If I could award Antonella and Giancarlo 100 stars, it still wouldn't be enough!
From the second we arrived, we were made to feel like part of their family. We were hugely delayed at Bari airport so didn't arrive in Noci until 1am, and felt terrible for keeping our hosts up, but I shouldn't have worried because we were greeted with huge smiles, hugs and Italian kisses from the lovely Giancarlo, and presented with a delicious late night snack of local cheese and biscuits. And that really set the tone for our whole stay - Antonella and Giancarlo going totally above and beyond to make us feel completely at home.
One day we mentioned that we liked the look of their wood fired oven, and the next thing we know, they've invited their friends and family over, picked up fresh pizza dough from their baker friend, and we're invited to a night of making and eating the most ridiculously delicious pizza and drinking yummy local wine. The night finished with Giancarlo driving us down the road to pick cherries from his friend's orchard. A truly unforgettable Italian experience, and they wouldn't let us pay a penny for it.
Antonella also provided us with a first class breakfast every morning. Fresh fruit, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, coffee, plus the most delicious cake you've ever tasted - she baked a different cake for just the two us every morning! She was also full of brilliant advice on local, and non-touristy, places to visit.
Needless to say we will definitely be back and cannot wait to see this beautiful family again.