24 May 2024

I knew I’d fall in love the moment I arrived! Travelling to Puglia with my son Dan had been long on the list. We stayed in a wonderful B&B a stroll from the waters edge with our local host Cesare… the steep 3 flights of stairs up to breakfast on the roof top each day allowed a sensational morning view of Monopoli, more than worth the climb. With a packed in itinerary, in my usual fashion it was up early each day to greet the sun for sunrise swims in the crystal clear water, the stillness you are met with at 5.30am is simply serene. The local fisherman stood patiently on the rocks in picture postcard perfection. Our first day was a visit to the Castellena Grotte, Puglia's secret treasure, steeped in legend, what we saw here is simply stunning. The 1.5km walk though to Grotto Bianca left us with unique and unrepeatable memories. Stood looking, speechless at what nature has created. Enchanting. Onwards for a visit to Masseria Torricella, greeted by Guiseppe for a guided tour through their beautiful vineyard, showing us how their organic method of cultivation is scrupulously followed, and learning the fascinating family history of this Masseria. I’ve visited many vineyards and am always learning with the differences of each. Mixing ancient arts with modern this visit did not disappoint. Of course no vineyard trip is complete without the obligatory wine tasting. My son was definitely impressed with the 6 wines, accompanied by 6 tasting plates of Apulian dishes, a meal fit for a King! Our next days visit was definitely a real highlight for me, a guided cycle through the olive plains with our local wonderful informative guide Daniele, discovering the hidden old Olive mills way off the beaten track, olive trees over 1000 years old and exploring the diverse. Learning of the vast difference in cultivation tequniques, venturing into the old ruins of Mills with Daniel and listening to his legend tales we could literally envisage the donkeys plodding in their tracks. Onto Ostuni for lunch, the white washed city was truly magical. Goggle maps following to find our destination was not easy with winding high walled white washed streets to negotiate, the navigational debates between myself and Dan were worth the end result – a delicious lunch at Terra Nostre! Another up early sunrise start for our trip to the truly spellbinding majestical Alberobello Dan and I were both speechless. There is no other place I have been with such enchantment. Meeting the oldest remaining residents and being invited into Gracia's home where she was born, still sat there daily to tell her story of the history from rags to riches of the people of Alberobello. A magical moment like no other. One huge tick off the bucket list. Back in Monopoli our trip would not be complete without some mother and son bonding time with a masterclass in ceramics making! We had such fun at GiuinLab with Anna and Gianni teaching us their art with great skill ( theirs not ours!) unique pieces were created for sure! It had to rain one day – the last day our boat cave and sea swim at Polignano had to be cancelled however we met with the fantastic friendly guid Giovanni for a tuk-tuk tour instead! Fun and knowledgeable, with music and great historical facts , singing along to Volare, this was a wonderful end to our trip! An Octopus sandwich for lunch at the famous Pescaria and that was a wrap! An enchanting amazing experience with my Son Dan from start to finish