Wine & Food Experience in Southern Italy: Campania, Basilicata, Puglia & Sicily ROBERTSON WINE TOURS for Margo and Bruce Tuesday 03rd May 2016 - Tuesday 17th May 2016
FOCUS
Hotels, we have not put the budget of the tour into these accommodations. Of course, they are going to be good, clean, well located and all interesting in their own rights, but I listened very carefully regarding this point. You have a treat in Matera, Lecce and in Taormina, just because these three hotels are unmissable.
You are going to have four guides in the South of Italy with the odd city expert jumping on and off. For the Amalfi Coast, we will have Katharine , a 30 years resident in Amalfi and Florence. Then I will pick up the reigns for the wines of Campania and Matera and then finally Ben, a pure delight, will show you the wine jewels of Sicily.
On Day 01, we will start in Naples with Katherine and a local official guide to give you an understanding of this fascinating port city and a quick look at the Farnese Collection in the Archaeological Museum. By 06:00 PM, we will have you checked into Amalfi for the next 3 or 4 nights.
Day 02 is all about the volcano, with the ever present and dangerous volcano of Vesuvius in the background. Pompei is just incredible. Of course, people were not killed by the lava, but by a heat wave and then buried by ash. It is just fascinating. After the culture, let us take you to the extreme terracing of one of the most noted wineries in the zone: Marisa Cuomo and her stunning wines. We can make a quick visit and enjoy her wines with a view from the restaurant underneath the winery. Fine stuff, I assure you.
Day 03 is our classic: an overview of the whole coast taking in all these picture-perfect villages, but with someone who knows all the intrigue and reality of these people's lives. This is not going to be a dry day of facts and figures, but a real cultural exchange. You will capture the essence of the zone and also understand how really new and surprising is the Amalfi Coast's fame to its inhabitants. I do not want you to think we do not like Capri. We absolutely do. If you would like a day on this stunning isle, do it. It is far more than 60's celebrities and the blue grotto: its gardens, its tranquillity and the wonderful vistas make this a compelling place to visit. Not sure if you will want us with you here or not. To be discussed.
On Day 05, we are taking you into the heart of Campania's wine region. Tim will take over here and we will have an easier day sedately arriving for lunch after an hour and half from your residence in Amalfi. Lunch is sumptuous and prepares us for two wonderful wineries: not cathedrals to wine, just outstanding examples of Aglianico and Fiano with two prestigious, but very down to earth owners. Tonight to break the journey on to Basilicata, we will be staying with Pierluigi & Nerina (very good friends), whose white wine we just cannot get enough of. We will enjoy a rustic stay with sophisticated lovely people.
On Day 06, we move on to our only day of wine in Basilicata, looking at the best of Aglianico … South Italy's most important noble varietal. This will be a splendid day with three small but totally different viewpoints. Finally, we arrive in Matera, our base camp and one of the most unique places in the world.
On Day 07, we will not step foot in a car, just enjoy Matera from a gastronomic point of view. Tim will be showing you the markets, taking you to an amazing lunch with dear friends of ours and in the afternoon you will walk and experience Matera with Anne (our expert local guide), all finished off with some wines in an art gallery and dinner if you think you need it!
Dionisio, the god of wine, takes over from here and is our Puglia or should I say European expert guide. He is the best and will show you Alberobello & Ostuni, two very unique towns in the Itria Valley … famed for the white cities and thousand-year olive trees. We finally arrive in Lecce (the Florence of the South, as it is called) for 3 nights of Salento hospitality.
On Day 09, we again keep everything close at hand in Central Lecce, with a very remarkable chef and cooking experience. After the superb lunch that you will have helped prepare, you will see Lecce through the eyes of a local expert guide. It is a very easy place to orientate and get around with an extraordinary night life.
On Day 10, you just cannot come to Puglia and not see Otranto and the sea. Not only that, we have to show you the most interesting varietal, Negroamaro. It is a unique wine, more often than not, made with very old bush vines.
We have an early morning start on Day 11, but it actually is the only early start on the trip and frankly the most amount of time we can show Sicily to you the better. You will be arriving into Catania and from there into the jewels of Sicily with your new guide, Ben, Ex wine industry and educated in the USA, Ben is the real thing and just a thoroughly lovey guy. We will get to see a little of Catania, the second city of Sicily, with a few wineries to boot to finally arrive into Taormina, a wildly beautiful and outstanding little enclave with Etna overlooking it all, the perfect backdrop.
Day 12 takes us up onto Etna to really try and see why Tim thinks that this is the hottest growing zone in the world and we are not talking of lava. These wines from Nerello Mascalese are just exceptional when carefully handled and you are going to taste three of the best today.
Day 13, our last full day together, is squeezing in a lot, but we know you want to. Siracusa is one of the most fascinating towns in Sicily and in the South of Italy. We can hone it to your interests. The archaeological park is outstanding, but deserves hours. So does the Isle of Ortigia that boasts one of the most fascinating temples that now is a basilica, a wonderful place just to be and feel. We cannot come this far south and no enjoy some of the latest examples of the Baroque Architecture in the World in the town Noto … just 20 minutes away. If you and Bruce are up for it, one final tasting of Nero d'Avola wines that Sicily is so famous for.
This is what we have architected for you. We know you trust us so now all you have to do is relax in South of Italy with us.
Why Robertson Wine Tours?
The reason for choosing us is very simple: we are wine lovers and want to share with you our insights and the things we love most: outstanding wines with excellent food, great company and stunning landscapes. Our main objective is for you to gain a great understanding of Italy and its people while tasting amazing wines and superb cuisine in the time you have available. We have 13 years of experience and excellence. Italy is a country you can return to often, so let us try to show it to you from a new perspective: through its foods and wines. Many of our guests have been to other great wine regions in the world. Italy sometimes surprises our guests with what appears to be backward technology and time tested winemaking techniques, which seem to be in big contradiction to all the New World's winemaking bells and whistles. It is fascinating to speak to winemakers about their perspective on the wines of Italy, the wine industry and global markets.
Table of contents
Tour Day by Day – Southern Italy – Wine & Food Experience – 14 nights
DAY 01 – Tuesday 03rd May 2016
Arrival IN / Sightseeing Naples: Cultural Experience / Amalfi / Amalfi Vacation Residence
Flight Air Canada AC0890
Arriving at Rome Airport (FCO) at 08:40 AM
From Toronto Airport (YYZ)
Reception & Departure from Rome Airport with Katharine
Private Transfer to Naples
Suggested Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Da Michele Pizzeria in Naples
01:30 PM Visit of Naples Assisted by Katharine
04:30 PM Private Transfer to Amalfi
06:00 PM Arrival & Check IN at Amalfi Vacation Residence
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Taverna di Masaniello Restaurant in Amalfi
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Amalfi Vacation Residence / Room Category: Loft Apartment
DAY 02 – Wednesday 04th May 2016
Sightseeing Amalfi Coast: Cultural Experience
10:00 AM Departure from Amalfi Vacation Residence with Katharine
Visit of Amalfi Coast Assisted by Katharine
Please Note: Including Visit at Positano & Ravello.
Suggested Lunch Not Included a la Carte at La Capannina Restaurant in Pogerola
05:00 PM Arrival at Amalfi Vacation Residence
Afternoon Free Sightseeing Amalfi On Your Own
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Lido Azzurro Restaurant in Amalfi
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Amalfi Vacation Residence / Room Category: Loft Apartment
(B) (L)
DAY 03 – Thursday 05th May 2016
Sightseeing Pompei & Amalfi Coast: Cultural, Wine & Food Experience
08:30 AM Departure from Amalfi Vacation Residence with Katharine
Private Transfer to Pompei
09:30 AM Guided Visit of Archaeological Site of Pompei with Gianni Tramparulo
11:30 AM Private Transfer to Furore
12:30 PM Visit at Marisa Cuomo Winery
01:30 PM 4-Course Lunch with 3 Wines at Hostaria di Bacco Restaurant
Please Note: Focusing on the Wines of Marisa Cuomo Winery.
03:30 PM Private Transfer to Amalfi
04:00 PM Arrival at Amalfi Vacation Residence
Afternoon Free Sightseeing Amalfi On Your Own
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at La Caravella Restaurant in Amalfi
Please Note: At Walking Distance / 1-Star Michelin Restaurant.
Sleep at Amalfi Vacation Residence / Room Category: Loft Apartment
(B)
DAY 04 – Friday 06th May 2016
Sightseeing Isle of Capri: Cultural Experience
08:15 AM Departure from Amalfi Vacation Residence On Your Own
Walk to Amalfi Port
08:30 AM Arrival at Amalfi Port
Fast Ferry NLG
Departing from Amalfi Port at 08:55 AM
Arriving at Isle of Capri Port at 09:55 AM
Reception & Departure from Isle of Capri Port with Gianni Tramparulo
Guided Visit of Isle of Capri
Suggested Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Da Gelsomina Restaurant in Capri
Guided Visit of Isle of Capri
04:45 PM Arrival at Isle of Capri Port
Fast Ferry NLG
Departing from Isle of Capri Port at 05:15 PM
Arriving at Amalfi Port at 06:15 PM
Walk to Amalfi Vacation Residence
06:30 PM Arrival at Amalfi Vacation Residence
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Marina Grande Restaurant in Amalfi
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Amalfi Vacation Residence / Room Category: Loft Apartment
(B)
DAY 05 – Saturday 07th May 2016
Sightseeing Irpinia: Wine & Food Experience / Calitri / Casa Rose Farmhouse
10:15 AM Check OUT from Amalfi Vacation Residence
10:30 AM Departure from Amalfi Vacation Residence with Katharine
Private Transfer to Sorbo Serpico
Please Note: Tim Robertson will be joining you in the town of Avellino and continuing with you.
12:30 PM Visit at Feudi di San Gregorio Winery
01:30 PM 4-Course Lunch with 4 Wines at Marennà Restaurant
Please Note: Focusing on the Wines of Feudi di San Gregorio Winery / 1-Star Michelin Restaurant.
03:45 PM Private Transfer to Lapio
04:00 PM Visit & Tasting of 4 Wines at Colli di Lapio Winery
05:30 PM Private Transfer to Calitri
06:30 PM Arrival & Check IN at Casa Rose Farmhouse
08:30 PM 3-Course Winemaker Dinner with 2 Wines at La Locanda dell’Arco Restaurant
Please Note: Focusing on the Wines of Pierluigi Zampaglione Winery.
Sleep at Casa Rose Farmhouse / Room Category: Standard
(B) (L) (D)
DAY 06 – Sunday 08th May 2016
Sightseeing Vulture: Wine & Food Experience / Matera / Sant’Angelo Resort
09:45 AM Check OUT from Casa Rose Farmhouse
10:00 AM Departure from Casa Rose Farmhouse with Tim Robertson & Katharine
Private Transfer to Barile
11:00 AM Visit & Tasting of 4 Wines at Mastrodomenico Winery
12:45 PM Private Transfer to Melfi
01:00 PM 3-Course Lunch with 2 Wines at La Grotta Azzurra Restaurant
02:45 PM Private Transfer to Maschito
03:30 PM Visit & Tasting of 5 Wines at Musto Carmelitano Winery
05:00 PM Private Transfer to Matera
06:30 PM Arrival & Check IN at Sant’Angelo Resort
08:30 PM Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Francesca Restaurant in Matera
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Sant’Angelo Resort / Room Category: Deluxe
(B) (L)
DAY 07 – Monday 09th May 2016
Sightseeing Matera: Culinary, Cultural & Wine Experience
Morning Free Sightseeing Matera On Your Own
12:15 PM Departure from Sant’Angelo Resort with Tim Robertson
12:30 PM 5-Course Lunch with 3 Wines at Historic Private Palace with Caterina Tarantino
03:30 PM Guided City Tour of Matera with Anna Tamburrino
06:00 PM Arrival at Sant’Angelo Resort
07:30 PM Tasting of 3 Wines at Regia Corte Wine & Lobby Bar in Matera
08:30 PM Reserved Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Regia Corte Restaurant in Matera
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Sant’Angelo Resort / Room Category: Deluxe
(B) (L)
DAY 08 – Tuesday 10th May 2016
Sightseeing Itria Valley: Cultural, Wine & Food Experience / Lecce / Mantatelurè
09:30 AM Check OUT from Sant’Angelo Resort
09:45 AM Reception & Departure from Sant’Angelo Resort with Francesca Milano
Private Transfer to Gioia del Colle
10:30 AM Visit & Tasting of 6 Wines at Polvanera Winery
11:45 AM Private Transfer to Alberobello
12:30 PM Guided City Tour of Alberobello
01:30 PM 3-Course Lunch with 1 Wine at Il Poeta Contadino Restaurant
03:00 PM Private Transfer to Ostuni
03:45 PM Guided City Tour of Ostuni
05:00 PM Private Transfer to Lecce
06:00 PM Arrival & Check IN at Mantatelurè
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Il Vico del Gusto Restaurant in Lecce
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Mantatelurè / Room Category: Deluxe
(B) (L)
DAY 09 – Wednesday 11th May 2016
Sightseeing Lecce: Cooking & Cultural Experience
09:30 AM Departure from Mantatelurè with Gianna
Guided Visit at Local Food Markets for Shopping & Tasting of Local Products
Cooking Experience at Cooking School in Lecce Old Town with Gianna
Lunch with 4 Wines Based On Your Creations at Cooking School in Lecce Old Town
03:30 PM Guided City Tour of Lecce with Simona Melchiorre
06:00 PM Arrival at Mantatelurè
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Trattoria Nonna Tetti Restaurant in Lecce
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Mantatelurè / Room Category: Deluxe
(B) (L)
DAY 10 – Thursday 12th May 2016
Sightseeing Otranto & Lecce: Cultural, Wine & Food Experience
10:00 AM Departure from Mantatelurè with Francesca Milano
Private Transfer to Otranto
10:45 AM Guided City Tour of Otranto
12:45 PM Private Transfer to Minervino di Lecce
01:00 PM 5-Course Lunch with 5 Wines at Origano Wine Bar & Restaurant
Please Note: Focusing on the Wines of Menhir Winery.
03:00 PM Private Transfer to Monteroni di Lecce
03:30 PM Visit & Tasting of 4 Wines at Apollonio Winery
04:30 PM Private Transfer to Lecce
05:00 PM Arrival at Mantatelurè
Late Afternoon Free Sightseeing Lecce On Your Own
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Le Terre Rosse Restaurant in Lecce
Please Note: 10-Minute Taxi Drive (Not Included).
Sleep at Mantatelurè / Room Category: Deluxe
(B) (L)
DAY 11 – Friday 13th May 2016
Brindisi / Catania / Sightseeing Etna: Wine & Food Experience / Taormina / Villa Schuler
05:15 AM Check OUT from Mantatelurè
05:30 AM Departure from Mantatelurè with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
Private Transfer to Brindisi Airport
06:00 AM Arrival at Brindisi Airport
Flight Alitalia AZ1620
Departing from Brindisi Airport (BDS) at 07:00 AM
Arriving at Rome Airport (FCO) at 08:10 AM
Flight Alitalia AZ1731
Departing from Rome Airport (FCO) at 09:15 AM
Arriving at Catania Airport (CTA) at 10:30 AM
Reception & Departure from Catania Airport with Ben
Private Transfer to Viagrande
12:00 PM Visit at Benanti Winery
Light Lunch with 5 Wines at Benanti Winery
03:00 PM Private Transfer to Trecastagni
03:15 PM Visit & Tasting of 4 Wines at Ciro Biondi Winery
04:45 PM Private Transfer to Taormina
05:30 PM Arrival & Check IN at Villa Schuler
08:30 PM Reserved Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Tischi Toschi Restaurant in Taormina
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Villa Schuler / Room Category: Superior with Sea View
(B) (L)
DAY 12 – Saturday 14th May 2016
Sightseeing Etna: Wine & Food Experience
09:00 AM Departure from Villa Schuler with Ben
Private Transfer to Castiglione di Sicilia
10:00 AM Visit & Tasting of 4 Wines at Giuseppe Russo Winery
11:15 AM Private Transfer to Randazzo
11:30 AM Visit & Tasting of 4 Wines at Destro Winery
01:30 PM Private Transfer to Castiglione di Sicilia
02:00 PM 4-Course Winemaker Lunch with 3 Wines at Wiegner Winery
Visit at Wiegner Winery
04:30 PM Private Transfer to Taormina
05:30 PM Arrival at Villa Schuler
Late Afternoon Free Sightseeing Taormina On Your Own
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Nero d’Avola Restaurant in Taormina
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Villa Schuler / Room Category: Superior with Sea View
(B) (L)
DAY 13 – Sunday 15th May 2016
Sightseeing Siracusa & Noto: Cultural & Food Experience
09:00 AM Departure from Villa Schuler with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
Private Transfer to Siracusa
10:30 AM Guided City Tour of Siracusa with Marcello Scuto
01:00 PM 4-Course Lunch with 1 Wine at Le Vin de l’Assasin Restaurant
03:00 PM Private Transfer to Noto
03:30 PM Guided City Tour of Noto with Marcello Scuto
04:30 PM Private Transfer to Taormina
06:30 PM Arrival at Villa Schuler
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Tiramisù Restaurant in Taormina
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Villa Schuler / Room Category: Superior with Sea View
(B) (L)
DAY 14 – Monday 16th May 2016
Sightseeing Piazza Armerina & Caltagirone: Cultural & Food Experience
09:00 AM Departure from Villa Schuler with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
Private Transfer to Piazza Armerina
11:00 AM Guided Visit of Villa Romana del Casale with Sabrina Murgano
01:00 PM 5-Course Lunch with 1 Wine at Masseria Bannata Restaurant
03:00 PM Private Transfer to Caltagirone
03:30 PM Visit of Caltagirone Assisted by Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
04:45 PM Private Transfer to Taormina
06:30 PM Arrival at Villa Schuler
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Osteria Rosso di Vino Restaurant in Taormina
Please Note: At Walking Distance.
Sleep at Villa Schuler / Room Category: Superior with Sea View
(B) (L)
DAY 15 – Tuesday 17th May 2016
Catania / Rome / Departure OUT
05:15 AM Check OUT from Villa Schuler
05:30 AM Reception & Departure from Villa Schuler with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
Private Transfer to Catania Airport
06:30 AM Arrival at Catania Airport
Flight Alitalia AZ1744
Departing from Catania Airport (CTA) at 07:45 AM
Arriving at Rome Airport (FCO) at 09:10 AM
Flight Air Canada AC0891
Departing from Rome Airport (FCO) at 11:20 AM
To Toronto Airport (YYZ)
(B)
END of SERVICES
ITINERARY INCLUSIONS
Airport Transfers
Domestic Flights
14 Nights of Accommodation in the Hotels Included in the Itinerary
Overnight Tourist Taxes
Private Transport with Air Conditioning
Expert Bilingual Guiding
Daily Breakfast
11 Lunches & 1 Dinner with Wines
Entrance Fee & Wine Tastings at 12 Wineries
1 Cooking Experience
Other Activities Included in the Itinerary
ITINERARY EXCLUSIONS
International Flights
Fast Ferry Tickets to Isle of Capri
Lunches & Dinners Not Included in the Itinerary
Gratuities for Restaurants
Gratuities for Drivers & Guides
Personal Expenses & Others Costs Not Included in the Itinerary
Entrance Fee to Museums & Sites
Activities Not Included in the Itinerary