Mandurian Coast to Countryside and Italian BBQ

Our Local will meet you in the main piazza in downtown Manduria. After grabbing a quick espresso or snack at a cafe, you will travel to the countryside to visit the heart of the Primitivo wine country and pick some grapes and figs (if in season). Cutting through several miles of wine country and olive orchards, you will travel to Torre Colimena to admire one of the many old towers and, if you cannot resist the beauty of the Ionian Sea, you’ll have time for a quick, refreshing swim.

After checking out a “salina” (a natural salt-making reserve on the Ionian Sea), you will head over to a friend’s house for a typical Italian barbeque and feast. Make sure you have worked up a serious appetite because Mamma Lucia won’t stop reminding you to “mangia, mangia.” This is a great opportunity to taste many local organic foods and sense the warmth of the locals.