Taste and Experience Italy Tours

15/08/2024

You haven't lived until you've eaten fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and EV olive oil on good Italian bread, along with fresh sweet peaches in a glass of Nero di T***a. All of It produced within a few miles of our home, the oil from our own yard. I know of no other better lunch on a sweltering August holiday!

04/08/2024

https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/italy/the-loveliest-towns-in-secret-puglia-youve-never-heard-of-mpnkq3m89

The region, in Italy’s heel, is a big-hitter for holidays — but there are still uncrowded towns and villages that offer a window into slow-paced, authentic Italian life

22/07/2024

Worth a repost. Truly, a real summertime treat!

A real summertime treat here in Puglia are the zucchini flowers. You dip them in a beaten egg, roll in flour, and fry lightly. A dab of mozzarella if you like and sprinkle with parmesan. From the garden or the vegetable store, they rival the zucchini itself!

11/05/2024

Shout out to our newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Carole Karsen, Catherine Apicella, Kalani Sachinitha, Turan Kapudere

27/03/2024

BEST CLIMATE in ALL of ITALY!!

The MOST SUNSHINE!

I have lived here for over 30 years now, both in Bari and in the province. Always said that Bari had the best weather. Now it is recorded as science:
BARI has the BEST CLIMATE of all of Italy!
The article goes on to say that we have from 8 to 8 and 1/2 hrs. of sunshine daily.

Il miglior clima d’Italia è a Bari, il peggiore a Belluno e l’asse del Po in pianura padana. Con otto ore e mezza di sole al giorno, il capoluogo pugliese è al primo posto della classifica del Sole 24 Ore sulla qualità della vita degli italiani in base all’andamento meteorologico dell’ultimo decennio.

L’articolo completo di Anna Puricella su Repubblica

14/08/2023

How about taking a vacation in one of Italy's BEST KEPT SECRET ! !

What are the 10 must-see places in Apulia?

13/08/2023

Great Videos from Puglia, Southern Italy!

What are the 10 must-see places in Apulia?

12/08/2023

Why do we focus on APULIA (Puglia)? Really, because there is so much to see and do and in just a week to 10 days, it is literally impossible to see an entire country. So we say, take it a bit at a time! Here, you see the REAL Italy. You see what is oftentimes and affectionately called,
"THE OLD COUNTRY" or in Italy, "Il Vecchio Paese". Here are several aerial views of some of the main cities that we visit on a tour to our region of Puglia. Take some time to look at them. Our goal is to show you our region and there are many fabulous sights to see just here.

What are the 10 must-see places in Apulia?

18/02/2023

This is our go to place for wines of every type and for every taste. Very excellent wines, proseccos (base wine), excellent prices and qualities, gift wines, and much more. By the liter, by the bottle or by the case. Great and friendly service.

Bianchi, rossi o rosati, fermi o frizzanti: scegli il tuo vino preferito.🍷

18/01/2023

What KIND of Pasta should you buy?

Chef Vincenzo explains it the best! It's a lot about temperatures used for drying.

Never discount the value of the traditional yet unknown pastas made in various pockets from around Italy, usually not mass produced, but often very high in quality.

22/06/2022

https://www.charmingpuglia.com/en/top-10-places-in-puglia

With so many beaches, UNESCO sites and beautiful spots it's hard to narrow it down to just ten not-to-be-missed places during a holiday in Puglia. Visit the towns, villages and characteristic cities such as Otranto and Lecce, the typical buildings such as the ‘trulli’ and old farms, the caves an...

25/05/2022

For those of you who are just joining us seeing us for the first time, please know that the tours that we offer are very simple, straightforward, and not loaded down with activities, running from one tourist attraction to another.

Basically we offer a tour to help you RELAX - seeing only that which you wish to see, EAT great food - taking in really LOCAL fare with fantastic wines, and DISCOVER - the "Old World" aspect of Italy that your family and friends came from.

Every tour is PERSONAL and PLANNED together giving you the CHOICES you want to do for Activities, Eating and Travelling.

06/05/2020

Needless to say, tourism is way down this year and few will likely be traveling out way as previously planned. Italy will however rebound along with the other nations. This video reminds us of just some of the fine quality products and popular loves associated with Italy. The Apulian folk music from our region can be heard in the background on this well presented video. May this serve as a reminder to a country which is constantly inviting you to step away, even back in time as it were, to the "Old Country" - which hold a thousand and more delights. Take 5 minutes today - right now even - to let yourself be carried away to a land that still awaits you! Even if you can't travel now, our this year, make yourself a promise to come, to Italy to EXPERIENCE the BEST vacation EVER! We'll still be here to greet you!

We traveled across Italy to make this short film., searching out our favorite foods (we know, mozzarella and many other things are missing), seeing how they are…

25/01/2020

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3AkGBeftPULOn06vRDNBzps6t0I5oBAqPG7viqwpXnCz157V8TuWhLTdQ&v=xlm12thCf8A

Were you thinking of visiting Italy? Before you make a single plan watch this video! Italy is full of hidden dangers, dangers that you need to be aware of be...

19/01/2020

Thanks to everyone for Liking our page. If you or someone you know is interested in a 1-2 week tour here in Southern Italy, please let us know. We can handle most any arrangement from Bari to anywhere in *Puglia

Our tours include relaxing vistas of the Italian countryside, small IItalian cities which by definition are still considered the "Old Country", seaside visits when weather permits including the beach if you so desire, exquisite dining, wine tasting, the best in olive oil and cheese sampling, and more. You can take in a cooking class taught by a personal chef, see gelato being made and even partake in the olive and or grape harvest if your trip is at the harvest season. At least one or two lunches are done at a local farm where the entire menu is made from whatever the farm produces. You will truly experience Italian Cuisine at its finest! Trips usually include visits to the famous "Valley of Itria", Alberobello, Ostuni (The White City), and Grottaglie (Puglia's ceramic capital), Castel Del Monte, and other places of interest.

We cater to small groups from 2 people up to 16 including church groups. ALL TOURS are 100% PERSONALIZED and planned according to what you desire. Every tour is planned according to what the visitor desires. If the schedule becomes too hectic, we just cut it back to ensure your vacation is not stressful (running from place to place) and completely RELAXING and ENJOYABLE. Travel is done in small vans which are fully air conditioned and comfortable.

*We are able to go outside of Puglia based upon request, such as going to Naples, Pompei, Sorrento, Capri for example, or any other place, day trips or overnight. These requests must however be arranged before hand. For those coming in church groups, we will also ensure a visit to a local church so that you may experience worship with Italian brethren. Church affiliations here mainly include inter - denominational protestant, but specific requests for other denominations are possible.

Mark Stevanus
Telephone: +39 (348) 651-3661

24/09/2019

One of the most often questions I get is, "when is the best time to visit Italy"? My answer is almost always, September-November, first or April-May
if the Fall option is not possible. Here are my reasons: First, summer temperatures are very hot. Throw in the humidity and you have the makings for an uncomfortable vacation. Frankly, I think the Fall is best, especially if you are interested in a relaxing gastronomical experience. The grapes are being harvested and pressed into wine as quickly as they are brought into the wineries, and you get to see the farmers literally hauling in the loads. The air is fresh and smell of mosto permeates the air.

Shortly after the grape harvest, the olives are brought into the presses to produce olive oil. It is a busy time but the tastes and smells are exhilarating. If one is lucky they may be able to witness the production or at least a part of it at during their stay here in Puglia.

Another reason for the Fall visit is the manifestation of so many vegetables and fruits at this time of the year. For those who really want to TASTE and EXPERIENCE the full orb of gastronomy, there seems to be no better time. The wine tastes better (Novello can be tasted), the flavors are fuller and richer, and the appetite itself seems to peak at this time.

Just a few of the reasons that Fall is recommended. Let us know of we can assist you in the tour of a lifetime!

18/05/2019

Puglia makes it among the top 52 places to visit. For great dining, it simply can't be beat!

Il New York Times inserisce la Puglia tra le 52 top mete da visitare nel 2019. Un prestigioso riconoscimento per il tacco dello stivale italiano.

07/12/2018

If you're planning a trip to Europe, let us give you a hand! Be sure you chose the "Old Country" in your plans!

Do you agree? What are the others? Share your opinion...

31/07/2018

A real summertime treat here in Puglia are the zucchini flowers. You dip them in a beaten egg, roll in flour, and fry lightly. A dab of mozzarella if you like and sprinkle with parmesan. From the garden or the vegetable store, they rival the zucchini itself!

04/05/2018

20/02/2018

This article nails 2 subjects, it gives a short, sweet description of both Puglia and of what I feel is its main attraction as far as a Mediterranean city is concerned. All of our tours include a mandatory visit to the Citta' Bianca (While City) known as Ostuni. Nestled a few hundred meters above the Adriatic, it offers nightlife like no other in Puglia. The unsuspecting tourist is simply enchanted by the charm of this unique place. An evening meal and concert is a must do on each of our tours. As to whether or not Puglia is the next Tuscana, that is up to the visitor to decide. And, believe me, time will tell.

20/02/2018

This post is to inform our friends who tour with us that no tour is complete without a day trip and an evening or two spent in the lovely "White City" (La Citta' Bianca) known as Ostuni. A summer evening with dinner is simply enchanting and a must see, must do element in the Puglia Itinerary.
As to the question regarding the "New Tuscany", the reader will have to decide. One thing for sure, unless you visit, you'll never know!

27/10/2017

A few weeks ago we had the privelege to do a tour for a family group. The interesting thing is that it was an Italian family reunion with all relatives who had NEVER MET BEFORE albeit via Facebook. The family was from the greater New York area (New Jersey) and their relatives were all from here in Puglia. We provided translation for them during the tour so that they could all speak with each other. Even though they had never met, the family bond was strong and special. They had a lovely time reconnecting and seeing homes, churches, and sites.

Two lovely days were spent in Bari, Barivecchia (old Bari), Adelphia, Alberobello, and Polignano Mare. One of the things we do here at TASTE and EXPERIENCE is help families RECONNECT.

Write or call if you would like to organize a similar event for your families, CONNECT with loved ones in Puglia. We would love to help be your go-between!

09/09/2017

FOR THOSE OF YOU INTERESTED IN ONE OF OUR FALL TOURS, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL TODAY! My number here in the states is (631) 579-1078 Mark in Ohio

http://www.italia.it/en/media/video/the-taste-of-apulia.html

30/08/2017

Fall travel to Italy? Puglia is lovely up until November. Grapes and olives are harvested, wine is made, oil is being pressed, and the food just gets better. Let us know if you would like to organize a tour. Telephone: (631: 579-1078 here in the US. I head back in late Sept. to receive new groups.

Buona Primavera - Porto Cesareo ❤️
Instagram

03/02/2017

http://video.repubblica.it/edizione/bari/weareinpuglia-ecco-lo-spot-che-fa-il-giro-del-mondo/228442/227732

Alla Borsa internazionale del turismo (Bit) non poteva proprio mancare la Puglia. E nel mega evento di Milano dedicato a vacanze, accoglienza e...

03/02/2017

Take a look please - this will give an idea of what Puglia is like! Gearing up now for our Spring tours!

http://video.repubblica.it/edizione/bari/weareinpuglia-ecco-lo-spot-che-fa-il-giro-del-mondo/228442/227732

Alla Borsa internazionale del turismo (Bit) non poteva proprio mancare la Puglia. E nel mega evento di Milano dedicato a vacanze, accoglienza e...

01/09/2016

Chrystal clear waters of Puglia, here on the heel of the boot.

[DISAGIO] Un saluto da Porto Verde - Monopoli (BA). Un elevatissimo grado di disagio per la nostra amica Costanza Dellerba. Non dobbiamo chiudere gli occhi difronte a tanta sofferenza. Chi è indifferente è complice. Un abbraccio Costanza.

26/08/2016

Considering Puglia for a vacation? Why not? Taste and Experience has a package for you!

18/08/2016

It's that time of year! No better spaghetti! ! ! !

Deliziati con il meglio, per te...con un click! 🍴 🌊

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