Dinner with Friends Abroad
Savoring Southern Italy: A Journey with Nancy Silverton & Friends
Limited to 25 travelers.
You're Invited!
This year Nancy Silverton, Ruth Reichl, Alec Lobrano and Laurie Ochoa will be taking a journey through Southern Italy to discover the area’s hidden gems. Join them as they travel through the rolling hills of Puglia and explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast, delighting in the finest foods of the region. Savor the rich, creamy burrata of Puglia and the tangy mozzarella di bufala of Campania. Taste extra virgin olive oil produced in centuries-old groves. Chef Nancy Silverton has spent 30 years seeking out Southern Italy’s finest produce, and she will introduce you to the best citrus, almonds and tomatoes you have ever tasted. And we will taste some of the great little-known wines of Southern Italy, including Greco del Tufo and Primitivo.
On this tour our dining experiences will be more rustic than they’ve been in past Dinner with Friends Abroad trips, which will give us an intimate view of southern Italy’s culinary soul. We’ll meet cheesemakers, bakers and olive oil producers and dine with small-town chefs who are reviving traditional recipes (some with a modern twist). There will be a convivial hands-on cooking class, plenty of food tasting and many visits to family-run farms. The week culminates with two remarkable meals when Nancy’s friends, the celebrity chefs Peppe Guida and Franco Pepe will demonstrate why she often travels across Italy just to eat their food.
Want to know how chefs travel? Come join us on this fantastic journey during the best time of year to be (and eat), in Southern Italy.
Trip Details
Dates
September 12-20, 2025
Duration
9 days, 8 nights
Prices Per Person
$13,590 pp double occupancy
$15,775 pp single occupancy
Deposit
$1,000 per person
Highlights
- Discover the simple foods of Southern Italy with food experts Nancy Silverton, Ruth Reichl, Alec Lobrano and Laurie Ochoa while reveling in the camaraderie of fellow food-lovers
- Enjoy a hands-on cooking class and make the traditional Puglian orecchiette pasta and local baked goods such as taralli
- Explore the ancient cave city of Matera and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast
- Savor wonderful produce, from olive oil in Puglia to the fragrant lemons and exquisite seafood on the Amalfi peninsula
- Cap off a week of culinary highlights with two memorable meals. In an idyllic setting overlooking the Bay of Naples Netflix-star Peppe Guida will create a very special dinner. End the journey at Pepe in Grani where Netflix-star Franco Pepe will make his award-winning pizzas just for you.
Itinerary
Arrive in Bari on individual flights and transfer to the luxurious resort of Il Melograno and join our hosts for an aperitivo of regional wines. Drive to the stunning seaside town of Polignano a Mare for dinner at Osteria di Chichibio where the freshest seafood and traditional Pugliese dishes take center stage. After dinner, a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Polignano leads to a sweet finale—gelato at a beloved Gelateria—before returning to the hotel for a restful night.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Il Melograno
The day begins with a journey to Altamura, a town known for its golden-crusted sourdough bread. Here, we step into the historic artisan bakery Di Gesù, where generations of bakers have perfected the art of making Pane di Altamura DOP. As the scent of freshly baked loaves fills the air, sample their legendary bread and delicate sospiri, sweet, airy pastries with a hint of citrus. Next, we head to Baby Dicecca, a celebrated cheesemaker who is dedicated to preserving the region’s dairy tradition. He is also creating exciting new cheeses like wheels of blue cheese topped with sweet cherries. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch of local breads and cheeses in the nearby forest. Later this afternoon, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class that will include the iconic Apulian pasta – orecchiette – and crunchy taralli biscuits. Gather around the table to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a glass of local primitivo wine.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Il Melograno
Today begins at Masseria La Lunghiera, an organic dairy farm where the owners will show us how their creamy burrata is made. Continue to Alberobello to wander through streets filled with trulli, the iconic cone-shaped houses followed by a traditional lunch at a cozy restaurant. After some time at leisure at the hotel, drive to Masseria Il Frantoio, where centuries-old olive trees produce some of Puglia’s finest extra virgin olive oil. After a guided tasting we gather for a seasonal farm-to-table dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Il Melograno
Today we travel from Puglia through the breathtaking landscapes of Basilicata and on to the Amalfi Coast. After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Matera, which is known for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi di Matera. A guided walking tour takes us through this UNESCO-listed site, revealing its labyrinth of stone-carved homes, churches, and history dating back thousands of years. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, we continue on to the Amalfi Coast and check into the Grand Hotel La Cocumella in Sorrento.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Grand Hotel La Cocumella
Begin the day at an historic lemon grove nestled on terraced hills overlooking the Bay of Naples. Stroll through fragrant orchards and learn about the region’s prized citrus which has been cultivated for centuries. Lunch follows, featuring local specialties paired with regional wines, house-made lemon liqueurs, and organic citrus jams. In the afternoon, visit one of Italy’s most renowned pasta producers, Pastificio di Martino, to uncover the artistry behind traditional pasta-making. As the sun sets, arrive at La Casa di Lella, a serene location overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Here Michelin-starred chef Peppe Guida (appearance subject to confirmation), who was recently featured on Chef’s Table, will give us a tour of his organic kitchen garden and discuss his culinary philosophy. The evening ends with a fantastic farm-to-table dinner showcasing Campania’s rustic yet refined flavors. It will be an unforgettable evening of Italian hospitality.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Grand Hotel La Cocumella
Depart Sorrento this morning and head to Tenuta Vannulo, an organic buffalo farm. If you have never tasted just-made mozzarella di bufala, you are in for a treat and Nancy thinks it is the best she’s ever had. Tour the farm, watch expert cheesemakers at work, and explore the Museum of Farming Civilization before sitting down to a tasting lunch featuring freshly-made mozzarella di bufala and buffalo milk gelato. Continue to Naples this afternoon and check into Hotel San Francesco al Monte, a former monastery overlooking the Bay of Naples. Dinner is planned at a rustic little restaurant that offers some of the city’s finest seafood.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: San Francesco al Monte Hotel, Naples
After a leisurely start, dive into Naples’ iconic culinary traditions. Join a local food expert for a pizza crawl, exploring Naples’ legendary pizzerias. Sampling a variety of styles—from classic margherita to crispy pizza fritta—you will understand why Naples is the world’s pizza capital. After lunch, visit an historic bakery in the city. Enjoy a short lesson on Neapolitan pastries, including a hands-on demonstration of the delicate, flaky sfogliatella. Sample these local pastries over coffee before enjoying the rest of the day and evening at leisure to explore Naples. You can visit museums, shop in vibrant markets or simply soaking in the lively spirit of this captivating city. Half of the group will have dinner at the Di Martino Pasta bar (showcasing the pasta of the producer we visited yesterday). The other half of the group will visit at lunchtime tomorrow.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, (Dinner)
Accommodation: San Francesco al Monte Hotel, Naples
Our final full day in Naples begins with a guided tour of Pignasecca Market, the city’s oldest and most vibrant street market. As we wander through bustling stalls brimming with fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and local specialties, gain insight into the deep-rooted food culture of Naples. Lunch is either at the Di Martino Pasta bar or at leisure. This afternoon there’s a little more time to explore this wonderful city. In the evening, we drive to Caiazzo for a special farewell dinner at Pepe in Grani, where another Chef’s Table star and legendary pizzaiolo Franco Pepe (appearance subject to confirmation) welcomes us for a tour of his iconic pizzeria. Here we enjoy one final, unforgettable feast with fellow food lovers.
Included Meals: Breakfast, (Lunch), Dinner
Accommodation: San Francesco al Monte Hotel, Naples
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer independently to Naples airport for your journey home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Experts
Alec Lobrano
Alec Lobrano is the author of Hungry for Paris, Hungry for France, and My Place at the Table: A Recipe for a Delicious Life in Paris (June 2021). He has written about food and travel for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Gourmet and many other publications. He has won several James Beard and IACP awards.
Nancy Silverton
Nancy Silverton is the co-owner of Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza and several others in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Mexico, London, Singapore and Riyadh. Nancy received the James Beard Foundation award for “Outstanding Chef” in 2014 and was listed as the Most Innovative Woman in Food and Drink by Fortune and Food & Wine Magazines. Nancy was profiled in Netflix’s award-winning series Chef’s Table. She is the author of multiple cookbooks, including her recent The Cookie that Changed my Life.
Ruth Reichl
Ruth Reichl is the author of a dozen books; last year she published The Paris Novel, an adventure through food, art and fashion of Paris in the 1980s. Ruth received the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. She was editor in chief of Gourmet magazine from 1999 to 2009. Before that she was the restaurant critic of both The New York Times and the LA Times, where she was also food editor.
Laurie Ochoa
Laurie Ochoa is General Manager of Food at the Los Angeles Times and former arts and entertainment editor. Previously, she served as executive editor of Gourmet magazine, editor in chief of LA Weekly and food editor of the Los Angeles Times. She is a multiple-time winner of the James Beard Foundation Journalism Award.
Accommodations
Il Melograno, near Monopoli
Il Melograno Hotel in Puglia is a five-star retreat set in a beautifully restored 17th-century masseria. Surrounded by olive groves, this charming boutique hotel offers elegant rooms, a serene spa, and a stunning outdoor pool. Guests can savor authentic Apulian cuisine at the on-site restaurant and enjoy private beach access at Tamerici Beach Club. Located near Monopoli and Alberobello, Il Melograno blends history, nature, and refined hospitality, making it a perfect getaway for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Grand Hotel Cocumella, Sorrento
Grand Hotel Cocumella, a five-star retreat in Sorrento overlooking the stunning Bay of Naples. Housed in a historic 16th-century Jesuit monastery, this elegant hotel offers lush gardens, a private sun deck by the sea, an outdoor pool and a wellness center. The beautifully appointed rooms and suites feature classic Italian decor, modern comforts, and breathtaking sea or garden views. A stay at Grand Hotel Cocumella is a perfect blend of history, elegance, and serenity.
San Francesco al Monte, Naples
4-star hotel in a former monastery with a panoramic view over the Gulf of Naples and above the bustle of this busy city. Guest rooms are on the small side but elegantly furnished and with sea-views. The hotel’s top floor is set against the hill of San Martino, here there is an outdoor pool and garden offering a 360-degree views over the city, the Mediterranean sea, Vesuvius, and Capri. The garden also includes the ancient vegetable gardens cultivated by the monks, complete with walkways and pergolas.
What's Included
- All accommodations and meals with drinks as outlined in the itinerary
- All ground transportation within the itinerary unless otherwise indicated
- All sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
- Comprehensive educational program by your culinary hosts and professional on-site guides
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, wait staff in restaurants during group meals, housekeeping at group hotels
- The assistance of an ATA tour director
- Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing while touring
- The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
- Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination
and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list. - Emergency evacuation insurance
FAQs
- How big will your group be?
Our trips have a maximum group size of 25 people. They are large enough to meet new people with diverse backgrounds, but small enough to be on a first-name basis with everyone.
- Are solo travelers welcome?
Yes, absolutely! There is always a good number of solo travelers on our trips, and they are welcomed with open arms. Group meals generally take place at medium to large tables, and our Tour Directors ensure that everyone is included in conversation. Because our trips are priced for doubles sharing a room, there is a supplemental cost for those who choose not to share.
- What are the physical requirements of this trip?
Travelers should be in good health and able to walk up to 2 miles (with stops) over uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs unassisted. In city centers, we do try to walk from place to place due to traffic restrictions and also in keeping with our commitment to environmental sustainability.
- How much free time should I expect to have?
Our trips are designed to give our travelers special insight and understanding of the places we visit. The talks and commentary by our hosts and local guides are what make our itineraries special, and this kind of curated experience cannot be obtained on one’s own. For this reason, our trips generally do not incorporate long periods of free time during the day, although night times and some meals will be at leisure.
- Can I arrive early, or stay on after the tour ends?
Yes, absolutely! If you wish to arrive early at the first hotel on the itinerary or stay on at the last hotel, we will be happy to facilitate the reservation of extra nights. Room upgrades are also available for an additional cost.
- What do I need to bring on my trip?
We’ll send you a detailed clothing and equipment list well before departure so you know what you’ll need. We provide the rest: comfortable accommodations, an engaging daily itinerary, expert trip management and access to people and places that will thrill and delight you.
- Once I reserve my trip, what happens next?
After you reserve your trip and pay your deposit, you will be sent detailed information about your itinerary and destination, insurance information, a Participant Information Form, a packing list, and other information needed to prepare for your trip. Your Guest Services Advisor will reach out when it’s time to book airfare after a minimum of 10 travelers have enrolled on your departure. Final trip details will be sent roughly 2-3 weeks before departure, and a pre-departure virtual meeting will be held to review arrival instructions and health protocols.
- Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Menus are typically preset to showcase the region, chef, or season. That said, every effort will be made to try to accommodate any special dietary requests you may have (e.g., low salt, vegetarian or vegan). Please discuss your requests with us when signing up for a trip.
- Are tips included?
Yes! Tips to local guides, restaurant staff, bell staff and drivers are all included in the trip price. Your Trip Experts and Tour Director however, will not accept tips. The only time tips are not included is during free time and meals on your own.
- Are drinks included?
All drinks (wine and soft drinks) are included in the trip price for all group lunches and dinners. Any additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the program price.
- What about airfare?
Airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the program is not included in the price in order to give you maximum flexibility in choosing your preferences for air travel. This way you can use frequent flier upgrades, depart from your airport of choice, or add pre- and post- trip extensions with no constraints. Please refrain from booking your airfare until your Guest Services Advisor reaches out to confirm your departure.
- What is your cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or fax) to Academic Travel Abroad. Per person cancellation fees are based on the date of the cancellation notice reaching ATA. Up to 120 days prior to departure: refund of deposit less an administration fee of 50% of deposit. Cancellation between 119-91 days before departure: 100% of deposit is forfeited. Cancellation between 90-61 days: 50% of the trip price is forfeited. Cancellation within 60 days of departure: no refund. Cancellation on day of departure or after trip departs: no refund. No refund for unused portions of trip, including, but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing. Cancellation of program by ATA: full refund.
- Do I need trip insurance?
We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance to help protect your investment and provide you with financial recourse should you face trip cancellation or interruption due to sickness. When purchasing a policy, please consult with a trip insurance agent to review what is covered. While ATA will do its best to recover any unused portion of your trip due to sickness, it is often the case that payments cannot be refunded. We recommend using our partner insurance provider, Travel Insurance Services, which offers three different policies for you to choose from.