PUGLIA, ITALY
Aran Goyoaga | Cooking, Baking & Food Photography
October 9 - 15, 2024
Culinary Photos: Aran Goyoaga
Join James Beard Award finalist Aran Goyoaga 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.
Aran’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 Aran 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
ALL PLACES ARE CURRENTLY FILLED, PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF OPENINGS
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Food Photography + Styling, Baking & Cooking Workshops with Aran Goyoaga
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
Photo: Dorothee Brand
Travel + Learn with
Aran Goyoaga
Basque-born, Aran Goyoaga is an award-winning author, photographer, and professionally trained pastry chef. She is a three-time James Beard-finalist.
Aran’s latest cookbook Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple (Sasquatch) has been named as best of 2021 by Washington Post, Vanity Fair, Food 52, Epicurious, and more. Aran’s second cookbook Cannelle et Vanille: Nourishing, Gluten-Free Recipes for Every Meal and Mood was a 2019 James Beard Award finalist. She is currently working on her fourth book, which will reveal the secrets of gluten-free bread baking; due out in the fall 2025.
Aran’s work has been featured in New York Times, Washington Post, Good Morning America, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Food 52, NBC News, ELLE, Martha Stewart, and more.
Aran lives in Seattle with her family and you can follow Aran @cannellevanille on instagram .
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 Aran at the house. This morning Aran’s 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 Aran will teach you how to make gluten-free pasta. You’ll learn how to photograph the process throughout.
For dinner this evening Aran 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 Aran 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 Aran at the house. This morning Aran will demonstrate baking with local produce. You’ll also have the opportunity to photograph the process.
This afternoon, Aran will teach a hands on photography and styling lesson with baked goods you made this morning.
Later this afternoon Aran will teach how to start building your photo story (portraits, still life and action story).
This evening Aran 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 Aran 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 will focus on gluten free items, we cannot guarantee that all food served and provided throughout this Ace Camp will be gluten free, particularly if we visit local makers and bakeries.
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 may not be 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.
ALL PLACES ARE CURRENTLY FILLED, PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF OPENINGS
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, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due June 11, 2024: $2000
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, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due June 11, 2024: $2400
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, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due June 11, 2024: $2500
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 separate private bathroom
The fee for this trip is $4795 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due June 11, 2024: $2800
Room Notes: You will have a private room + private bathroom for the duration of the trip. At the house in Puglia, your private 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 5 - PRIVATE ROOM with ensuite bathroom
The fee for this trip is $4995 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1995
Final Payment due June 11, 2024: $3000
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 will focus on gluten free items, we cannot guarantee that all food served and provided throughout this Ace Camp will be gluten free, particularly if we visit local makers and bakeries.
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 may not be 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 Aran Goyoaga; 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.
COVID DISCLAIMER
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 Camp 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.
Ace Camps Inc. 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 Inc. and the country you are visiting.
Please read our full COVID-19 Policies + FAQ’s HERE
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
You may cancel on or before June 10, 2024 and receive a full refund minus a $1000 USD per-person cancellationfee. If you cancel on or after June 11, 2024 there is a 100% cancellation fee and all funds paid 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.