airport

DestinationFriday, May 21, 202712:00PM

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.

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Matera / Basilicata

1. Matera

75100 Matera, Province of Matera, Italy