Discover the Magic of Puglia: La Dolce Avventura Awaits!

Embark on a Journey of Wellness and Adventure in Italy’s Hidden Gem

Dates: May 13 - 19, 2025

Trip size: 7-14 people

Prepare your taste buds and energize your spirit as you journey through Puglia, where every day is sweeter than the last. Nestled along Italy’s enchanting Adriatic Coast, Puglia is a coveted destination for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of relaxation, culture, and active exploration. Join us from May 13 - 19, 2025, for an experience that promises to be as invigorating as it is indulgent.

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Experience Authentic Puglia

Imagine strolling through ancient olive groves, savoring mouthwatering local delicacies under the golden Italian sun, and immersing yourself in history with panoramic views that could inspire a Renaissance masterpiece. Puglia, renowned for its charming coastal villages, rich historical heritage, and exquisite culinary delights, offers an active travel experience like no other. Whether you’re exploring the region's picturesque landscapes or indulging in its vibrant food and wine culture, every moment in Puglia is La Dolce Avventura—a sweet adventure. Here, the hardest decision you'll face is whether to linger a little longer in the present bliss or move on to the next irresistible discovery.

“If I had gone on my own, I never could have put together the rich experience Lisa and Pete curated for our group. After three days, we had done so much and had so much fun, it felt like I had been away from the office for weeks. Worth every penny. Worth the extra effort with COVID. An absolute delight from the rocky Path of the Gods to working pasta by hand helps make a farm-to-table family dinner. Perfetto!”
— I.C Yewen • Brentwood, CA
“These trips, curated by Lisa and Peter, are inspiring. The small group was perfectly cohered, the events and challenges were invigorating, and the hotels and restaurants chosen felt lavish. As a 72-year-old woman traveling alone, I’d never get a boat to take me to isolated beaches, hike to a town accessible only by boat or on foot, or take a local cooking class. Body Synergy FitCations has opened a world of delightful new experiences for me!”
— Leslie B.

Our Itinerary: La Dolce Avventura in Puglia

Day One — The Ancient History of Matera

Class: Sunset stretch overlooking Matera

Your adventure begins in Matera, where the ancient meets the extraordinary. Upon arrival in Bari, you’ll meet your fellow adventurers before heading to Matera, a city so steeped in history it feels like stepping into a time machine—with much better food. After a guided hike through the archaeological park, you’ll enjoy an evening walking tour of the city. As the sun sets, we’ll ease into La Dolce Avventura with a sunset stretch overlooking the city’s iconic sassi—ancient cave dwellings that are as much a part of Matera as the hills they’re carved into. An aperitivo and welcome dinner will kick off the week in delicious style.

Day Two — Explore Alberobello and Valle d’Itria

Classes: Morning mobility plus a stair burn, then evening core and yoga

After a morning mobility class (because what’s an adventure without a little limbering up?), we’ll venture to Alberobello, home to the whimsical trulli—those quirky, conical-roofed houses that look like they popped straight out of a storybook. We’ll indulge in a wine tasting and lunch before heading to Ottolire Resort, where a mozzarella and burrata-making demonstration will prove that life is better with cheese. Dinner that evening will be another chapter in our culinary adventure.

Day Three — Beach Club Bliss

Classes: Morning core and intervals, and then evening seaside yoga flow

Today is all about sun, sea, and sweat. We’ll kick things off with a core and intervals class, then spend the day at a private beach club where the Adriatic Sea beckons, and the only thing you’ll be lifting is a cocktail. Whether swimming in its crystal-clear waters or simply lounging under the sun, this is a day to soak in the serene beauty of Puglia’s coastline. A seafood lunch by the beach will only add to the bliss. The afternoon will take you to Locorotondo, a town so picturesque you might wonder if you’ve stepped into a living postcard. With the evening free, you’re invited to explore on your own—or simply enjoy la dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing)

Day Four: The Quiet Charm of the Countryside

Class: Functional fitness with bands

After a functional fitness class using resistance bands (perfect for those muscles you’ve been toning), we’ll transfer to the Salento region, where Le Capase Hotel offers stunning views that might make you forget all about Wi-Fi. A visit to a local masseria—a traditional farmhouse—will give you a taste of Puglia’s agricultural roots, with a leisurely lunch that brings farm-to-table dining to life. The afternoon is yours to relax, explore, or let the day drift by. Dinner at the hotel will round off this day of quiet pleasures.

Day Five: Coastal Trails and Culinary Triumphs

Class: Lengthen and strengthen

No dolce avventura is complete without a bit of adventure, and today, you’ll get your fill. Start the day with a “lengthen and strengthen” class, which is the perfect preparation for the coastal hike ahead. As you walk along the Adriatic coastline, every view is more breathtaking than the last. A picnic lunch by the sea will fuel you for the afternoon’s highlight—a hands-on cooking lesson where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Pugliese dishes. By the end of the day, you’ll have a new appreciation for the art of Italian cooking and the joys of a well-earned meal.

Day Six — Boat Tour of the Adriatic Coast

Class: Hiking warm-up

The grand finale is a day on the Adriatic that promises to be as sweet as it is spectacular. After a gentle hiking warm-up, you’ll board a private boat for a tour of the coastline that will have you questioning why you have ever vacationed anywhere else. Swim in secluded coves, explore coastal trails, and enjoy a lunch with a view that’s nothing short of postcard-perfect. As the sun sets, we’ll gather for a closing dinner with live music and dancing—a joyful celebration of new friends, new experiences, and the sweet adventure that brought us all together.

Day Seven — Arrivederci, Puglia

As your dolce avventura comes to an end, enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Lecce’s central train station. Though this chapter may be closing, the memories of your sweet adventure in Puglia will linger long after you’ve returned home.

What’s Included in Your FitCation:

  • Six dreamy nights in 4-star boutique hotels, complete with ensuite baths and views that make you wish you lived there.

  • Hotel in Matera: Pianelle Resort

  • Hotel in Valle d’Itria: Ottolire Resort

  • Hotel in Salento: Le Capase

  • Daily fitness classes that are fun, effective, and maybe even a little addictive.

  • Guided walking tours that turn history lessons into adventures.

  • Archaeological tours, wine tastings, and a cooking lesson that’s as hands-on as it gets.

  • A beach club day that’s all about chilling and seaside yoga.

  • A private boat tour along the Adriatic that will leave you wondering why you ever left.

  • All transfers and tips, so you can focus on having fun.

  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and five dinners that will have you coming back for seconds.

What’s Not Included (Because We Like to Keep It Real)

  • Airfare and transportation to/from the meet-up and drop-off points.

  • One dinner so you can explore the local culinary scene on your own terms.

Ready to Live La Dolce Avventura? Book Now!

Don’t let this chance slip through your fingers like an overcooked pasta strand. La Dolce Avventura is calling, and it’s packed with everything you love—fitness, food, fun, and a little bit of fabulous. Reserve your spot today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Packing and Travel:

*Note: FitCationers will receive a full packing list 30 days before departure. 

Attire in Southern Italy tends to be casual but also stylish, with attention to breathable fabrics that stay cool. Athleisure wins the day for transitions from walking tours to wine lunches. But Italians style it up in the evening, so bring some fun and creativity to your dinner game.

Average temperatures in Puglia at the time of our FitCation are in the low to mid-70s during the day, with a little chill in the evening. Of course, check the weather forecast before closing your suitcase.

When choosing outfits to pack, consider how you can layer throughout the day. When you pack items that can be worn in multiple outfits, not only does it help to save space in your carrier, but you also have more room for Italian goodies to bring home. 😉

  • Traditional fitness clothing that won’t restrict movement and is sweat-wicking/breathable. For your daily classes, you’ll find almost everything you’ll need in your Body Synergy FitCation swag bag including a day pack, water bottle, yoga mat, and bands.

  • We will often go from hiking into lunch or sightseeing. Athletic leisure attire such as hiking shorts, capris pants, skorts, or light pants can cross over for activewear and sightseeing. Women will need to cover their shoulders in any church, so please bring a light wrap or scarf.

  • Swimsuits, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses and water shoes are a must.

  • Italians dress to impress for dinner, but there is no need for a sport coat or high heels. Casual slacks, chinos, nice jeans, skirts, or sundresses will meet the needs for anything on our itinerary. Bring a light jacket or wrap for when the nights get cool.

  • Water shoes or sandals: The beaches are rocky and difficult to navigate in flip-flops or barefoot.

    Fitness footwear: Trail shoes with a gripping sole are necessary for our hikes. Light fitness sneakers are recommended for fitness classes and can also double during walking tours. Sight-seeing shoe: Choose a comfortable walking shoe or sandal that you’ve done some miles in—you don’t want to get blisters or find out too late that they’re uncomfortable.

    Evening shoes: Loafers, sneakers, dress sandals, flats, or wedges work well. We recommend avoiding high heels as they’re more challenging to wear while navigating cobblestone walkways.

    • Toiletries

    • Hand towel

    • Quick dry towel

    • Mosquito repellant

    • Sunscreen

    • Motion sickness medication or sea bands

    • Rain jacket

    • Hat

    • Sunglasses

    • EU adapter for plugs

    • Travel-sized USB charger

    • Travel wallet (with RFID protection for your security). Also consider uploading a photo of your passport and/or driver’s license to a password-protected cloud storage service (Dropbox, Google, Microsoft) and credit cards to an encrypted mobile wallet. *Do not save photos of identifying information on your phone in case it is stolen.

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Travel Tips:

Meet up: in Bari, Italy, central train station on May 13 - 11:00 am

You will need at least two flights from the US to Bari, Italy. We suggest you arrive and depart from the same international airport. Milan, Rome, Zurich, London, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, and many others offer direct regional flights to Bari. Please allow at least one full day before our meet-up to acclimate to the time change. Add-on experiences will be customized for our guests. 

Drop off: in Lecce, Italy, on May 19.

Return Flight: You can take a regional flight from Brindisi Airport back to the European airport where your international flight originated.

Your Hosts:

LISA VONNEGUT, CSCS

Lisa has been a trainer and a coach since 2000. She first got the travel bug in 2007 on a solo trip to the Amalfi Coast. She was inspired to create Body Synergy FitCation as a way to integrate her passions: travel, and health and fitness. Her experience working in clinical psych and acute rehabilitation settings has led her to facilitate a nourishing and motivating environment in her training sessions. In addition, Lisa is studying the application of neuroscience to training in Z-Health Performance and Next Level Neuro, bringing another unique and innovative facet to her coaching. She is currently living as a digital nomad, dividing her time between the SF Bay Area and Southern Germany.

SOPHIA GOTTLIEB

Sophia has been guiding active tours and planning vacations up and down Italy since 2011. A California native with a background in wine, food, and events, she first fell in love with Italy when she came for a winery job in 2008. Now officially relocated to the heel of the boot, Sophia is fluent in Italian and specializes in itinerary planning, hunting out the best trails, history guides, tastings, meals, and scenery Italy has to offer.

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