My wife and I have travelled throughout Italy for the past few years, however, we have never visited Puglia until this summer.We were lucky to discover Antonello through friends who had cycled with him last year, and we were even luckier when we discovered that his house in Puglia was available for the time we were there.

His country villa, Ca del Fico, is truly a little piece of heaven, a small 2-bedroom house, set in it’s own grounds in the Puglian countryside, not far from Monopoli. Part of the dwelling is a trullo, a type of house unique to this area, and not found anywhere else.

The house is completely self-contained, and comes fully equipped, including a small washing machine. All we had to do was to visit the nearby Ipermercato for provisions, and we were set for the week there.

Sitting on it’s own as it is, the surroundings are very peaceful, the quiet being disturbed only by the birds, the crickets, and the rustling of the breeze in the olive trees, which surround it, some of them 800 years old!. It was a delight to get out of bed early, and to watch the sun rise over the Adriatic Sea, only a few Km. distant.

Puglia itself was a surprise. Though heavily cultivated, mostly olives and vines, the ambience is quite different from the better-known parts of Italy, such as Tuscany and Umbria, and it has a majesty all of it’s own, wilder, and a little less manicured, but none the less beautiful. There are some very lovely and interesting old towns to visit, street markets to rummage around in, and welcoming and excellent eating places to enjoy. There is very little English spoken , which adds to it’s charm, and the local people, as throughout Italy, are very warm, friendly and helpful.

We are not cyclists, so were not able to sample Antonello’s other activities, but for anyone looking for a restful and peaceful stay in beautiful surroundings, I would not hesitate to recommend this lovely place. We will, no doubt, return again and again.

Peter and Olivia Callegari,
Vancouver, BC
Canada

"When I first laid on eyes on Cà del Fico I knew I had found the solace for which I came. Immediately the fragrance of fresh April flowers consumed me as I gazed out at the terraced land covered in more olive tress than I could count. I was looking for respite and a vacation from the vacationers and the house at Ca del Fico was just the answer. The 2 bedroom house encompasses and ancient trullo which has been modernized on in it's conveniences without affecting it's antique charm. We stayed a week and found we had every needed convenience for relaxation and contemplation. Antonello Losito is the charming and young proprietor of the estate. He speaks marvellous English and is one of the most generous hosts I have encountered in my 15+ years of travelling to Italy. In fact, Antonello and I became regular buddies and spent quite a bit of time in the kitchen and hours at the dinner table. A stay at Cà del Fico is much more like "living" than simply renting a hotel room or going on some canned tour. My wife and I consider ourselves outgoing, but we do like the finer things. Cà del Fico presents the possibility of both types of experience. We went on the self guided and guided bike rides with Antonello and his dynamic American guide, Leslie. We were taken on ancient paths, through countless vineyards, and to the city of Trulli, Alberobello. Puglia is simply stunning in the starkness of it's landscape. I have seen Greece and Italy on numerous occasions, and Puglia is truly the best combination of both aesthetically and soulfully. At Cà del Fico the wine flows as freely as the great companionship, yet there exists the possibility of complete solitude. We intend to return to Cà del Fico whenever we want to re-discover the very best parts of ourselves! Thank you Antonello for warmth, your professionalism, and for Cà del Fico.



Sincerely,



Roger and Sally Starling

Boston, MA.