Martina Franca
The baroque city of Itria Valley.
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. The regional delicacy is the capocollo of Martina Franca, made with local pork and cured according to tradition, matured and smoked with thyme, rosemary and Fragno wood. This product has received the Slow Food seal.
Since 1975, the town has hosted the summer Opera Festival, named the “Festival della Valle d’Itria“, one of the most famous baroque music festival of the world.
GET THE BEST FROM YOUR TOUR!
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
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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
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
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 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 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
Cisternino
Cisternino is one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Towns, with a natural terrace overlooking the bucolic countryside of Itria Valley. The medieval historical centre is characterized by white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors. read more
Grottaglie
Grottaglie, the hometown of ceramic, sits on a small hill not far from Taranto, on the edge of the Murge terrace, surrounded by spectacular canyons... read more
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
Monopoli
Monopoli is a wonderful town along the Adriatic coast with about 13 kilometers (8 miles) of coastline. The origins of this ancient town date back to fifth century BC. We will take an unforgettable guided tour among the most important historical buildings, such as the baroque Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Madia and the wonderful Castle of Charles V, symbol of the city. We will end our trip along the harbor, which is full of fine restaurants, colorful fishing boats and very stylish bars, and where we will enjoy the unique Mediterranean atmosphere of this town. read more
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
Putignano
Putignano is a typical ancient village filled with a maze of alleys, narrow streets and small squares surrounded by enchanting loggias. The city is famous for its “Carnival of Putignano”, one of the oldest in Italy, which in 2020 will celebrate its 626th anniversary! Especially during the carnival, the town becomes a real tourist destination, attracting visitors from all corners of Italy and the world. 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!
-
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 
cocochadwick
October 24, 2022
