Get hands-on with traditional burrata and mozzarella making in Italy’s Itria Valley. Learn from expert cheesemakers, savor fresh pasta, and taste exquisite Apulian wines in a true culinary immersion.
Get hands-on with traditional burrata and mozzarella making in Italy’s Itria Valley. Learn from expert cheesemakers, savor fresh pasta, and taste exquisite Apulian wines in a true culinary immersion.
Book with Authentic Puglia Tours S.r.l.s.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Authentic Puglia Tours S.r.l.s. · Lecce, Puglia
Set in the heart of Puglia’s Itria Valley, Authentic Puglia Tours S.r.l.s. offers a unique culinary experience that turns visitors into artisans of one of Italy’s prized delicacies: fresh cheese. This hands-on burrata and mozzarella class invites travelers to get their hands wet and warm, learning traditional cheesemaking techniques from seasoned experts. The Itria Valley, a region defined by its unusual conical trulli huts and rolling limestone plateaus, provides a fitting backdrop where rural tradition meets contemporary food culture.
Here, cheesemaking isn’t just a craft; it’s a reflection of the land’s rich past and vibrant present. Participants work directly with fresh milk, shaping nodini cheeses, crafting delicate burrata, and pulling mozzarella – all taught step-by-step by local master makers. Beyond the workshop, this culinary adventure plates up a meal featuring house-made focaccia, fresh pasta, and a tasting of bold Apulian red and white wines from nearby vineyards.
Authentic Puglia Tours seamlessly blends food culture with outdoor exploration. The Itria Valley’s unique karst geology shapes both its farmland and flavors, supporting the production of high-quality dairy. This experience connects visitors to the rhythms of the region: artisanal handcraft, slow food tradition, and sustainable farming practices.
The setting itself deepens the immersion as guests sit around rustic tables, surrounded by rural landscapes punctuated with centuries-old olive groves and almond trees. Ideal for travelers interested in more than sightseeing, this class offers a grounded way to understand Puglia’s culinary heritage and natural environment. Authentic Puglia Tours stands out as a must-try for food lovers seeking an active, hands-on approach to cultural discovery in Southern Italy.
easy.
2 hours.
No special fitness required; suitable for all levels
Yes, children can participate but it’s best suited for ages 10 and up due to the hands-on nature.
Please notify in advance; the class centers on dairy products but organizers can advise on meal components.
No experience is necessary; expert cheesemakers guide you through every step.
Transportation details vary; check directly with Authentic Puglia Tours for options.
Typically, participants can bring home cheeses made during the class—confirm packaging options when booking.
The class is conducted primarily in English with local guides from Authentic Puglia Tours.
The Itria Valley is known for its distinctive trulli architecture, dating back to the 14th century, reflecting centuries of agrarian tradition.
Many local farms emphasize sustainable dairy and olive oil production, preserving the region’s natural and cultural landscapes.
Authentic Puglia Tours S.r.l.s. is a Lecce-based tour operator specializing in curated experiences across Puglia and nearby Matera. The company organizes small-group and private tours led by local experts, connecting visitors with regional culture, culinary traditions, and artisanal crafts. Offerings include guided walks and vehicle-based excursions such as the Ape Calessino Tour of Matera and a Guided Tour of Alberobello with Segway, mini golf cart, rickshaw, or e-bike options. Hands-on workshops feature local masters and traditional crafts: a Ceramics Workshop with Maestro Mimmo Vestita and a visit to Museo Casa Vestita in Grottaglie, a papier-mâché laboratory rooted in Salento heritage, and a Natural Dyes Workshop using food waste and local plants. Culinary experiences include a Cooking Class in Lecce with a market visit and meal, plus a Guided Tour of Bari with street food tasting. Food-and-drink visits extend to a Vineyard Visit and Wine Tasting in the Itria Valley and a Private Bike Tour of the National Park of Coastal Dunes with olive oil tasting. Seasonal and multi-day options are available, including a nine-day Puglia Autumn Road Trip that combines accommodation, guided activities, and a digital map of curated stops. Tours emphasize local history, sustainable practices, and tactile learning through studio visits and tastings. Booking details, duration, and accessibility options vary by trip; interested visitors should consult individual trip descriptions. Authentic Puglia Tours S.r.l.s. operates from Lecce, Puglia, and focuses on delivering region-specific itineraries that showcase Apulian landscapes, craftsmanship, and gastronomy. Reservations are confirmed with clear cancellation, payment, and deposit terms.
Book with Authentic Puglia Tours S.r.l.s.