The heel of Italy has, until recently, been overlooked by most visitors to the country. It is less gentrified then its neighbors to the west, Tuscany and Umbria, and is therefore a more exotic and authentic region. The labyrinthine, whitewashed architecture of Puglia’s southerly hill towns is rich in ancient history, while the countryside is pure and untouched by any modern distractions. Among endless groves of venerably chunky olive trees are the distinctly Puglian trulli: the simple dry-stone storage huts with conical roofs, particular to this part of Italy. Puglia’s cuisine is refined but authentic, using farmers' recipes and delectable local ingredients. Think fresh seafood (bream, mussels), organic veg (courgettes, onions, plump cherry tomatoes), aubergine involtini wrapped around molten cacciocavallo cheese, all manner of pasta (ear-shaped orechiette and wire-thin fricelli). Add fresh fruit or gelati, wash down with Pugliese red or rosé wines (not forgetting the superb olive oil), and you're in gastro-heaven. Nestled on a hillside with a panoramic view of the Itria Valley, our home base will be Santa Maria del Sole (Saint Mary of The Sun), where you will be immersed in the beauty of the magical countryside, beneath the hot blue sky.
	- Each day will start with morning yoga and an organic breakfast. - Afternoons will be devoted to exploring: We will visit:
	- Ostuni, the shimmering white jewel of Mediterranean architecture. - Martina Franca, capitol of the Baroque style. - We will spend a full day on the Adriatic Coast, luxuriating in the unspoiled beaches, wild dunes, transparent water, and light blue sky.
	- When not exploring, there will be time for late afternoon walks, bicycling or napping poolside. - Early evening restorative yoga and meditation will allow you to pause and absorb the day’s delights. - A fabulous dinner will be served each day by our chef, featuring the freshest local products … superb!
	Accommodations are in a traditional, beautifully renovated Truili homestead - Ensuite Doubles $1495/995 Euros - Triple $1295/875 Euros - Singles also available, please inquire A deposit of $500 must be received to secure a place in the retreat. Please download the flyer (PDF, 100 KB) for more information about this retreat. Included in the trip price: - Accommodations for eight days and seven nights - Three delicious, authentic Puglian meals daily, all fresh, vegetarian and local. Fresh local fish will also be available for non-vegetarians. - Twice daily yoga sessions - Snacks, coffee, tea, cakes all day - Land transportation from Bari International Airport - Three organized excursions to local sites Please contact Kimberly with questions.
	To pay with a credit card, please click on the appropriate button below. Discounted price ends January 30, 2008. YES, I want to take advantage of this special offer and pay in full Discounted double occupancy $1350 Double occupancyTriple occupancy I want to come! I will pay a deposit now, and please bill me my balance 45 days prior to the retreat start date. Deposit $500 site by dnm