Cisternino

A superb terrace on the Itria Valley. 

 

Cisternino is listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. Its natural terrace overtops the bucolic countryside of the Itria Valley. Its charming medieval historical centre is characterized by white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors.  Here we will take you through narrow alleys paved with “chianche” (typical limestone paving stones) to discover countless beautiful hidden corners of this labyrinth city. 

In the beautiful Romanesque church of Saint Nicholas you may also discover some outstanding renaissance sculptures by Stefano da Putignano.  

Cisternino has also a remarkable gastronomic tradition: the most famous recipes of the town are fave bean purée with wild chicory and grilled meat at “fornello pronto” (a butchers’ shop, where the costumers can select the meat, which is grilled and consumed on-the-spot at the adjoining dining area), a must-have in any Apulian food trip. 

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR TOUR!

Combine the visit of Cisternino with one of this experiences:
Archaeological excavation of Egnatia

Archaeological excavation of Egnatia

The archaeological site of Egnatia, the ancient Gnathia, is situated in a beautiful natural environment. The site is characterized by a wonderful countryside and by the sea that runs along the coast. read more

Castellana Caves

Castellana Caves

The beautiful Castellana caves are the magical expression of nature’s tireless work over millions of years. In this natural phenomenon, you will recognize spectacular spires that reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals, as well as mythical animals and ancient trees. read more

Cheese tasting

Cheese tasting

Enjoy the vast production of high quality fresh cheese of Puglia! We will visit an artisanal cheese factory where, from the expert hands of the dairyman, some of the most famous Italian delicacies are born. read more

Cooking class

Cooking class

In introductory Apulian cooking classes you will have the chance to gain practical knowledge about some of the most typical dishes of Puglia, including the most famous orecchiette with broccoli rabe. read more

Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting

Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting

Visiting a traditional olive oil mill, we will learn about the traditional method of olive oil process, which uses granite millstones, as well as the modern processing system. We will taste different extra virgin olive oils produced by an olive oil farm in the heart of the wonderful Itria Valley. read more

Food street market

Food street market

Get a taste of traditional life in Puglia! At least once a week, every Apulian town organizes a local market where you can find local fresh food products... read more

Grilled meat at “fornelli”

Grilled meat at “fornelli”

A "Fornello Pronto" is a butchers’ shop with a dining area where the meat is cooked in wooden-fired stone ovens. The hometown of fornelli is Cisternino, one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Towns, with a natural terrace overlooking the bucolic countryside of Itria Valley. read more

Hiking tour in the Ostuni countryside

Hiking tour in the Ostuni countryside

We will hike about 2/3 hours (depending on you preparation) and we will admire the beautiful Apulian countryside with ancient olive trees, mediterranean herbs and dry-stone walls. We will see the most beautiful and ancient olive trees of the area and an underground olive oil mill which dates back to the pre-roman age.  read more

Lunch or dinner in a Slow Food Restaurant

Lunch or dinner in a Slow Food Restaurant

We will take you to the most authentic places, and we will introduce you to Apulian restaurants selected by the Slow Food Movement... read more

Valle d’Itria Festival

Valle d’Itria Festival

We take you to the Valle d’Itria Festival, where music and beauty blend with opera. Live the famous Puglia’s magic summer nights in Martina Franca! read more

YOU CAN VISIT NEARBY

Alberobello

Alberobello

Alberobello is the Itria Valley’s premier location to see trulli, the cone-shaped houses distinctive to Apulia, making it the most enchanting part of Italy’s heel. Alberobello has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and it is a definitely the landmark of Puglia, a unique place that can not be missed. read more

Ceglie Messapica

Ceglie Messapica

Ceglie Messapica is an authentic temple of gastronomy. Enjoy a fascinating walk along its enchanting streets and piazzas, in the heart of the Itria Valley. We will immerse ourselves in the daily life of a typical southern Italian town. Ceglie, that was an impressive Messapian fortress during the VIII century bC, is today one of the most fascinated cities of Puglia, the unmistakable skyline is dominated by the tower of ducal castle and the polychrome dome of the collegiate church. read more

Locorotondo

Locorotondo

The white and gleaming town of Locorotondo is certainly one of the most fascinating and unique places in Puglia. No wonder that the town is ranked among the most beautiful in Italy... read more

Martina Franca

Martina Franca

The elegant Martina Franca is located on the hills of the Murgia plateau between the provinces of Taranto, Bari and Brindisi and is one of the most enchanting towns of Itria Valley. Thanks to its quaintly narrow streets and its unique Mediterranean atmosphere, the town attracts lots of tourists. It is known as the second baroque city of Puglia after Lecce. read more

Ostuni

Ostuni

The gleaming white city of Ostuni sits atop the last hill of the southern Murgia plateau. Looking out from its fortifications, your eye is drawn over a plain full of ancient olive trees toward the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. read more

What our guests think of us…

Our guests’ satisfaction is our greatest reward and we couldn’t be more proud of their reviews. That’s why we want your trip to be unforgettable!

  • star rating  Touring with Apulia Slow Travel was a great experience from the very start. I reached out to Michele for recommendations as a first-time visitor to Puglia and he sent back... read more

    avatar thumb cocochadwick
    October 24, 2022
  • star rating  Such a gift of a day! Michele took us on a lovely private tour around the small towns of Puglia, and booked a beautiful and centrally located hotel for us.... read more

    avatar thumb micaelaj681
    October 21, 2022
  • star rating  We just returned from a week in Puglia that Michele arranged and guided us. From the planning to the tours everything was superb. Michele is a real professional.... read more

    spinesrgn
    October 17, 2022
  • star rating  Quick, easy and excellent service, above my expectations
    We just returned home from an amazing 10 nights in Puglia and we can't imagine a better way to see this part... read more

    michellehT2182CM
    October 15, 2022
  • star rating  We did 2 day tours - one of Matera and the other of Alberobello with cheese and olive oil production visits. Both days were excellent. Michele is a superb host... read more

    522melwynp
    September 21, 2022
  • star rating  We contacted Michele only two days before we wanted to visit Matera and Alberobello. He was quick to respond and incredibly helpful in planning our trip. The morning of our... read more

    jacobb196
    August 28, 2022
  • star rating  It's the first time I went to Puglia with a couple of friends and we decided to book a mozzarella production tour and tasting since we are all cheese lovers.... read more

    majamrso
    August 7, 2022