Wine & Gastronomy tours

Tour to Franciacorta and Valtellina

6 Days / 5 Nights

Day 1

Arrival to Brescia region. Accomodation to the Hotel. Welcome dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast departure to Franciacorta Region, a very important wine region situated between Brescia and Iseo Lake. The first stop will be in a small town. Rodengo Saiano, to visit Villa Fenaroli, dating back 1700 and Saint Nicola Abbey. Continue to Provaglio d’Iseo for the first wine tasting and a typical lunch stop in one “Azienda Agricola”. After the lunch we continue to San Pietro in Lamosa Monastery, datind 1100 and the big Torbiere. Dinner in a restaurant with local specialities. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3

Breakfast hotel. Time at disposal in Iseo for a stroll and cruise to Mont’Isola a small Isle in the middle of Iseo Lake. It’s a mountain rising from the water up to height of 600 mt. crowned on its top by the sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola. After lunch departure to Borgonato to visit one of the best Azienda Agricola for wine tasting. This Company produces “Franciacorta” champagne (spumante), one of the most appreciated in Italy.
Time at disposal in Sarnico for shopping. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 4

After breakfast departure to Tirano, an important town in Valtellina, situated in the North part of Italy.
Lunch in a restaurant. Visit to the Sanctuary Madonna di Tirano (dating 1500) and to the Etnographic Museum. Wine tasting at one “Azienda Vinicola”. Departure to Chiuso to visit the Baroc Church “Madonna della Neve”, “Quadrio Palace” (1400) and “San Carlo Church” (1600). Before arriving in Sondrio, stop at one of the best “Casa Vinicola”. Sondrio is the capital city of Valtellina, well known for its mountain resorts and excellent wines. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

Breakfast at the hotel. Half day city sightseeing of Sondrio, with the well known Collegiata of Saint Gervasio and Protasio, Carbonera Palace, Masegra Castle. Stop at one “Azienda Agricola” for local wine testing.
Lunch in a restaurant with typical plates of the region: Pizzoccheri, a kind of pasta cooked with vegetables and cheese. Aftenoon at disposal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

Breakfast hotel. Departure. End of our services.

Piedmont Gourmet and Cooking Workshop

3 Days / 2 Nights

Day 1

In the afternoon: Arrival and accomodation in Hotel. Departure for a Dinner in a characteristic restaurant of Langhe. During the dinner will take place a comparative tasting of Piedmontese D.O.P. cheeses, linked to the famous Barbaresco wine. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast in Hotel. – A walk in the historical centre of Alba, capital of the Langhe and “medieval town of a hundred towers”. The town has an evocative historical centre, with a medieval structure, rich in towers, and many sights in Romanesque and Gothic style. – Visit to a small winery producing the wine “Barolo”, with a tasting session guided by the producers, in order to know all the secrets of this noble product of Langa. Lunch in a farmhouse in the heart of the “Dolcetto wine” land. In the afternoon: -Traditional Langa cookery workshop: you can be present at the preparation of typical dishes, as “Agnolotti al plin”, “Sformato di Murazzano”, “Brasato al Barolo”, “Torta di nocciola con zabaione”. Closing dinner in a refined local restaurant in Langhe, with tasting of dishes prepared during the cookery workshop. You will taste the renowned withe Alba truffle ( in autumn). Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 3

Breakfast in Hotel. – Guided tour to the magnificent Estate of Fontanafredda, a glorious wine-making farm, that contains the “Royal hunting lodge” of the king Vittorio Emanuele 2nd. Royal residence in the past, today it is a vast tract of vineyards, tidy, well kept and cultivated in accordance with the most recent technologies. Particularly excellent are the “cru” of Barolo and Dolcetto. – Guided tour of Barolo Castle, where the Marquise Giulia Colbert baptized “the King of Wines”. Inside of it there are the splendid library and the “Regional Wine Cellar of Barolo”, where you will find the most ample and specialized outline of labels and vintages that the local productions offers. End of services.

Enological and Gastronomical tour of Piedmont

4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 1

Arrival at Milan airport. Transfer to Stresa, beautiful town on Lake Maggiore. Accomodation in a hotel. Lunch at the hotel. Departure by privat boat to the Borromee island, Isola bella, Isola Madre. Isola pescatori. Dinner at a typical restaurant. Return to the hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast. Departure by coach to Gorgonzola cheese, ricefields, Ghemme and Gattinara wine areas, and to a dairy. Gorgonzola based lunch in a typical restaurant in Momo (Novara). Departure for Monferrato. Accomodation in a hotel in Asti or surroundings. Dinner in a local restaurant. Return to the hotel.

Day 3

Breakfast. Departure by coach for a tour of Monferrato area through Moscato and Barbera vineyards, visit to a wine-cellar and wine degustation. Guided tour of Asti. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternon, departure by coach for Langhe area, its famous red wines and white truffles. Demonstration with truffle hunting dogs, during truffle season, visit of Barolo area, of Barolo castle and its important wine-cellar. Wine degustation. Guided tour of the city of Alba. Dinner in a local restaurant. Return and overnight stay.

Day 4

Breakfast. Departure and visit to the Hunting Lodge of Stupinigi, one of the most beautiful summer residences of the Savoy monarchs. Return to Turin and on choice free tours. Finish of our services.

Gastronomic and Wine-tasting tour of the Langhe with Truffles (mushrooms)

6 Days / 5 Nights

Day 1

Arrival Milan and transfer with our English-speaking guide to a first class hotel in the Barolo area of the Langhe. Accomodation to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2

Breakfast in hotel. Visit to the Barbaresco wine producing area. First cantina we will visit is the consortium of Barbaresco producers where we will have an explanation of the wines with wine-tasting. Light lunch at the cantina Ile with tasting of the local wines. Afternoon dedicated to an explanation about the history of truffles and a mock truffle hunt, guided by a “trifulao” (truffle hunter) who will demonstrate how and when truffles are hunted. Dinner in typical restaurant with Barbaresco wines.

Day 3

Breakfast in hotel. Visit the Ratti Museum in the Annunziata Abbey, with wine-tasting. Light lunch in Cantina. In the afternoon a guided visit to the Castello di Barolo, home of the noble Falletti family. Visit one of the best Cantina producer of Barolo for the last 100 years. Dinner in nice Restaurant in Barolo (truffles included) with Borgogna wines.

Day 4

Breakfast in hotel. Visit the Dolcetto wine producing area, including a stop in one of the famous Cantina in the country. Light lunch in Restaurant. Afternoon visit to a cheese-producing factory where you can taste Toma, Bra and Castelmagro, famous Piedmont cheeses. Dinner in Restaurant famous for its “bolliti.”

Day 5

Breakfast in hotel. Visit the Moscato wine area (sparkling dessert wines) – the Cantina Bera and Dogliotti with wine-tasting. Light lunch in Restaurant at Castiglion Tinella with wine-tasting. Afternoon visit to the Gancia vineyard. Dinner in Restaurant with wine from the Conti della Cremosina vineyard.

Day 6

Breakfast in hotel and departure.

Piedmont Gourmet tour

6 Days / 5 Nights

Day 1

Arrival and welcome aperitif with Moscato d’Asti (a prestigious white wine) and traditional Piedmontese desserts. Dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight stay in a Nice Hotel surrounded by picturesque vineyards at the very heart of the Langhe area.

Day 2: DISCOVERING THE LANGA OF BAROLO

Buffet Italian breakfast. Visit to the picturesque castle in Barolo, where the Marquess Juliette Colbert named the world-famous red wine after the name of the town she loved so much. In the ancient cellars of the castle visit the Regional Enoteca of Barolo, i.e. a prestigious wine shop offering a comprehensive selection of Barolo of different vintages and producers. In the afternoon, visit to the imposing fortress of Serralunga. The medieval village is perched on a hilltop: step back in time and wander round the cobbled narrow streets.
Dinner at a traditional restaurant and overnight in Hotel.

Day 3: DISCOVERING THE LANGA OF BARBARESCO

Buffet Italian breakfast. Visit to a family-run winemaking estate located in the area where Barbaresco is produced. Wine tasting workshop led by the estate owners. Visit to Alba, one of the region’s most interesting and thriving towns, with medieval towers, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and cobbled streets full of specialist delicatessens and shops. Visit to an important local factory that produces torrone (hazelnut nougat) with tasting workshop. Dinner at a traditional restaurant and overnight overnight in Hotel.

Day 4: ENJOYING CHEESE AND SALAMI

Buffet Italian breakfast. Visit to Grinzane Cavour. The castle hosts a Regional Enoteca of Piedmontese Wines and a museum that recreates an authentic picture of life in the 17th and 19th century.
Visit to La Morra, a quiet hilltop town featuring a breathtaking ‘belvedere’ on the surrounding hills covered with tidy vineyards. Tasting of different kinds of Piedmontese cheese together with a selection of local salame in a prestigious wine shop in town. Dinner at a traditional restaurant and overnight in Hotel.

Day 5: DISCOVERING THE MONFERRATO AREA

Buffet Italian breakfast. Visit to a distillery in Canelli and tasting of a range of excellent grappas and Asti Spumante (sparkling white). Visit to Acqui Terme, which boasts important Roman spas remains and a hot water (75° C) spring. Dnner at a traditional restaurant and overnight in Hotel.

Day 6: Departure

Wines and Villas of the Veneto

7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1

Group arrival and check in at hotel. Afternoon guided visit of Florence, queen of the Renaissance, with the possibility to discover its world wide famous art treasure: the Duomo, the Giotto’s tower, the Baptistery, the Signoria Square, the Church of Santa Croce and the old bridge over the river Arno. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to the very scenic Chianti hills, famous for their rich vegetation, medieval villages, vineyards, cypresses and wine cellars of the Chianti wine. Visit of at least 2 of them with wine tasting, passing through typical villages like Radda in chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve, San Leolino, Valpala, etc. Typical lunch. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to Siena and visit to the city. Continuation to San Gimignano, with its 14 old towers, its cathedral and medieval centre. Lunch and return to Florence. Typical dinner in restaurant near Florence. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to Rome. Check in at your hotel and lunch. Afternoon guided tour of Rome with a stop at the famous bar “St. Eutsachio” to taste the unique “Great Caffè Espresso” famous all over the world. Dinner based on a great pizza at one pizzeria in Trastevere, the roman district with the best roman pizzas. Overnight at he hotel.

Day 5

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to the excursion to the Roman Castles, visit of Frascati, Albano and Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence). Lunch at a typical agriturism. In the afternoon visit of the lake Nemi with beautiful landscapes, and the Roman Ship Museum. Visit with wine tasting in a cellar of the “Vino dei Catselli Romani”. Ariccia with the Palace Chigi and the Garden. Dinner with tasting of the famous “porchetta”, a small, young pork, in typical restaurant of the country. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6

Breakfast at hotel and morning devoting to the visit of St.Peter’s and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon guided visit of Rome: Colosseo, Campidoglio, Foro and Via Sacra. Farewell dinner at a typical Roman trattoria with music. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 7

Breakfast at hotel and morning devoted to do shopping, end of services.

Enogastronomic and Villas of the Veneto

7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1

Arrive in Verona Country. Accomodation in Hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2

Breakfast in hotel. Morning visit to Valpolicella with a visit and wine-tasting of this famous Italian red wine. Afternoon free to explore the fascinating city of Verona – a mix of Roman and Renaissance architecture. Dinner at one of Verona’s typical restaurants with wine-tasting of Veneto wines.

Day 3

Breakfast in hotel. Departure for a visit to the Villa La Mattarana, a 15th century villa, first built as a castle then turned into a monastery for Benedictine sisters. The villa now contains a well-stocked cantina and wine-tasting will follow the visit. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Afternoon visit to the Villa Allegri Arvedi, a magnificent Baroque building (1656) with a famous Italian style garden stretching across the entire front of the villa. Next to be visited is the Villa Fraccaroli with its splendid gardens, fountains, and waterfalls. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Breakfast in hotel. Departure for the hills of Treviso for a visit to the Villa Emo, a masterpiece of Andrea Palladio who in one of his few entirely finished buildings designed both a farmhouse/palazzo (1560). The villa remains intact from his original design. Lunch in typical restaurant and late afternoon Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5

Breakfast in hotel. Visit to the medieval castle of Soave. A monumental fortress, the castle dominates the surrounding countryside. It is one of the best preserved castles in the Veneto, with its high towers and noble apartments decorated with medieval furnishings and arms. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Return to Verona in the afternoon time at leisure for shop in its elegant stores. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6

Breakfast in hotel. Day dedicated to the famous Palladian villas of the Vicenza area. Stops will be made at La Rotonda (Palladio’s most famous villa) with its four equal-columned facades and the interior rotonda frescoes by Dorigny. A stop will also be made at the Villa Valmarana “Ai Nani,” built between 1665 and 1670 with 17th century frescoes by Tiepolo based on four poems: the Iliad, Orlando Furioso, the Aeneid and Liberation of Jerusalem. This will be followed by a special lunch in nice typical restaurant, a 15th century palace originally built by the Gonzaga family of Mantova. Return to Verona in late afternoon.

Day 7

Breakfast in hotel. Departure.

Harmonies and Tastes of Friuli

4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 1: Sesto al Reghena – Spilimbergo

Arrival of the group in the late morning in Sesto al Reghena, small town famous for the Abbey of the VIII century. Lunch in a well known restaurant of the place. In the afternoon visit of the Abbey of St. Maria in Silvis, kept for centuries by Benedettini monks and closed in 1970. Today remains the church, in a romanic-byzantine style. The tour then departs for the city of Spilimbergo. Visit of the Cathedral and stroll to the Castle, to admire the splendid frescoes of the Palazzo Fiorito. Eventually, visit of the very famous “School of Mosaic”. In the evening transfer to a very good 3 stars upper class hotel. Gastronomic dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Udine – Villa Manin – Palmanova

Breakfast in hotel and departure to Udine, a chief town of Friuli, rich in valuable monuments in romanic-gothic and venetian style. Lunch in a characteristic agriturismo where you can taste some of the typical products of the area. Afternoon spent to visit the Villa Manin, VIII century building owned by the last Doge of Venice Ludovico Manin, where, in 1797, Napoleone stayed. Leaving Villa Manin, the tour now takes you to Palmanova, fortress town with a polygonal, star shaped plan, built by Venetians in 1593. In the evening dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Gemona – Venzone – San Daniele

Breakfast in hotel and departure to the areas of the rebuilding in Friuli. Visit to the famous towns of Gemona and Venzone, completely rebuilt after the earthquake of ’76. Then we continue to the city of San Daniele where it is possible to visit one of the most important ham factory of the area. Lunch in a restaurant with tasting of the famous product. In the afternoon visit of S. Daniele. Subsequently visit to a characteristic place in the area of the Grave, a typical wine region. In the evening return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Redipuglia – Gorizia

Breakfast in hotel and departure to Redipuglia where, on the slopes of Sei Busi mountain, stands the great war memorial, which gathers together 100.000 fallen of the 1915-18 War. Then the tour continues to Gorizia, witness of harsh battles during the first World War. Visit of the city and of the stately medieval castle (XII century) with its characteristic burgh. Lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon we continue to Cividale del Friuli: town of roman origin but with a great historical importance in the Longobard period. Walk in the historical centre and stop by the famous Bridge of the Devil on the Natisone river. Return to the towns of origin expected for the late afternoon.

Fortresse and Castels Emilia

4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 1

Arrival of the group by their own transport in the morning in Imola. Meeting with the guide to visit the majestic Rocca Sforzesca (XIII-XV C.), square plan design, with four turrets in the corners, which houses an interesting collection of ancient arms. Lunch not included. Transfer to Dozza, a miraculously intact medieval hamlet, dominated by the Sforzesca Fortress. Not to be missed: the furniture collection, the torture instruments and the dungeons; the underground structure also contains a Museum of the Farming Civilization. Local wine-tasting at the richly stocked Regional Wine Cellar inside the fortress. Accommodation in a hotel in Bologna. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Carpi to visit the Pio Castle: on the left of the central part, built in the XVI Century, the Torre Uccelliera can be admired, together with the massive Torre del Passerino and on the right, there is the Torrazzo di Galasso; in the centre of the front part, the Clock Tower. Lunch not included. In the afternoon, transfer to San Prospero and stop-off at a vinegar producing concern where there is the opportunity to purchase the renowned aromatic vinegar, which is traditional to Modena. Opportunity to visit a wine cellar to taste the famous Lambrusco wine. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to the Matilda’s lands, in the province of Reggio Emilia: Quattro Castella, which takes its name from four fortresses which were built between 985 and 1054; the Canossa Castle, whose ruins stand proud on a white sandstone rocky crag, and is closely tied to the humiliation of the Emperor Enrico IV who, in the year 1077 went there to beg for forgiveness from Pope Gregorio VII with intermediation by Matilda; the Rossena Castle, a stronghold surrounded by a combination of perfectly conserved city wall arrangements. Lunch not included. In the afternoon, transfer to the Carpineti Castle, the favourite residence of Matilda where she hosted the Popes Gregorio VII, Urbano II and Pasquale II. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Fontanellato. Meeting with the guide to visit the Sanvitale Fortress with its square plan design, embattled curtain with turrets, stronghold to protect the entry and an extensive surrounding moat. It is a splendid residence which has preserved its original furnishings and ornaments. A small room boasts a circle of frescos portraying Diana and Atteone which are a masterpiece of Parmigianino. Transfer to the Soragna Fortress. Lunch not included. In the afternoon, visit to the Rossi Castle, in the San Secondo locality. Stop-off at a cheese factory where the renowned parmesan is produced. End of our services.

Fortresse and Castels Romagna

4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 1

Arrival of the group in Ravenna and meeting with the guide to visit the historical centre and the Rocca Brancaleone, started by the Venetians in 1457: the majestic bastions and the entrance tower to the parade ground are still intact, with a bas-relief of the St. Mark lion. Lunch in typical restaurant. Afternoon free to visit the other impressive monuments. Traditional dinner in a restaurant. Accommodation in a hotel and overnight stay.

Day 2

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Terra del Sole, the most meticulously conserved and complete example of a XVI century fortified citadel. Lunch in typical restaurant. Transfer to Bertinoro, the famous land of romagnolo vineyards; the colonna dell’Ospitalità rises up majestically in Piazza della Libertà, dates back to the XIII Century and is the international symbol of a hearty welcoming. Visit to a viticulture and wine producing establishment, livened up by having a traditional romagnolo snack. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Sogliano al Rubicone, stopping off at a “fossa” cheese producing enterprise. Transfer to Sant’Arcangelo, an ancient and fascinating romagnolo hamlet, featuring the Rocca Malatestiana fortified complex . The hill the medieval historical centre rises up on is riddled with around 100 grottoes dug out of the tuff, with some stretches open to the public. Just outside the historical centre, about 1 km. away, the romanesque San Michele Parish Church can be admired. A must is a visit to the Stamperia Artigianale Marchi (a famous workshop for “stampa a ruggine” on cloth, which is a typical product of Romagna) or the Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente di Romagna (Museum of the Customs and Habits of the Romagna people). Lunch in typical restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer to San Marino and meeting with the guide to visit the smallest republic in the world. Free time. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Casola Valsenio to visit the Medicinal Herbs Garden. Typical herb-based lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Brisighella and meeting with the guide to visit the medieval hamlet perched on three rugged pinnacles: the Manfrediana Fortress (XIV C.), the Clock Tower and the Monticino Sanctuary. Tasting and opportunity to purchase the famous pure olive oil, which has been awarded the sought-after denomination of “controllée”, wine and other typical produce. End of our services.

Chianti Region: the Most Famous Italian Wine Country

7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1

Arrival in Chianti region. Accomodation to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight.

Day 2

Breakfast to the Hotel. Departure to Greve, a city of great historic presence and once the administrative center for wine in the region. From there several stops to get closer to the region, castle Montefioralle, and Verrazzano are nearby. A stop for lunch in Panzano, after a visit one of most populaire and famous Italian butchers of Mr. Dario. He’ll provide an assortment of Tuscan foods and wine accompanied by chamber music for your listening pleasure. Castellina in Chianti. Visit one of the most important Chianti winery. Return to the hotel through the Chianti route. Welcome aperitif/wine tasting in one typical Tuscan restaurant, to be followed by the first of many Tuscan dinners.

Day 3

Breakfast to the Hotel. Departure to the main castles and villages of the region. Chianti wine producers banded together in 1924 to further qualify and promote their product and is probably why Chianti is more widely known or associated with Tuscany than other Italian wines. Ever since this coalition, the chosen logo, Gallo Nero “the black rooster”, has become a recognized symbol and a point of distinction for the members. First, stop, Radda in Chianti, which with its fortifications offers a look into medieval Chianti. Its location offers magnificent views over the countryside, in particular the Parco Naturale della Virglia. Some time for walking and shopping before a light lunch in restaurant. Onward to a series of wineries nearby before a final stop in Castellina, which offers a visit to the Enoteca Vini Gallo Nero, a showcase for the regions wines. Later dinner at one of the town’s favorite restaurants before a enchanting walk ride back to your hotel.

Day 4

Breakfast and the morning at your leisure, then a late morning departure for another opportunity to take in the pleasures of the Chianti wine region. First stop and not to be overlooked, we will introduce you to the “other” agricultural product of the region, extra virgin olive oil. While visiting a local oil producing farm you’ll snack on crostini toscani, slices of tuscan bread brushed with olive oil and topped with percorino cheese. Of course you’ll wash these tasty items down with a glass of Chianti. Next we will visit one of the great wineries of the region. Here you’ll tour the wine cellars and get a close look at the silent production of Chianti, so important to the final product. From there we will go onto a smaller, family owned winery for a final tasting before we enjoy a fabulous dinner in a famous typical restaurant. Return to hotel.

Day 5

Breakfast to the Hotel. Departure to the city of “beautiful towers”. With its distinctive skyline, San Gimignano was a beacon for travelers in medieval times, given its location on the main route from northern Europe to Rome. Tall towers (14 of the original 76 remain) were built to serve both as private fortresses and symbols of their owners’ wealth. One of the best preserved medieval towns in the region, you will be able to stroll the streets and indulge in the art galleries, jewelry or wine shops. A pause for a group lunch in one of the fine local restaurants, where we will enjoy San Gimignano’s special white wine, Vernaccia. In the afternoon we will depart to Siena. Will visit Piazza del Campo in the heart of this preserved, but lively city. This shell shaped 12th-century piazza is surrounded by elegant palazzi of the great Sienese families. Time to shop on via di Sopra and take in the special feeling of the city. Several areas and historical sites will be explored before a final visit to the Duomo, one of the most spectacular in Italy, to complete the tour. Back to the campo to relax with a welcome drink or refreshment. Accomodation to the Hotel. Dinner at one of typica restaurant, with Tuscan speciality. Return to the Hotel. Overnight.

Day 6

Breakfast to the Hotel. Depart to Montalcino, a historical hillside village, which became the last strong hold for the Sienese in their battles with the city of Florence. A town of timeless character, the streets in Montalcino are narrow, winding and steep. Well known for its Brunello wine, the town also offers great views of the Tuscan surroundings and the local wine producing vineyards. Shortly after arriving and a brief stroll through the city, you’ll visit the Municipal and Diocesan Museum of the Sacred Art, which houses one of the most important collections of medieval wood sculptures and Sienese art. Also included is a visit to the Fortezza, the city fortress used by the Sienese after Florence conquered Siena in 1555. You will have a chance to walk the great walls of this small but impressive structure. Light Lunch in restaurant and winetasting the magnificent Brunello. In the afternoon vist one of the most important winery of Brunello di Montalcino. return to the Hotel. The evening will be celebrated with a dinner at one of Siena’s best and well known restaurants.

Day 7

Breakfast. Departure. End of our services.

Enocultural in Tuscany and Latium

7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1

Group arrival and check in at hotel. Afternoon guided visit of Florence, queen of the Renaissance, with the possibility to discover its world wide famous art treasure: the Duomo, the Giotto’s tower, the Baptistery, the Signoria Square, the Church of Santa Croce and the old bridge over the river Arno. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to the very scenic Chianti hills, famous for their rich vegetation, medieval villages, vineyards, cypresses and wine cellars of the Chianti wine. Visit of at least 2 of them with wine tasting, passing through typical villages like Radda in chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve, San Leolino, Valpala, etc. Typical lunch. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to Siena and visit to the city. Continuation to San Gimignano, with its 14 old towers, its cathedral and medieval centre. Lunch and return to Florence. Typical dinner in restaurant near Florence. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to Rome. Check in at your hotel and lunch. Afternoon guided tour of Rome with a stop at the famous bar “St. Eutsachio” to taste the unique “Great Caffè Espresso” famous all over the world. Dinner based on a great pizza at one pizzeria in Trastevere, the roman district with the best roman pizzas. Overnight at he hotel.

Day 5

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to the excursion to the Roman Castles, visit of Frascati, Albano and Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence). Lunch at a typical agriturism. In the afternoon visit of the lake Nemi with beautiful landscapes, and the Roman Ship Museum. Visit with wine tasting in a cellar of the “Vino dei Catselli Romani”. Ariccia with the Palace Chigi and the Garden. Dinner with tasting of the famous “porchetta”, a small, young pork, in typical restaurant of the country. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6

Breakfast at hotel and morning devoting to the visit of St.Peter’s and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon guided visit of Rome: Colosseo, Campidoglio, Foro and Via Sacra. Farewell dinner at a typical Roman trattoria with music. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 7

Breakfast at hotel and morning devoted to do shopping, end of services.

Wine Food Tour of Florence and the Tuscan Countryside

6 Days / 5 Nights

Day 1

Arrival near Florence. Accomodation in Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2

Breakfast in hotel. Day will be dedicated to a tour of Chianti. Morning visit to Greve in
Chianti – the town and its famous Piazza. Proceed to the Castello di Vicchio Maggio for a visit of the castle and its cantina. Lunch and wine-tasting at the castle. Afternoon departure for Radda in Chianti. Visit one of the most important winery and a brief stop at Radda in Chianti. Dinner in typical restaurant. Return to hotel.

Day 3

Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Montalcino. Brief visit of the town with a stop at the Caffe La Fiaschetteria (one of the most famous bars in Italy) and in one of the most important “Cantina” for wine-tasting and alight buffet lunch.
Afternoon visit to the Villa Banfi winery. Proceed with visits to the Castello di Poggio alle Mura, the glass museum and a brief stop at the castello’s wineshop.
Dinner in typical restaurant. Return to hotel.

Day 4

Breakfast in hotel. Departure for San Gimignano. Brief tour of the famous Medieval towers. Visit, lunch and wine-tasting of Vernaccia di San Gimignano – one of Italy’s most famous white wines in one of the most important winery. After lunch departure for Siena.
Afternoon free to explore this magnificent city. Dinner in typical restaurant. Return to hotel.

Day 5

Breakfast in hotel. Departure for a tour of the Nobile de Montepulciano area. Visit one of the old historic Cantina (founded in the 12th century) and wine-tasting. Lunch in typical Ristorante in Montepulciano. Afternoon departure for Pienza (where part of “The English Patient” was filmed) and a visit of the city. Early evening departure for Bagni Vignone, an ancient thermal site and dinner at the Osteria del Leone Restaurant. Return to hotel.

Day 6

Breakfast in hotel. Finish of our services.

In Tuscany and Latium

7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1

Group arrival and check in at hotel. Afternoon guided visit of Florence, queen of the Renaissance, with the possibility to discover its world wide famous art treasure: the Duomo, the Giotto’s tower, the Baptistery, the Signoria Square, the Church of Santa Croce and the old bridge over the river Arno. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to the very scenic Chianti hills, famous for their rich vegetation, medieval villages, vineyards, cypresses and wine cellars of the Chianti wine. Visit of at least 2 of them with wine tasting, passing through typical villages like Radda in chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve, San Leolino, Valpala, etc. Typical lunch. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to Siena and visit to the city. Continuation to San Gimignano, with its 14 old towers, its cathedral and medieval centre. Lunch and return to Florence. Typical dinner in restaurant near Florence. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to Rome. Check in at your hotel and lunch. Afternoon guided tour of Rome with a stop at the famous bar “St. Eutsachio” to taste the unique “Great Caffè Espresso” famous all over the world. Dinner based on a great pizza at one pizzeria in Trastevere, the roman district with the best roman pizzas. Overnight at he hotel.

Day 5

Breakfast at hotel and morning departure to the excursion to the Roman Castles, visit of Frascati, Albano and Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence). Lunch at a typical agriturism. In the afternoon visit of the lake Nemi with beautiful landscapes, and the Roman Ship Museum. Visit with wine tasting in a cellar of the “Vino dei Catselli Romani”. Ariccia with the Palace Chigi and the Garden. Dinner with tasting of the famous “porchetta”, a small, young pork, in typical restaurant of the country. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6

Breakfast at hotel and morning devoting to the visit of St.Peter’s and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon guided visit of Rome: Colosseo, Campidoglio, Foro and Via Sacra. Farewell dinner at a typical Roman trattoria with music. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 7

Breakfast at hotel and morning devoted to do shopping, end of services.

Discovering Art, History, Gastronomic Delights in Umbria

5 Days / 4 Nights

Day 1: ORVIETO – SPOLETO – ORVIETO

Positioned on a great square rock dominating the countryside for miles has been identified as the ancient etruscan settlement of Volsinii .The remains found in the town and in the Etruscan burial chambers are preserved in the Faina foundation Museum and in the Museum of the Cathedral. Visit the famous Duomo dedicated to the “Assunta” (one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Italy) and the “S. Patrick well”. After a special typical lunch proceed to SPOLETO a simple heaven of twisting streets, cobbled stairways and peace and quiet. Dominating the town is the huge Castle built in 1359 to protect the town’s most famous monument, the “Ponte delle Torri” built on a roman foundation by Architect Gattapone. Until recently the Castle was a high security prison but has been undergoing restoration to reopen as a Museum in the next future. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 2: SPOLETO – TREVI – FOLIGNO

Depart from the Hotel after breakfast, drive to Foligno through the enchanting country of Trevi with the famous “Madonna delle lacrime”: stop at the famous confectionery “Muzzi” in Foligno for a tasting of delighfful sweets. Free lunch. Visit of the city a modern little town grown up in the middle age. Visit the Duomo of the Xll century, the Romanic church of S. Maria Infraporta and the Oratorio of Annunziatella. Return to Spoleto in the late afternoon. Dinner in typical restaurant. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 3: SPOLETO – SPELLO – PERUGIA

Depart from the Hotel after breakfast; drive to Perugia through the Fonti del Clitunno where a stop may be made to visit the Temple. Proceed to Spello little ancient town on the southern declivity of Mount Subasio. Lunch in Restaurant. Proceed to PERUGIA very important and interesting city placed over an irregular hill Picturesque in its medieval look is a famous centre of Art. Visit the Fontana Maggiore one of the most beautiful Fountains of Italy with the sculptures by Pisano, the Cathedral on gothic style, the Palazzo dei Priori, the Collegio del Cambio with its famous frescoes by Perugino, San Bernardino, St. Peter Church and Porta Romana. Stop at Torgiano for a guided visit to the Museum of wine. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 4: PERUGIA – ASSISI – PERUGIA

Breakfast at the Hotel. Drive to ASSISI visit of the city, famous small town placed on a panoramic position over a spur of Mount Subasio. One of the most impressive religious centres in Italy as the mother country of San Francesco. Visit the church of San Francesco, Santa Chiara and the Cathedral, St. Pietro, the Rocca Maggiore. After a free lunch visit Santa Maria degli Angeli and the ”Hermitage of the Prisons”. Return to Perugia. Dinner and overnight in Hotel

Day 5: PERUGIA – GUBBIO – ROMA

Breakfast at the Hotel. Drive to Gubbio, one of the most caracteristic towns of Umbria. enchanting for its intact medieval look. Visit the Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Dei Consoli. Lunch atin typical restaurant. Departure

Food and Wine Sicily

Tour 8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: CATANIA

Arrival at Catania Airport. Private transfer to the reserved Hotel in Catania area. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2

Breakfast at the Hotel. Depart for Linguaglossa, one of the many small towns around Mount Etna renowned for its natural and artistic beauty, as well as for its culinary specialties. Stop to sample the local ricotta cheese and see how this cheese is made. Proceed to the wine-producing town of Castiglione of Sicily to visit the year-round wine exhibition boasting wares from the greatest Sicilian wine producers and to explore the historical center with its monuments. Wine tasting at the Valle Galtina wine cellar, which produces Etna Red, White and Rosè Doc. In the afternoon, excursion to Catania with guided tour of the historical center, the Cathedral, Via dei Crociferi, Piazza Università and Teatro Massimo. Dinner in a tipycal local Trattoria in the historical center. Overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast and departure for Piazza Armerina to visit the Roman Villa del Casale with its splendid mosaics. Proceed to Caltagirone with stop for lunch at a country guest house. Afternoon tour of this city famous for its ceramics with a chance to see the craftsmen at work. Stop for wine tasting at a wine cellar wich produces Doc wines. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Breakfast and departure for Santa Venerina, a small town at the foot of Mount Etna, with a stop to sample the culinary delights of Pasticceria Russo, one of the oldest and best cake shops in the area. Santa Venerina is also home of one of the most important and interesting wine cellars producing Doc wines, Barone Scammacca del Murgo. Stop to sample the wines with their producers in some of the most beautiful natural surroundings in the area. Lunch in a tipycal local agriturismo. In the afternoon, panoramic tour of the “ Lemon Riviera”, with its many famous small towns favored by tourism including Acitrezza, Acirele and Aci Castello. Dinner in a tipycal local restaurant with music show. Overnight.

Day 5

Breakfast and departure for Menfi, with stops on the way. Sample the wines at the Cantine Settesoldi wine cellar. Lunch in a country agriturismo. In the afternoon tour of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento. Arrival at Hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: CATANIA – PALERMO

Breakfast and departure for Marsala with tour of the Archaeological Museum and Island of Mothia. Visit the salt mines of Ettore and Infersa with a stop for lunch. In the afternoon, wine tasting at the Florio wine cellar. Proceed to Palermo. Arrival at Hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7

Breakfast and lunch at the Hotel. In the morning, short panoramic tour of the city of Palermo and tour of Monreale Cathedral. In the afternoon, visit the famous wine cellar Regaleali del Conte Tasca di Almerita.
Gala dinner in one of Palermo’s nice local restaurant. Overnight.

Day 8

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport. End of tour.