For the seventh straight year we will be traveling to Southern Italy; this time in September. Here is our itinerary: two nights in Montemiletto, Avellino (Gaetano Petrillo’s home town), three nights in Bari, one night in my Grandparents’ hometown Corleto Perticara, Potenza, four nights in Salerno and four nights in Rome. Feel free to join us, but here is the deal – I do not arrange for accommodations or transportation, but I will include you on our excursions to wineries, restaurants, and cultural sites. I will also connect you with Gaetano to assist with transport. This year we will have a friend join us  and family members meet us in Salerno.

For those who want to travel to the South at a different time or desire  a more structured trip I encourage you to visit our friend Linda Plazonja website http://www.morsosoggiorno.com/basilicata-wine-food-tours/puglia-wine-food-tours. Linda is hosting a trip to Basilicata and Puglia. She has in the past organized trips to other parts of Italy.

We have several connections to Linda. My sister-in-law introduced us many years ago. Recently, I learned that Linda’s Grandfather and Great Uncle were friends of my Grandparents. Forty-six years ago as part of a high school project on the history of Italians in Hartford, CT I interviewed Linda’s Great Uncle Frank Bisaccia. Frank was a tailor who was born in San Mauro Forte, Matera, Basilicata; 20 miles from my Grandparents’ hometown as the crow flies, but over 35 miles by automobile. so Linda and I are second generation Lucani.

Another person you may wish to contact is Susan Van Allen. Susan also is a second generation Lucana (feminine form of Lucano) raised in the USA with her roots in Vaglio, Potenza; 35 miles from my Grandparents home town.. Susan travels throughout Italy and publishes an informative blog on her trips http://www.susanvanallen.com/blog/. My wife met Susan and explained my common heritage with her; it was Susan who encouraged us to visit Maratea, a coastal community in the Province of Potenza.

Of course for the best tour guide and driver you should contact Gaetano Petrillo of The Wine Bus. Gaetano specializes in wine tours, genealogy searches and food tours throughout Southern Italy with a special focus on the Regions of Campania and Basilicata. Gaetano’s email address is info@thewinebus.it; and make sure you say that I referred you!

In addition to cultural attractions and outstanding wines, Southern Italy features outstanding food made from local products. Below is an example of the type of food you will enjoy when visiting Southern Italy. These dishes were prepared by our friends at Il Repole, Corleto Perticara, Potenza, Basilicata.