Puglia was such a peaceful, grounding part of our trip. It felt slower, more tucked away, and beautifully rooted in tradition. From cooking classes to long meals under olive trees, this stretch of southern Italy was all about soaking in the scenery, eating well, and really feeling present.

Day 11

Travel day. We flew from Catania to Rome (again) and then on to Bari. A long one, and looking back, it would’ve made so much more sense to go straight to Puglia after Amalfi since it’s only about a 3-hour drive. But we had some date-specific plans to work around, so it just wasn’t in the cards for us.

We landed in Bari and were picked up by our driver, who took us to Masseria Calderisi, the dreamiest countryside resort. On the way, we made a little detour in Polignano a Mare, one of those postcard-perfect coastal towns. That cliffside beach view was an instant jaw-drop. We wandered into the city and grabbed pizza and wine (okay, maybe a bottle) at Bella Moriana, tucked into one of the town’s charming little squares.

Our suite at Calderisi had a private plunge pool, which felt like such a treat after a travel-heavy day. We had dinner on property at their restaurant LaCorte, which also happens to be our last name. The food was amazing, the hospitality even better, and the setting couldn’t have been more magical. The only downside was the bed, which felt like sleeping on marble. They did bring us a topper after we asked (very sweetly), and that helped a lot.

Day 12

This was supposed to be our beach club and relax day, but for the first time on the trip, rain was in the forecast so we pivoted.

We decided to head into Monopoli, but didn’t have a car set up and assumed we could just grab an Uber. Spoiler alert, you absolutely cannot. After a bit of a struggle, we asked the front desk to help us find a driver and eventually made it work. Note for future you: rent a car or at least have a service ready. Everyone told us that before the trip, and now we completely get it.

Monopoli was totally worth the hassle though. We shopped, wandered, and had one of our favorite meals of the trip at Locanda Del Mercanti. People were lining up 30 minutes before they even opened, so definitely make a reservation if you go. This is where I had my favorite spaghetti and clams of the whole trip. After lunch, we headed back to the resort for a little rest (vacationing in Italy is honestly exhausting) and had another beautiful dinner on property.

Day 13

One of our favorite days of the entire trip. We headed to Altamura, about a two-hour drive, for a cooking class Chris found called Everyone at the Table. It’s run by the sweetest husband and wife duo, Francesco and Julie, who have the biggest hearts and such a deep love for Puglia.

The experience started with a tour of their favorite local spots. We visited a cheesemaker and watched fresh mozzarella being made, tasted it right then and there, and explored the farmers market. We may or may not have bought an entire wheel of Pecorino and had it vacuum-sealed to bring home.

Then we arrived at their beautiful kitchen studio, where Julie had the most gorgeous spread waiting for us. We learned how to make Francesco’s mother’s sugo and handmade orecchiette, and ended the day sitting around the table enjoying what we had made. It was one of those rare, immersive experiences that just stays with you.

That night we had our final dinner at LaCorte and got to say goodbye to our favorite server, who had basically become a friend by that point. It felt like the perfect way to end our time in Puglia.

Website: Everyone at the Table
Instagram: @everyoneatthetable

Day 14

Go-home day. And not a chill one.

We had to wake up at 3 am (not a typo) and started the long journey back. Bari to Rome to Charlotte to Nashville. The flight from Rome to Charlotte didn’t have internet, but honestly it was kind of a gift. I watched six movies and just zoned out. We finally made it home after 25 hours of travel, although our bags did not. Classic. Still, I’ve never been so happy to be home and hug my babies.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Masseria Calderisi, a stunning countryside resort just outside Bari. Our suite at Calderisi featured a private plunge pool, a perfect way to unwind after a long travel day. The only minor drawback was the firm bed, but they kindly provided a topper that made all the difference.

What We Ate 

The food in Puglia truly felt like coming home. 

Food Highlights: 

• Pizza and wine at Bella Moriana in Polignano a Mare
• Dinner at LaCorte in Masseria Calderisi
• Lunch at Locanda Del Mercanti in Monopoli, a must for the best spaghetti with clams
• Cooking class with Francesco and Julie from Everyone at the Table in Altamura, fresh mozzarella tasting and learning to make sugo and handmade orecchiette

What I Wore

Puglia was all about color and playful vibes. I wore a floral dress layered with a sweater draped over my shoulders for those cooler moments. Another favorite look was a purple satin blouse paired with lighter purple trousers, creating a bold, monochromatic look. I really enjoyed experimenting with color on this part of the trip, it felt fresh and fun. If you want some outfit ideas for your next getaway, I’ve got plenty more looks to share! Check out everything I wore in Italy (link here).

The Experience

Puglia was a calm and refreshing part of our trip. The pace felt slower and the towns more relaxed, with a strong connection to local traditions. We enjoyed cooking classes, long meals under olive trees, and plenty of time to take in the surroundings. It was a chance to enjoy good food and quiet moments, making the experience feel easy and genuine.