Frequently asked questions
Everything guests ask me before booking Villa Cappelli, all in one place. If your question isn't here, just ask.
The villa
Where is Villa Cappelli?
Villa Cappelli is in the Puglia countryside in southern Italy, at Via Appia Traiana 11, just outside the town of Terlizzi. It's about 25 minutes from Bari airport.
How many people does Villa Cappelli sleep?
Up to 24 people, in 12 bedrooms with 10 bathrooms. If your group is bigger than 24, there are B&Bs just down the street that can take the overflow.
Do we have the whole villa to ourselves?
Yes. When you rent Villa Cappelli, the whole villa, the pool and the grounds are yours for the week.
Does the owner live on site?
Yes. I live in my own apartment on the property, separate from the guest rooms. I'm always here if you need anything, and I can be as hands-on or hands-off as you like.
Do you speak English?
Yes. I speak English and Italian, so you can ask me anything before and during your stay.
Is Villa Cappelli an agriturismo?
Yes. It's a real, working agriturismo among the olive groves near Terlizzi, not a generic holiday rental. Our own olive oil and home-grown food are part of the stay.
Does every bedroom have its own bathroom?
Eight of the 12 bedrooms have their own private bathroom. The other four make up two suites, where two bedrooms share a bathroom. With both of these suites, you do have to walk through a bedroom to enter the bathroom, making it ideal for family, friends, or anyone comfortable sharing.
Is there a step-free room?
Yes. Regina, our largest bedroom, is step-free and close to the kitchen and pool.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, Villa Cappelli has air conditioning. Summers in Puglia can get hot, so it makes a real difference.
Is the villa heated in winter?
Yes, Villa Cappelli is heated in the winter.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, Villa Cappelli has free WiFi.
Is there parking?
Yes, there's free, secure parking on site at Villa Cappelli.
Is there a washing machine?
Yes, there's a washing machine for guests. Drying is on a clothesline, there's no dryer. That one surprises some American guests, so I like to mention it.
Are pets allowed?
No pets, sorry. Just so you know, our own dogs and cats live at the villa. The cats roam freely outside, and the dogs have a home in the olive groves outside, not inside where guests are.
Can we smoke at the villa?
Not inside. Smoking isn't allowed in any of the rooms or indoor spaces.
The pool
Is the pool private? Is it heated?
Yes, the pool is just for your group. It isn't heated, and it's open May through October. There are lots of umbrellas for shade.
Is the pool safe for children?
The pool isn't fenced, so children under 18 need an adult with them at the pool at all times. It is 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) deep.
Families
Are children welcome?
Yes, very welcome. We have one crib. Small children can sometimes sleep in one of the larger rooms or common rooms, and they don't necessarily count toward the 24, so just ask. Dinners are half price for children under 13.
Booking
How much does it cost to rent Villa Cappelli?
€9,260 for the week. That's the price for exclusive use of the whole villa, whether you're a couple or a group of 24, and it holds for 2027. Meals are extra, see Food below.
What's included in the price?
The whole villa for the week, with no tourist tax, no cleaning fee and no hidden fees. Towels, linens, WiFi, parking and the pool are all part of it. Meals, transport and extra cleaning during the week are available at an extra cost, if you want them.
How do I book, and what is the deposit?
A €500 rental deposit and a €500 security deposit hold your week. The security deposit comes back to you, minus any damage, a week after you leave. The rest is due 120 days before you arrive. You can pay by bank transfer, or by credit card for a small fee.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel more than 120 days before you arrive and you get your deposit back, with no penalty. Inside 120 days, the advance payment isn't refunded. I strongly suggest travel insurance.
Can we book less than a week?
Rentals run Saturday to Saturday. A shorter stay blocks a whole week, so I usually don't do them. If you ask 3 to 4 months ahead, or come in the off season, I may be able to make it work.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is 4 PM and check-out is 10 AM. If you get in early, you're welcome to drop off your bags.
What if we arrive late?
No problem at all. I live on the property, so I'm always here. Once you check in, you get your own set of keys and the villa is yours to come and go as you like.
Can we have a party or event at the villa?
Yes, just get my okay in writing ahead of time, especially if it's going to be a big one. Villa Cappelli is a vacation rental, not a party venue, so the event space isn't automatically part of the rental. Tell me ahead of time what you have in mind, and we'll work it out together.
Can we get married at Villa Cappelli?
Yes! We've hosted many destination weddings, and local weddings too. Most couples rent the villa for the week, enjoy the villa and arrange last minute details the first few days, have the wedding mid to late week, and celebrate with family and friends the whole time. Guests stay at the villa, and extra guests stay at B&Bs and hotels nearby.
I can't rent the villa for just a day or two for a wedding, because that blocks a whole week. Using the space for the wedding has a small extra fee to cover wear and tear and utilities. Outside caterers are welcome with my okay first.
Food
Can you cook for us?
Yes. I cook dinner at the villa on request. Antipasti, a first course, a main with sides, and dessert, with wine and after-dinner drinks included. It's €45 per person, half price for children under 13. Lunch is the same price with advance notice. Just let me know the dates ahead of time so I can arrange extra help.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is extra. I can set out breakfast for €9 per person, with something savory like a frittata, cold cuts, homemade yogurt, jams, toast, fresh fruit, cereal, coffee and tea. Or you can make your own, and I'll do one grocery run for you for the cost of the groceries plus a €50 fee.
What do people eat for breakfast in Puglia?
Breakfast in Puglia is usually Italian style, an espresso or cappuccino with a cornetto or something sweet, often standing at a bar on the way to work. Savory breakfasts are catching on, but mostly at home. At Villa Cappelli I set out a fuller breakfast so everyone has options, from American coffee to espresso, tea and milk, toast and jams, a frittata for the savory people, homemade yogurt, fruit and cereal.
Can you cook for allergies, vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. Send me the list before you arrive and I'll plan around it.
Is there a kitchen we can use?
Yes, there's a fully equipped kitchen for guests. This includes two refrigerators, two stoves/ovens, a dishwasher, pots and pans, cups, glasses, dishes, silverware. Just about anything you need to make a feast.
Do you offer cooking classes?
Not as part of the rental, but I'm happy to do one if your group asks. It’s a big part of our Culinary and Culture Tour.
Getting here and around
What airport do I fly into for Puglia?
Bari airport (BRI) is the easiest, and it's about 25 minutes from Villa Cappelli by car. I can arrange an airport pickup sized to your group through a local transport company.
How do I get to Puglia from Rome?
It's easy. You can fly, take the train or drive.
By plane. A flight from Rome to Bari takes about an hour, with several flights a day.
By train. The fastest high-speed trains from Rome to Bari take about 4 hours 15 minutes. Look for a direct Frecciarossa or Frecciargento, because slower trains can take much longer.
By car. Rome to Bari is about a 4.5 to 5 hour drive on the motorway, with tolls. It's a beautiful drive and not too difficult, just a lot of driving.
However you arrive, I recommend renting a car in Bari. In my experience, a car is the best way to experience Puglia.
Do we need a car?
Yes, if you want to get around on your own. The villa is in the countryside, about 5 km from Terlizzi, a 5 to 10 minute drive. For day trips, I can also help arrange a van or bus with a driver.
Is Villa Cappelli a good base for exploring Puglia?
Yes. Bari is about 25 minutes away, Matera about 45 to 50 minutes, and Alberobello about an hour to an hour and a half. Polignano a Mare, Trani and Castel del Monte make easy day trips too.
How far is the beach?
The closest beaches, including Polignano a Mare, are mostly rocky. The best sandy beaches and beach clubs start around Monopoli, about an hour's drive.
Can you help plan day trips?
Yes. Planning day trips, booking restaurants and arranging transport is part of what I do for every villa group. Check out my attractions tab for some ideas.
When to come
When is the best time to visit Puglia?
September and October are amazing, it really is a beautiful time of year. April, May, and June are lovely too. July and August can be hot, but it’s at the height of the action with a lot of festivals and activities. And Puglia is welcoming even in winter, it's not super cold. The pool is open May through October.
How many days is enough for Puglia?
A week lets you see a lot, which is why our rentals run a full week. And of course, the longer you stay, the more of Puglia you get to see and love.