Market Tours & Cooking Lessons in Puglia

Lecce & Martina Franca

Available Daily - Year Round

We also offer wine tastings, visits to local wineries and multi-day cooking vacation packages in Puglia

Puglia’s food: the authentic Mediterranean cuisine

Experiencing regional cusine is a fantastic way to pull you closer to the heart of the area - especially when it comes to the flavors of Puglia in Southern Italy.

This beautiful region is home to the authentic Mediterranean Cuisine with an emphasis on seafood, fresh vegetables, legumes, mozzarella cheese and olive oil.

Puglia ranks number one in the production of olive oil, and number two in almond production within Italy. When the almond trees are in bloom, the air is rich with its sweet scent.

Puglia’s cuisine is delicious, yet simple at the same time. It is in essence a home-based cuisine known as "cucina povera" - perfect for those who follow a vegetarian diet as well as for those who enjoy the delicious flavors of authentic Mediterranean food. Envision the perfect balance between the sun, land, sea and wind and you've now dreamed of Pugliese cuisine!

Description of the Market tour and Cooking Lesson in Puglia

We provide a friendly, English speaking host who will guide you through the splendors of Puglia on a rewarding and delicious journey of the senses!

Our CIAO LAURA exclusive market tours and cooking classes are held in local landmarks such as unique personal kitchens, masserie, pizzerias, pastry shops and professional restaurants, depending on the nature of your lesson and menu of the day.

All cooking classes are small, hands-on and the approach is very personal and relaxed. Our programs are all held with local Pugliese cooks who have big hearts and a passion for cooking and celebrating their Salento lifestyle and cuisine with our travelers from around the globe!

Itinerary for the day:

9:30 am - Begin your journey through the local food markets and artisan food producers to buy fresh ingredients with a Ciao Laura host whose a native of Puglia and a fabulous local guide!

After your market tour, you will join your host and cooking instructor in the cucina where you'll discuss the menu of the day before rolling up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking lesson based on local specialties to include fresh pasta and focaccia making and other seasonally fresh local specialties.

During the lesson, you'll enjoy an apertivo and savory snack before putting the finishing touches on your delicious Pugliese feast that you'll enjoy with your group following your lesson.

Price per person

Please inquire at puglia@ciaolaura.com

Here is what's included in your program:

• Visit to artisan foodie markets and producers
• English speaking guide
• Hands-on cooking lesson with a full mult-course meal based on the fruits of your labor
• Local wines with your meal
• An apron, a bottle of local wine, an artisanal gift and printed recipes

Booking and Deposit for the Market tour and Cooking Lesson

To book the program, we require a non-refundable deposit with the remaining balance due in cash on the day of the lesson. 

We also require a credit card on file as guarantee and reserve the right to charge the balance due to the credit card on file for no shows and cancellations made by the client within 30 days of the class date.

Cancellation Policy:

Payment is 100% non-refundable within 30 days of the class date if canceled by the client for any reason.

Cancellations by the client made 30 days or more in advance will be refunded less a 50% non-refundable booking fee.

If the class is canceled by the host, the deposit will be returned in full.

The price does not include transportation, room and board or any other excursions.

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