| 1- CULINARY TOUR OF ITALY (14
nights)
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CULINARY TOUR OF ITALY (14
nights)
DAY 1: ARRIVAL MILAN - LAKE GARDA
Transfer to Lake Garda. Welcome dinner. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 2: LAKE GARDA - VERONA
Breakfast. In the morning departure to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Visit with guide. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 3: PADUA - VENETIAN VILLA
Breakfast. In the morning departure to Padua and guided city tour. Lunch in typical trattoria. In the afternoon on to the Venetian Villa. Dinner and overnight in the Villa.
DAY 4: COOKING LESSON IN VENETIAN VILLA - HAM FACTORY & WINE TASTING
Breakfast. In the morning first cooking lesson and lunch. In the afternoon visit of the famous San Daniele ham factory and of a typical wine cellar. Dinner and overnight in the Villa.
DAY 5: COOKING LESSON IN VENETIAN VILLA - LAGOON ISLANDS & MURANO
Breakfast. In the morning second cooking lesson with lunch. In the afternoon travel by water taxi to the Lagoon Islands of Burano and Torcello and to Murano Island with visit of the glass factories. Dinner at restaurant in Venice. Return and overnight in the Villa.
DAY 6: COOKING LESSON IN VENETIAN VILLA - VENICE
Breakfast. In the morning third cooking lesson and lunch. Afternoon guided visit of Venice. Dinner and overnight in the Villa.
DAY 7: FERRARA - FLORENCE
Breakfast. Morning departure to Ferrara, beautiful medieval city. Brief city tour and lunch. On to Florence travelling through the Apennine Mountains. Dinner and overnight in a Villa nearby Florence.
DAY 8: COOKING LESSON - FLORENCE
Breakfast. In the morning cooking lesson and lunch in the Villa. Afternoon guided visit of Florence. Dinner in typical Trattoria and overnight in the Villa.
DAY 9: COOKING LESSON - FLORENCE
Breakfast. In the morning second cooking lesson and lunch. Afternoon time at leisure. Dinner and overnight in the Villa.
DAY 10: SAN GIMIGNANO - MONTERIGGIONI
Breakfast. From Florence to the city of towers, San Gimignano and onto the old fortress city of Monteriggioni, wine tasting and lunch. Dinner and overnight in the Villa.
DAY 11: SIENA
Breakfast. Half day Siena city tour with guide and visit of the famous Piazza del Palio. Lunch in a typical Trattoria. Afternoon and evening free. Overnight in the Villa.
DAY 12: PISA - LUCCA - VIAREGGIO
Breakfast. Travel through the Tuscan hills and on to Pisa. Visit the leaning tower and on to the medieval city of Lucca, lunch and stroll through the city. Afternoon depart for the seaside resort city of Viareggio, dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 13: GULF CRUISE TO CINQUETERRE
Breakfast. From Viareggio travel to the gulf of La Spezia. Early lunch in the enchanting fishing village of Portovenere. Cruise to Cinqueterre, the hill towns of Riomaggiore Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 14: LIGURIAN HILLS - MILAN
Breakfast. Farewell lunch on the Ligurian Hills and departure to Milan. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 15: MILAN - DEPARTURE
Breakfast. Transfer from hotel to the airport.
INCLUSIONS
- 14 nights in 4* properties : 2 in hotel at Lake Garda, 4 in a Venetian Villa, 5 in a Villa nearby Florence, 1 in hotel at Viareggio, 1 in hotel at Monterosso/Cinqueterre, 1 in hotel in Milan
- all breakfasts
- 13 gourmet lunches
- 10 gourmet dinners
- unlimited local wines at meals
- 5 cooking lessons
- wine tasting in Tuscany
- visit of San Daniele ham factory and wine cellar with wine tasting
- half day visit with English speaking guide of Verona, Padua, Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa
- visit of the lagoon Island Burano and Torcello
- visit of a glass factory on the Island of Murano
- short cruise to Cinqueterre
- English speaking hostess throughout the tour
- all travel by luxurious air-conditioned bus
- transfer by luxurious air-conditioned bus Milan airport / hotel / Milan airport
- all tours excursions
- cooking school certificate
top Rates on request
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| 2 -
GASTRONOMY IN PIEMONTE & CINQUE TERRE (7 nights)
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GASTRONOMY IN PIEMONTE & CINQUE TERRE (7 nights)
DAY 1: ASTI
Breakfast. Arrival and accommodation in the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: LANGHE - MONFERRATO - BAROLO / NEBBIOLO / DOLCETTO
Breakfast. Full day in Langhe, Monferrato hills and in the wine production area like Barolo, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto. Visit of Alba and Grinzane, Cavour's castle and Serra Lunga d'Alba. Wine tasting in a local wine tavern. Lunch and dinner. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 3: ASTI - GAVI VINEYARDS
Breakfast. In the morning visit of Gavi, town famous for its vineyards. Wine tasting and lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner in a typical restaurant to savour local dishes and taste the famous Alba truffles. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 4: PORTOVENERE - COOKING LESSON
Breakfast. In the morning departure for Riviera Ligure. Arrival at Portovenere and light lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to a cooking lesson in a gourmet restaurant followed by dinner. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 5: RIOMAGGIORE - MONTEROSSO - PORTOVENERE
Breakfast. In the morning departure from Portovenere. Travel to Riomaggiore by small water craft, which is the first of five enchanting village of Cinque Terre. Walk on the famous lover's path which is connected to the next village of Manarola, proceed by rail to visit Vernazza and continue on to Monterosso. Wine tasting in a local wine boutique. Return to Portovenere by water craft. Lunch and seafood dinner. Overnight in hotel
DAY 6: RAPALLO - SANTA MARGHERITA - PORTOFINO
Breakfast. Full day in Tigullio area : Rapallo, Santa Margherita and Portofino. Excursion by boat from Rapallo to Portofino, with visit the San Giorgio's church and, if possible (depending on the weather), visit of the San Fruttuoso Abbey by boat. In the afternoon return by boat to Santa Margherita, visit of Antiochia's Church and Villa Durazzo Centurione. Lunch. Overnight stay in hotel
DAY 7: VINEYARDS, WINE & COOKING LESSON
Breakfast. In the morning departure and visit of the Cinque Terre vineyards. Arrival in Volastra and a wine tasting in a local wine boutique. In the afternoon visit of the Golfo dei Poeti and Lerici, its Castle and its little street "carruggi". Cooking lesson, Gala dinner and wine tasting. Overnight stay in hotel.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Breakfast. Departure for return flight home or more of Italy
INCLUSIONS
- 7 nights accommodation in 4* hotels: 3 at Asti and 4 at Rapallo / Santa Margherita Ligure
- all breakfasts
- 4 gourmet lunches
- 1 light lunch
- 2 gastronomic dinners
- 3 gourmet dinners
- 1 seafood dinner
- unlimited local wines at meals
- 2 cooking lessons
- wine tasting in Enoteca's (wine boutique) in Langhe
- wine tasting in Enoteca's (wine boutique) in Cinque Terre
- all excursions as per above programm
- ferry tickets (Portofino & Cinque Terre)
- rail tickets (Cinque Terre)
- English speaking hostess throughout the tour
- all travel by luxurious air-conditioned bus
top Rates on request
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| 3 -
GREAT WINES OF TUSCANY (6
nights)
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GREAT WINES OF TUSCANY (6
nights)
DAY 1: ROME (OR FLORENCE)
Breakfast. Arrival airport Rome or Florence and transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner in a Typical restaurant with the tasting of local cuisine. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 2: SAN GIMIGNANO - WINERY & WINE TASTING - MONTERIGGIONI
Breakfast. In the morning depart for San Gimignano, the land of the renowned towers. Lunch in a typical restaurant in the city centre. Afternoon transfer to a local winery, for a tasting of local wines. On the return to the hotel, stop and visit the small hamlet of Monteriggioni. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 3: BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO GOCG
Breakfast. This day is dedicated to one of the greatest Italian red wines, Il Brunello di Montalcino GOCG. Arrival at Montalcino, guided walking tour of the historical centre and visit the small Enoteca, built into a hillside. Transfer to the winery, visit the winery museum and a tasting of the two wines. Lunch in the winery's tavern with traditional menu. In the afternoon visit the winery of Biondi Santo (the creator) of the Brunello, and participate in a tasting of this noble wine. At the end of the afternoon, stop and visit of the splendid Abbey of Sant'Antimo. Evening at leisure and overnight in hotel.
DAY 4: CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG - COOKING LESSON - FLORENTINE HILLS
Breakfast. In the morning depart for a full day excursion in the Chianti region. A three hour cooking lesson, in the preparation of typical dishes, such as fresh pasta. The lesson with a local chef will take place in a country residence in the Chianti hills. At the end of the lesson, lunch accompanied with tasting of the Chianti Classico DOCG. Afternoon excursion to the Florentine Hills. Visit of a wine cellar with wine tasting and snack. Evening at leisure and overnight in hotel.
DAY 5: SIENA - WINE SEMINAR AT FORT MEDICEA
Breakfast. In the morning guided city tour of Siena: Piazza del Campo, Il Duomo, La Basilica di S. Domenico. Lunch at a Medieval restaurant with tasting of a typical menu of the region. In the afternoon wine seminar at the Enoteca Italiana, situated in the Fort Medicea of the 1600's. Here, visit of the museum of the DOC & DOCG Italian wines, with a wine tasting and lesson from a professional Sommelier with 5 Italian wines. Evening at leisure and overnight in hotel.
DAY 6: MONTEPULCIANO NOBLE RED WINE - PIENZA
Breakfast. Full day dedicated in the discovery of a large Tuscan red wine, the noble wine of Montepulciano. Arrival at Montepulciano, a guided walking tour of the historical centre, called the pearl of the Five Hundreds. During the visit, stop at one of the oldest wineries situated in the heart of the city. Wine tasting. Then transfer to a large winery, visit the factory and the winery, a tasting and lunch will take place in the actual wine cellar, with a menu of local cuisine. In the afternoon transfer to Pienza, the jewel of the Rinascimento era and strolling through the streets. Late afternoon, snack with a tasting of local Pecorino cheese. Return and overnight in hotel.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE Breakfast. Transfer from hotel to airport or on to more Italy, extending the stay in Florence or Rome.
INCLUSIONS
- 6 nights accommodation in 4* hotel at Siena
- Welcome dinner
- 5 gourmet lunches
- unlimited local wines at meals
- one 3 hour cooking lesson
- one wine seminar at the Enoteca Italian
- all tastings and winery visits as shown in above programm
- half day visit with English speaking guide of S. Gimignano, Siena, Montepulciano
- English speaking hostess throughout the tour
- all travel by luxurious air-conditioned bus
- transfers by deluxe air conditioned bus
- all excursions as per above programm
top Rates on request
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| 4
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TUSCANY & UMBRIA (9
nights)
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TUSCANY & UMBRIA (9
nights)
DAY 1: FLORENCE
Arrival at Florence and transfer to the accommodation. Evening welcome cocktail. Dinner and overnight
DAY 2: PISA - LUCCA
Breakfast. Depart for Pisa and visit with guide. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternonon guided visit of Lucca. Overnight.
DAY 3: SAN GIMIGNANO - SIENA
Breakfast. Travel to Siena via San Gimignano. Light lunch and tasting of the Vernaccia di San Girmignano DOCG, stroll through this beautiful city of many towers. Transfer to Siena and overnight.
DAY 4: COOKING LESSON - MONTALCINO - PIENZA
Breakfast. Three hours hands-on cooking lesson. Preparing the dishes, which we will enjoyed at lunch. In the afternoon walk through the city and then travel to Montalcino, wine tasting and visit a winery producing Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. Continue to the beautiful medieval city of Pienza, overnight.
DAY 5: MONTEPULCIANO / WINE CELLAR & SPA
Breakfast. After breakfast depart for Montepulciano. The pearl of the 'Five Hundreds', known for it's monuments of the 16th century Renaissance period. Visit One of the oldest cellars of Italy producing the noble wines of Montepulciano, tasting and lunch. Visit a spa and time for a therapy session. Continue to Orvieto, dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: ORVIETO
Breakfast. Morning guided tour of "Orvieto Underground". A pathway of underground excavations of the city of Etruscan origins, lunch in a typical Umbrian restaurant. Continue to Todi, small medieval town. City tour and continue to Spoleto, dinner and overnight.
DAY 7: SPOLETO - ASSISI - PERUGIA
Breakfast. Visit Spoleto, Assisi and Perugia. Stop for an aperitif in an outdoor café. Travel to Torgiano, wine tasting in the Lungarotti cellars. Dinner at the Tre Vaselle and overnight.
DAY 8: CAMALDOLI - LA VERNA - COOKING LESSON
Breakfast. Visit the Hermitage of Camaldoli and La Verna and on to Deruta (City of Ceramics). Stop for lunch and continue to Florence for a hands-on 3 hours cooking lesson. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 9: FLORENCE
Breakfast. Half day visit of Florence. Afternoon free. Farewell dinner in a typical Florentine restaurant. Overnight.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for flight home
INCLUSIONS
- 9 nights accommodations, 4 star hotels or luxurious historical villas
- all breakfasts
- 6 gourmet lunches
- 6 gourmet dinners with wine
- unlimited local wines at meals
- 2 cooking lessons
- 4 wine tastings
- all excursions
- welcome cocktail
- cooking school certificate
- transfers by deluxe air conditioned bus
- all travel by luxurious air-conditioned minibus
- fully escorted tour by English speaking hostess
top Rates on request
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| 5
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COOKERY VACATION IN THE AMALFI COAST (4
nights)
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COOKERY VACATION IN THE AMALFI COAST (4
nights)
DAY 1: NAPLES
Arrive in Naples and transfer airpor to hotel. A welcome cocktail followed by dinner.
DAY 2 : EMERALDO GROTTO - POSITANO - COOKING CLASS
Breakfast. A summer boat excursion to the Emeraldo Grotto (weather permitting). Visit of Positano. Afternoon cooking class: how to hand make pasta and sauces. Dinner.
DAY 3: AMALFI - RAVELLO - COOKING CLASS
Breakfast. Transfer to Amalfi and visit of the town and its monuments. Drive up the coast to Ravello and visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. On the return, visit of a local wine producer. In the afternoon visit to a limoncello factory and other typical liqueurs. Cooking class: the famous Neapolitan Pizza and the local fish.
DAY 4: AGEROLA - PRAIANO
Breakfast. Transfer to Agerola and visit a Mozzarella cheese producer, Furore " the Painted Village" and the ceramic factory in Praiano. Cooking class: local desserts. Gala dinner and graduation ceremony with the chefs.
DAY 5: DEPARTURE
Breakfast and departure
INCLUSIONS
- welcome cocktail
- 4 nights accommodations in a 3 star hotel
- daily buffet breakfast
- 3 gourmet dinners
- 1 gala dinner
- unlimited local wines at meal
- 3 cooking classes with interpreter
- excursion by boat to the Emeraldo Grotto and Positano (weather permitting)
- guide in Ravello
- transfers by deluxe air conditioned bus
- all travel by luxurious air-conditioned minibus
- fully escorted tour by English speaking hostess
top Rates on request
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| 6
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OLIVE OIL IN SOUTHERN ITALY (8
nights)
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OLIVE OIL IN SOUTHERN ITALY (8
nights)
Towns devoted to the production of olive oil share a history, culture and economy with timeless values and a devotion to the land. In this tour are explored the landscapes and townscapes which reflect this age old tradition.
DAY 1: SPOLETO
Breakfast. The gorgeous little town with numerous buildings and civic palaces of great architectural significance attracts music lovers every year to its Festival dei Due Mondi. Grand dinner in a restaurant famed for the region's truffles and white asparagus. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 2: MONTEFALCO
Breakfast. A delightful walled town famous for frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli in the small museum of San Francesco. An ancient olive oil press operated by two charming sisters who host the tasting and luncheon. The important olive oil production of Trevi. The Civiltŕ del Ulivo Museum and a splendid 1700 year old olive tree. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 3: TERMOLI
Breakfast. The Abbey of Farfa in the Sabina region. The old press in the village of Montelibretti. The Olive Park in Venafro. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 4: TERMOLI
Breakfast. Time at leisure to explore the beautiful seaside town with its picturesque alleys and imposing Castello Svevo. Lovely fish lunch by the sea. 12th century Larino, an important centre of olive oil production with sizeable remains of a Roman amphitheatre and ruins of patrician villas. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 5: BARI
Breakfast. The medieval quarter of Vieste perched on a sheer rock above the sea. The remarkable 11th century Apulian cathedral. The Romanesque town centre of Andria. The extensive and unspoiled medieval quarter of Bari bythe sea. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 6: NAPLES
Breakfast. The city has undergone a great regeneration and civic improvements with the reopening of churches and museums. The former royal palace at Capodimonte houses one of the finest art collections in Italy. The heart of the old city. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 7: MASSA LUBRENSE & THE AMALFI COAST
Breakfast. The spectacular scenery along the winding coastal roads - Amalfi - Positano - Sorrento. The seaside village of Massa Lubrense for an olive oil tasting. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 8: NAPLES
Breakfast. The former Certosan monastery of San Martino situated on a hill overlooking the city and the sea, now a veritable museum of Baroque art and decoration. Paintings by Caravaggio at the Capitoline Museum. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy this dynamic city. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
Breakfast. Departure from Naples.
INCLUSIONS
- all travel by luxurious air-conditioned bus
- 8 nights in 1st category hotels: 2 nights in Spoleto, 2 nights in Termoli, 1 night in Bari (both these hotels are simpler than the others, but the best this part of Italy offers), 3 nights in an enchanting old hotel in Naples with grand views over the sea and close to exclusive shopping.
- all breakfasts
- welcome dinner
- 7 gourmet dinners
- unlimited local wines at meal
- all visits to olive oil mills with tastings as shown in above programm
- all excursions as above
- all travel by luxurious air-conditioned minibus
- fully escorted tour by English speaking hostess
top Rates on request
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