italy26

UNDER CONSTRUCTION – TOUR AVAILABLE SOON

RMC presents

ITALY

A Journey to Beautiful Puglia
October 12 – 24, 2026

Feel the warm, resounding beat of southern Italy’s heart on the October 2026 Friends of Montauk trip.

 Italy’s lesser-known locales leave a major impression—and nowhere more so than Puglia and Basilicata, the sun-drenched heel of the boot and one of Italy‘s most charming regions. Known for its never-ending coastline, whitewashed hill towns, and sublime food, the feeling here is quite different from the more familiar Mediterranean side of the country.

With the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south, the region’s pretty coastal towns are perched high atop the rocks looking out over the turquoise waters. The towns themselves are clusters of low laying white houses punctuated by the occasional church spire. Its coastal position meant that Puglia was invaded and colonized many times, and each dynasty,  from the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines, to the Normans and Spanish, left their historic mark.

And if that was not enough, the food in Puglia is some of the best in the country. Expect fresh burrata, incredible seafood and wonderfully rich and heart-warming peasant dishes.

 We will be touring the region known for its food, wine and olive tastings … plus learn how to make burrata, bake bread and more unique tour inclusions on this most memorable holiday.

TOUR INCLUDES

  • Round trip transportation from Montauk to JFK
  • Round trip air to Italy
  • 11 night’s outstanding hotel accommodations
  • Hotel service charges and taxes
  • Breakfast every day
  • 5 lunches
  • 8 dinners
  • Transportation throughout by coach
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Sightseeing entrance fees

 

SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Pasta cooking class
  • Cheese making (Mozzarella AND Burrata) & tasting class
  • Street Tasting Lunch in Bari
  • Bread workshop and tasting in Matera
  • Visit to the cave dwellings in Matera
  • Lunch at a local Puglia seafood restaurant
  • Cooking class and lunch at Orto Terra Madre
  • Special dinner at Braceria with local grilling
  • Olive Oil tasting and lunch
  • Visit to local farmhouse vineyard along with wine tasting and farewell dinner

ITALY  TOUR ITINERARY

1st day: Monday, October 12 – To Bari, Italy
Depart the East End for JFK to board our connecting flights for Bari, Italy.

2nd day- Tuesday, October 13: Arrival Bari. Onto Santo Stefano di Cassano (D)
Arrive in Rome to connect to our flight to Bari. After arrival, we will be escorted to our hotel where we will have some time to relax before our welcome dinner.

3rd  day- Wednesday, October 14: In Santo Stefano di Cassano (B)
TOURING TEXT TO COME. This evening, why not dine at a family-run trattoria specializing in fresh pasta tossed with basil-laced pesto alla genovese. Toast the start of your journey with a glass of Vermentino while lanterns glow overhead. Drift back to your accommodation lulled by the distant hum of cicadas and river currents.

 

4th day- Thursday, October 15: In Santo Stefano di Cassano (B/D)

A Free day in this the amazing 16th century village of Santo Stefano di Cessanio on the edge of the Campo Imperatore plain in the Gran Sasso National Park. Walking in town is an architectural delight with its archways, cobbled streets, Head to the town’s central piazza to sip an espresso at a sun-drenched café, listening to locals chat animatedly. Browse tiny artisan shops brimming with handmade ceramics and regional delicacies like squacquerone cheese. Lose track of time as you meander along the riverbank path, spotting swans gliding just offshore. This evening, we have dinner at our hotel.

5th day- Friday, October 16: To Trani and Bari (B/L/D)
trani italyGuests will check out from Santo Stefano di Cassano in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel. The journey to Trani will be made by private bus, taking approximately four hours, with comfortable rest stops along the way. Upon arrival in Trani, lunch will be served at a typical local restaurant by the port, offering guests the chance to savor fresh regional specialties and flavors. Following lunch, a guided tour of Trani will take place. Guests will explore the trani cathedralcharming historic center, with its medieval streets and picturesque harbor, and visit the iconic Trani Cathedral, a remarkable example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. The tour is expected to last around one to one and a half hours, providing insights into the city’s history, culture, and architectural highlights. In the afternoon, the group will continue by bus to Bari, where guests will check in at their hotel of choice and have time to relax before the evening. Dinner is free, with recommendations available to dine either at the hotel.

6th day- Saturday, October 17: Discovering Bari (B/L)
Bari italyThe morning is dedicated to a guided walking tour of Bari Vecchia, the atmospheric old town characterized by narrow streets, lively squares, and everyday local life. Highlights include the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Europe and a symbol of unity between Eastern and Western Christianity, as well as the Castello Svevo, originally built by the Norman king Roger II and later fortified by Emperor Frederick II. The walk continues along the elegant Lungomare, one of the most scenic seaside promenades in southern Italy. Lunch features a street food tasting, allowing guests to experience Bari’s culinary traditions with specialties such as focaccia barese, panzerotti, and sgagliozze. The afternoon is free for relaxation or a leisurely walk along the waterfront. Dinner is at leisure, with suggestions for typical local restaurants.

7th day- Sunday, October 18: In Bari. Touring to Matera, the City of Stone (B)
materaAfter breakfast, departure for Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Famous for its Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone, Matera offers a unique landscape shaped by thousands of years of human history. Once a symbol of poverty, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former European Capital of Culture. A guided tour explores the Sassi districts, ancient churches, and panoramic viewpoints. The experience continues with a traditional “Matera Bread” workshop, where participants learn about the centuries-old baking tradition that earned Matera’s bread protected status. Return to our hotel for the balance of the day and evening free

8th day- Monday, October 19: To Polignano a Mare and Monopoli (B/D
After breakfast we depart for Polignano a Mare, dramatically perched on limestone cliffs above turquoise waters. Famous as the birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno, the town offers spectacular viewpoints, intimate lanes, and time for photos and a stroll through the historic center and having lunch on our own at one of the seaside restaurants. Then continue to Monopoli, a charming coastal town with whitewashed houses, a historic port, and traces of Greek, Roman, and medieval influence. Its old town preserves ancient walls, noble palaces, and picturesque squares overlooking the sea.  We end the day with arrival at our hotel accommodations followed by dinner at our hotel.

9th day- Tuesday, October 20: In Monopoli. Excursion to Lecce, the Florence of the South (B/L/D)
A full-day excursion leads to Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of Southern Italy” for its exuberant Baroque architecture. Built almost entirely from local golden limestone, the city flourished between the 16th and 18th centuries. A guided tour explores the historic center, including the richly decorated Duomo, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, and the remarkably preserved Roman Amphitheater, a reminder of Lecce’s ancient Roman origins. During the visit, we will enjoy a street food tasting of local specialties such as pasticciotto, puccia, rustico, and the traditional caffè leccese, blending espresso with almond syrup and ice. Return to our hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and our overnight

10th day- Wednesday, October 21:  In Monopoli: Tour to Alberobello and Puglian Cooking Traditions (B/L/D)
In the morning, a guided visit to Alberobello introduces the iconic Trulli, unique dry-stone dwellings with conical roofs, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These structures date back to the 14th century and reflect ingenious construction techniques using local limestone. Lunch is included in a hands-on Puglian cooking class, held in an orchard setting. Guests learn to prepare traditional pasta and fresh cheeses, gaining insight into the region’s agricultural and culinary heritage. In the afternoon, arrival at the selected Masseria, a traditional fortified farmhouse that reflects Puglia’s rural heritage. Check-in and evening braceria dinner, showcasing grilled local meats and regional flavors.

11th day- Thursday, October 22: In Monopoli. Excursion to Ostuni and Olive Oil Tasting (B/L/D)
After a short transfer, the group reaches Ostuni, known as the “White City” for it limewashed houses that gleam under the southern sun. A guided tour of the historic center reveals layers of history from Messapian, Roman, medieval, and Renaissance periods. The experience continues at a local Masseria with an olive oil tasting, highlighting one of Puglia’s most important agricultural traditions. Lunch follows, featuring seasonal products and authentic rural cuisine. The afternoon is free for exploration before returning to our hotel. Dinner is at our hotel.

 

12th day- Friday, October 23– In Monopoli: (B/D)
The morning is at leisure, offering time to relax at our hotel. In the later afternoon we visit a local winery, strolling among the vineyards and learning about Salento’s winemaking traditions. The journey concludes with a wine tasting and farewell dinner, celebrating the flavors, landscapes, and cultural heritage of Puglia.
Return to the hotel in the evening.

13th day- Saturday, October 24: To JFK (B)
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport in Bari for connecting flights back to New York via Rome. Same day arrival at JFK and then back to the East End.

 

Hotels or similar

Santo Stefano di Cassano (3 nights)
Sextantio Albergo Diffuso hotel. Set amidst a former medieval agricultural village, with views across the surrounding mountain range, this property oozes historic charm. Enter your room with the clink of a huge iron key and you will be pleasantly surprised by the ‘rustic-chic’ decor. Although there is nothing primitive about the handwoven rugs and throws, not to mention immersive baths and remote-controlled underfloor heating, this property will be a unique experience.

 

 

Bari  (3 nights)
Nicolaus Hotel. In the heart of Poggiofranco, a lively neighborhood few steps away from Bari city center, The Nicolaus Hotel rises grand and elegant. Enjoy the best of our luxury and exclusive services, get started in efficient and functional spaces with the latest technologies. Live a contemporary and timeless experience. Mixing style and comfort, the Nicolaus rooms are an expression of the sophisticated refinement of the spaces.

 

Monopoli (5 nights)
Il Melogtano is an authentic enclave of the magnificent Apulian landscape, enveloped by the verdant embrace of ancient olive trees that amplify its beauty and character. It is renowned for being the first Masseria in Italy to host guests, unveiling the secrets of 400 years of history. Nestled in the countryside of Monopoli among the centuries-old olive trees, this 17th-century farm is a delightful resort The slow rhythms draw a living room full of poetic cues, between rooms framed in pergolas where opulent bunches of grapes seem to come out of a painting by Caravaggio, mixing with the vibrant colors of the bougainvillea, queen of the Mediterranean summer. A swimming pool and Spa among the olive trees are perfect where you can laze and relax.

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.

*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
RMC Travel now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)

 

PRICING

Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$xxxx payments via check or money order
$xxxx payments via credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy Room:
$xxxx payments via check or money order
$xxxxx payments via credit card

Upgrade to Premium Economy Class on Transatlantic Flights
$xxxx  ($xxxx via credit card) PLUS tax

Upgrade to Business Class on Transatlantic Flights
 $xxxx  ($xxxx via credit card) PLUS tax

Add to above costs:
U.S. airline facility security and tax charges to both Economy or Business Class $XXX (XXX via credit card)
Prepaid Gratuities $150 ($158 via credit card)

Payments:
Initial Non-Refundable Deposit of $1,000 pp ($1,050 via credit card) is required to secure your space on the tour.
Note: $2,000 ($2,100 for credit cards) for Business Class travelers

Final Payment is due on or before August 1, 2026

registration formIf you have already registered and are looking for payment details, please click here.

Travel Insurance
As travel professionals, RMC Travel highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.

We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.

You should protect your trip investment and yourself in regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

RMC Travel will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption travel insurance

 

 

Photo credits:
Trani Cathedral: Isiwal/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsMatera
View from Sant’Agostino: Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Polignano a Mare: Patrick Nouhailler’s…, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Amphitheatre (Lecce) Bernard Gagnon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alberobello: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Antiga muralla, Viale Oronzo Quaranta (Ostuni): Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Focaccia:Leopold Nagelkerke, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Matera bread: Kars Alfrink, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons