Explore Southern Italy’s rich food heritage with Lyndey Milan through Puglia and Basilicata
Pinch! Yes, a slice of heaven is beckoning you to enjoy eight days of incredible food, local wines, and pure Italian hospitality – set in the heart of Puglia and Basilicata with renowned culinary host, Lyndey Milan. If you’re craving a slice of authentic Italian culture, seasoned with exclusive foodie experiences and insider access to local gems, this exclusive trip might just be your next unforgettable escape.
Lyndey’s tours are crafted for those who want more than the typical tourist trail. Her 2025 Culinary Adventure promises an intimate, hands-on journey through two of Italy’s most soulful regions, where cuisine, culture, and camaraderie blend seamlessly.
Discover Puglia & Basilicata: Where Tradition Meets Taste
These two regions, nestled in Italy’s “heel,” are a paradise for food lovers, with sweeping olive groves, sun-kissed vineyards, and a history as rich as the soil itself. Puglia, spanning the Adriatic and Ionian seas, is known for its boundless olive trees and dynamic wine scene, while Basilicata, its wilder neighbour to the west, offers stunning landscapes and time-honoured culinary traditions. This tour is for those who crave a deeper, slower journey – one filled with vibrant flavours, historic sites, and the company of like-minded adventurers.
Who is Lyndey Milan?
Lyndey Milan isn’t just a guide; she’s a culinary icon with a dedication to sharing the deeper stories behind food, wine, and the places that create them. Driven by her belief that food and culture are universal connectors, Lyndey’s mission is to inspire meaningful connections through the magic of food.
With over four decades of experience, Lyndey is one of Australia’s most trusted and respected figures in food and wine. Her impressive career spans television, authorship, industry consulting, and impactful advocacy work, particularly in regional Australia. As a celebrated chef, author, multimedia presenter, and industry consultant, Lyndey has dedicated her life to creating experiences that bring people together through shared meals and cultural insights.
Lyndey’s dedication and influence were recognized when she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her “services to hospitality, particularly to the food and wine industry, and to the community.” She continues to share her expertise as a host, judge, speaker, and ambassador, bringing people closer to food’s unifying power. Her infectious passion for culinary discovery makes her the ideal host for this journey, where you’ll experience the warmth, wisdom, and authenticity of Italy alongside a true culinary legend.
What Makes This Culinary Adventure Special?
With Lyndey, this isn’t just a tour – it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Italy. You’ll delve into the secrets of Italian cooking and explore traditions that have been passed down for generations, all while enjoying the comforts and camaraderie of a small, intimate group.
Tour Details & Pricing
Dates: 13–20 May 2025
Price: AUS $8499 per person, based on double occupancy, Single supplement $1999.00
Your Italian Getaway Includes
- Two Nights in Matera at Hotel Palazzo della Fontana
Begin your journey in the magical city of Matera, renowned for its ancient stone dwellings and UNESCO-listed status. Here, you’ll stay at Hotel Palazzo della Fontana, a historic residence that combines classic elegance with modern comforts, setting the tone for a journey steeped in Italian heritage. - Five Nights in Puglia at Masseria Montenapoleone
For the rest of the week, settle into the rustic luxury of Masseria Montenapoleone, a restored farmhouse that celebrates Puglia’s agricultural past. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, it’s the perfect retreat to relax, recharge, and enjoy the region’s renowned hospitality.
A Week of Food, Wine, and Local Culture
This tour doesn’t just feed your appetite; it feeds your curiosity. Here’s a taste of what each day brings:
- Authentic Italian Breakfasts – Start each day with a hearty Italian breakfast, from fresh pastries to local cheeses and robust coffee, setting you up for a day of exploration and adventure.
- Five Exquisite Lunches, Including Two Cooking Classes
Over five lunches, you’ll savour traditional Italian fare, with two meals you’ll help create in hands-on cooking classes. These aren’t just any classes – they’re opportunities to cook side by side with Lyndey and local chefs who know the region’s ingredients like the back of their hands. You’ll learn techniques and recipes you’ll want to recreate at home. - Six Dinners, Each a Celebration of Local Flavours
Each evening ends with a celebratory dinner, where you’ll enjoy local wines (1/2 bottle per person) and indulge in the flavours of Italy’s southern coast. Lyndey’s curated menus highlight fresh ingredients and traditional recipes with Puglia’s famous olive oil.
Unforgettable Culinary Highlights
From farm-to-table experiences to exclusive tastings, this tour is brimming with special moments that take you to the heart of Puglia and Basilicata’s culinary heritage:
- Cooking Classes with Italians – Roll up your sleeves and dive into Italy’s culinary traditions, making dishes that showcase the region’s best ingredients and techniques in one class and learn the authentic way to make Italian tomato passata in another
- Wine Tastings in the Countryside – Sample award-winning wines from family-owned vineyards that reflect the area’s passion for sustainable farming and innovative winemaking. Discover reds that capture the richness of Puglia’s soil and whites that sparkle with Mediterranean zest.
- Burrata-Making at a Local Dairy – Burrata, a soft, fresh cheese, is one of Italy’s most cherished delicacies. Join a local cheesemaker and learn the delicate process behind this specialty, then enjoy a tasting with other produce he has made with 0 kilometres food miles.
- Bread Lab Experience in Matera – Matera is known for its unique bread, made from ancient grains, starter and secret recipes passed down through generations. In this hands-on experience, you’ll learn from a traditional baker how these traditional loaves are made, then savour the results.
Culture, History, and Iconic Sights
Beyond the food, this tour takes you to some of Italy’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Whether it’s the UNESCO heritage sites or charming towns, you’ll find every corner of Puglia and Basilicata offers a new story, a fresh perspective, and plenty of photo-worthy moments – along with charismatic locas.
- Explore Matera’s Ancient City – be guided through Matera’s Sassi, ancient cave dwellings that date back thousands of years. This UNESCO site is a maze of narrow streets, stone houses, and churches carved into the cliffs, giving you a glimpse into a fascinating past.
- Trulli Houses of Alberobello – In the town of Alberobello, you’ll find rows of trulli, unique conical houses made from stacked stones, another UNESCO World Heritage site that’s a must-see for any visitor to Puglia.
- The Baroque Beauty of Lecce – Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a city bursting with Baroque architecture, charming piazzas, and historic churches. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, soaking up Italy’s artistic heritage.
- The White City of Ostuni – Perched on a hilltop, Ostuni dazzles with its whitewashed buildings and panoramic views. Here, you’ll wander through narrow alleys lined with cafes and shops, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Travel in Comfort with Lyndey’s Handpicked Team
With Lyndey’s handpicked team of bilingual local guides, private transfers, and partnerships with specialist travel companies, every aspect of your journey is seamless, safe, and enriching. Private transportation takes you from one adventure to the next, ensuring comfort and convenience every step of the way.
Whether you’re a lifelong foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply an adventurous traveler, Lyndey Milan’s Culinary Adventure through Puglia and Basilicata promises an unforgettable escape. This is not just for cooks and it isn’t just a tour; it’s an immersion into Italy’s rich culinary heritage, where every meal, sight, and sip brings you closer to the heart of Italian culture.
Join us for a week of flavours, stories, and memories that will stay with you long after you leave Italy’s beautiful south.
