“How beautiful is sunset when the glow of Heaven descends upon a land like thee.”

Percy Brysshe Shelley

Discover the Magic of Puglia: La Dolce Avventura Awaits!
May 13 - 19, 2025 — SOLD OUT!

Trip size: Minimum 8 / Maximum 10
Price: beginning at $5,970 per person

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.

Why Choose 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 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. 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.

“Italy was where the soul went to find calm and love.”

Lisa Brennan Jobs

Puglia Avventura Highlights

• 6 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.

• Explore the Valle D'Itria and Alberobello on e-bikes

• 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.

• Two dinners so you can explore the local culinary scene on your own terms.

7-Day La Dolce Avventura in Puglia

Note: The itinerary may adjust due to weather or other conditions.

Day 1 — The Ancient History of Matera

Classes: Hiking and walking tour (medium activity level)

Your adventure begins in Matera, where the ancient meets the extraordinary. Upon arrival in Bari, you’ll meet your fellow adventurers and embark on a guided hike through an archeological park and into the Gravina, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the stunning city of Matera. As the sun sets, we’ll ease into La Dolce Avventura with an aperitivo overlooking the city’s iconic sassi—ancient cave dwellings that are the bedrock of the city. We’ll stroll through the gleaming streets to a trattoria for an authentic dinner in Italian style.

Day 2 — Culinary Explorations

Classes: Morning mobility + Ignited intervals *optional (medium activity level)

After a morning mobility warm-up (because what’s an adventure without a little limbering up?), we’ll offer an optional interval sweat session. Food tastes better with warm muscles, trust us. We’ll depart Matera and head onto the murgia, a high Puglia plateau, for lunch at a small family farm. We’ll enjoy a home-grown meal followed by a short drive to one of our favorite Pugliese winemaker’s cantina for a bit of wine tasting. After arriving at our gorgeous resort in the countryside, we’ll complete a perfect day by learning the secrets of Italian grandmothers. We’ll prepare traditional Pugliese specialties, and yes—we get to dine on the fruits of our labor. 

Day 3 — E-bikes to Alberobello

Classes: Mobility warm-up, bike clinic, evening hip openers (medium activity level)

A little movement will set the pace before a bike clinic to teach you everything you need to know about riding an e-bike (spoiler: not much). We’ll cruise to Alberobello, home to the whimsical trulli—those quirky, conical-roofed houses that look like they popped straight out of a storybook. After a walking tour of the town, we’ll have lunch at a Trullo and enjoy a mozzarella and burrata-making demonstration that proves that life IS better with cheese. We’ll have time for a yummy stretch after we ride back to the hotel. Perhaps you’ll want a quick dip in the pool? In the evening, we’ll go into Locorontondo, where we’ll have a casual pizza dinner and time to stroll around the town. Don’t worry - we’ll have a ride waiting to get you back to Dreamland. Buonanotte!

Day 4 — The Quiet Charm of the Masseria

Class: Core Circuit + Optional Interval Ignite (low activity level)

We will ignite our morning with a core and interval class, which you’ll appreciate during our decadent afternoon. We’ll spend the day exploring Puglia’s agricultural roots at a stunning Masseria. These traditional fortified farmhouses can date back to the 16th century and provide a unique window into Puglia’s cultural and culinary history.  We’ll stroll through ancient olive groves and taste Puglia’s gold - olive oil, before having a farm-to-table-lunch. Perhaps you’ll take a short snooze on our way to our show-stopping final hotel, Le Capase. The stunning views might make you forget all about Wi-Fi, and you will think you’re dreaming when you see that infinity pool! We’ll complete the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel. 

Day 5 — Vitamin Sea Boat Day

Class: Lengthen and strengthen and sunset stretch (high activity level)

The Adriatic Sea has been calling; today is the day we answer. A Lengthen and Strengthen class will prepare us for a leisurely coastal hike (3 miles) with sweeping sparkling sea vistas. We’ll meet our private boat and enjoy the best view of the Pugliese coast, from the sea! After lunch and a dip, we’ll have a little afternoon stretch by the pool. The evening brings us to the lovely seaside town of Otranto, where rugged cliffs overlook the Adriatic. You’ll have some time to stroll, sip, shop, and enjoy an evening on your own.

Day 6 — Coastal Trails and Culinary Triumphs

Class: Core circuit and hike (medium activity level)

Today is all about sun, sea, and sweat. We’ll kick things off with a core class and a little optional sizzle for those who want to sweat off last night’s food coma. After a lovely coastal 2-mile hike, we’ll spend the day at a private beach club where the Adriatic Sea beckons and the only thing you’ll be lifting is a spritz. Whether swimming in crystal-clear waters or simply lounging under the sun, this is a day to soak in the serene beauty of Puglia’s coastline. Lunch by the beach will only add to the bliss of enjoying la dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). 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 together.

Day 7 — Arrivederci, Puglia!

*Optional Class: A Square - Abs and A$$

Some of you may want a last sweat sesh, or enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Lecce. Though this chapter may be closing, the memories of your sweet adventure in Puglia will linger long after you’ve returned home.

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. 😉

“This is the fairest picture on our planet, the most enchanting to look upon, the most satisfying to the eye and the spirit.” 

- Mark Twain

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

From Lecce, you can take a regional flight 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.

Future FitCation Destination in 2025

Slovenia Adventure Escape

Embark on an unforgettable journey that combines breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and exquisite cuisine.
Dates: September 21 - 27, 2025

Future FitCation Destinations