Escape to the sun-drenched landscapes of Puglia! Spend two weeks in Altamura, where you’ll participate in the olive harvest, feast on incredible local food, relax in cozy accommodations, and explore the fascinating cultural heritage of the region. Join us!
Opportunity of volunteer vacations – requirements & tasks
Are you passionate about sustainable food and cultural preservation? Join our 2-week olive harvest program in Altamura, Puglia! Contribute to the legacy of our family farm, where we cultivate olives using organic methods on trees that have thrived for generations.
You’ll also learn the secrets of producing high-quality olive oil, explore the fascinating world of sustainable agriculture, and delve into the rich artistic heritage of the region. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact while experiencing the true essence of rural Italy.
From November 4-19, 2024, we need six volunteers (ideally 3 females and 3 males to balance the group’s work and dynamic) to join us for two weeks of hands-on experience. You’ll learn traditional harvesting techniques, including placing nets, using hand and electric rakes, filling crates, and transporting olives to the local press. The harvest typically lasts 9-10 days, leaving time to explore the region. Drivers are especially welcome!
Our work schedule is weather-dependent. We’ll harvest daily when the weather is good and explore the region on rainy days. Once the harvest is complete, we’ll focus on cultural activities and relaxation. Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate shorter or longer stays to ensure a fair experience for all participants.
You’ll work for about 30 hours per week.
Additional info about the location
Journey to the heart of Puglia, in the “heel” of Italy! Our farm is nestled amidst the rolling hills of Altamura, a charming town renowned for its traditional bread.
We’re surrounded by history and archaeology, just 20 minutes from the captivating “Sassi of Matera” (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and 15 minutes from the picturesque town of Gravina in Puglia.
Opportunity of volunteer vacations – what we offer
Feel at home in our family house in Altamura! You’ll stay in shared bedrooms (one for women, one for men) and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared with love by my sister-in-law and mother. When we’re not harvesting, we’ll explore nearby towns, savor meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and immerse ourselves in local culture with festivals, music events, and even wine and olive oil tastings!
In addition, you may participate in free educational sessions on olive oil production and the region’s gastronomic heritage.
We also offer to our helpers free guided tours:
- The historic district of Altamura and its museum
- The “L’Uomo di Altamura” Neanderthal site
- The picturesque town of Gravina and the archaeological site of Botromagno
- The “Sassi of Matera” UNESCO World Heritage site.
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