​16 Days taking in some of the most beautiful villages, towns and cites of Italy in the southern regions of Lazio, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, Apulia and Campania. A Taste of Perugia Food Tour. Antica Cantina Sant'Amico Vineyard for a Tour and Tasting. A Walking Food Tour of Lecce, known as the Florence of the South. A Tour and Tasting at Acropolis Di Puglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Masseria Torricella Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting. Private Guided tour of Pompei and Herculeneum with a Vineyard Tasting and Lunch. Your days will be spent exploring these lovely regions of Italy while your nights will be spent imbibing and relaxing in amazing accommodations. This tour will be amazing in every way!

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Tour price includes 16 nights luxury accommodation, all dinners and lunches listed in the itinerary and breakfast each morning, all activities, sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary, all taxes, fees and service charges. Guided minibus travel drop off and luggage handling.

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$10,995 per person. Only 2 Doubles Available!

$1495 Single Supplement.

$1000 deposit to book your spot.

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Please do not sign up for a tour until you have read through our

Terms and Conditions. Especially in regards to mobility, luggage

limits etc. You must agree to this prior to signing up.

 

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Day 1 - We will meet this morning at our Rome Airport Accommodation to start our adventure together as. After a brief orientation, we make our way to Perugia with a few stops along the way as part of our "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy" theme. From the top of a tuff hill between two valleys crossed by the Chiarano and Mola rivers, Castelnuovo di Porto curls up around the Rocca Colonna , in the Roman countryside. The historic centre is dotted with coats of arms that recall the noble houses that arose around the Rocca Colonna , a 13th-century castle embellished with frescoed rooms, the ancient prisons, a small medieval church and the painted loggia, frescoed by Federico Zuccari with scenes on the foundation of Rome, Roman legends, battles, ports and possessions of the rich family. After some time to explore we make our way to a hill overlooking Lago Trasimeno and the Chiana Valley where we find the municipality of Città della Pieve. We will stop for lunch and then explore this exquisitely medieval structure, made entirely of high-quality local brick, made in the area since the Middle Ages. A free city since 1228, it was an ally of Siena in its struggles against the papacy and in constant conflict with Perugia. Today, it is delightful getting lost in its alleyways that open onto grandiose views of the mountains of Central Italy, from Amiata to Cetona, from the Sibillini to Subasio. Dinner and Overnight Perugia. (B,L,D)

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Day 2 - Today will be spent entirely in Perugia located in the centre of Italy. The Province of Perugia is Umbria’s largest province with Perugia at the heart of it. The city lies on a hill 1,640 ft above sea level, with the old town spreading all around it, and partly surrounded by Etruscan and Medieval Walls. There are two city walls with the external dating back to the Middle Ages, is still intact for several miles and is marked by several entrances, such as the Cassero di Porta Sant'Angelo. While here we will have a Taste of Perugia Tour. We will stroll through a maze of medieval streets as we taste and sip our way through the capital city of Umbria, Italy's "Green Heart" with over 7 tastings, bites & sips – with locally sourced foods and much more! We will enjoy Umbria's local food and wines, including handmade pasta, truffles, chocolates, cheeses and more as we walk in the footsteps of ancient Etruscans, Roman Emperors, Noble Families and Renaissance Painters. As Perugia is the European Capital of Chocolate, we may have to find some places to do some more sampling before we make our way to our accommodation to get checked in before dinner. Overnight Perugia. (B,L)

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Day 3 - Our first stop today will be Spello, nestled on the southern flank of Mount Subasio, between Assisi and Foligno, is part of the club of "The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy" due to its significant environmental, cultural and artistic heritage. The ancient town centre of Umbrian origin, "Hispellum" from the first century BC, was an important Roman town given the title " Splendidissima Colonia Julia". There is important and impressive evidence of the Roman period which coexists beautifully with today's medieval urban appearance. We will also stop in the village of Montecassiano which lies in the heart of the Marche region, in the hills of the Macerata area. Its architecture and traditions still tell of the strong roots that link the town to its medieval past. Montecassiano is in fact surrounded by high walls, which are still well-preserved today. At one time, several gates opened in the walls, of which only the Porta di San Lorenzo gate remains today, opening towards the east and representing the main entrance to the village at the end of the 19th century. We will explore further down the coastline with a few coastal viewpoint stops before getting settled into tout seaside accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Ancona. (B,D)

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Day 4 - At the northern end of the Conero promontory, the city of Ancona stands on a natural harbour dominating a wide stretch of the Adriatic coast. Its historical centre, a few metres from the ferry embarkation point, holds art treasures, beautiful buildings and that liveliness that only port cities possess. To be discovered on foot, from the port to the Duomo, to the Cardeto park and the Passetto beach, where Ancona's inhabitants go to enjoy the sea, Ancona is a city that knows how to amaze. After some exploration of Ancona we take a Boat excursion on the Conero Riviera. We will leave from the port of Numana to enjoy the beauties of the Conero Riviera seen from the sea, skirting the beaches of Numana, Sirolo, Le Due Sorelle until we reach the wonderful Portonovo, during the excursion it will be possible to dive into the waters of the Conero Riviera, we will enjoy then an aperitif with snacks and good local wine. The excursion will be enlivened by tales of local stories and legends. This afternoon we make our way to Antica Cantina Sant'Amico Vineyard for a Tour and Tasting. During this personalized tasting tour of one of Italy’s oldest wineries and vineyards—a Le Manche institution established in 1850—you’ll get unparalleled access to the privately owned historic site. After a guided visit to the original wine cellar, where production continues unchanged, prepare to indulge in a luxurious tasting of three native wine selections paired with a savory platter of local meats and cheeses. Overnight Ancona. (B,L)

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Day 5 - We will explore more of the "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy" on our way to Pescara. In the countryside of Montecosaro, along the banks of the Chienti River, not far from the highway that connects Civitanova to Macerata, there is the thousand-year-old church dedicated to the Annunziata, one of the masterpieces of Romanesque art in Italy. In the countryside of Montecosaro, along the banks of the Chienti River, not far from the highway that connects Civitanova to Macerata, there is the thousand-year-old church dedicated to the Annunziata, one of the masterpieces of Romanesque art in Italy. Santa Maria a pi' di Chienti first historical data dates back to the year 936 AD, when the powerful abbot of Farfa, Campone, donated to Ildebrando, who had helped him in the conspiracy against the Abbot Raffredo, a substantial estate and the church of Santa Maria a pié di Chienti. The current church, although having undergone substantial changes over the centuries, dates back to the 12th century, when the abbot of Farfa Agenolfo wanted to expand the original structure. We will have a tour of the church before moving further down the coast to Torre Di Palme, a village of rare architectural uniformity, which surprises the visitor with urban views of unique charm; the narrow alleys that wind between the terracotta facades of the houses in bloom with geraniums, frame sweeping views of the sea and the surrounding hills. A highlight of a walk around town is the wide panoramic viewpoint overlooking the sandy shores dominating the residential area of Porto San Giorgio, with its modern tourist port and the ancient sanctuary of Santa Maria a Mare, an important worship centre since the Middle Ages. The beautiful hills surrounding the city, sloping down towards the sea, are dotted with small villages scattered evenly over the territory. We then get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Pescara. (B,L)

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Day 6 - Today it is more of "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy" as we make our way further down the coast. Our first stop is Città Sant'Angelo nn the northern slope of the Saline River Valley is a gem of a village on a hill above Pescara. As one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy) Citta' Slow (like the Slow Food movement), city of wine and city of oil, all mean that it is a wonderful place to visit. Sitting on a its hilltop between the sea and the mountains, the panoramas in every direction are breathtaking as you can see other hill towns in almost every direction. Our next stop is Casoli, a village of around 5000 inhabitants in the province of Chieti, perched on the top of a hill approximately 380 meters above sea level east of Maiella, in the southern area of Abruzzo. Its territory is characterized by a beautiful rural landscape made of cultivated lands - in particular olive trees - and green hills, embellished not only by the massive presence of one of the largest mountains in Italy, but also by the flow of the rivers Aventino and Sangro and from the lakes Sant'Angelo and Serranella. Next we visit the village of Vico del Gargano, where the charming historic center is of medieval origin and retains many of the original features and architecture typical of the small hillside villages of southern Italy, where different styles alternate. Worthy of note are the castle built by the Normans in 1167 and enlarged by Frederick II in 1240, the city walls with the characteristic round-based towers from 1292 and the numerous churches, including the Mother Church, with its stone portal and its altars, including that of Valentine's day, protector of the city. Dinner and Overnight Manfredonia. (B,D)

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Day 7 - As we are about half way through the tour your entire day will be spent at your leisure in Manfredonia. Manfredonia rises on the slopes of the Gargano, on the shore of the Gulf and i sknown as the "spur on the heel of the boot". Its Swabian-Angevin fortress, overlooking the sea, looks into the distance and recalls its ancient function of defence against attacks from the sea. This is in fact the element that most tells the identity of the town: Manfredonia is an important port, both fishing and commercial, and has always intertwined its activities with the sea. The old port hosts mainly fishing boats and its Marina is the ideal starting point for exploring the Gargano and the Adriatic, while the 'deep water' port, located about two kilometres from the centre, serves the industrial area and can accommodate ships with a high draught. The Archaeological Museum housed in the Cathedral also has a collection dedicated to underwater archaeology, which tells the story of the bond that has always united this land with its sea. Manfredonia rises on the slopes of the Gargano, on the shore of the Gulf: its Swabian-Angevin fortress, overlooking the sea. Get rested up for the second half of the tour. Overnight Manfredonia. (B)

 

Day 8 -  This morning we head further south into Puglia to eventually end up at Ostuni, a wonderful medieval village full of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, picturesque views, artisan shops, and little cafes. Along the way we will discover more of "Italy's Most Beautiful Villages" with a first stop at Bari, known as the “Gateway to the East” due to its long tradition of trade, this capital of Apulia is rich in history. Exploring the historic centre reveals its most authentic character, with signs of its past scattered through the local alleyways and endless examples of age-old traditions passed from generation to generation. Then there is the famous Bari promenade which is home to the longest promenade in Italy and is also one of the most beautiful in Italy, overlooking the clear sea and the unique charm of Bari. Our next stop is Polignano a Mare, perched on the edge of a high cliff rising from the Adriatic Sea is one of the most spectacular and popular locations on the Apulian coast. The historic centre of this seaside village is a maze of narrow streets that slope down towards a tiny beach, the Lama Monachile, which cuts the cliff in two. Underneath the town, a tangle of caves invites you to discover a crystal-clear sea. Polignano is also the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the singer-songwriter of “Volare”, the most famous Italian song in the world. Dinner and Overnight Ostuni. (B,D)

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Day 9 - Much of today will be spent in Lecce, often referred to as the 'Florence of the South' in Puglia’s Salento region, is built in the local soft creamy limestone with dazzling architectural surprises around every corner. The city is a minor Baroque masterpiece, where every street and piazza tells a story. With its blend of historical richness, architectural beauty, and vibrant daily life, Lecce is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Puglia. We will have a Food Tour of Lecce  where in addition to its ornate baroque palaces and churches, Lecce is home to a unique culinary culture. With this tour, we explore both the city’s architecture and its cuisine while strolling through the old town with our guide. We will take in the Duomo, Basilica of Santa Croce, and other highlights and sample local delicacies like the savory “rustico” and “frisella” baked treats, followed by a “pasticciotto” filled with sweet custard for dessert. We then make our way to Grottaglie, a town with a ceramics district where pottery wheels turn ceaselessly in more than 50 craft shops. While here we will visit Bottega Vestita with live demonstration led by the master potter. Bottega Vestita is one of the most ancient and full of history pottery workshops in Grottaglie, located in the hearth of the Ceramics District; a real witness for figulinum artwork by this family of artists, since the beginning of 19th century. We then return home to Ostuni before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Ostuni. (B,L,D)

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Day 10 - This morning will be spent in Alberobello, a fairytale place, a little gem nestled in the Itria Valley between the Apulian provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. The capital of the trulli, extraordinary testimonies of dry-stone construction with conical or pyramid-shaped roofs, will enchant you with an expanse of more than 1,500 trulli that have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996. The entire Itria Valley is characterised by the presence of these picturesque constructions finding their roots in the prehistoric era, but it is in Alberobello that the highest concentration of the best-preserved examples can be found. We will discover the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Alberobello with a local guide. Marvel at the famous Trulli buildings, then stroll the city’s picturesque streets as you visit iconic landmarks and learn about Alberobello’s unique history before we join a cooking class here in Alberobello where we learn to make 2 different kinds of past and also Tiramisu. . After lunch you will have some time to explore on your own before we return home where you have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to just hang out and then find some dinner. Overnight Ostuni. (B,L)

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Day 11 - This morning we will visit Acropolis Di Puglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil where on a tour we will learn to recognise quality oil and discover what organoleptic properties an Extra Virgin Olive Oil must possess. We will follow all the production phases and see with our own eyes the mill from which the yellow gold is extracted and the place where it is stored and then savour the different types: Amabile, Vivace, Mosto and Florido. While here we will visit  the small museum attached to the oil mill, full of ancient antiques, and an unexpected final surprise: the tasting of some varieties of balsamic condiment, also produced by them, and aged in clay containers (capasoni) for several years. This afternoon we visit Masseria Torricella for an experience that includes a tour of the winery and the vineyards, a tasting of six wines and a light lunch prepared from local delicacies. Our guided tour of the Masseria will start with a guided tour of the vineyards adjacent to the winery, during which will be explained the work carried out during the year, with particular attention to environmental aspects and the organic method of cultivation that is scrupulously followed. At the end of the tour we will take the opportunity to take part in a tasting of 6 of the Masseria's wines, accompanied by a light lunch full of typical Apulian delicacies that are carefully selected to par with each wine. Dinner and Overnight Ostuni. (B,L,D)

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Day 12 - Today will be a day of taking in this wonderful wee area of Italy on your own. Ostuni is one of Puglia’s most beautiful cities, a tumble of white-washed buildings perched strategically atop a hill. Known as the White City, Ostuni has views of the endless olive trees in the Valle d’Itria countryside and the glimmering Adriatic Sea just 5 miles away, home to some of the region’s best beach resorts.The Old Town is an Ostuni must see and is where you’ll spend most of your time. The medieval walled city was built without any kind of plan, and it shows. The web of streets is a mass of confusing alleyways, staircases, and arches which make for wonderful exploration. Puglia had many invaders—Greeks, Romans, Goths, Byzantines, Normans—and the labyrinth of Ostuni is the perfect way to confuse the enemy and keep the city safe. The main street in Ostuni Old Town is Via Cattedrale, which winds its way from Piazza della Libertà at the bottom of the hill up to Ostuni Cathedral. The street is lined with boutiques and souvenir shops selling local olive oil and wine, Salentino sandals and beach wear. You will have a picnic lunch to take with you as you explore and then this afternoon we will take a Tuk Tuk Tour of the city. Overnight Ostuni. (B,L)

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Day 13 - We make our way toward Naples today with a few stops along the way. Our first stop is Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world where nature, history and culture come together. A place rich in scenery, unique architectural works, views of incomparable charm, Matera has captivated many artists, including Carlo Levi and Giovanni Pascoli, and continues to enchant with its Sassi, the stones in a unique area that hold evidence of human settlements from the Palaeolithic to the present day and is a World Heritage Site. We will have a tour where we will walk through the Sasso Caveoso, the Sasso Barisano and the historic centre with our guide. The tour includes the oldest area of the Sassi districts. During our guided tour you will visit an ancient rock church, a cave - dwelling and a beautiful hypogeum with oil mills, cisterns and millstones inside. Then you can find some lunch on your own before we continue our journey. We will take in one last "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy" with Acerenza, a small Lucanian village with a very ancient history that rises on the top of a hill from which you can enjoy a splendid panorama. Its architectural symbol is the cathedral: dating back to the 11th century, it enchants with its Romanesque style with Gothic influences and its crypt rich in precious paintings (those depicting Apostles, Doctors of the Church and Founders of Orders are splendid); it also houses important 16th-century panels and beautiful frescoes. It was here in Acerenza that the bronze statuette linked to the cult of an Acheruntine Hercules was found, one of the most precious testimonies of the warrior god, now on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Basilicata. Dinner and Overnight near Naples. (B,D)

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Day 14 - This morning we will have a Private Guided tour of Pompei and Herculeneum with a Vineyard Tasting and Lunch. We will enjoy priority access to the excavations of Pompeii where we stroll through the fascinating archaeological site while learning about the advanced engineering that was used, which was well before its time. Our guide will take us on a journey back in time showing you ancient road mapping, residential, and utilities planning. Our guide will also take us around the “shops” which lined the main street of Pompei. We will visit the Forum, the heart of the city where religious, economic, and commercial life took place. We will see the ancient basilica of town which is a preserved architectural prototype of the Christian basilica seen throughout Europe.  Walking through the residential neighborhoods, you can hear tales of how the residents of Pompeii lived…and loved as we experience a thorough journey through the most amazing ancient ruins. Next we discover five miles south of Naples an ancient town whose richness and history is on par with that of Pompeii, Herculaneum. Herculaneum is known as the better preserved cousin of Pompeii as the volcanic ash that covered it, also helped preserve the framework of the homes and buildings, but also the more fragile materials such as wood and other natural materials. Like a historian’s dream come true, you get to see the very beds and even food remnants left behind from that terrible day. Taking a walk through Herculaneum is immersing yourself in history. Some of the attractions you will see in  Herculaneum include the House of Galba, the Thermal Baths and wonderful mosaic floors, the Samnite House and plenty more. Our day will have a wonderful intermission with a visit and lunch at a local family run winery set in the hills of Mount Vesuvius. Our winery guide will take us on a private tour through the vineyard and the cellar while explaining the bio-dynamic techniques they used in production, as well as some of the ancient techniques they are implementing in their production. Of course, no vineyard tour would be complete without a wine tasting, so we will enjoy the views while you savor three wines followed by a delicious light meal which includes a starter, first course and a dessert. Overnight near Naples. (B,L)

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Day 15 -We make our way north this morning and back to Rome's Fiumicino Airport where our adventure began, We would be very remiss if we did not take in a few more of "Italy's Most Beautiful Villages". Our first stop is Pico, an ancient village perched on a hill close to Mount Pota (Frosinone, Lazio region, Italy). It is mentioned in documents from the 6th century, at the time of the Lombard invasion which also led to the destruction of Montecassino and Pastena, municipalities bordering Pico. Officially the existence of Pico and the Castle, built by Giovanni Scinto lord of Aquino, is documented from 1049. The Historic Center has a medieval structure: stone houses, narrow, regular streets connected by stairways that wind around the castle. The ancient walls were interrupted by gates, of which remains that of San Rocco, with the 16th century church. Not far away, the church of Santa Marina, dating back to the 11th century. Next we stop much closer to Rome at Nemi, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Italy sitting perched on a spur overlooking the lake of the same name. It is a town of strawberries and Roman ships dating back 2000 years ago. In the historical centre, the castle stands out, the symbol of the town with its original cylindrical tower and the baronial palace, inhabited by the Briaschi and Ruspoli families. The Historical Archaeological Museum of Roman Ships is dedicated to the ships. Unfortunately, almost nothing remains of the two original ships that belonged to Caligula and were recovered from the waters of the lake between 1929 and 1931. However, the place is also worth a visit for the architecturally interesting building alone, with a panoramic terrace where you can enjoy the view of the lake. Then we continue on to our accommodation near Rome Fiumicino Airport. Farewell Dinner and Overnight Rome Fiumicino. (B,D)

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Day 16 - We return you to the airport for your journey home.

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