{"title":"Martina Franca","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eMartina Franca\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is an elegant historic town in the Valle d’Itria area of southern Italy, known for its refined baroque architecture and whitewashed old town. Its historic center features narrow streets, ornate churches, and the Palazzo Ducale, reflecting the town’s cultural heritage. Martina Franca is also surrounded by the characteristic countryside of trulli houses, vineyards, and olive groves typical of the region.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"underground-mill-tour-and-tasting-near-alberobello-and-ostuni","title":"Underground Mill Tour \u0026 Tasting near Alberobello \u0026 Ostuni","description":"Just steps from Martina Franca’s elegant old town in between Ostuni and Alberobello lies a hidden world, carved deep into the rock—a place where time slows down, and history is alive in the scent of olives and stone.This is a journey into the heart of Puglia’s olive oil tradition, inside a medieval underground mill, known as a frantoio ipogeo. Once used to produce the region’s most precious resource—olio lampante, the oil that lit homes for centuries—this space now offers a unique experience that blends history, folklore, and taste.Built within a natural cave and expanded by human hands, the frantoio was once the workplace—and home—of trappitari, the men who lived underground during the harvest season from November to May. Guided by the nachiro, and aided by blindfolded mules turning heavy grindstones, these workers pressed and stored oil in cool, protected chambers. Some say mischievous spirits lived down here too, hiding tools and teasing the workers when no one was watching.As you walk through this underground labyrinth, your guide will bring to life the stories of the mill and the people who ran it. You’ll see original machinery carved into the rock, olive storage niches, animal stalls, and centuries-old cisterns—remnants of a time when olive oil was not just food, but fuel, currency, and culture.You’ll also learn how olive oil production has evolved—from manual brucatura (hand-picking) and mule-powered grinding wheels, to modern methods that still respect tradition while ensuring quality. The mill’s preservation offers a rare, tangible look at the agricultural backbone of Puglia, and how it shaped life from ancient times to today.After the tour, the journey continues with a guided olive oil tasting, led by your host. You’ll sample a selection of local extra virgin oils—each one with its own personality and profile—served simply with fresh local bread, just as it's been done for generations. As you taste, you’ll learn how to detect bitterness, spiciness, fruitiness, and the freshness that defines high-quality oil.The tasting isn’t just about flavor—it’s about understanding what makes an olive oil authentic, how to read labels, store it properly, and use it in everyday cooking. Whether you’re a food lover or a first-time taster, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of this golden ingredient that has nourished and sustained Mediterranean culture for millennia.This experience is ideal for anyone looking to connect with the land, the past, and the flavors of Puglia in a truly unique way. It’s a short walk from Martina Franca’s city center, but it feels like a step centuries back in time.","brand":"Slow Travel Italia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52595154256213,"sku":null,"price":44.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/5YlzJRxob98bnxJkbMdhZNizAD1aLYZV_Baw9JR46iw.png?v=1778329947"},{"product_id":"wine-tasting-near-locorotondo-and-alberobello-with-vineyard-walk","title":"Wine Tasting near Locorotondo \u0026 Alberobello with Vineyard Walk","description":"Experience the authentic flavors of Puglia with a wine tasting set in the peaceful countryside near Martina Franca, in the heart of the Valle d’Itria, just 15 min. drive from Alberobello. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, dry-stone walls, and traditional whitewashed farmhouses, this experience offers a genuine introduction to southern Italy’s winemaking heritage.Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the owners, a passionate young couple who personally oversee the vineyards and production. Their warmth and dedication immediately create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making you feel more like a guest than a visitor. You will settle into the tasting area for a guided sampling of four half glasses of wine. Each label represents a different expression of Puglia’s winemaking tradition. Depending on seasonal availability, you may taste fresh and mineral-driven whites such as Verdeca, aromatic and structured native varieties like Susumaniello, elegant rosés made from Primitivo grapes, or unique orange-style wines with distinctive character.For travelers unfamiliar with Italian grape varieties, this is an excellent opportunity to learn how climate, soil, and traditional techniques influence aroma, structure, and balance. The hosts explain each wine in a clear and accessible way, sharing insights into production methods and local viticulture without overwhelming technical detail.To complement the wines, you will be served a selection of local snacks prepared with care. These small bites enhance the tasting by highlighting how regional food and wine naturally pair together. Expect simple but flavorful accompaniments that reflect Apulian culinary traditions.The experience ends with a self-guided walk through the vineyard or more time to chat and enjoy wines. You are free to stroll among the rows of vines, take photographs, and admire the Apulian landscape at your own pace. The fertile soil and Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for cultivating native grape varieties that thrive in this region. This experience is ideal for couples seeking a romantic countryside moment, friends looking for a relaxed wine tasting, or travelers eager to discover lesser-known Italian grape varieties. It also suits visitors exploring nearby towns such as Alberobello’s trulli houses, the circular old town of Locorotondo, the underground olive mill of Martina Franca or the charming streets of Cisternino.","brand":"Slow Travel Italia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53724449145173,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/2159\/8293\/files\/QCeTREi2nVUlrN7V2pYdBr8bHVFnnFO2PrfZFpnXUVk.jpg?v=1778329923"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.touraround.it\/collections\/martina-franca.oembed","provider":"Touraround","version":"1.0","type":"link"}