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.

www.robertsonwinetours.com

Table of contents

Testimonial – Southern Italian – Wine & Food Experience – 14 Nights

Tim & Cristian,
 
Bruce and I just wanted to thank you for the fabulous trip you put together for us in southern Italy. Having worked with Robertson Wine Tours in South America, and agreeing that it was the best trip we ever took, with Cris’ attention to detail and Tim’s superb wine knowledge and contacts, we just couldn’t wait to travel with you again, and boy, we were not disappointed.
 
From our initial and continuing contacts, you helped put together a 15 day food and wine experience of Amalfi, Compania, Basilicata, Puglia and Sicily that could not have been more perfect. From our pickup in Rome and delivery to Amalfi through Naples, as well as our 4 day stay and discovery of the beautiful Amalfi Coast with Katharine ( who is special in so many ways and made us so comfortable at all times – we hated to leave her in Matera), we knew that we were in for a very special experience. We were excited to finally meet Tim and benefit from his expertise during our discovery of special wineries in Campagnia and Basilicata (staying with Pierluigi and Nerina Zampagagline at Casa Rose Farmhouse in Calitri), and he is a delight to be with and a wealth of knowledge about all things and people wine!
 
Our trip took us to Matera (where we finally met Cristian and had a fabulous lunch at a private home in Sassi), and Lecce (spending a day picking out food at a local market and preparing a meal with Gianna at the Cooking School of Lecce), before we flew to Sicily and toured 5 small and innovative wineries on Etna – Benanti, Ciro Biondi, Giuseppe Russo, Destro & Wiegner – with Ben (and shout out to Paolo Gallo our driver/guide), a wine maker, journalist and sommelier. We fell in love with these wines and the Sicilian people. Staying in Taormina at Villa Schuler, with a great view of the sea and Etna and made to order breakfasts, capped off our continuing pleasures.
 
No matter how knowledgeable you are about wines, or willing to put in the hours and sweat to put together a trip on your own, you could never get to the places we were shown or have access to the experiences which filled every day of our travels. From the great small hotels/B&Bs we stayed in, to the small winery owners we tasted and dined with, to the great restaurant recommendations (and private home dining experiences) and city/historical site tour guides (in Pompeii, Capri, Alberobello & Ostuni, Matera, Lecce, Siracusa & Piazza Armerina) who opened our eyes to what this area has to offer, steeped with history and amazing architecture and craftsmanship, we could not have been better taken care of. Tim and Cristian continued to check up on our well-being and satisfaction throughout our trip, giving us the comfort and assurance to know that they would take care of anything that arose that may not have been up to par. I can tell you that almost everything was perfect, and we cannot speak highly enough of their attention to detail and caring. If you love food and great wine, and want the trip of a lifetime, Robertson Wine Tours will deliver. We can’t wait to plan another trip with them! Thanks so much guys for taking such good care of us, and for proving to Bruce that southern Italy really does make good wines! Until next time ….. Ciao!
 
Margo Newman & Bruce Brymer, Toronto
29 th May 2016

Hotels:

Hotel: Amalfi Vacation Residence, Amalfi Coast. Campania

Nestled in the heart of Amalfi, this is our go to apartments on the whole of the Amalfi Coast. Why? Quite simply for the price quality. It is run by the best management company and the owners of the Santa Caterina Hotel in Amalfi, which is the 5-star luxury older brother of these apartments. There are a few steps to reach the apartments, but no cars and well insulated rooms mean no disturbances. Everything is at 5-minute walk away: coffee, bars and abundant restaurants. Lofts sleep two comfortably, four is a squeeze or you just lack a little privacy. Five of these apartments are self-catering and fully equipped. There is a delightful little pool and deck too. Internet and air-conditioning are included. There is a final cleaning cost to be added. All in all, if you are not bothered by hotel services, this is the place to be, need to book early as they are very popular.

Website Amalfi Vacation Residence

Casa Rose Farmhouse, Calitri

It is not often we can say that we are really friends with winemakers. Of course, we know them and buy their wine, but Pierluigi & Nerina Zampaglione are the real thing. The Zampaglione Family has been here for many centuries and being important agriculturalists. They converted their farm to organics as early as 1990, making them trailblazers in the South of Italy. Their farmhouse (Casa Rose) has beautiful unspoilt views over Alta Irpina. The house has all the facilities that you may need and sets us up beautifully for the following day logistically. The major reason we are here though, above and beyond Pierluigi & Nerina, is the fact that their natural wine (Don Chisciotte) is one of our favourite white wines from Southern Italy. We will taste at least four vintages of this wine and will dine out in Calitri, most likely with the family.

Website Casa Rose Farmhouse

Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort, Matera

Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort is blessed with an enchanting view over the very heart of the Sassi of Matera. The hotel is the result of a massive restoration process that involved cave-dwellings, buildings, stairs and courtyards, creating a new concept of lodging. Rooms are scatted all over with one restaurant and reception providing the two hubs of Sant’Angelo Resort. This is a great example of the Albergo Diffuso concept at its absolute finest. Stefano Tardito, the Italian interior designer, has giving elegance, charm and high design, but with functionality. At breakfast or in one of the suites with terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the square of San Pietro Caveoso. Renewed with touches of luxury within ancient rustic spaces. Dinner here is the best in Matera. Our choice in Matera.

Website Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort

TripAdvisor Comments

Hotel: Mantatelure Exclusive B&B, Lecce

Lecce almost always is included on any itinerary for Puglia. The more time we spend in Lecce, the more we uncover. Mantatelurè is Marco’s (the owner) dream, a fashionista who enjoys welcoming people into the wonderful space he has created. With an outstanding terrace with orchard and some beautifully thought out communal areas, we are happy to be able to offer this property. The location is in the old town of Lecce, but totally tucked away. You will feel like a local as soon as the gate shuts behind you and you venture into one of the most important expressions of the Baroque Art in Southern Italy. The rooms are wonderfully equipped and stylish without interfering with utility. Breakfast is a delight. There are no other food services available. This is a small property and we do not envisage any noise or fellow guests to interfere with your stay.

Website Mantatelure

TripAdvisor Comments

Villa Schuler, Taormina

VILLA SCHULER

Villa Schuler is a gracious and decorated hotel in an elegant and traditional style. It is located close to Corso Umberto in Taormina, but separated from the confusion by a very beautiful garden, ensuring quiet nights and a great sleep. It is not a five star hotel and the rooms are not massive, but we have chosen the best rooms for our groups. The views are without doubt the best going. It is also only a few minutes away from numerous restaurants, shops and sites of interest. The attention given by the owner of Villa Schuler, Gerhard Schuler, is evident everywhere. The villa has been in the Schuler’s family for over 100 years, surviving two world wars. The hospitality of this family is exceptional. Enjoy the breakfast in the shade with wonderful scenery on the sunny terrace. We can make tastings on this terrace that is by itself a great selling point. For me, PQR it is the place to be and frankly is where the smart not big money stay.

Website Villa Schuler

TripAdvisor Comments

Tour Guiding & Outline – Southern Italy – Wine & Food Experience – 14 nights

GUIDING 

Katharine  (Campania)

Your driver in Campania will be Katharine, who will also act as your tour escort.
Florence and the entire region of Tuscany are so rich in cultural heritage, stunning art, superb architecture, picturesque landscapes, good food and incredible wine that if you are not careful you will fall in love with the place and spend the rest of your life here. This is exactly what has happened to Katharine. Born in California and graduate of the University of Berkeley (California), Katharine has been living in Italy for the last thirty years now. With a handle on both languages and cultures, she enjoys exposing clients to those aspects of the land, language and lifestyle of Italy that give them something to chew on in addition to sumptuous offerings.

Gianni Tramparulo (Pompei & Isle of Capri)

Tim Robertson (Basilicata)

Your tour leader will be Tim Robertson. Tim was born in UK and is of Scottish descent. Tim was introduced to fine wines in 1988 when he worked for the Sakagura Wine & Liquor in Hong Kong. He was responsible for selling their collection of Bordeaux Wines and other top quality new world wines, probably the best collection in Asia at that time. He never quite recovered from tasting the very best at the age of 18. However, he went on to complete his studies in Economics and Business. He was unable to find a suitably well-paid job in wine in London and so embarked on a career in finance. He decided to leave finance in 1998 to refocus on finding a project involving his love: the wine. He inaugurated Robertson Wine Tours in 2003. The business has grown organically over the years and despite efforts to get involved in exporting he has stuck to the tried and tested formula of offering his clients the best the wine countries have to offer. Client base of Robertson Wine Tours is rightly demanding of the best, extremely well-travelled and generally with knowledge of wine.

 

Anna Tamburrino (Matera)

 

Francesca  (Puglia)

Francesca was born in Puglia, but she has always travelled a lot throughout Europe & USA since she was a child. At the age of 18, she started working in tourism as a tour operator representative in several countries (Italy, Spain, France & Greece), while studying English & Spanish at the Bari University. She was convinced that she wanted to move abroad for work, but after attending a course as tour guide she became aware of the beauty and potentialities of her native land (Puglia) and decided to work as tour guide to promote a cultural image of her region. Together with other colleagues, she co-founded a group of tour guides: their main goal is to escort travellers throughout Puglia letting them experience an exclusive vacation feeling like locals.

Simona  (Lecce)

Ben  (Sicily)

Ben is a professional winemaker, trained sommelier, wine judge, journalist, author. He has more than thirteen years of experience working with artisanal and internationally traded wine brands in California & Italy. He has studied at the University of California in Davis, with the Court of Master Sommeliers, and holds the coveted diploma of Wines & Spirits from London-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust. He is now based in Sicily and it will be a very educative experience to be tasting wines from Etna with him, one that will satisfy your pallet.

Marcello Scuto (Siracusa & Noto)

Sabrina Murgano (Piazza Armerina)

TOUR OUTLINE

DAY 01: Arrival IN / Sightseeing Naples: Cultural Experience / Amalfi / Amalfi Vacation Residence
DAY 02: Sightseeing Amalfi Coast: Cultural Experience
DAY 03: Sightseeing Pompei & Amalfi Coast: Cultural, Wine & Food Experience
DAY 04: Sightseeing Isle of Capri: Cultural Experience
DAY 05: Sightseeing Irpinia: Wine & Food Experience / Calitri / Casa Rose Farmhouse
DAY 06: Sightseeing Vulture: Wine & Food Experience / Matera / Sant’Angelo Resort
DAY 07: Sightseeing Matera: Culinary, Cultural & Wine Experience
DAY 08: Sightseeing Itria Valley: Cultural, Wine & Food Experience / Lecce / Mantatelurè
DAY 09: Sightseeing Lecce: Cooking & Cultural Experience
DAY 10: Sightseeing Otranto & Lecce: Cultural, Wine & Food Experience
DAY 11: Brindisi / Catania / Sightseeing Etna: Wine & Food Experience / Taormina / Villa Schuler
DAY 12: Sightseeing Etna: Wine & Food Experience
DAY 13: Sightseeing Siracusa & Noto: Cultural & Food Experience
DAY 14: Sightseeing Piazza Armerina & Caltagirone: Cultural & Food Experience
DAY 15: Catania / Rome / Departure OUT

BREAKFAST / LUNCHES & DINNERS

In this itinerary, we make it clear where meals are included:

(B) Breakfast
(L) Lunch
(D) Dinner

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

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