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SAVORING SALENTO
9 Days / 8 Nights
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bari. Welcoming drink. Time at leisure. Typical Pugliese dinner at a centrally located restaurant and overnight in Bari.
Day 2 Locorotondo and Castellana Grotte
After breakfast in hotel departure for Castellana Grotte and underground tour of the caves. Free lunch. In the afternoon return to Locorotondo for a wine (bianco Locorotondo)/oil tasting. Continue to the hotel for the check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Matera and Altamura
After breakfast in hotel leave for Matera and tour of the ancient “Sassi”. Free lunch and then transfer to Altamura to visit its cathedral. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Alberobello to admire its trulli. Then transfer to Martina Franca, where you will visit its Baroque city centre. Next you will move to Ostuni. Visit the historical centre, including its Gothic cathedral. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Otranto
After breakfast leave for Otranto. Free lunch and then have a half day guided tour of this very ancient city, including the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. In late afternoon accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Lecce
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Lecce. Half day guided visit of this Baroque city. Free lunch and free afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Gallipoli, Nardò and Galatina
After breakfast board the coach and drive to Gallipoli. After the town sightseeing, move to Nardò, a Baroque town in the heart of the Salento. On the way back to Otranto stop in Galatina to visit its Romanesque church. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Otranto – Manduria – Bari
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Manduria, the land of Primitivo di Manduria DOC. You will stop in a winery and taste an excellent Primitivo. Free lunch. Continue on to Bari for the check in hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 9 Departure
Breakfast in hotel and then transfer by private coach to Bari Airport for your return flight.
TUSCANY WINE TOUR
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Arrival at Florence Airport. Transfer by private coach to the hotel, check in and free time to freshen up. Rest of the day at leisure. Welcome dinner and overnight Florence.
Day 2 Florence
After breakfast at hotel, meet your local guide and start a half day guided tour of Florence. Independent lunch and afternoon at leisure. You could go see the Accademia or the Uffizi, or just take a relaxing stroll around this beautiful city. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3 Impruneta and Monteriggioni
Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Impruneta to visit this historical town. Then you will have lunch in a typical “agriturismo” (farm house) in the Chianti area. In the afternoon wine tasting in this wine area and visit to the medieval town of Monteriggioni. Then transfer to your accommodation (villa, relais, or farmhouse) in the Chianti area. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Local market, Volterra and San Gimignano
Breakfast in hotel. This morning you will go to a market for some food shopping. Then transfer to Volterra and visit this Etruscan town. Have lunch in a typical trattoria inside the walls. In the afternoon you will stop in San Gimignano for an independent visit. Before returning to your farmhouse, you will stop in a local “tenuta” near San Gimignano for a wine tasting session of the wines produced here. Free dinner and overnight stay in the Chianti area.
Day 5 Cooking Class in the Chianti Area and Cortona
After breakfast in hotel, you will transfer to a villa in the heart of Chianti, where you will enjoy a cooking class. You will prepare a seasonal menu using fresh vegetables and herbs and extra virgin olive oil. Finally you will dine on the delicious dishes you prepared! After lunch, depart to Cortona and tour of this medieval town. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Montepulciano – Pienza – Montalcino
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Montepulciano, where you will have some free time to visit this interesting Renaissance city. You will stop then in a local wine cellar to taste the Vino Nobile and other local products. The tour will continue to Pienza, a small town in the area of Val d’Orcia. Pienza owes its fame also to the excellent pecorino, of which you will have a taste in one of the farmhouses located in the area. Free time for lunch in the Val d’Orcia and then in the afternoon you will move to Montalcino, famous for its wine Brunello. After a wine tasting you can have free time to visit the Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra and have a walk through the Fortress. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Siena
Breakfast in hotel and then leave for Siena. Here you will meet your local guide and start a half day tour of this medieval city. Independent lunch and then return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Departure
Breakfast in hotel and then transfer by private coach to Florence Airport for your return flight.
EMILIA-ROMAGNA
Land of Excellences
7 Days / 6 Nights
Land of Excellences
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 Bologna
Welcome to Bologna, Italy! Transfer to your hotel in Bologna and meet your local guide for a full day guided tour of the city. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Bologna, welcome dinner at a local traditional restaurant and overnight.
Day 2 Gourmet Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Venture out on a morning excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will enjoy a glass of good, dry Lambrusco and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to see the manufacturing of prosciutto. You will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. The next stop will be an authentic Italian lunch in a countryside original trattoria or in a certified organic winery, where you will experience the famous Italian light lunch, multi-course gourmet lunch with local specialties paired with local wines. Return to the hotel, free evening and overnight.
Day 3 Motor Valley and Aceto Balsamico Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning board the bus and transfer to the world-famous Motorvalley! Your first stop will be Maranello to visit the Ferrari Gallery and Museum. Then the tour moves to an “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now you will continue to Sant’Agata Bolognese for a visit to the Lamborghini factory. At the end of the visits, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local osteria. Return to the hotel, free evening and overnight.
Day 4 Fico Eataly World and Cooking Class
Breakfast in hotel. This morning explore Fico Eataly World Fabbrica Italiana Contadina, an exhibition of the whole Italian agricultural and culinary tradition. In the afternoon live a cooking experience at a farmhouse in the Bologna countryside. After the lesson, sit down to enjoy your meal of fresh pasta and sauce accompanied by wine. Return to your hotel dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Comacchio and Ravenna
Breakfast in hotel. This morning leave your hotel in Bologna and board the coach. Your first stop will be Comacchio in the Po Delta Park. Enjoy a cruise along the branches of the delta and sight many species of water birds that take refuge here. A seafood meal will be served. In the afternoon visit Ravenna and its mosaics. Later continue on to Rimini and check in your hotel. Dinner and overnight Rimini.
Day 6 San Marino and Rimini
This morning sample the sights of UNESCO-listed San Marino. Have a walking tour of Piazza della Libertà, the main square, and head up to the medieval First Tower. Then you will have the chance to spend some time in the fashion stores and boutiques this ancient Republic is also famous for. In the afternoon, discover Rimini following the steps of the famous film director Federico Fellini. Farewell dinner tonight at an authentic style restaurant and overnight Rimini.
Day 7 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
ABRUZZO
Surprising art, religion and nature
4 Days / 3 Nights
Surprising art, religion and nature
4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Venice and Treviso
Upon arrival at Venice Airport in the afternoon, board your coach and transfer to Treviso for a guided tour of the city centre. Then enjoy your first Italian dinner in a rural osteria tasting a radicchio risotto with a glass of Prosecco. Transfer to your hotel in the Venice area and overnight.
Day 2 Venice
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Venice for a full day guided tour of the city built on water. Board the vaporetto to sail along the Grand Canal. Then enjoy a guided walking tour in the heart of Venice with a local guide. Free lunch and time at leisure to make the most of your day in Venice, during which you’ll have the chance to take a gondola cruise. While on board enjoy an authentic Italian aperitivo drinking a Spritz. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Padua and Colli Euganei
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Padua for a half day guided tour of this medieval city. Free lunch. Then board your coach and make your way to the wine-producing area of Colli Euganei. Make a stop to have a wine tasting at a local agriturismo. Transfer to your hotel in the Lake Garda region for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Lake Garda and Valpolicella
After breakfast in hotel, board your coach to visit the resort town of Sirmione on Lake Garda. Free lunch. Then continue travelling to the wine-producing area of Valpolicella. Once arrived, have dinner at an original trattoria with local specialties paired with some good red wine. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5 Bergamo and Franciacorta
After breakfast in hotel, depart for a half day tour of the medieval town of Bergamo. Free lunch. Then make your way to the famous wine region of Franciacorta. Learn about the whole wine production process by visiting a cellar and tasting some of their great wines. Finally continue on to the Cinque Terre region. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Cinque Terre
After breakfast in hotel, start your full day private guided tour of Cinque Terre, five little villages inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. You will take a walk along the dry stone walls that delimit centuries-old vineyards. Free lunch. Enjoy a refreshing aperitivo on a terrace overlooking the sea in Vernazza, with a glass of Cinque Terre wine and Genovese focaccia bread. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Cinque Terre – Milan and departure
After breakfast in hotel, leave for Milan and have a guided tour of the city centre. Then transfer to Milan airport for your return flight.
FOOD, WINE & CULTURE TOUR OF SOUTHERN ITALY
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Naples
Upon your arrival today, we will provide transfers from Naples airport to our hotel in Sorrento. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner before we embark upon our journey through southern and eastern Italy.
Day 2 Pompeii and Pizza Class
After breakfast we will meet our driver and transfer to the archaeological site of Pompeii. Later we will return to Sorrento for a fun pizza making class in a farmhouse. We will learn how to prepare the “real Italian pizza” and then taste it together with a glass of great local wine.
Day 3 The Isle of Capri and Ice cream Demonstration
This morning transfer down to Sorrento Pier and board the fast ferry to Capri Island. Upon arrival, we will meet our local guide, who will be with us the entire day, then board a ferry to Capri Island. We will hop onto the funicular to the hilltop town of Capri, where we will take a walking tour of the public gardens. Lunch on your own. After lunch, weather permitting, we will board a private motorboat to the entrance of the Blue Grotto, otherwise we will drive up to Anacapri and visit Villa San Michele. This afternoon learn how to prepare Capri’s famous limoncello liqueur. Later in the afternoon we will board our ferry to Sorrento, then transfer back to our hotel. After an independent dinner, don’t miss tonight a gelato demonstration in a gelato shop in Sorrento, followed of course by a tasting of this delicious ice cream!
Day 4 The Amalfi Coast
This morning depart for a guided tour of the Amalfi Coast. Visit and lunch in Amalfi. This afternoon enjoy a pastry experience in Amalfi! The tour will lead you in an ancient pastry of Amalfi where you will see the pastry chef showing you the tricks to making the island’s sweet specialties: the Caprese Cake and the Sfogliatella. Return to Sorrento and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 5 Matera
Today depart for Matera. Enjoy a tour of Matera’s ancient Sassi, including several rock-hewn churches. Then start a local food and wine tour. First stop for a laboratory and tasting of IGP Matera’s bread at a bakery. It continues with a cheese tasting in a cheese factory, ending with a visit to an oil mill and a tasting lunch with the best local products washed down by the finest local wines, in particular the Matera’s Primitivo DOC. Typical dinner at a local restaurant in the centre.
Day 6 Ostuni and Orecchiette Making
Today’s drive takes us to the fortified hilltop town of Ostuni. In the afternoon you will go to a masseria where you will enjoy a hands-on pasta making class to learn to prepare the typical “orecchiette” pasta. At the end of the class you will sit down and taste the dishes you have prepared, together with a glass of local wine. Continue on to Alberobello for overnight.
Day 7 Alberobello
Today we will visit villages such as Alberobello that feature buildings designed in the iconic trulli style. We will enjoy lunch together in a typical farm house of the region, where we will taste some of the typical local products, like extra virgin olive oil, pickles, cheeses, meats, honey, wines… Tonight we have a special farewell dinner featuring regional cuisine in an authentic setting.
Day 8 Departure
Say “Arrivederci” to Italy as we provide a transfer to Bari Airport and you board your plane back home.
ITALIAN ADRIATIC COAST
A journey as long as a sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
A journey as long as a sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bologna
Upon your arrival at Bologna Airport, transfer to your hotel centrally located in Bologna. Welcome drink at the hotel or a nearby bar and overnight Bologna.
Day 2 Bologna and Pasta making
Breakfast in hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Meet your guide and see Bologna’s main historical sites and vibrant markets during a 2-hour walking tour. In the afternoon enjoy a lesson to discover the secret of making fresh and delicious pasta. Enjoy making tortellini, fresh dough and tagliatelle with the expert “Sfogline”, Bolognese women specialized in the fresh pasta making. After the class, to complete the experience, you will taste what you’ve created for dinner. Overnight Bologna.
Day 3 Parma and Modena Gourmet Tour
After breakfast depart for the “Food Valley” of Modena and Parma. Upon arrival enjoy an excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will taste a glass of good, dry Lambrusco, and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to an “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now continue on to see the manufacturing of prosciutto. Here you will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. Return to the hotel for a free evening and overnight.
Day 4 San Marino and Urbino
Breakfast in hotel. This morning depart Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region for the Marche, stopping in San Marino for a visit. Then continue to Urbino, one of the cultural capitals of the Renaissance. After a guided tour of this important university town, check in your accommodation in the Urbino area, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 : Frasassi Caves – Conero Riviera – Ascoli Piceno
After breakfast in hotel get ready to discover the Frasassi Caves. Then transfer to the coast south of Ancona and enjoy some time on the Conero Riviera. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant tasting traditional dishes. In the afternoon continue to Ascoli Piceno and check in your hotel. Free evening and overnight Ascoli Piceno.
Day 6 Ascoli Piceno and Offida
After breakfast meet your local guide and visit the town of Ascoli Piceno. At the end of the tour take the chance to taste the typical Ascoli olives: delicious fried olives stuffed with meat. In the afternoon transfer to Offida where you will have a winery visit and after you will start a complete wine tasting combined with regional typical products, such as fried olives, moscioli, ham, cheese and bread. Return to the hotel in Ascoli Piceno for a free evening and overnight.
Day 7 Castel del Monte and Andria
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will depart the Marche region for Apulia. Your first stop will be Castel del Monte to visit its important medieval castle. After the castle sightseeing you will reach Andria, where you will taste the characteristic “burrata” cheese. Check in your accommodation in the Alberobello area, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Altamura and Matera
After breakfast transfer to Altamura. After a walking tour of the town you will stop in a bakery to taste the famous bread of Altamura. At last you will taste the “focaccia” stuffed with cherry tomatoes and olives, the wine-favored “taralli”, the typical “friselle” and a local type of pasta called “mostaccioli”. Afterwards we will head to Matera, the so-called town of “Sassi” (stones). After the town sightseeing, return to your accommodation in the Alberobello area for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 Alberobello, Ostuni and Cisternino
Breakfast. This morning go visit Alberobello, protected as international heritage by Unesco for its trulli houses. Then, continue on to Ostuni and have a tour of this medieval town. Your journey continues to Cisternino, where you will have dinner in a typical “vuccerìa”, little butcheries offering genuine meat according to the local tradition to be char-grilled. Return to your accommodation in the Alberobello area for overnight.
Day 10 Departure
After breakfast in hotel transfer to Bari Airport for your return flight.
ROME & ABRUZZO
The Eternal City and the land between mountains and sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
The Eternal City and the land between mountains and sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Rome
Upon arrival at Rome airport, be met by our local tour manager, board the coach and transfer to your hotel located in the city centre. Check in your rooms and have some time to relax before a welcome drink with your tour manager for an orientation briefing. Then, transfer to a restaurant for a welcome dinner. Overnight Rome.
Day 2 Rome
In the morning, you’ll be visiting the Vatican with Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the most famous squares, fountains and palaces of the baroque art (Spanish Steps,Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, etc.). At the end of the tour, return to the hotel by private coach and enjoy a free evening and dinner. Overnight Rome.
Day 3 Rome
Breakfast in hotel. This morning get ready for a guided tour of the Ancient Rome: Colosseum (skip-the-line tickets included), Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, etc. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Overnight Rome.
Day 4 Rome to Abruzzo – Civitella del Tronto
After breakfast board the coach and transfer to Abruzzo. Crossing the Apennines, you will stop at the tiny village of Castelli famous for maiolica ware ceramics, where you will visit some artisans using traditional techniques. After an independent lunch you will arrive at the village of Civitella del Tronto – which will be your base for the next 2 nights. A private visit of the fortress has been arranged. There is time to stroll through the village before a welcome to Abruzzo dinner.
Day 5 Civitella del Tronto with Truffle Hunting and Olive Oil
This morning you will discover more of Civitella del Tronto’s history. Then enjoy a private truffle hunt with local hunters. A truffle degustation lunch will follow. In the afternoon you will meet a local olive oil producer to learn all about the extra virgin and olive oils and taste his prized extra virgin olive oil. Return to your accommodation and enjoy a free evening.
Day 6 Adriatic Coast – San Vito – Majella National Park
Head to the Adriatic coast and stop for a coffee or a gelato at the seaside town of San Vito Chietino. Visit a Benedictine Abbey and admire the view over the Adriatic coast and the Gulf of Venus. After a seafood lunch in a panoramic local restaurant, you will head towards the Majella National Park where you will take a stroll along a mountain path with a spectacular view of the Adriatic coastline. Enjoy a welcome drink at your nearby boutique accommodation.
Day 7 Palombaro – Fara San Martino – Benedictine Monastery
Today go on an excursion to some important sites in the eastern Apennines. Firstly visit the village of Palombaro. Then enjoy a short walk to Fara San Martino in the Majella National Park and visit a 9th century Benedictine monastery. During the excursion you will have lunch in a local trattoria with traditional dishes. Drive back to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Sulmona
This morning transfer to Sulmona and visit the city center. Then there’s time to sample the specialties of Sulmona as we visit Confetti producers. Dinner at a local restaurant tonight and overnight Sulmona.
Day 9 Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Today visit the medieval castle of Rocca Calascio, in the Gran Sasso National Park. Weather permitting, enjoy a picnic lunch with some local specialties paired with local wines, otherwise lunch will be served in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit in the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Here you will also enjoy a farewell medieval dinner. Return to the hotel in Sulmona and overnight.
Day 10 Sulmona – Rome and departure
This morning transfer to Rome airport for your return flight.
EMILIA-ROMAGNA & 5 TERRE
A unique taste tour among artistic and natural beauty
7 Days / 6 Nights
A unique taste tour among artistic and natural beauty
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bologna
Upon your arrival at Bologna Airport, transfer the city centre, meet your local guide and enjoy a half day guided tour of Bologna. Then transfer to your hotel in the Bologna countryside, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 Gourmet Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Venture out on a morning excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will enjoy a glass of good, dry Lambrusco and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to the “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now you will continue to see the manufacturing of Prosciutto. You will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. The next stop will be an authentic Italian lunch in a countryside original trattoria or in a certified organic winery, where you will experience the famous Italian light lunch, multi-course gourmet lunch with local specialties paired with local wines. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Motor Valley Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning board the bus and transfer to the world-famous Motorvalley! Your first stop will be Maranello to visit the Ferrari Gallery and Museum. Then, transfer to Sant’Agata Bolognese for a visit to the Lamborghini Factory. At the end of the visits, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local osteria. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Cinque Terre
Breakfast in hotel. An early morning departure today to La Spezia for a full day excursion to the Cinque Terre. Take the train from La Spezia to Riomaggiore and walk along the panoramic footpath. After some free time, meet you tour guide and take the train to Monterosso, where your guide will make you explore the old town. Typical lunch at a local restaurant. In the early afternoon take the train to Vernazza and explore this old village. After some free time and maybe a gelato, take the train to Manarola and enjoy a stroll along its narrow streets. Return to La Spezia by train and then to hotel by bus. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Truffle Hunting
Breakfast. In the early morning transfer to Sant’Agata Feltria to go truffle hunting in the woods. Then transfer to the small village and visit a truffle boutique with a truffle tasting. Lunch at traditional osteria with tasty truffle menu. In the late afternoon return to your hotel and have some free time to relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
BEST OF TUSCANY & UMBRIA
Lyrical views and superb cuisine
8 Days / 7 Nights
Lyrical views and superb cuisine
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Upon your arrival at Florence Airport you will be met by your private coach and transferred to the city centre for a guided tour. Next, walk to the Accademia Gallery and make a beeline for Michelangelo’s David. Welcome dinner and overnight Florence.
Day 2 Carrara, Pisa and Lucca
Breakfast in hotel. Depart by private coach for a full day excursion to Carrara, Pisa and Lucca. Visit Carrara marble quarries by 4×4 jeep. After that you will enjoy a tasting of “lardo di Colonnata”. Afterwards you will be driven to Pisa, where you will enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour, including the Leaning Tower (exterior). Later get ready to travel to Lucca. Upon arrival, you will have free time to walk along the walls before entering into the city centre. After the sighseeing tour, return to Florence for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni fortress
Breakfast in hotel. Check out your hotel and depart for a full day excursion to Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. Start your day in Siena, where you’ll do a guided tour of this medieval city. Then, enjoy some free time to walk around the old town centre and to stop for the independent lunch. Next, transfer to San Gimignano. Upon arrival, you will have free time to see the town at your own pleasure. Before heading to your accommodation, visit the Monteriggioni medieval fortress. Check in to your accommodation in the Chianti area. Dinner and overnight Tuscany.
Day 4 Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano
Breakfast in hotel. The tour begins with a drive through the hills covered with vineyards leading you to the hill town of Montalcino. Visit a wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of Brunello red wine. Then go up to the top of the town and enjoy the view over the Tuscan countryside. The next stop is the Val d’Orcia. Stop at San Quirico d’Orcia and you use your free time to visit the Romanesque Collegiate. Continue on to hilltop town of Pienza. Once arrived enjoy a tasting of the famous pecorino di Pienza. Later you’ll have free time to visit this Renaissance town. The last stop is the hill town of Montepulciano. Here you will take part in your second wine tasting session of Vino Nobile whilst visiting the cellar. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Chianti Area – Lake Trasimeno – Assisi – Trevi Area
This morning leave Tuscany and head to Umbria. Once arrived in Tuoro, board your private boat on Lake Trasimeno, that will bring you to Isola Maggiore. You’ll enjoy a nature hike around the island, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon continue on to Assisi, where you’ll visit the 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis. Then you will travel overland to the countryside around the medieval town of Trevi and check into our hotel. Dinner and overnight Trevi.
Day 6 Spoleto and rafting on the Nera river
Today travel to the walled hill town of Spoleto and enjoy a guided walking tour. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll head to the medieval hill town of Scheggino. From here, you’ll have the opportunity to set off on a gentle rafting adventure along the Nera River. Upon returning to Trevi, have dinner at the hotel and overnight.
Day 7 Truffle Hunting Experience
This morning, we’ll depart for the heart of the Apennines to experience a day in the Life of an Umbrian mountain village. You’ll set off aboard 4-wheel-drive vehicles and meet up with some local truffle hunters and their dogs. We’ll all then go truffle hunting into the woods. We return to the village for an authentic Italian lunch with some of the local villagers. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Trevi.
Day 8 Departure
After breakfast in hotel, board the coach and transfer to Rome or Florence International Airport for your return flight.
SPAIN & PORTUGAL
A crossroads of cultures and styles
9 Days / 8 Nights
A crossroads of cultures and styles
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Turin
Upon arrival at Turin Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Turin.
Day 2 Turin
After breakfast at the hotel, start your full day Turin private guided tour. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Turin.
Day 3 Turin – Asti – Monferrato
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart with your private driver to Monferrato area. On the way you will stop in Asti, where together with your local guide you will do a walking tour of its medieval city centre. Then continue to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Asti Monferrato.
Day 4 Monferrato
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the excursion to Casale Monferrato area, a land of rolling hills covered with vineyards and dotted with castles. Your route today will take you through small villages crowned with ancient castles. Reach the 13th century Castello di Uviglie. Here tour the castle grounds and the Wine estate for a lunch and wine tasting. In the afternoon meet your local guide for a private guided tour of Casale Monferrato historic center. In the late afternoon return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Langhe e Truffle Fair
After breakfast, transfer to Alba. Enjoy lunch based on truffle in a characteristic local restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit the world-renowned International Truffle Fair. In the late afternoon transfer to your hotel in the Langhe area for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Langhe and White Truffle Hunt
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you first visit Cherasco historic centre. After a 2-hour visit continue on to Serralunga to visit the Castle of Serralunga d’Alba. Lunch in a characteristic local restaurant. In the afternoon you will learn all about one of this region’s most famous specialties, the truffle. Then you will go truffle hunting into the woods with the trifolau (truffle hunter) and his dog. Next you will visit a local farm and taste some of their products, which include cheeses and salamis, paired with good local wine. In the late afternoon transfer to your hotel in the Langhe area for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Langhe
Breakfast at the hotel. Your day in the Langhe starts with a visit to the Castle of Grinzane Cavour. Then continue to Barolo village and visit to its Castle and Barolo Wine Museum. Lunch in a local characteristic restaurant. In the afternoon visit the Marchesi di Barolo wine cellar with wine tasting. End your tour of the Langhe by visiting the village of La Morra. Return to your hotel and rest of the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer from Langhe to Turin Airport for your return flight.
LAKE GARDA, VENICE & VERONA
with a wine experience in the Franciacorta region
6 Days / 5 Nights
with a wine experience in the Franciacorta region
6 Days / 5 Nights
Day 1 Verona and transfer to Lake Garda
On arrival a coach will take you to Verona’s city centre for a guided tour, including the ancient Roman arena and Juliet’s House. Continue on to Lake Garda and check in the hotel. Dinner and overnight Lake Garda.
Day 2 Lake Garda
Today you will have a tour of the lake. Stopover at Salò and continue on to Sirmione at the lake’s southern tip. Today you will also see lush groves of olives, citrus trees and of course vines used for making the Bardolino wines. Indipendent lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 The Dolomites
Today head north to the Dolomite Mountains. You have plenty of stops today as well as the opportunity to ascend on a cable car (subject to seasonal operation) to enjoy panoramic views of the whole area. Indipendent lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Franciacorta
Today transfer to the famous wine producing area of Franciacorta, where you will visit a wine cellar to learn all about the Franciacorta together with the tasting of the best wines combined with local cheeses and salami. Transfer into a classy restaurant with tasting menu and pair wines. In the afternoon return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Venice
After an early breakfast you will take the drive to Venice. Once arrived, take a walking tour to see all the highlights of “La Serenissima” (Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and Square, the Campanile, etc.). Then, for art lovers there is Accademia, housing the finest Renaissance work, or the Guggenheim with exhibits by the main modern and contemporary artists. For lunch, away from St. Mark’s Square, small restaurants offer three course meals at reasonable prices. Later, what better than taking a trip on a gondola? A short ride on one of them is a lovely and peaceful way to explore the backwaters of the city. In the late afternoon, board your coach and return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast in hotel transfer to the airport for your return flight.
THE VENETO HOLIDAY
with a Spa stay in Abano Terme and Prosecco tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
with a Spa stay in Abano Terme and Prosecco tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Venice and transfer to Abano Terme
Upon your arrival at Venice Airport, transfer to Abano Terme and check in the hotel. Dinner and overnight Abano Terme.
Day 2 Padova and the Euganean Hills
After breakfast in hotel, depart for Padua and visit its historic centre, including Giotto’s Cappella degli Scrovegni and the Basilica di Sant’Antonio. After a free lunch in Padova, a short drive will take you through the Euganean Hills. You will visit the Benedictine Abbey of Praglia and Arquà Petrarca. Then, you will stop in a local “cantina” on the Euganean Hills for a wine tasting session. Return to Abano Terme for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Venice
After an early breakfast we take the drive to Venice for a full day guided tour of “La Serenissima” (Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and Square, the Campanile, etc.). For lunch, away from St. Mark’s Square, small restaurants offer three course meals at reasonable prices. In the late afternoon, board your coach and return to the hotel in Abano Terme for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 River Cruise along the Brenta Riviera
After breakfast in hotel, depart for Fusina, where you will board a boat that will take you along Brenta river, following the path of the 18th-century burchiello veneziano, among the historical villas that line the Brenta Canal. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Abano Terme in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 The Prosecco Wine Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning board the coach and transfer to the Prosecco region. Travel along country roads through the vineyards to the 10 century-old church of San Pietro di Feletto. Late in the morning visit the cellars of our best selected winery enjoying a glass of the vineyard’s Prosecco. Then lunch at a local restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional menu from the Veneto region. The afternoon begins with a short visit to the 13th-century Follina Abbey and it continues towards Valdobbiadene, where you will visit the second winery with an expert who will explain you the method of Prosecco making. Return to Abano Terme for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Veneto Medieval Hill Towns Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning visit the medieval town of Marostica, with its fortified castle and giant chess-board permanently laid-out in the town square. Then enjoy some free time to walk around this small town. Continue on to Bassano del Grappa to see its Palladian bridge and enjoy a walk through te historic centre. Here you’ll also have the chance to sample some of the local firewater, “grappa”, and to do some shopping of local delicacies, such as porcini mushrooms during your free time. Lunch at a traditional restaurant. The last hill town you will visit is Asolo, the pearl of the Veneto, where you will see the castle and the fortress, as well as beautiful countryside sceneries. Return to Abano Terme for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Departure
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
ABRUZZO BETWEEN NATURE AND GASTRONOMY
4 Days / 3 Nights
4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1 Fossacesia, trabocchi and olive oil
Arrival on the Abruzzo coast and have lunch. In the afternoon, excursion to Fossacesia. Continue driving along the coast with a stopover to admire the “Trabocchi Coast”, named after the traditional fishing machines, typical of this area. Then, visit of the nearby Benedictine Abbey. We will continue our trip to an ancient oil mill to taste extra virgin olive oil from the surrounding hills and other typical products. Return to the hotel. Fish dinner and overnight hotel.
Day 2 Vasto, Lanciano and wines of Abruzzo
Breakfast in hotel. Excursion to Vasto to visit its historic center. Stop at a winery for a tasting of typical wines of Abruzzo. Lunch at a local restaurant with seafood specialties. In the afternoon, transfer to Lanciano, the town of the “Eucharistic Miracle”, and guided tour of the historic center. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Villa Santa Maria, Castel di Sangro and Pescocostanzo
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Villa Santa Maria by coach and tour of this small town, also known as the “homeland of cooks”. Continuation by coach to visit a truffle warehouse, where the precious tubers are also transformed into delicious specialties, such as the truffle oil or the cream. Transfer to Castel di Sangro and lunch at a local restaurant where it will be possible to taste truffle-based dishes. In the afternoon, transfer to Pescocostanzo and tour of the small town center. Arrival at the hotel in the National Park of Abruzzo or in Roccaraso. Accommodation in the rooms. Dinner and overnight hotel.
Day 4 National Park of Abruzzo and departure
Breakfast in hotel. Today, enjoy a tour in the National Park of Abruzzo. Transfer to Villetta Barrea and make a walking tour in the Natural Reserve of Camosciara. Continue on to Civitella Alfedena and the surrounding wildlife area. Stop at a local store selling typical products and enjoy a pecorino tasting, a typical sheep’s cheese. There, it will be possible to see a live demonstration of the different production stages of pecorino, organized by local shepherds. Lunch at a local restaurant and departure for your country of origin.
Food & Wine Tours
EMILIA-ROMAGNA
Land of Excellences
7 Days / 6 Nights
Land of Excellences
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 Bologna
Welcome to Bologna, Italy! Transfer to your hotel in Bologna and meet your local guide for a full day guided tour of the city. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Bologna, welcome dinner at a local traditional restaurant and overnight.
Day 2 Gourmet Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Venture out on a morning excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will enjoy a glass of good, dry Lambrusco and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to see the manufacturing of prosciutto. You will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. The next stop will be an authentic Italian lunch in a countryside original trattoria or in a certified organic winery, where you will experience the famous Italian light lunch, multi-course gourmet lunch with local specialties paired with local wines. Return to the hotel, free evening and overnight.
Day 3 Motor Valley and Aceto Balsamico Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning board the bus and transfer to the world-famous Motorvalley! Your first stop will be Maranello to visit the Ferrari Gallery and Museum. Then the tour moves to an “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now you will continue to Sant’Agata Bolognese for a visit to the Lamborghini factory. At the end of the visits, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local osteria. Return to the hotel, free evening and overnight.
Day 4 Fico Eataly World and Cooking Class
Breakfast in hotel. This morning explore Fico Eataly World Fabbrica Italiana Contadina, an exhibition of the whole Italian agricultural and culinary tradition. In the afternoon live a cooking experience at a farmhouse in the Bologna countryside. After the lesson, sit down to enjoy your meal of fresh pasta and sauce accompanied by wine. Return to your hotel dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Comacchio and Ravenna
Breakfast in hotel. This morning leave your hotel in Bologna and board the coach. Your first stop will be Comacchio in the Po Delta Park. Enjoy a cruise along the branches of the delta and sight many species of water birds that take refuge here. A seafood meal will be served. In the afternoon visit Ravenna and its mosaics. Later continue on to Rimini and check in your hotel. Dinner and overnight Rimini.
Day 6 San Marino and Rimini
This morning sample the sights of UNESCO-listed San Marino. Have a walking tour of Piazza della Libertà, the main square, and head up to the medieval First Tower. Then you will have the chance to spend some time in the fashion stores and boutiques this ancient Republic is also famous for. In the afternoon, discover Rimini following the steps of the famous film director Federico Fellini. Farewell dinner tonight at an authentic style restaurant and overnight Rimini.
Day 7 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 7 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
TUSCANY WINE TOUR
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Arrival at Florence Airport. Transfer by private coach to the hotel, check in and free time to freshen up. Rest of the day at leisure. Welcome dinner and overnight Florence.
Day 2 Florence
After breakfast at hotel, meet your local guide and start a half day guided tour of Florence. Independent lunch and afternoon at leisure. You could go see the Accademia or the Uffizi, or just take a relaxing stroll around this beautiful city. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3 Impruneta and Monteriggioni
Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Impruneta to visit this historical town. Then you will have lunch in a typical “agriturismo” (farm house) in the Chianti area. In the afternoon wine tasting in this wine area and visit to the medieval town of Monteriggioni. Then transfer to your accommodation (villa, relais, or farmhouse) in the Chianti area. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Local market, Volterra and San Gimignano
Breakfast in hotel. This morning you will go to a market for some food shopping. Then transfer to Volterra and visit this Etruscan town. Have lunch in a typical trattoria inside the walls. In the afternoon you will stop in San Gimignano for an independent visit. Before returning to your farmhouse, you will stop in a local “tenuta” near San Gimignano for a wine tasting session of the wines produced here. Free dinner and overnight stay in the Chianti area.
Day 5 Cooking Class in the Chianti Area and Cortona
After breakfast in hotel, you will transfer to a villa in the heart of Chianti, where you will enjoy a cooking class. You will prepare a seasonal menu using fresh vegetables and herbs and extra virgin olive oil. Finally you will dine on the delicious dishes you prepared! After lunch, depart to Cortona and tour of this medieval town. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Montepulciano – Pienza – Montalcino
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Montepulciano, where you will have some free time to visit this interesting Renaissance city. You will stop then in a local wine cellar to taste the Vino Nobile and other local products. The tour will continue to Pienza, a small town in the area of Val d’Orcia. Pienza owes its fame also to the excellent pecorino, of which you will have a taste in one of the farmhouses located in the area. Free time for lunch in the Val d’Orcia and then in the afternoon you will move to Montalcino, famous for its wine Brunello. After a wine tasting you can have free time to visit the Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra and have a walk through the Fortress. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Siena
Breakfast in hotel and then leave for Siena. Here you will meet your local guide and start a half day tour of this medieval city. Independent lunch and then return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Departure
Breakfast in hotel and then transfer by private coach to Florence Airport for your return flight.
SAVORING SALENTO
9 Days / 8 Nights
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bari. Welcoming drink. Time at leisure. Typical Pugliese dinner at a centrally located restaurant and overnight in Bari.
Day 2 Locorotondo and Castellana Grotte
After breakfast in hotel departure for Castellana Grotte and underground tour of the caves. Free lunch. In the afternoon return to Locorotondo for a wine (bianco Locorotondo)/oil tasting. Continue to the hotel for the check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Matera and Altamura
After breakfast in hotel leave for Matera and tour of the ancient “Sassi”. Free lunch and then transfer to Altamura to visit its cathedral. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Alberobello to admire its trulli. Then transfer to Martina Franca, where you will visit its Baroque city centre. Next you will move to Ostuni. Visit the historical centre, including its Gothic cathedral. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Otranto
After breakfast leave for Otranto. Free lunch and then have a half day guided tour of this very ancient city, including the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. In late afternoon accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Lecce
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Lecce. Half day guided visit of this Baroque city. Free lunch and free afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Gallipoli, Nardò and Galatina
After breakfast board the coach and drive to Gallipoli. After the town sightseeing, move to Nardò, a Baroque town in the heart of the Salento. On the way back to Otranto stop in Galatina to visit its Romanesque church. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Otranto – Manduria – Bari
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Manduria, the land of Primitivo di Manduria DOC. You will stop in a winery and taste an excellent Primitivo. Free lunch. Continue on to Bari for the check in hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and overnight.
SAVORING SALENTO
9 Days / 8 Nights
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bari. Welcoming drink. Time at leisure. Typical Pugliese dinner at a centrally located restaurant and overnight in Bari.
Day 2 Locorotondo and Castellana Grotte
After breakfast in hotel departure for Castellana Grotte and underground tour of the caves. Free lunch. In the afternoon return to Locorotondo for a wine (bianco Locorotondo)/oil tasting. Continue to the hotel for the check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Matera and Altamura
After breakfast in hotel leave for Matera and tour of the ancient “Sassi”. Free lunch and then transfer to Altamura to visit its cathedral. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Alberobello to admire its trulli. Then transfer to Martina Franca, where you will visit its Baroque city centre. Next you will move to Ostuni. Visit the historical centre, including its Gothic cathedral. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Otranto
After breakfast leave for Otranto. Free lunch and then have a half day guided tour of this very ancient city, including the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. In late afternoon accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Lecce
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Lecce. Half day guided visit of this Baroque city. Free lunch and free afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Gallipoli, Nardò and Galatina
After breakfast board the coach and drive to Gallipoli. After the town sightseeing, move to Nardò, a Baroque town in the heart of the Salento. On the way back to Otranto stop in Galatina to visit its Romanesque church. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Otranto – Manduria – Bari
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Manduria, the land of Primitivo di Manduria DOC. You will stop in a winery and taste an excellent Primitivo. Free lunch. Continue on to Bari for the check in hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 9 Departure
Breakfast in hotel and then transfer by private coach to Bari Airport for your return flight.
Food & Wine Tours
SAVORING SALENTO
9 Days / 8 Nights
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bari. Welcoming drink. Time at leisure. Typical Pugliese dinner at a centrally located restaurant and overnight in Bari.
Day 2 Locorotondo and Castellana Grotte
After breakfast in hotel departure for Castellana Grotte and underground tour of the caves. Free lunch. In the afternoon return to Locorotondo for a wine (bianco Locorotondo)/oil tasting. Continue to the hotel for the check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Matera and Altamura
After breakfast in hotel leave for Matera and tour of the ancient “Sassi”. Free lunch and then transfer to Altamura to visit its cathedral. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Alberobello to admire its trulli. Then transfer to Martina Franca, where you will visit its Baroque city centre. Next you will move to Ostuni. Visit the historical centre, including its Gothic cathedral. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Otranto
After breakfast leave for Otranto. Free lunch and then have a half day guided tour of this very ancient city, including the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. In late afternoon accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Lecce
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Lecce. Half day guided visit of this Baroque city. Free lunch and free afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Gallipoli, Nardò and Galatina
After breakfast board the coach and drive to Gallipoli. After the town sightseeing, move to Nardò, a Baroque town in the heart of the Salento. On the way back to Otranto stop in Galatina to visit its Romanesque church. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Otranto – Manduria – Bari
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Manduria, the land of Primitivo di Manduria DOC. You will stop in a winery and taste an excellent Primitivo. Free lunch. Continue on to Bari for the check in hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Food & Wine Tours
EMILIA-ROMAGNA & 5 TERRE
A unique taste tour among artistic and natural beauty
7 Days / 6 Nights
A unique taste tour among artistic and natural beauty
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bologna
Upon your arrival at Bologna Airport, transfer the city centre, meet your local guide and enjoy a half day guided tour of Bologna. Then transfer to your hotel in the Bologna countryside, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 Gourmet Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Venture out on a morning excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will enjoy a glass of good, dry Lambrusco and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to the “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now you will continue to see the manufacturing of Prosciutto. You will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. The next stop will be an authentic Italian lunch in a countryside original trattoria or in a certified organic winery, where you will experience the famous Italian light lunch, multi-course gourmet lunch with local specialties paired with local wines. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Motor Valley Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning board the bus and transfer to the world-famous Motorvalley! Your first stop will be Maranello to visit the Ferrari Gallery and Museum. Then, transfer to Sant’Agata Bolognese for a visit to the Lamborghini Factory. At the end of the visits, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local osteria. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Cinque Terre
Breakfast in hotel. An early morning departure today to La Spezia for a full day excursion to the Cinque Terre. Take the train from La Spezia to Riomaggiore and walk along the panoramic footpath. After some free time, meet you tour guide and take the train to Monterosso, where your guide will make you explore the old town. Typical lunch at a local restaurant. In the early afternoon take the train to Vernazza and explore this old village. After some free time and maybe a gelato, take the train to Manarola and enjoy a stroll along its narrow streets. Return to La Spezia by train and then to hotel by bus. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Truffle Hunting
Breakfast. In the early morning transfer to Sant’Agata Feltria to go truffle hunting in the woods. Then transfer to the small village and visit a truffle boutique with a truffle tasting. Lunch at traditional osteria with tasty truffle menu. In the late afternoon return to your hotel and have some free time to relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
SAVORING SALENTO
9 Days / 8 Nights
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bari. Welcoming drink. Time at leisure. Typical Pugliese dinner at a centrally located restaurant and overnight in Bari.
Day 2 Locorotondo and Castellana Grotte
After breakfast in hotel departure for Castellana Grotte and underground tour of the caves. Free lunch. In the afternoon return to Locorotondo for a wine (bianco Locorotondo)/oil tasting. Continue to the hotel for the check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Matera and Altamura
After breakfast in hotel leave for Matera and tour of the ancient “Sassi”. Free lunch and then transfer to Altamura to visit its cathedral. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Alberobello to admire its trulli. Then transfer to Martina Franca, where you will visit its Baroque city centre. Next you will move to Ostuni. Visit the historical centre, including its Gothic cathedral. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Otranto
After breakfast leave for Otranto. Free lunch and then have a half day guided tour of this very ancient city, including the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. In late afternoon accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Lecce
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Lecce. Half day guided visit of this Baroque city. Free lunch and free afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
EMILIA-ROMAGNA
Land of Excellences
7 Days / 6 Nights
Land of Excellences
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 Bologna
Welcome to Bologna, Italy! Transfer to your hotel in Bologna and meet your local guide for a full day guided tour of the city. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Bologna, welcome dinner at a local traditional restaurant and overnight.
Day 2 Gourmet Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Venture out on a morning excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will enjoy a glass of good, dry Lambrusco and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to see the manufacturing of prosciutto. You will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. The next stop will be an authentic Italian lunch in a countryside original trattoria or in a certified organic winery, where you will experience the famous Italian light lunch, multi-course gourmet lunch with local specialties paired with local wines. Return to the hotel, free evening and overnight.
Day 3 Motor Valley and Aceto Balsamico Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning board the bus and transfer to the world-famous Motorvalley! Your first stop will be Maranello to visit the Ferrari Gallery and Museum. Then the tour moves to an “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now you will continue to Sant’Agata Bolognese for a visit to the Lamborghini factory. At the end of the visits, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local osteria. Return to the hotel, free evening and overnight.
Day 4 Fico Eataly World and Cooking Class
Breakfast in hotel. This morning explore Fico Eataly World Fabbrica Italiana Contadina, an exhibition of the whole Italian agricultural and culinary tradition. In the afternoon live a cooking experience at a farmhouse in the Bologna countryside. After the lesson, sit down to enjoy your meal of fresh pasta and sauce accompanied by wine. Return to your hotel dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Comacchio and Ravenna
Breakfast in hotel. This morning leave your hotel in Bologna and board the coach. Your first stop will be Comacchio in the Po Delta Park. Enjoy a cruise along the branches of the delta and sight many species of water birds that take refuge here. A seafood meal will be served. In the afternoon visit Ravenna and its mosaics. Later continue on to Rimini and check in your hotel. Dinner and overnight Rimini.
Day 6 San Marino and Rimini
This morning sample the sights of UNESCO-listed San Marino. Have a walking tour of Piazza della Libertà, the main square, and head up to the medieval First Tower. Then you will have the chance to spend some time in the fashion stores and boutiques this ancient Republic is also famous for. In the afternoon, discover Rimini following the steps of the famous film director Federico Fellini. Farewell dinner tonight at an authentic style restaurant and overnight Rimini.
Day 7 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
TUSCANY WINE TOUR
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Arrival at Florence Airport. Transfer by private coach to the hotel, check in and free time to freshen up. Rest of the day at leisure. Welcome dinner and overnight Florence.
Day 2 Florence
After breakfast at hotel, meet your local guide and start a half day guided tour of Florence. Independent lunch and afternoon at leisure. You could go see the Accademia or the Uffizi, or just take a relaxing stroll around this beautiful city. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3 Impruneta and Monteriggioni
Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Impruneta to visit this historical town. Then you will have lunch in a typical “agriturismo” (farm house) in the Chianti area. In the afternoon wine tasting in this wine area and visit to the medieval town of Monteriggioni. Then transfer to your accommodation (villa, relais, or farmhouse) in the Chianti area. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Local market, Volterra and San Gimignano
Breakfast in hotel. This morning you will go to a market for some food shopping. Then transfer to Volterra and visit this Etruscan town. Have lunch in a typical trattoria inside the walls. In the afternoon you will stop in San Gimignano for an independent visit. Before returning to your farmhouse, you will stop in a local “tenuta” near San Gimignano for a wine tasting session of the wines produced here. Free dinner and overnight stay in the Chianti area.
Day 5 Cooking Class in the Chianti Area and Cortona
After breakfast in hotel, you will transfer to a villa in the heart of Chianti, where you will enjoy a cooking class. You will prepare a seasonal menu using fresh vegetables and herbs and extra virgin olive oil. Finally you will dine on the delicious dishes you prepared! After lunch, depart to Cortona and tour of this medieval town. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Montepulciano – Pienza – Montalcino
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Montepulciano, where you will have some free time to visit this interesting Renaissance city. You will stop then in a local wine cellar to taste the Vino Nobile and other local products. The tour will continue to Pienza, a small town in the area of Val d’Orcia. Pienza owes its fame also to the excellent pecorino, of which you will have a taste in one of the farmhouses located in the area. Free time for lunch in the Val d’Orcia and then in the afternoon you will move to Montalcino, famous for its wine Brunello. After a wine tasting you can have free time to visit the Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra and have a walk through the Fortress. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Siena
Breakfast in hotel and then leave for Siena. Here you will meet your local guide and start a half day tour of this medieval city. Independent lunch and then return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Departure
Breakfast in hotel and then transfer by private coach to Florence Airport for your return flight.
BEST OF TUSCANY & UMBRIA
Lyrical views and superb cuisine
8 Days / 7 Nights
Lyrical views and superb cuisine
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Upon your arrival at Florence Airport you will be met by your private coach and transferred to the city centre for a guided tour. Next, walk to the Accademia Gallery and make a beeline for Michelangelo’s David. Welcome dinner and overnight Florence.
Day 2 Carrara, Pisa and Lucca
Breakfast in hotel. Depart by private coach for a full day excursion to Carrara, Pisa and Lucca. Visit Carrara marble quarries by 4×4 jeep. After that you will enjoy a tasting of “lardo di Colonnata”. Afterwards you will be driven to Pisa, where you will enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour, including the Leaning Tower (exterior). Later get ready to travel to Lucca. Upon arrival, you will have free time to walk along the walls before entering into the city centre. After the sighseeing tour, return to Florence for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni fortress
Breakfast in hotel. Check out your hotel and depart for a full day excursion to Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. Start your day in Siena, where you’ll do a guided tour of this medieval city. Then, enjoy some free time to walk around the old town centre and to stop for the independent lunch. Next, transfer to San Gimignano. Upon arrival, you will have free time to see the town at your own pleasure. Before heading to your accommodation, visit the Monteriggioni medieval fortress. Check in to your accommodation in the Chianti area. Dinner and overnight Tuscany.
Day 4 Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano
Breakfast in hotel. The tour begins with a drive through the hills covered with vineyards leading you to the hill town of Montalcino. Visit a wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of Brunello red wine. Then go up to the top of the town and enjoy the view over the Tuscan countryside. The next stop is the Val d’Orcia. Stop at San Quirico d’Orcia and you use your free time to visit the Romanesque Collegiate. Continue on to hilltop town of Pienza. Once arrived enjoy a tasting of the famous pecorino di Pienza. Later you’ll have free time to visit this Renaissance town. The last stop is the hill town of Montepulciano. Here you will take part in your second wine tasting session of Vino Nobile whilst visiting the cellar. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
ABRUZZO
Surprising art, religion and nature
4 Days / 3 Nights
Surprising art, religion and nature
4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Venice and Treviso
Upon arrival at Venice Airport in the afternoon, board your coach and transfer to Treviso for a guided tour of the city centre. Then enjoy your first Italian dinner in a rural osteria tasting a radicchio risotto with a glass of Prosecco. Transfer to your hotel in the Venice area and overnight.
Day 2 Venice
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Venice for a full day guided tour of the city built on water. Board the vaporetto to sail along the Grand Canal. Then enjoy a guided walking tour in the heart of Venice with a local guide. Free lunch and time at leisure to make the most of your day in Venice, during which you’ll have the chance to take a gondola cruise. While on board enjoy an authentic Italian aperitivo drinking a Spritz. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Padua and Colli Euganei
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Padua for a half day guided tour of this medieval city. Free lunch. Then board your coach and make your way to the wine-producing area of Colli Euganei. Make a stop to have a wine tasting at a local agriturismo. Transfer to your hotel in the Lake Garda region for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Lake Garda and Valpolicella
After breakfast in hotel, board your coach to visit the resort town of Sirmione on Lake Garda. Free lunch. Then continue travelling to the wine-producing area of Valpolicella. Once arrived, have dinner at an original trattoria with local specialties paired with some good red wine. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
ITALIAN ADRIATIC COAST
A journey as long as a sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
A journey as long as a sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bologna
Upon your arrival at Bologna Airport, transfer to your hotel centrally located in Bologna. Welcome drink at the hotel or a nearby bar and overnight Bologna.
Day 2 Bologna and Pasta making
Breakfast in hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Meet your guide and see Bologna’s main historical sites and vibrant markets during a 2-hour walking tour. In the afternoon enjoy a lesson to discover the secret of making fresh and delicious pasta. Enjoy making tortellini, fresh dough and tagliatelle with the expert “Sfogline”, Bolognese women specialized in the fresh pasta making. After the class, to complete the experience, you will taste what you’ve created for dinner. Overnight Bologna.
Day 3 Parma and Modena Gourmet Tour
After breakfast depart for the “Food Valley” of Modena and Parma. Upon arrival enjoy an excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will taste a glass of good, dry Lambrusco, and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to an “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now continue on to see the manufacturing of prosciutto. Here you will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. Return to the hotel for a free evening and overnight.
Day 4 San Marino and Urbino
Breakfast in hotel. This morning depart Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region for the Marche, stopping in San Marino for a visit. Then continue to Urbino, one of the cultural capitals of the Renaissance. After a guided tour of this important university town, check in your accommodation in the Urbino area, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 : Frasassi Caves – Conero Riviera – Ascoli Piceno
After breakfast in hotel get ready to discover the Frasassi Caves. Then transfer to the coast south of Ancona and enjoy some time on the Conero Riviera. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant tasting traditional dishes. In the afternoon continue to Ascoli Piceno and check in your hotel. Free evening and overnight Ascoli Piceno.
Day 6 Ascoli Piceno and Offida
After breakfast meet your local guide and visit the town of Ascoli Piceno. At the end of the tour take the chance to taste the typical Ascoli olives: delicious fried olives stuffed with meat. In the afternoon transfer to Offida where you will have a winery visit and after you will start a complete wine tasting combined with regional typical products, such as fried olives, moscioli, ham, cheese and bread. Return to the hotel in Ascoli Piceno for a free evening and overnight.
FOOD, WINE & CULTURE TOUR OF SOUTHERN ITALY
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Naples
Upon your arrival today, we will provide transfers from Naples airport to our hotel in Sorrento. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner before we embark upon our journey through southern and eastern Italy.
Day 2 Pompeii and Pizza Class
After breakfast we will meet our driver and transfer to the archaeological site of Pompeii. Later we will return to Sorrento for a fun pizza making class in a farmhouse. We will learn how to prepare the “real Italian pizza” and then taste it together with a glass of great local wine.
Day 3 The Isle of Capri and Ice cream Demonstration
This morning transfer down to Sorrento Pier and board the fast ferry to Capri Island. Upon arrival, we will meet our local guide, who will be with us the entire day, then board a ferry to Capri Island. We will hop onto the funicular to the hilltop town of Capri, where we will take a walking tour of the public gardens. Lunch on your own. After lunch, weather permitting, we will board a private motorboat to the entrance of the Blue Grotto, otherwise we will drive up to Anacapri and visit Villa San Michele. This afternoon learn how to prepare Capri’s famous limoncello liqueur. Later in the afternoon we will board our ferry to Sorrento, then transfer back to our hotel. After an independent dinner, don’t miss tonight a gelato demonstration in a gelato shop in Sorrento, followed of course by a tasting of this delicious ice cream!
Day 4 The Amalfi Coast
This morning depart for a guided tour of the Amalfi Coast. Visit and lunch in Amalfi. This afternoon enjoy a pastry experience in Amalfi! The tour will lead you in an ancient pastry of Amalfi where you will see the pastry chef showing you the tricks to making the island’s sweet specialties: the Caprese Cake and the Sfogliatella. Return to Sorrento and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 5 Matera
Today depart for Matera. Enjoy a tour of Matera’s ancient Sassi, including several rock-hewn churches. Then start a local food and wine tour. First stop for a laboratory and tasting of IGP Matera’s bread at a bakery. It continues with a cheese tasting in a cheese factory, ending with a visit to an oil mill and a tasting lunch with the best local products washed down by the finest local wines, in particular the Matera’s Primitivo DOC. Typical dinner at a local restaurant in the centre.
Day 6 Ostuni and Orecchiette Making
Today’s drive takes us to the fortified hilltop town of Ostuni. In the afternoon you will go to a masseria where you will enjoy a hands-on pasta making class to learn to prepare the typical “orecchiette” pasta. At the end of the class you will sit down and taste the dishes you have prepared, together with a glass of local wine. Continue on to Alberobello for overnight.
Day 7 Alberobello
Today we will visit villages such as Alberobello that feature buildings designed in the iconic trulli style. We will enjoy lunch together in a typical farm house of the region, where we will taste some of the typical local products, like extra virgin olive oil, pickles, cheeses, meats, honey, wines… Tonight we have a special farewell dinner featuring regional cuisine in an authentic setting.
Day 8 Departure
Say “Arrivederci” to Italy as we provide a transfer to Bari Airport and you board your plane back home.
SAVORING SALENTO
9 Days / 8 Nights
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bari. Welcoming drink. Time at leisure. Typical Pugliese dinner at a centrally located restaurant and overnight in Bari.
Day 2 Locorotondo and Castellana Grotte
After breakfast in hotel departure for Castellana Grotte and underground tour of the caves. Free lunch. In the afternoon return to Locorotondo for a wine (bianco Locorotondo)/oil tasting. Continue to the hotel for the check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Matera and Altamura
After breakfast in hotel leave for Matera and tour of the ancient “Sassi”. Free lunch and then transfer to Altamura to visit its cathedral. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Alberobello to admire its trulli. Then transfer to Martina Franca, where you will visit its Baroque city centre. Next you will move to Ostuni. Visit the historical centre, including its Gothic cathedral. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Otranto
After breakfast leave for Otranto. Free lunch and then have a half day guided tour of this very ancient city, including the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. In late afternoon accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Lecce
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Lecce. Half day guided visit of this Baroque city. Free lunch and free afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Gallipoli, Nardò and Galatina
After breakfast board the coach and drive to Gallipoli. After the town sightseeing, move to Nardò, a Baroque town in the heart of the Salento. On the way back to Otranto stop in Galatina to visit its Romanesque church. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Otranto – Manduria – Bari
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Manduria, the land of Primitivo di Manduria DOC. You will stop in a winery and taste an excellent Primitivo. Free lunch. Continue on to Bari for the check in hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 9 Departure
Breakfast in hotel and then transfer by private coach to Bari Airport for your return flight.
LAKE GARDA, VENICE & VERONA
with a wine experience in the Franciacorta region
6 Days / 5 Nights
with a wine experience in the Franciacorta region
6 Days / 5 Nights
Day 1 Verona and transfer to Lake Garda
On arrival a coach will take you to Verona’s city centre for a guided tour, including the ancient Roman arena and Juliet’s House. Continue on to Lake Garda and check in the hotel. Dinner and overnight Lake Garda.
Day 2 Lake Garda
Today you will have a tour of the lake. Stopover at Salò and continue on to Sirmione at the lake’s southern tip. Today you will also see lush groves of olives, citrus trees and of course vines used for making the Bardolino wines. Indipendent lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 The Dolomites
Today head north to the Dolomite Mountains. You have plenty of stops today as well as the opportunity to ascend on a cable car (subject to seasonal operation) to enjoy panoramic views of the whole area. Indipendent lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Franciacorta
Today transfer to the famous wine producing area of Franciacorta, where you will visit a wine cellar to learn all about the Franciacorta together with the tasting of the best wines combined with local cheeses and salami. Transfer into a classy restaurant with tasting menu and pair wines. In the afternoon return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Venice
After an early breakfast you will take the drive to Venice. Once arrived, take a walking tour to see all the highlights of “La Serenissima” (Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and Square, the Campanile, etc.). Then, for art lovers there is Accademia, housing the finest Renaissance work, or the Guggenheim with exhibits by the main modern and contemporary artists. For lunch, away from St. Mark’s Square, small restaurants offer three course meals at reasonable prices. Later, what better than taking a trip on a gondola? A short ride on one of them is a lovely and peaceful way to explore the backwaters of the city. In the late afternoon, board your coach and return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast in hotel transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast in hotel transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast in hotel transfer to the airport for your return flight.
ROME & ABRUZZO
The Eternal City and the land between mountains and sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
The Eternal City and the land between mountains and sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Rome
Upon arrival at Rome airport, be met by our local tour manager, board the coach and transfer to your hotel located in the city centre. Check in your rooms and have some time to relax before a welcome drink with your tour manager for an orientation briefing. Then, transfer to a restaurant for a welcome dinner. Overnight Rome.
Day 2 Rome
In the morning, you’ll be visiting the Vatican with Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the most famous squares, fountains and palaces of the baroque art (Spanish Steps,Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, etc.). At the end of the tour, return to the hotel by private coach and enjoy a free evening and dinner. Overnight Rome.
Day 3 Rome
Breakfast in hotel. This morning get ready for a guided tour of the Ancient Rome: Colosseum (skip-the-line tickets included), Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, etc. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Overnight Rome.
Day 4 Rome to Abruzzo – Civitella del Tronto
After breakfast board the coach and transfer to Abruzzo. Crossing the Apennines, you will stop at the tiny village of Castelli famous for maiolica ware ceramics, where you will visit some artisans using traditional techniques. After an independent lunch you will arrive at the village of Civitella del Tronto – which will be your base for the next 2 nights. A private visit of the fortress has been arranged. There is time to stroll through the village before a welcome to Abruzzo dinner.
Food & Wine Tours
EMILIA-ROMAGNA
Land of Excellences
7 Days / 6 Nights
Land of Excellences
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 Bologna
Welcome to Bologna, Italy! Transfer to your hotel in Bologna and meet your local guide for a full day guided tour of the city. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Bologna, welcome dinner at a local traditional restaurant and overnight.
Day 2 Gourmet Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Venture out on a morning excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will enjoy a glass of good, dry Lambrusco and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to see the manufacturing of prosciutto. You will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. The next stop will be an authentic Italian lunch in a countryside original trattoria or in a certified organic winery, where you will experience the famous Italian light lunch, multi-course gourmet lunch with local specialties paired with local wines. Return to the hotel, free evening and overnight.
Day 3 Motor Valley and Aceto Balsamico Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning board the bus and transfer to the world-famous Motorvalley! Your first stop will be Maranello to visit the Ferrari Gallery and Museum. Then the tour moves to an “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now you will continue to Sant’Agata Bolognese for a visit to the Lamborghini factory. At the end of the visits, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local osteria. Return to the hotel, free evening and overnight.
SAVORING SALENTO
9 Days / 8 Nights
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bari. Welcoming drink. Time at leisure. Typical Pugliese dinner at a centrally located restaurant and overnight in Bari.
Day 2 Locorotondo and Castellana Grotte
After breakfast in hotel departure for Castellana Grotte and underground tour of the caves. Free lunch. In the afternoon return to Locorotondo for a wine (bianco Locorotondo)/oil tasting. Continue to the hotel for the check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Matera and Altamura
After breakfast in hotel leave for Matera and tour of the ancient “Sassi”. Free lunch and then transfer to Altamura to visit its cathedral. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Alberobello to admire its trulli. Then transfer to Martina Franca, where you will visit its Baroque city centre. Next you will move to Ostuni. Visit the historical centre, including its Gothic cathedral. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Otranto
After breakfast leave for Otranto. Free lunch and then have a half day guided tour of this very ancient city, including the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. In late afternoon accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Lecce
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Lecce. Half day guided visit of this Baroque city. Free lunch and free afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
BEST OF TUSCANY & UMBRIA
Lyrical views and superb cuisine
8 Days / 7 Nights
Lyrical views and superb cuisine
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Upon your arrival at Florence Airport you will be met by your private coach and transferred to the city centre for a guided tour. Next, walk to the Accademia Gallery and make a beeline for Michelangelo’s David. Welcome dinner and overnight Florence.
Day 2 Carrara, Pisa and Lucca
Breakfast in hotel. Depart by private coach for a full day excursion to Carrara, Pisa and Lucca. Visit Carrara marble quarries by 4×4 jeep. After that you will enjoy a tasting of “lardo di Colonnata”. Afterwards you will be driven to Pisa, where you will enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour, including the Leaning Tower (exterior). Later get ready to travel to Lucca. Upon arrival, you will have free time to walk along the walls before entering into the city centre. After the sighseeing tour, return to Florence for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni fortress
Breakfast in hotel. Check out your hotel and depart for a full day excursion to Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. Start your day in Siena, where you’ll do a guided tour of this medieval city. Then, enjoy some free time to walk around the old town centre and to stop for the independent lunch. Next, transfer to San Gimignano. Upon arrival, you will have free time to see the town at your own pleasure. Before heading to your accommodation, visit the Monteriggioni medieval fortress. Check in to your accommodation in the Chianti area. Dinner and overnight Tuscany.
Day 4 Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano
Breakfast in hotel. The tour begins with a drive through the hills covered with vineyards leading you to the hill town of Montalcino. Visit a wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of Brunello red wine. Then go up to the top of the town and enjoy the view over the Tuscan countryside. The next stop is the Val d’Orcia. Stop at San Quirico d’Orcia and you use your free time to visit the Romanesque Collegiate. Continue on to hilltop town of Pienza. Once arrived enjoy a tasting of the famous pecorino di Pienza. Later you’ll have free time to visit this Renaissance town. The last stop is the hill town of Montepulciano. Here you will take part in your second wine tasting session of Vino Nobile whilst visiting the cellar. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
EMILIA-ROMAGNA & 5 TERRE
A unique taste tour among artistic and natural beauty
7 Days / 6 Nights
A unique taste tour among artistic and natural beauty
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bologna
Upon your arrival at Bologna Airport, transfer the city centre, meet your local guide and enjoy a half day guided tour of Bologna. Then transfer to your hotel in the Bologna countryside, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 Gourmet Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Breakfast in hotel. This morning, board the bus and depart for a gourmet tour in the surrounding areas. Venture out on a morning excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will enjoy a glass of good, dry Lambrusco and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to the “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now you will continue to see the manufacturing of Prosciutto. You will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. The next stop will be an authentic Italian lunch in a countryside original trattoria or in a certified organic winery, where you will experience the famous Italian light lunch, multi-course gourmet lunch with local specialties paired with local wines. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Motor Valley Tour
Breakfast in hotel. This morning board the bus and transfer to the world-famous Motorvalley! Your first stop will be Maranello to visit the Ferrari Gallery and Museum. Then, transfer to Sant’Agata Bolognese for a visit to the Lamborghini Factory. At the end of the visits, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local osteria. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Cinque Terre
Breakfast in hotel. An early morning departure today to La Spezia for a full day excursion to the Cinque Terre. Take the train from La Spezia to Riomaggiore and walk along the panoramic footpath. After some free time, meet you tour guide and take the train to Monterosso, where your guide will make you explore the old town. Typical lunch at a local restaurant. In the early afternoon take the train to Vernazza and explore this old village. After some free time and maybe a gelato, take the train to Manarola and enjoy a stroll along its narrow streets. Return to La Spezia by train and then to hotel by bus. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Truffle Hunting
Breakfast. In the early morning transfer to Sant’Agata Feltria to go truffle hunting in the woods. Then transfer to the small village and visit a truffle boutique with a truffle tasting. Lunch at traditional osteria with tasty truffle menu. In the late afternoon return to your hotel and have some free time to relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast transfer to Bologna Airport for your return flight.
ABRUZZO
Surprising art, religion and nature
4 Days / 3 Nights
Surprising art, religion and nature
4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Venice and Treviso
Upon arrival at Venice Airport in the afternoon, board your coach and transfer to Treviso for a guided tour of the city centre. Then enjoy your first Italian dinner in a rural osteria tasting a radicchio risotto with a glass of Prosecco. Transfer to your hotel in the Venice area and overnight.
Day 2 Venice
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Venice for a full day guided tour of the city built on water. Board the vaporetto to sail along the Grand Canal. Then enjoy a guided walking tour in the heart of Venice with a local guide. Free lunch and time at leisure to make the most of your day in Venice, during which you’ll have the chance to take a gondola cruise. While on board enjoy an authentic Italian aperitivo drinking a Spritz. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Padua and Colli Euganei
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Padua for a half day guided tour of this medieval city. Free lunch. Then board your coach and make your way to the wine-producing area of Colli Euganei. Make a stop to have a wine tasting at a local agriturismo. Transfer to your hotel in the Lake Garda region for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Lake Garda and Valpolicella
After breakfast in hotel, board your coach to visit the resort town of Sirmione on Lake Garda. Free lunch. Then continue travelling to the wine-producing area of Valpolicella. Once arrived, have dinner at an original trattoria with local specialties paired with some good red wine. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
TUSCANY WINE TOUR
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Arrival at Florence Airport. Transfer by private coach to the hotel, check in and free time to freshen up. Rest of the day at leisure. Welcome dinner and overnight Florence.
Day 2 Florence
After breakfast at hotel, meet your local guide and start a half day guided tour of Florence. Independent lunch and afternoon at leisure. You could go see the Accademia or the Uffizi, or just take a relaxing stroll around this beautiful city. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3 Impruneta and Monteriggioni
Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Impruneta to visit this historical town. Then you will have lunch in a typical “agriturismo” (farm house) in the Chianti area. In the afternoon wine tasting in this wine area and visit to the medieval town of Monteriggioni. Then transfer to your accommodation (villa, relais, or farmhouse) in the Chianti area. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Local market, Volterra and San Gimignano
Breakfast in hotel. This morning you will go to a market for some food shopping. Then transfer to Volterra and visit this Etruscan town. Have lunch in a typical trattoria inside the walls. In the afternoon you will stop in San Gimignano for an independent visit. Before returning to your farmhouse, you will stop in a local “tenuta” near San Gimignano for a wine tasting session of the wines produced here. Free dinner and overnight stay in the Chianti area.
Day 5 Cooking Class in the Chianti Area and Cortona
After breakfast in hotel, you will transfer to a villa in the heart of Chianti, where you will enjoy a cooking class. You will prepare a seasonal menu using fresh vegetables and herbs and extra virgin olive oil. Finally you will dine on the delicious dishes you prepared! After lunch, depart to Cortona and tour of this medieval town. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Montepulciano – Pienza – Montalcino
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to Montepulciano, where you will have some free time to visit this interesting Renaissance city. You will stop then in a local wine cellar to taste the Vino Nobile and other local products. The tour will continue to Pienza, a small town in the area of Val d’Orcia. Pienza owes its fame also to the excellent pecorino, of which you will have a taste in one of the farmhouses located in the area. Free time for lunch in the Val d’Orcia and then in the afternoon you will move to Montalcino, famous for its wine Brunello. After a wine tasting you can have free time to visit the Museo Civico e Diocesano d’Arte Sacra and have a walk through the Fortress. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Siena
Breakfast in hotel and then leave for Siena. Here you will meet your local guide and start a half day tour of this medieval city. Independent lunch and then return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Departure
Breakfast in hotel and then transfer by private coach to Florence Airport for your return flight.
ROME & ABRUZZO
The Eternal City and the land between mountains and sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
The Eternal City and the land between mountains and sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Rome
Upon arrival at Rome airport, be met by our local tour manager, board the coach and transfer to your hotel located in the city centre. Check in your rooms and have some time to relax before a welcome drink with your tour manager for an orientation briefing. Then, transfer to a restaurant for a welcome dinner. Overnight Rome.
Day 2 Rome
In the morning, you’ll be visiting the Vatican with Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the most famous squares, fountains and palaces of the baroque art (Spanish Steps,Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, etc.). At the end of the tour, return to the hotel by private coach and enjoy a free evening and dinner. Overnight Rome.
Day 3 Rome
Breakfast in hotel. This morning get ready for a guided tour of the Ancient Rome: Colosseum (skip-the-line tickets included), Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, etc. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Overnight Rome.
Day 4 Rome to Abruzzo – Civitella del Tronto
After breakfast board the coach and transfer to Abruzzo. Crossing the Apennines, you will stop at the tiny village of Castelli famous for maiolica ware ceramics, where you will visit some artisans using traditional techniques. After an independent lunch you will arrive at the village of Civitella del Tronto – which will be your base for the next 2 nights. A private visit of the fortress has been arranged. There is time to stroll through the village before a welcome to Abruzzo dinner.
SAVORING SALENTO
9 Days / 8 Nights
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bari
Arrival at Bari Airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bari. Welcoming drink. Time at leisure. Typical Pugliese dinner at a centrally located restaurant and overnight in Bari.
Day 2 Locorotondo and Castellana Grotte
After breakfast in hotel departure for Castellana Grotte and underground tour of the caves. Free lunch. In the afternoon return to Locorotondo for a wine (bianco Locorotondo)/oil tasting. Continue to the hotel for the check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Matera and Altamura
After breakfast in hotel leave for Matera and tour of the ancient “Sassi”. Free lunch and then transfer to Altamura to visit its cathedral. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Alberobello, Martina Franca and Ostuni
Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Alberobello to admire its trulli. Then transfer to Martina Franca, where you will visit its Baroque city centre. Next you will move to Ostuni. Visit the historical centre, including its Gothic cathedral. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Otranto
After breakfast leave for Otranto. Free lunch and then have a half day guided tour of this very ancient city, including the Cathedral and the Aragonese Castle. In late afternoon accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Lecce
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Lecce. Half day guided visit of this Baroque city. Free lunch and free afternoon. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Gallipoli, Nardò and Galatina
After breakfast board the coach and drive to Gallipoli. After the town sightseeing, move to Nardò, a Baroque town in the heart of the Salento. On the way back to Otranto stop in Galatina to visit its Romanesque church. In late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8 Otranto – Manduria – Bari
Breakfast in hotel and departure for Manduria, the land of Primitivo di Manduria DOC. You will stop in a winery and taste an excellent Primitivo. Free lunch. Continue on to Bari for the check in hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 9 Departure
Breakfast in hotel and then transfer by private coach to Bari Airport for your return flight.
FOOD, WINE & CULTURE TOUR OF SOUTHERN ITALY
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Naples
Upon your arrival today, we will provide transfers from Naples airport to our hotel in Sorrento. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner before we embark upon our journey through southern and eastern Italy.
Day 2 Pompeii and Pizza Class
After breakfast we will meet our driver and transfer to the archaeological site of Pompeii. Later we will return to Sorrento for a fun pizza making class in a farmhouse. We will learn how to prepare the “real Italian pizza” and then taste it together with a glass of great local wine.
Day 3 The Isle of Capri and Ice cream Demonstration
This morning transfer down to Sorrento Pier and board the fast ferry to Capri Island. Upon arrival, we will meet our local guide, who will be with us the entire day, then board a ferry to Capri Island. We will hop onto the funicular to the hilltop town of Capri, where we will take a walking tour of the public gardens. Lunch on your own. After lunch, weather permitting, we will board a private motorboat to the entrance of the Blue Grotto, otherwise we will drive up to Anacapri and visit Villa San Michele. This afternoon learn how to prepare Capri’s famous limoncello liqueur. Later in the afternoon we will board our ferry to Sorrento, then transfer back to our hotel. After an independent dinner, don’t miss tonight a gelato demonstration in a gelato shop in Sorrento, followed of course by a tasting of this delicious ice cream!
Day 4 The Amalfi Coast
This morning depart for a guided tour of the Amalfi Coast. Visit and lunch in Amalfi. This afternoon enjoy a pastry experience in Amalfi! The tour will lead you in an ancient pastry of Amalfi where you will see the pastry chef showing you the tricks to making the island’s sweet specialties: the Caprese Cake and the Sfogliatella. Return to Sorrento and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 5 Matera
Today depart for Matera. Enjoy a tour of Matera’s ancient Sassi, including several rock-hewn churches. Then start a local food and wine tour. First stop for a laboratory and tasting of IGP Matera’s bread at a bakery. It continues with a cheese tasting in a cheese factory, ending with a visit to an oil mill and a tasting lunch with the best local products washed down by the finest local wines, in particular the Matera’s Primitivo DOC. Typical dinner at a local restaurant in the centre.
Day 6 Ostuni and Orecchiette Making
Today’s drive takes us to the fortified hilltop town of Ostuni. In the afternoon you will go to a masseria where you will enjoy a hands-on pasta making class to learn to prepare the typical “orecchiette” pasta. At the end of the class you will sit down and taste the dishes you have prepared, together with a glass of local wine. Continue on to Alberobello for overnight.
Day 7 Alberobello
Today we will visit villages such as Alberobello that feature buildings designed in the iconic trulli style. We will enjoy lunch together in a typical farm house of the region, where we will taste some of the typical local products, like extra virgin olive oil, pickles, cheeses, meats, honey, wines… Tonight we have a special farewell dinner featuring regional cuisine in an authentic setting.
Day 8 Departure
Say “Arrivederci” to Italy as we provide a transfer to Bari Airport and you board your plane back home.
ITALIAN ADRIATIC COAST
A journey as long as a sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
A journey as long as a sea
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 1 Arrive Bologna
Upon your arrival at Bologna Airport, transfer to your hotel centrally located in Bologna. Welcome drink at the hotel or a nearby bar and overnight Bologna.
Day 2 Bologna and Pasta making
Breakfast in hotel. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Meet your guide and see Bologna’s main historical sites and vibrant markets during a 2-hour walking tour. In the afternoon enjoy a lesson to discover the secret of making fresh and delicious pasta. Enjoy making tortellini, fresh dough and tagliatelle with the expert “Sfogline”, Bolognese women specialized in the fresh pasta making. After the class, to complete the experience, you will taste what you’ve created for dinner. Overnight Bologna.
Day 3 Parma and Modena Gourmet Tour
After breakfast depart for the “Food Valley” of Modena and Parma. Upon arrival enjoy an excursion to a cheese factory, where you will see all the working steps in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. At the end of the visit, you will taste a glass of good, dry Lambrusco, and, of course, plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tastings. Then the tour moves to an “acetaia” to see the secrets of the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. A tasting will follow. Now continue on to see the manufacturing of prosciutto. Here you will also enjoy full tasting of fresh slices of prosciutto di Modena D.O.P in a combination with some nice Lambrusco wine. Return to the hotel for a free evening and overnight.
Day 4 San Marino and Urbino
Breakfast in hotel. This morning depart Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region for the Marche, stopping in San Marino for a visit. Then continue to Urbino, one of the cultural capitals of the Renaissance. After a guided tour of this important university town, check in your accommodation in the Urbino area, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 : Frasassi Caves – Conero Riviera – Ascoli Piceno
After breakfast in hotel get ready to discover the Frasassi Caves. Then transfer to the coast south of Ancona and enjoy some time on the Conero Riviera. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant tasting traditional dishes. In the afternoon continue to Ascoli Piceno and check in your hotel. Free evening and overnight Ascoli Piceno.
Day 6 Ascoli Piceno and Offida
After breakfast meet your local guide and visit the town of Ascoli Piceno. At the end of the tour take the chance to taste the typical Ascoli olives: delicious fried olives stuffed with meat. In the afternoon transfer to Offida where you will have a winery visit and after you will start a complete wine tasting combined with regional typical products, such as fried olives, moscioli, ham, cheese and bread. Return to the hotel in Ascoli Piceno for a free evening and overnight.
LAKE GARDA, VENICE & VERONA
with a wine experience in the Franciacorta region
6 Days / 5 Nights
with a wine experience in the Franciacorta region
6 Days / 5 Nights
Day 1 Verona and transfer to Lake Garda
On arrival a coach will take you to Verona’s city centre for a guided tour, including the ancient Roman arena and Juliet’s House. Continue on to Lake Garda and check in the hotel. Dinner and overnight Lake Garda.
Day 2 Lake Garda
Today you will have a tour of the lake. Stopover at Salò and continue on to Sirmione at the lake’s southern tip. Today you will also see lush groves of olives, citrus trees and of course vines used for making the Bardolino wines. Indipendent lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 The Dolomites
Today head north to the Dolomite Mountains. You have plenty of stops today as well as the opportunity to ascend on a cable car (subject to seasonal operation) to enjoy panoramic views of the whole area. Indipendent lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Franciacorta
Today transfer to the famous wine producing area of Franciacorta, where you will visit a wine cellar to learn all about the Franciacorta together with the tasting of the best wines combined with local cheeses and salami. Transfer into a classy restaurant with tasting menu and pair wines. In the afternoon return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Venice
After an early breakfast you will take the drive to Venice. Once arrived, take a walking tour to see all the highlights of “La Serenissima” (Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and Square, the Campanile, etc.). Then, for art lovers there is Accademia, housing the finest Renaissance work, or the Guggenheim with exhibits by the main modern and contemporary artists. For lunch, away from St. Mark’s Square, small restaurants offer three course meals at reasonable prices. Later, what better than taking a trip on a gondola? A short ride on one of them is a lovely and peaceful way to explore the backwaters of the city. In the late afternoon, board your coach and return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast in hotel transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast in hotel transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast in hotel transfer to the airport for your return flight.