September 7, 2017Read time - 2 minutesDespite having lived in Puglia for her entire life, native Marinella Bozzetti still discovers new things about her homeland every time she leads an Exodus trip across the region. This is due, almost exclusively, to the amazed observations of those that she so passionately guides…Marinella by the coastIntroducing Marinella“Sharing experiences with people is what I enjoy the most about my job,” Marinella says. “What I really like is when something that’s very usual to me surprises people. It means I look at it with new eyes and that I don’t take any of it for granted.""A silly example is when guests are so excited to see lizards! When I was a child, I played with them, running and trying to catch them. The visitors’ wonder made me look at my home with a fresh perspective.”Cycling in PugliaMarinella’s travel career began in 2009, when she and a group of friends began to explore Puglia’s national parks, plotting out walking tracks and leading visitors around the routes. Her love for the job and passion for her home is evident on every trip she leads and this year she won Leader of the Year 2016 Award, as voted by those that had joined her on adventures across the heel of Italy's 'boot'.Living in Puglia“Puglia isn’t just a place I’ve studied in books, it’s where I’ve lived for my entire life. I take people where I would go myself, so they never have the feeling that I’m just taking them somewhere because they’re tourists.Some places here link with my story or my family traditions; I love to be able to tell people about my grandparents and show them where they secretly got married! I’m not here just to lead people, I’m here to share an experience with them.Puglia villageOur land’s history is fascinating, we’ve been dominated by Greeks, Romans, Normans… in our towns, you can find footprints of these times. We have lovely countryside, great food and the beautiful sea. But most of all, we’re very welcoming people. I always try and give visitors a chance to have dinner in a private home when I can.Guests often say ‘you didn’t need to go to such great lengths’, but it’s normal for us – we like to share everything we have. We’re just that way.Traditional bruschettaThere are so many things that I love about Puglia, but one of the things I miss most when I’m not here is the smell of the sea. When I’m away for long periods, it’s what I long for.”And it’s those very precious moments that make an adventure to Marinella’s Puglia unforgettable.See Marinella in action Browse our trips to Puglia below and discover the region for yourself.
Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy 25 reviews Discover Puglia's traditional farmland, Mediterranean coastline and Baroque cities Culture Activity level: Leisurely Ages: 16+ 8 Days from $2,079 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Puglia - Cycling the Heel of Italy Cycle at your own pace through UNESCO historic Italian villages and idyllic coastline Cycling Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 14+ 8 Days from $2,199 USD Self-Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Contrasts of Puglia Cycling Explore Puglia's unspoilt villages, gently rolling hills with a backdrop of the clear, emerald Adriatic Cycling Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 12+ 8 Days from $2,479 USD Self-Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Landscapes of Matera and Puglia Cycling New From Matera, explore the largest natural park in Italy and onward south to Puglia Cycling Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 12+ 15 Days from $4,449 USD Self-Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Cycling Puglia & Matera 41 reviews Cycle from the UNESCO town of Matera through Italy's heel to Lecce Cycling Activity level: Moderate Ages: 16+ 8 Days from $2,479 USD $2,349 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Walking in Puglia & Matera 66 reviews Fairytale trulli houses, picturesque farmland, and quaint villages Walking & Trekking Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 16+ 8 Days from $2,179 USD $1,999 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Self-Guided Walking in Puglia and Matera Discover the beauty of Puglia and Matera at your own relaxed pace. Walking & Trekking Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate Ages: 12+ 8 Days from $2,149 USD Self-Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details