A Taste of Puglia with Ryan Hardy

Join celebrity chef and hospitality entrepreneur Ryan Hardy on a five-day journey to experience the world-famous cuisine and heritage of Italy’s Puglia region—when the harvest season is at its peak. While based in the charming coastal towns of Polignano and Lecce, enjoy expert-guided tours that showcase the region’s rich history and culture, along with privileged access to distinguished producers and suppliers like Frantoio De Carlo and Vito Dicecca for private visits and tastings. You will discover the region at its most authentic time of year, when the tourist season comes to an end and the producers come to life. These industry insiders and local experts will invite you into their world, sharing secrets and stories of Pugliese gastronomy over cooking lessons and extravagant meals, all in the company of fellow travelers who share your passion for food, wine and good times.

What to Expect

We are thrilled to partner with star couple of the food world and masters of Italian cuisine, Ryan Hardy and Agatha Capacchione, to give you unmatched access to Italy’s Puglia region. Highlights of this itinerary include:

  • Embark on a journey through Pugliese gastronomy, hosted by celebri-chef Ryan Hardy and his wife, Agatha Capacchione, with expert-guided tours focused on the region’s emblematic products. Star couple of the food world and masters of Italian cuisine, Ryan and Agatha will bring unmatched access to the villages of Polignano, Altamura, Ostuni and Lecce, introducing you to each town’s distinguished insiders: the fishermen of Polignano, the olive oil and cheese producers of Altamura and the top chefs of Ostuni.
  • Partake in a private farmhouse cooking experience with Ryan Hardy. Joined by local chefs, Ryan will create a spectacular menu highlighting the freshest ingredients—many of which are special, seasonal products that cannot be found elsewhere. As you indulge in their delicious creations with your fellow gourmands, you’ll get an exclusive look at the secrets and techniques of southern Italian cooking.
  • Enjoy a countryside driving adventure through the picturesque Itria Valley, to the hilltop town of Martina Franca and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello in a classic convertible Alfa Romeo.
  • As Puglia concludes its tourist season, and the iconic cobblestoned streets and beaches open up to locals, the producers enter the spotlight and prepare for the harvest. While you tour, you’ll have the chance to meet with the finest chefs and farmers of the region who are keeping ancient traditions alive—and continuing to innovate for modern times. They will invite you into their worlds, sharing family stories and products with you during such interactive experiences as:
    • Exploring Puglia’s world-renowned Frantoio De Carlo olive oil producer, one of Ryan Hardy’s favorite local suppliers. You will meet the family members, learn about the harvest and taste some of the most quality olive oil varieties.
    • Visit chef Gianna Greco’s cooking school in Lecce, where you will have an unforgettable, hands-on experience to learn about the dishes and flavors of the Salento region.
    • Join Vito Dicecca, one of the region’s most innovative cheesemakers—recently featured in Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy—for a behind-the-scenes burrata experience.

Please note that elements of the itinerary may change.

The health and safety of our travelers is our No. 1 priority. We are committed to upholding the highest safety standards, while providing world-class hospitality and a seamless travel experience. For any questions, please reach out to our team at insiderjourneys@indagare.com.

Past
  • When
    October 23 – 29, 2023
  • Length
    7 days / 6 nights
  • Type of Traveler
    Foodies , Intellectuals

This Journey's Host

CHEF, FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE DELICIOUS HOSPITALITY GROUP RYAN HARDY

Ryan Hardy is the chef, founder and CEO of the Delicious Hospitality Group (DHG), a New York City-based group focused on designing thoughtful, approachable, cohesive culinary experiences. His first restaurant, Charlie Bird opened in June 2013, and became an instant classic, recognized as Restaurant of the Year by Eater. Two years later, Ryan opened Pasquale Jones, Neo-Neapolitan restaurant in Nolita. Pete Wells of The New York Times famously named the Clam Pizza at Pasquale Jones one of the Top 10 Dishes of 2016. In 2018, Ryan opened a multi-experience venture in the Hudson Yards neighborhood, including Legacy Records restaurant, Ada’s Place cocktail bar and Easy Victor Café. In 2022, Ryan grew his footprint in Nolita with Bar Pasquale, a Sicilian-inspired restaurant next door to Pasquale Jones rich in color and flavors.

This summer, Ryan is expanding his offering by incorporating the Silver Sands Motel in Greenport, Long Island to the portfolio. A rejuvenated 1950s motel, the Silver Sands is a beachfront paradise with motel rooms, cottages and multiple dining offerings open year-round. Prior to moving to NY, Ryan worked in some of the most acclaimed professional kitchens—from Rubicon Restaurant in San Francisco to Coyote Café in Santa Fe, to Rustique Bistro and The Little Nell in Aspen. In his roles across the country, Ryan was named a “Rising Star” by the James Beard Foundation, a “Top Chef” by Esquire, a four-time finalist for “Best Chef, Southwest” by the James Beard Foundation and one of the “Most Sustainable Chefs in America” by Slow Food.

On this journey, you will also be hosted by Agatha Capacchione—Ryan’s wife, partner and translator. Agatha grew up between New York and Italy and offers valuable insider knowledge. You will also be joined by Indagare Vice President of Sales Elise Bronzo, one of our most popular hosts.

Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

Trip Details

In preparation for the journey, members will also receive a comprehensive departure package that includes an itinerary, packing list, accommodations overview and other important information.

  • When
    October 23 – 29, 2023
  • Length
    7 days / 6 nights
  • Group Size
    Up to 16 travelers
  • Host
    Ryan Hardy & Agatha Capacchione, Indagare's Elise Bronzo

Includes

  • 4 nights’ luxury accommodations at Masseria Torre Maizza, and 2 nights’ luxury accommodations at Palazzo Bozzi Corso. Indagare can arrange higher category accommodation upgrades, subject to availability
  • All meals and beverages, as detailed in the itinerary
  • All guided touring, admission fees and activities, as detailed in the itinerary
  • Expert guides and drivers, including your host and the 24/7 support of Indagare’s partners on the ground
  • The services of Indagare’s expert travel team to plan all Journey details, international flights and trip extensions for those who want to arrive early or stay later in the arrival or departure cities (costs not included)
  • 24/7 access to Global Rescue emergency medical services for the duration of the trip

Excludes

  • International air transportation and airport transfers to/from the hotel
  • Meals not specified and premium or alcoholic beverages other than those included in the meals
  • Optional activities and personal items and expenses
  • All gratuities
  • Trip insurance (highly recommended—please let us know if you would like to see quotes)
  • Custom trip planning for add-on travel to destinations not included in the Journey is available; please inquire
  • Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control (such as flights, cancellations, natural phenomena)
Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

What To Read

Indagare has selected articles from our website and magazine to prepare you for your journey. Peruse inspiring slideshows, insider tips, reading lists and more.

Become an Indagare Member Today!

Join sign in