PUGLIA, ITALY
Aimee Twigger | Cooking, Baking & Food Photography
October 9 - 15, 2024
Culinary Photos: Aimee Twigger
Join award winning food stylist and photographer Aimee Twigger for a culinary journey and food photography workshop in the beautiful southern region of Italy. With a landscape dotted with farms, small historic villages, and rocky coastlines, the Salento region of Puglia is the perfect location to visit. This Ace Camp will include focused instruction in photography + food styling as well as baking and cooking demonstrations in the kitchen.
Aimee’s workshop is structured for culinary professionals, food lovers, food bloggers, cookbook authors, aspiring food photographers and stylists. You’ll work on projects at the house and also experience on-the-go learning sessions with Aimee as we visit a variety of food makers in the region.
Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
October 9 - 15, 2024 ∙ 7 Days, 6 Nights
PRICE
Shared Twin Room $3995 USD
Private Room from $4395 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Food Photography + Styling, Baking & Cooking Workshops with Aimee Twigger
Local tours and visits around the Salento Region
Transportation to and from included activities and meals
Home cooked meals featuring local dishes and produce
SUPPLIES
Guests will need to bring the following supplies to participate in photography sessions:
A camera and lenses, this can be any of the following: DSLR, mirrorless or a newer model iPhone with a good camera
Laptop + charger
External hard drive
Memory cards
Travel + Learn with
Aimee Twigger
An accomplished baker, cook, recipe developer, food stylist and photographer, Aimee has years of experience working and teaching students about food and photography all over the globe. She’s written cookbooks and worked with a wide range of brands such as, KitchenAid, Anthropologie, La Mer, Cuisinart, Barilla pasta, Johnnie Walker and more.
A two time winner of Pink Lady’s Food Photographer of the Year, she has been described as “a sculptress of light and shadow” and her style as “atmospheric” and “unmistakable.” Aimee’s work has featured in magazines like Elle la table and Food and Wine.
You can learn more about her work on Instagram @twiggstudios or her site Twigg Studios.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Italy! Make your own way to our arrival hotel in Brindisi.
Due to many flight arrival times later in the day, there are no planned activities today. Take some time to settle in and relax this evening.
Day 2
Late morning we’ll gather in Brindisi and our driver will transfer you to our private home in Southern Puglia. Enjoy a light welcome lunch and time to settle into the property and relax.
Later this afternoon a local guide will take the group on a walking tour to explore to small local town and introduce you to some of the special and historical aspects.
Group Dinner at the house
Day 3
Today we have a full day workshop session with Aimee at the house. This morning Aimee will present and discuss her photography philosophy and process. She will show you how she sets up her gear. Then we will move into still life photography demonstrations and practices.
This afternoon Aimee will teach you how to make gluten-free pasta. You’ll learn how to photograph the process throughout.
For dinner this evening Aimee will lead a cooking session, using the pasta you made today as part of a variety of dishes you will work together to prepare and enjoy!
Day 4
Let’s explore Salento and visit a few of our favourite areas in Southern Puglia. We might stop by the workshop of a traditional Puglia basket weaver, visit a local market (think small town farmer’s market featuring local produce) and tour a small herb and fruit farm. Today you'll be exploring with Aimee on-the-go with your camera in tow, searching for interesting light, angles and subjects to photograph along the way.
Group Dinner at the house
Day 5
Today we have a full day workshop session with Aimee at the house. This morning Aimee will demonstrate baking with local produce. You’ll also have the opportunity to photograph the process.
This afternoon, Aimee will teach a hands on photography and styling lesson with baked goods you made this morning.
Later this afternoon Aimee will teach how to start building your photo story (portraits, still life and action story).
This evening Aimee will lead another cooking demonstration with help from local woman who will also share how to prepare several local dishes, traditional to Southern Italy.
Day 6
This morning we explore some other areas of Salento, we might visit a local cheese maker. Learning about their process and style of cheese they make. Or a local bakery, learning about their ingredients and traditional ovens. From here we navigate along the water, exploring Salento’s windswept coast. We’ll find some spots to photograph to build out your collection.
This afternoon you’ll return to the house where Aimee will teach you about photo editing and how to build a story with collected images.
Final Group Dinner at the house tonight
Day 7
Departure day: After breakfast, we say our final goodbyes and head on our way. We will have a private group transfer back to Brindisi Airport & Train Station.
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, some activities may be dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
A Note About Food: Unfortunately we cannot accommodate vegan, dairy-free, or egg-free diets on this trip. Additionally while some meals and classes may focus on gluten free items, we cannot guarantee that all food served and provided throughout this Ace Camp will be gluten free.
While we will do our best to manage select dietary allergies with prior knowledge, during certain meals, some dishes will be served at the house family style and there will not be a menu of options to select from.
If you are very strict about eating completely gluten free this is not the trip for you. Please contact us before registering if you have any questions or would like to discuss dietary questions.
Where We’re Staying
Our 16th century property is located in a small town in Southern Puglia. The palazzo was renovated by architect Federico Pace, with refined character while still embracing the roots of a traditional country house. The front of the property faces onto a beautiful town square, its location makes it easily walkable to a local bakery, churches and a quiet piazza. The back of the house features gardens, terraces and a private pool.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests and maximum 12 guests.
All Prices are in USD.
Please read the room options and notes below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
OPTION 1 - TWIN SHARED ROOM PRICE
The fee for this trip is $3995 per person
Room Notes: Shared rooms have two guests total and have two individual beds. In Brindisi (1 night) you will have a private room + ensuite, in Southern Puglia (5 nights), you will share a bedroom and ensuite bathroom with one other guest. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 2 - SMALL PRIVATE ROOM with separate shared bathroom
The fee for this trip is $4395 per person
Room Notes: In Brindisi you will have a private room + ensuite for 1 night. In Southern Puglia (5 nights), you will have a private bedroom + SHARED bathroom with one other guest. At the house in Puglia, your shared bathroom will be located a few steps from your bedroom. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 3 - LARGE PRIVATE ROOM with separate shared bathroom
The fee for this trip is $4495 per person
Room Notes: In Brindisi you will have a private room + ensuite for 1 night. In Southern Puglia, you will have a private room + SHARED bathroom with one other guest. At the house in Puglia, your shared bathroom will be located a few steps from your bedroom. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 4 - PRIVATE ROOM with ensuite bathroom
The fee for this trip is $4995 per person
Room Notes: You will have a private room + ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Important Trip Notes + Details
CULINARY NOTES + RESTRICTIONS
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate vegan, dairy-free, or egg-free diets on this trip. Additionally while some meals and classes may focus on gluten free items, we cannot guarantee that all food served and provided throughout this Ace Camp will be gluten free.
While we will do our best to manage select dietary allergies with prior knowledge, including gluten free requests, during certain meals, some dishes will be served at the house family style and there will not be a menu of options to select from. If you are very strict about eating completely gluten free this is not the trip for you.
We cannot accommodate any dietary allergies or preferences if you do not advise us when you register or contact us in advance to discuss.
Please contact us before registering if you have any questions or would like to discuss dietary questions.
THIS ACE CAMP INCLUDES
Six nights accommodations in Puglia (one night in Brindisi and five nights in Southern Puglia); transport during workshop and tours; arrival + departure day transfer from Brindisi to our property; Hands-on photography, styling + cooking workshops with Aimee Twigger; local excursions in Salento; six breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International roundtrip airfare; Personal Travel Insurance: We require all participants to have personal travel insurance that at minimum covers medical emergencies and cancellations; Alcoholic Drinks; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, expenses during free time; laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary, additional transfers you may require before, during or after the trip; package mailing; optional yoga classes; photography equipment for workshops.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
This trip is for the calm, open minded traveler who is eager to learn and work hands-on with a community of skilled artisans and curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a group.
WEATHER
October is a pleasant time of year to travel to Southern Puglia. Daytime temperatures average around 22°C (72°F) with evenings around 18°C (65°F). Skies are mostly sunny with the chance of showers as the rainy season starts creeping in with the fall colours. * Please note that should the weather prove challenging some excursions may be altered from the posted itinerary.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Ace Camps will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent 90 days or more before your trip departs unless you book within 90 prior to the camp. We will also be sending you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
ACE CAMPS TOUR MANAGER
An Ace Camps Tour Manager is a part of your group and is there to look out for your safety, to help resolve issues, and to make sure you get what you want from your trip. Your Tour Manager is not a local guide but will work with all local vendors and partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration.
HEALTH + SAFETY DISCLAIMER - including COVID
Please read our Health and Safety procedures in our FAQ’s.
While we strive to deliver all aspects of the included itinerary and specific accommodation, due to challenges some vendors may be facing, certain aspects of your Ace Camps Travel trip may be changed according to the situation beyond our control. In the small chance this does occur, we will work to offer comparable accommodations and/or activities when possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Individuals will be responsible for ensuring they are able to travel to the destination selected. Countries have various Covid-19 related entry requirements including but not limited to: providing proof you are fully vaccinated, taking a test before entry and after entry etc. You should be prepared to meet all necessary entry requirements. This may also include wearing masks in all public settings.
Ace Camps Travel, LLC. will not be responsible for refunding any lost trip funds if you have to miss your scheduled trip as you cannot meet the requirements determined by Ace Camps Travel, LLC. and the country you are visiting.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please note this tour includes some walking tours where the ground may be uneven, you may be on your feet for a couple of hours at a time. You should be comfortable walking, standing or sitting for long periods. Our property and workshop space have several sets of stairs to reach rooms and no elevator.
ABOUT YOUR STAY AT THE PUGLIA HOUSE
This is a semi-rural property and therefore there are limited resources or entertainment on site or within the adjacent village.
SUPPLIES
Guests will need to bring the following supplies to participate in photography sessions:
-a camera and lenses, this can be any of the following: DSLR, mirrorless or a newer model iPhone with a good camera
-laptop + charger
-external hard drive
-memory cards
Optional: Tripod
WHERE DOES THIS TRIP START + FINISH?
This trip starts and ends in Brindisi, Italy.
Brindisi is serviced by a small international airport, also known as Brindisi Papola Casale Airport and Salento Airport, located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the city center. If you arrive in another part of Italy you can also take the train to Brindisi to meet the group here.
On October 15th, there will be one group transfer to Brindisi Airport & Train Station.
BOOKING TERMS + CANCELLATION POLICY
All payments made towards this trip are non-refundable.
Please ensure you read through our full Booking Terms + Cancellation Policy.
QUESTIONS + FAQ’S
If you have any further questions about this Ace Camp please feel free to contact us. You can also read more FAQ’s here.