Dan Pashman’s Pasta Pilgrimage

Hang in there while we get back on track.

Pasta in Italy seems steeped in tradition, with time-honored recipes handed down through the generations. Any change would be sacrilegious. At least that’s what James Beard Award winner Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful food podcast and inventor of the cascatelli pasta shape, thought when he set out to create a cookbook of nontraditional pasta sauces, entitled Anything’s Pastable. But on a research trip across Italy he was shocked to learn that pasta did not become the country’s national food until about a hundred years ago, and iconic dishes like carbonara were just invented in the 1940’s. Others, like the city of Bari’s spaghetti all’assassina, are even newer, and continue to evolve.

On this 6-day Pasta Pilgrimage in Rome and Puglia, you’ll retrace Dan’s steps, eating at many of the same places where he ate, with many of the same people – including Dan himself, who will join the trip for several action-packed days! Along the way you’ll experience both the delicious traditions of Italian pasta culture, and the new ideas, giving you a deeper appreciation for the full breadth of pasta history and culture, as well as a taste of pasta dishes that even many Italians haven’t heard of.

You’ll eat pasta in Roman institutions with local expert Katie Parla. In Puglia’s Bari, you’ll visit the “orecchiette ladies,” who roll out pasta all day in front of their homes, before Dan takes you on an investigative pasta crawl in search of his favorite version of spaghetti all’assassina (assassin’s spaghetti). Down in Lecce, deep in the Puglian heartland, you’ll spend the day cooking with a local chef who will teach us how to make some of the region’s classic dishes. As we make our way on this trip from the Italian capital to the far reaches of pasta’s homeland, you’ll spend time with those upholding pasta tradition as well as those pushing this iconic dish into new realms, proving that indeed anything’s pastable.

Your itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Rome

Day 2

Culinary Tour alla Romana with Katie Parla.

Day 3

Rome to Bari

Day 4

Bari Pasta Crawl

Day 5

Down in Lecce Pasta Workshop

This morning we leave early for a trip south to the historic town of Lecce, where Dan found much inspiration for his book. On the way, we’ll stop at a local olive oil producer for a quick tour during their harvest and a tasting. Once in Lecce, we’ll meet up with local chef Gianna Greco, who will give us an insider’s tour of her hometown’s charming historic center and its market and then take us back to her restaurant to learn how to cook some Puglian classics, including ciceri e trio, a scrumptious dish made of pasta with chickpeas. After feasting together at Gianna's restaurant, we’ll make our way back to Bari and, if we still have the energy, gather for a round of final drinks together.

Day 6

Arrivederci

Meet the Crew

We are firm believers in the power of local knowledge. Our guides and the culinary masters and other artisans who are part of our trips all deeply reflect that. Meet some of our local heroes:

Dan Pashman

Katie Parla

Chiara Garafolo

Pietro Lonigro

Gianna Greco

Where you'll stay

UNA Trastevere

This week’s focus on deeply local experiences and places is also well reflected in our choice of accommodation. We always select boutique and independent places, ones inspired by international standards while staying loyal to the area’s local heritage – that’s the balance we seek for more than a good night’s rest.

UNAHOTELS Trastevere is where sleek style meets Rome’s coolest neighborhood. You’re steps away from buzzing streets full of quirky cafes, trendy bars, and the best street art in town. The rooms are fresh, comfy, and designed for kicking back after a day of exploring. Plus, with its modern vibe and prime location, this spot makes your Roman holiday feel effortlessly chic.

Grande Albergo delle Nazioni Bari

The Jr Hotels Grande Albergo delle Nazioni Bari is the only five-star hotel in the heart of Bari. Near the city’s historic center and right off its seaside promenade, the hotel’s location makes it a perfect one for exploring Bari. The view from its terrace is a spectacular bonus to your stay.

Activity Level

Travelers should feel comfortable walking three to five miles each day and remaining on their feet for long periods of time. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on during a couple cooking workshops.

Dietary Restrictions

We encourage an adventurous palate! We try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, though in most cases ingredients can’t be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. Unfortunately, due to the traditional southern Italian diet, the itinerary isn’t able to cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets. If you have a particular food allergy or intolerance, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.

Notes on Itinerary

Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary, though the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.

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