We are big supporters of small, specialist operators, because they bring something to the table the mainstream is just not set up to do. When I started working with Tony from Magari Tours eighteen months ago, I knew that his experiential tours in Italy were going to be a sure-fire hit, and they have been! With a small, but beautifully formed collection of tours, many sold out early in 2025, and 2026 is already on sale for Lombardy, Umbria and Tuscany.
With Sicily being the most popular tour for 2025 (and also the most expensive), Tony has completely remodelled another favourite – Puglia, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences unique to Margari Tours. Next year, there will be three departures of the newly ‘elevated’ Puglia Unwrapped tour – 15th April, 24th June and 7th October.
The price for each tour is £3499 per person, but there are multiple ‘money can’t buy’ experiences, born through personal relationships in the region, off the radar of many tour operators and escorted tours holidays. Plus, you get to stay in an authentic Tullo house – what more can you want!
Masseria Torricella Wine Tasting
This is Tony’s account of his recent visit there:
I recently flew down to reconnect with my good friend and trusted local expert, Alex, to fine-tune and elevate our Puglia Unwrapped journey. True to form, he met me at the airport and, as promised, whisked me straight to Monopoli for a seafood lunch at our favourite osteria. While the main piazzas hummed with visitors, we slipped into a quiet backstreet hideaway – a proper locals’ spot, alive with chatter, laughter, and the clink of glasses filled with crisp local wine. The seafood, as ever, was exceptional.
That afternoon, we made our way to Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site – where I checked into one of our beautifully restored trulli. These unique dwellings offer the comforts of a boutique hotel within a setting rich in character. After freshening up, I strolled through the Rione Monti district, soaking up its whitewashed charm, before joining Alex for a superb dinner at his trattoria. Everything on the table was fresh, seasonal, and bursting with flavour – a real celebration of Puglian produce.
The next morning, I simply crossed the square for breakfast – a generous spread of warm breads, local honey, focaccia, eggs, mozzarella, cured meats, yoghurt, and homemade cakes. This is exactly what Magari guests will enjoy each day. Later, Alex and I met with Katia – the creative mind behind many of our hands-on experiences – and headed to Cantina Torricella. After an outstanding wine tasting, we knew we had to include it as part of our farewell evening in 2026.
From there, we drove through the gently rolling Valle d’Itria, past ancient olive groves and clusters of trulli, arriving in beautiful Locorotondo. Known for its perfectly circular layout and sweeping views, it’s one of the region’s real gems. A hazelnut gelato in the sun rounded off a brilliant afternoon.
That evening over dinner, Alex and I finalised plans to add a vintage car ride to the itinerary. The next morning, we took it for a spin – and let’s just say we didn’t go unnoticed. Cruising the quiet lanes to visit exclusive Masseria estates, it was a proper moment. At one, focused on traditional baking, guests will have the chance to watch bread and focaccia being made beneath the olive trees. At another – a working dairy – we joined Nonna and Mama as they prepared fresh mozzarella using recipes handed down through generations. It was genuine, generous, and deeply memorable.
Back in Alberobello, we wrapped up the day with another fantastic meal at Alex’s trattoria, paired with a bold local red. The next morning brought something truly special – a hidden garden tucked away from the world, where our guests will try their hand at making pasta before sitting down to lunch featuring ingredients picked straight from the surrounding beds. It’s going to be one of the real highlights.
We ended the journey in Matera. No matter how many times I visit, the sassi still take my breath away. We dropped in on our local bread makers – old friends by now – who greeted us with warm smiles and plenty of treats for the journey home.
Puglia Unwrapped 2026 is shaping up to be something extraordinary – and I can’t wait to share it.
