Hello! We have been to Italy many times but never to the Puglia region. That’s why it was fun to relax and explore the area from an authentic hideaway in Puglia: an ancient farmhouse on the east coast of lower Italy!
We rented two smaller cars for our family of five adults from the Rome airport (so much luggage for 2+ weeks and the roads are often narrow). Then drove up to Cortona, Tuscany for two spectacular parties given by our friends, Carlos, Dorothy and Ariana.
You may also like Stay In A Rustic Ancient Farmhouse In Cortona, Tuscany.
Since we were going to Puglia in the south afterwards, our son-in-law, Luca suggested breaking up the trip midway with a visit to a trabucco. Trabucci are old fishing structures/platforms that they used to catch fish from the Adriatic. Now many have been made into restaurants.
Supporter Deluxe Hotel Fossacesia CH, Italy
Luca and Tommy found this reasonably priced, all white hotel to spend one night.
They have a trabucco that recently opened just across the the street (the hotel can make your reservation). Trabucci are protected national monuments. You feel like you are going into a shack but inside is comfortable and the service is elegant. Such a memorable experience.
Masseria Torre Maizza: A Rocco Forte Resort
Our stay here at this authentic masseria was truly a blast. The comfortable modern design blends with the old. A masseria is a fortified farmhouse found on the estates in the Puglia region and typically built in the 16th century.
The resort is pricey, but if you go before June (in other words, not the summer months), the rates are less expensive. We were there at the end of May.
The service was exceptional and so was the food (an expansive breakfast is included–where we loved the gazpacho with a delicious twist). Our dinner there was great, too. It makes me want to try out all the Rocco Forte Resorts in Europe!
The guys had fun playing nine holes of golf.
“Surrounded by ancient olive groves, the renovated 16th century masseria is filled with thoughtful design accents and details …elegant restaurant overlooking the swimming pool. The resort also features a 9-hole executive golf course, a private beach club and an indulgent spa.”
The Hotel Beach Club
There was an internationally famous Italian soccer player and his wife sitting next to us at the beach club. I, of course, don’t remember his name but I can ask if you are interested.
Sites in Puglia
We took our own cars to the charming (but touristy) town of Alberobello. It is a World Heritage Unesco site. Alberobello is known for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. Lots of shops where I bought a linen runner (100% linen but also stain-resistant–can’t wait to give it a test drive).
The hotel arranged a boat ride for us and we all took a dip in the Adriatic Sea.
There are more excursions here but we ran out of time! You may also like Summer Travel Outfit Perfect For Italy.
And that was our stay in an authentic hideaway in Puglia, Italy. I would like to go back as we only four days there.
Would you consider going to Puglia?
Mary Ann, Puglia looks like my type of destination. Thank you for sharing all your great travel destinations and tips.
Thank you for sharing your trip, it looks fabulous! Even if I never get there I will have learned a little about this special place.
I love when you share your amazing family trips, Puglia looks divine. I always want to go everyplace you go, Mary Ann! Thank you for sharing this beautiful adventure and the fun things you did while you were there.
Mary Ann,
It looks like such a beautiful spot. How great to have a beautiful vacation with family. It will be an exciting year for you with a grandbaby on the way. Thanks for sharing.
Karen B.
Your trip sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing all the details! I love your friend’s outfits…will they share those details?🥰🙏🏻
From Mercedes: Mother denim jeans. Target top.
From Dorothy: I got my dress in Longboat Key at The Shore last year or year before.
Shoes are Dolce Vita Cici slide sandal soooo comfortable
Loved reading about your visit to Puglia. We are going in September and can’t wait.
Alberobello sounds enchanting.
Great time to go. Have fun!!
Hi Mary Ann, What a wonderful vacation! Thanks for sharing the pictures and info with us. I am putting your tips on my list of places to go! Dee
Thanks, Dee…we haven’t had a bad trip yet!!
What a glorious and memorable trip with family and friends! Congratulations to Howard on his recent retirement and what a way to celebrate with this trip. Blessings to your daughter and son-in-law on their little “bambina” on the way and also to the respective grandparents-to-be.
I love the block print dress that you’ve shown in a few pictures and have been debating about ordering. Would you mind sharing the size you ordered and is the background white or cream? Some reviews are saying it’s difficult to keep the shoulders on and the top keeps sliding down. Did you experience a problem and did you need a strapless bra?
Looking forward to a tour of your new home. It would be nice to see pictures before, during and after your magic. It helps us to see the progress and understand the thought process behind the finished product. It seems we’re all waiting for things to come in due to the supply chain, so to wait for each room to be “finished” may take some time. We’re anxious to see the tour.
Thanks Mary Ann.
Rose, thank you so much for all the sweet comments!!
I would say the dress is more white than cream. I am wearing a size small…you can see that it is a loose fit…which is great when it is so hot (like here today in Atlantic Beach). There is elastic on the shoulder sleeves so mine stay up but I could see where it might not for some. It covers my bra.
I will be showing the house as soon as I can…Cindy and I agreed to show our home offices in two weeks. Mine is coming together using things I already owned except for a daybed…so it can be a guest room when needed.
Can’t wait to give a tour!!
Oh my goodness Puglia sounds amazing! Can Howard plan our next trip? That hotel looks fabulous and I loved hearing about the fishing structures that have been turned into restaurants how fun! That runner looks beautiful and will be just perfect in your new digs!!
Thanks, Cindy. I think you and Steve would think the trabucco was so cool too!
It looks like a wonderful adventure Mary Ann! I have not been to Puglia. I have traveled all over Italy by car and you are right the roads are very narrow! It is amazing what you need for a two week trip!
I think you would love a trip to the Canary Islands, so many beautiful things to see and do.
Elizabeth…that’s where we are talking about going next year…the Canary Islands.