Puglia has been recommended among the top ten value destinations in the world for 2014 by Lonely Planet.

This is such an important recognition for our home land and it is so wonderful that our slow cooking and relaxed Mediterranean pace of life are highlighted among the things you should experience in Puglia and Southern Italy.

The Mediterranean Style is based on eating well and balanced and enjoying life fully. And this is what you will experience on a Stile Mediterraneo culinary and wine tour: an authentic cultural experience with local people and through food.

This is what Lonely Planet wrote about Puglia:

If you’ve ever rubbed shoulders with billionaires on the Amalfi Coast or spent the weekend in Venice, you’ll know that Italy can drain travel budgets. This year, look south. Italy’s heel has arguably the best beaches in the country, hilltop towns and ancient sights. But what makes Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria such good value is not just the financial side of being in this part of the country. It’s the fabulous food – cucina povera (poor man’s food), simple, tasty and cheap – and the relaxed pace of life even in peak season, coupled with good-value accommodation for all budgets.

lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-value-travel-destinations-for-2014

Image by Michele Galli / E+ / Getty Images

Old fortified farmhouse in Puglia, Italy.