Cooking, Walking, Exploring hidden gems in Tuscany and learning how to grow your own vegetables.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 12 participants

During this week you will immerse yourself in the Italian way of life. In addition to experience the healthy life in the country surrounded by the awesome landscape , you will have the opportunity to visit beautiful places in Tuscany such as Siena and Arezzo, but also small untouched villages that you will reach by walk and you will also learn how to cultivate your own vegetable garden! You will then prepare some healthy Tuscan dishes together with the chef. All the guides and people you meet were born here and this will allow you to understand the lifestyle of this gorgeous area of Italy.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience Tuscany from an unusual point of view
• Learn how to grown a vegetable garden
• Visit Siena, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Pienza & Montepulciano, gems rich in history
• Walk through the rolling hills and discover hamlets where time seems to have stopped
• Meet and talk with local people
• Learn how to prepare traditional local dishes
• Taste the legendary Tuscan wines and visit the places where are produced

Prices include:

• All excursions as featured
• 6 nights accommodation, 4 star relais, breakfast included
• Private transfers and excursions by minibus as per program, including airport transfers
• English-speaking private guides as per program
• 6 dinners, 4 lunch
• 2 cooking classes
• Our Italian tour leader for the whole tour

Price per person sharing double room from € 2820
Price per person in single room from € 3780

THE PROGRAM

A week in Tuscany to live an extraordinary experience in the Chianti countryside.
The accommodation will be in a luxury Relais, a Renaissance villa situated above the town of Ambra in the southern Chianti area, a Tuscan retreat with the relaxed atmosphere of a country house but with four star hotel style service.
The twenty bedrooms are all to be found in the cluster of original estate buildings, the accommodation is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
Our friendly and professional assistant will be at your disposal for the whole week and will be happy to share with you all about Tuscan lifestyle, culture, traditions and of course… our excellent food, extra virgin olive oil and wine! You will learn to cook authentic Italian dishes with the professional Chef of the Relais, having fun and making friends.

The Cooking classes
Learn to cook in the professional kitchen of the Relais with the chef MariaLuisa. During the cooking courses, which are hands on, you will learn how to make your own homemade bread, focaccia, homemade pasta, a second dish (normally meat, from pork, chicken, turkey or red meat), side dish and of course a delicious dessert. Chef purchases top quality products from local producers and farmers and uses fruits and vegetables in season. You will receive a cookbook including recipes of all the dishes made during your stay. Dishes you will realize can easily be made at home, using ingredients that you can usually find in most general or specialty stores.

Day 1  Arrival

Meet with our Tour Leader at Florence or Pisa Airport and transfer to our 4 star Relais in Ambra in the southern Chianti area, with the relaxed atmosphere of a country house but with hotel style service, which will host us for 6 nights, the staff is at our disposal as well as the chef, who will prepare for us throughout the week all our meals.
Up on your arrival you will be met by the owner who will lead you on a tour of the estate: buildings, olive oil groves producing top quality oil and the “Orto” (the vegetables garden), as well as an orchard where they grow products for chickens.

Welcome dinner at the Relais, you will meet the chef MariaLuisa who will hold the Cooking classes for you. The dinner will be focused on traditional Tuscan dishes, with particular attention to fresh and seasonal products.

Day 2  Cooking class, walking and cultivating the Orto

This morning you will attend the first Cooking class in the kitchen of your relais, followed by lunch with the dishes you have prepared.
Learn to cook in the professional kitchen of the Relais with the chef MariaLuisa. During the Cooking courses, which are hands on, you will learn how to make your own homemade bread, focaccia, homemade pasta, a second dish (normally meat, from pork, chicken, turkey or red meat), side dish and of course a delicious dessert. Chef purchases top quality products from local producers and farmers and uses fruits and vegetables in season. You will receive a cookbook including recipes of all the dishes made during your stay. Dishes you will realize can easily be made at home, using ingredients that you can usually find in most general or specialty stores.
After lunch you will have a walk through the countryside with our expert guide Oliviero , who was born there and knows every single detail of this area.
Today you will walk from the relais to Badia a Ruoti where we will visitto the ancient Camaldolese Abbey.
The village of Badia a Ruoti develops entirely around its imposing religious complex, that keeps traces of 15th century frescoes.
Once back to the Relais you will join the master gardener in the vegetables garden, you will learn how to cultivate your own Orto. Dinner at the restaurant of the relais.

Day 3  Siena & San Gimignano

In the morning your private driver will take you to Siena, where you will meet our guide. This city is captivating and exhilarating. It’s a flamboyant town of medieval buildings, dominated by Tuscany’s tallest tower and the dazzling Duomo. The main artery is café-lined Piazza del Campo, where the Palio, a bareback horse race, is held every summer. On the south side of the square, elegant Palazzo Pubblico has been the seat of the city’s government since the 13th century. The view from the top of the Torre del Mangia is spectacular. After the guided visit of the city, drive to San Gimignano, that served as an important relay point for pilgrims travelling to or from Rome on the Via Francigena. The patrician families who controlled the town built around 72 tower-houses (some as high as 50 m) as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance. The town also has several masterpieces of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art. Transfer back to the relais and dinner.

Day 4  Cooking class, walking and cultivating the Orto

In the morning meet the chef for your second Cooking class at the Relais.
After lunch meeting with Oliviero for another walk in the area to the hamlets of Cennina and Solata, overlooking the wild countryside.
Once back to the Relais you will join the master gardener in the culinary garden, you will learn how to cultivate your Orto (culinary garden). Dinner at the relais.

Day 5  Pienza & Montepulciano

Today you will discover the Orcia Valley, UNESCO Heritage Site, and its art treasures such as Pienza, the great wines of Montepulciano and the Pecorino cheese .
In the morning you will reach Pienza, a Renaissance jewel, than you will reach an organic cheese maker near Pienza where you will enjoy a private visit and Pecorino tasting.
In the afternoon you will visit Montepulciano for a walk through the historic center of this beautiful Medieval Village and we will have the pleasure of visiting an absolutely unique winery, a young company, born 30 years ago, which has given a great mission: quality research, both in the vineyard and the cellar, with a close attention to the peculiarities of the grapes.
Manual harvesting, non-sulphite vinification, native yeast, big barrels and tonneaux : these are the tools for obtaining deliberately soft and elegant wines, with pronounced and unique perfumes at every grape harvest.
The owners have always had great attention to sustainability and wanted to create an off-grid cellar (energy saving is the first source of energy supply) and technologically innovative.
The lunch will be at the restaurant of the winery, in a terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Then transfer back to the Relais for dinner.

Day 6  Arezzo & the Chianti area, Meet the people

A day devoted to the discovery of Arezzo and Chianti. In the morning your private driver will take you to Arezzo where you will meet our guide. The countryside, the monuments, the museums, the typical dishes and the wine are the main beauties and peculiarities that characterize Tuscany. Arezzo embodies all these qualities, combining the love for tradition with the desire to innovate. You will visit the many sites rich in history and meet incredible people and artisans . After lunch in a gourmet restaurant overlooking the main square (Piazza Grande) you will drive to the Chianti area.
Around the village of Panzano, probably one of the most enchanting and intact areas of Chianti, you will meet some small producers who have spontaneously created a district where only organic Chianti wine is produced. You will visit a boutique winery, a certified organic estate and you will have dinner at the Farmhouse.
Transfer back to the Relais.

Day 7  Departure

Check out from the Relais and private transfer to Pisa or Florence airport.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it

Experience the breathtaking beauty and the fascinating culture, cuisine, and history of one of the world’s most captivating islands on this intimate, a custom-designed journey to Sicily.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 12 participants

“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A custom-designed journey to one of Italy’s most fascinating regions.

Once the cultural melting pot of the world, Sicily is renowned for its natural beauty, marvelous architecture, Greek and Roman antiquity, fabulous cuisine and friendly people.

HIGHLIGHTS

For 9 wonderful days, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Sicily while exploring its ancient treasures, taking in the beauty of the Sicilian landscape, lingering over exceptional local meals, and experiencing local life.

• Explore culturally rich Palermo, with its distinct East-meets-West feel where you find Norman palaces, Baroque churches, open air markets and Byzantine domes.
• Admire the dazzling beauty of the Cathedral of Monreale, considered one of the most important architectural wonders in Italy.
• Enjoy the visit to a superb winery and taste the best wines of Sicily.
• Marvel at Agrigento and its Valley of the Temples, one of the most remarkable classical sites in of the Mediterranean.
• Allow yourself to be transported in time at Piazza Armerina, home of the Imperial Roman Villa del Casale, a stunning Roman country house.
• Bask in the Baroque in Ragusa, where the sight of the jumble of houses, churches and civic palazzi piled on top of each other, is breathtaking.
• Appreciate the beauty of Noto, truly a subliminal expression of Baroque originality and beauty.
• See magnificent Siracusa, known for the Old Town of Ortigia, and the exceptional ruins at the Archeological Park.
• Take in the beauty of Taormina, offering one of the world’s greatest views, between Mount Etna and the sea, the Greek Theatre and the many historic palaces.

Included Features

• All excursions as featured.
• 9 nights accommodation, 4 star hotels, breakfast included.
• Private transfers and excursions by minibus as per program, including airport transfers.
• English-speaking private guide as per program.
• 4 dinners, 2 lunch and one Aperitif. Take advantage of leisure time to sample local cuisine independently.
• Our Italian tour leader for the whole tour.

Price per person sharing double room from € 3460
Price per person in single room from € 4060

THE PROGRAM

Day 1  Palermo

Palermo is one of the great cities of Italy and is filled with many sightseeing treasures. This is one of the oldest cities of the Mediterranean. Colonized by the Phoenicans, Sicily boasts a rich 3,000-year history, flourishing under Arab and Norman rule. The many great empires that once ruled Sicily’s capital left behind wonderfully diverse architecture, from Roman to Byzantine, to Arab-Norman which we will see in the city’s palaces, churches and crypts.
Today, upon arrival at the Palermo airport we will take a private shuttle to Centrale Palace Hotel, in the historic and bustling center of Palermo.
Once settled in, we will meet our guide and enjoy an Aperitivo and introductory presentation on the history and culture of Sicily. Time at leisure.

Day 2 Palermo and Palazzo Gangi in Palermo (B,D)

In the morning, we will meet our guide at the hotel and set off for a tour of some of Palermo’s most iconic sites. We begin our journey with a visit to Palazzo dei Normani (Palace of the Normans).This is Palermo’s greatest attraction and Sicily’s finest treasure trove and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it is the seat of Sicily’s semiautonomous regional government. Our visit includes seeing the Capella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) built by the Norman King Roger II from 1130-1140 when it was adorned with extraordinary Byzantine mosaics. From here we will visit San Giovanni degli Eremiti (St. John of the Hermits), one of the most famous of all the Arab-Norman monuments still standing in Palermo. We will also visit the city’s eclectic cathedral, originally Norman, then Catalan Gothic, and in the 18th century, transformed by Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
Then we will have a privately-arranged visit to the Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi, one of the oldest and most important noble houses of Sicily and where Luchino Visconti filmed the magnificent ballroom scene in the film, Il Gattopardo. We will be received personally by a member of the household and enjoy a drink following the visit. This evening, a leisurely evening of dining, shopping or walking on your own awaits you.
Welcome Dinner in a popular Palermo restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 3  Cefalù and Monreale (B)

This morning we will meet our guide at the hotel then we will drive to Cefalù and Monreale.
Cefalù is a beautiful seaside resort town with its winding Medieval streets, small squares, and important historic sites. The town has a rich history and has been known to be inhabited since the 9th century B.C. The port of Cefalù was a backdrop in the filming of the Academy Award-winning film Cinema Paradiso.
Here, set in the Medieval district, we will visit one of Italy’s most magnificent cathedrals. Begun in 1131 by King Roger II, this mighty Norman church dominates the rooftops of the centro storico. The building’s interior is decorated with lovely mosaics created by 12th Century Byzantine artists that include a large Christ Pantocrator on a gold background dominating the apse. These gleaming mosaics are one of Sicily’s greatest sights. The Duomo is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then we will visit Monreale, located 9 miles outside Palermo. Monreale is home to one of the most impressive cathedrals in all of Italy and it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the bay, Conca D’Oro. The Monreale Duomo, launched in 1174 by the Norman King William II, is the last and most stunning of the Norman churches of Sicily and is viewed as one of the architectural wonders of the Middle Ages. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Transfer back to Palermo.
Evening free to dine and explore the city on our own.

Day 4  Selinunte and Agrigento (B,D)

Pick up from the hotel in the morning. Today we will explore the ruins of two great cities of Magna Graecia. We will travel to Selinunte and meet our guide In Selinunte. One of the superb colonies of ancient Greece, Selinunte traces its history to the 7th century B.C., when immigrants from Megara Hyblae (Syracuse) set out to build a new colony. Situated by the sea in the southwestern corner of Sicily, the isolated ruins here have stood abandoned for most of their history. The lack of development allows us to imagine the ancient town as it would have been two-and-a-half thousand years ago. We will meet our expert local guide in Selinunte and after exploring this fascinating site together.
Lunch at leisure.
Then we will travel to to the magnificent ruins of Agrigento. Greek colonists from Gela (Caltanisetta) called this area Akragas when they established a beachhead in the 6th century B.C. In time, the settlement grew to become one of the most prosperous cities in Magna Graecia. Agrigento’s remarkable series of Doric temples from the 5th century B.C. are unrivaled except in Greece itself. Agrigento has seen many conquerors over the centuries, from the Romans to Byzantines and Arabs. The year 1087 saw the arrival of the Normans. We will learn about the fascinating history of Greek life in Sicily and about the invading cultures who followed.
After our visit to Agrigento we check into our lovely 4 star hotel .
We will enjoy a wonderful meal, of Sicilian specialties in the hotel renowned restaurant.

Day 5  Piazza Armerina, Modica, and Ragusa (B,D)

Pick up from the hotel in the morning and journey with our private guide to the ruins of one of Italy’s most extraordinary Roman treasures, Villa Casale in Piazza Armerina. Art lovers from all over Europe and America come here to see some of the most well-preserved Roman mosaics in the world. The site is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to some of the most complex and large collection of Roman mosaics in the world; there are 3,535 square meters of them. Some consider it Sicily’s most important man-made attraction. Built in the early 4th century A.D., the buildings were covered by a mudslide in the 12th century and though sporadic attempts were made over the centuries to uncover them, it wasn’t really until the 1950’s that a concerted excavation effort began, which even with the vast amount now on display, is still not completed. Time at leisure for lunch in Piazza Armerina
From Piazza Armerina we travel to the province of Ragusa where we will stop in the enchanting Baroque town of Modica which is known for its spectacular chocolate, still produced with the ancient Aztec method brought here, along with cocoa beans, by Spanish invaders of Southern Italy during the Middle Ages. Accompanied by our local guide we will visit the most ancient chocolate factory in Sicily, and of course, sample this unique chocolate which is made using a cold-worked method. Modica is the only place in the world where this type of chocolate is still made. In Modica, you can also discover some of the best gelato in Sicily with flavors that include jasmine, tangerine, and rose.
Then travel by private motor coach with our guide to Ragusa, often described as two towns in one: Ragusa Superiore, created after a devastating earthquake in 1693, and Ragusa Ibla, constructed on a small steep-sided hill with deep valleys on three sides separating it from the high plateau. Ibla, in glaring contrast to the modern city, is one of the best-preserved historic towns in Sicily and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We check into our 4 star hotel. There we will have the opportunity to learn more about the life, culture, and history of Eastern Sicily at a special presentation by our local guide. Afterward, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner of regional dishes (wine included) at the hotel. At dinner interact with local residents and learn about life in Sicily today. Following dinner enjoy an evening passeggiata on your own.

Day 6  Donnafugata Castle, Noto, Siracusa (B, L)

Pick up from the hotel in the morning. This morning we journey with our private guide to DonnaFugata for a tour of DonnaFugata Castle, an imposing 14th century noble manor covering 2,300 sq. meters with a wide Neogothic façade, crowned by two towers at the sides, and divided into three floors with a total of 122 rooms, 20 of which are open to the public and containing original fittings and furniture from the time of the last “Leopards.” Every room is furnished in a different style and was used for a different purpose—Music Room, Coats of Arms Room, Mirror Room. The visit will provide you a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Sicilian aristocracy.
This huge manor house was used as a setting for several well-known films and television productions including The Leopard by Luchino Visconti, Kaos by the Taviani brothers, The Star Maker by Giuseppe Tornatore and Roberto Faenza’s The Viceroys. We will enjoy a guided tour of the castle and the botanical garden.
Then we will travel to Noto, set amid olive groves and almond trees on a plateau overlooking the Asinaro Valley. On the way we will stop with our guide to visit the Roman Villa Del Tellaro, dating from the 4th century A.D. and still displaying some of its magnificent polychrome mosaics. The villa, not entirely excavated, can be compared to the celebrated Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina. We will admire the exquisite mosaic floors adorned with geometric designs, hunting scenes, and a story taken from Homer’s Iliad.
Lunch will be in Noto in a gourmet restaurant .
Noto dates from the 9th century and knew Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Aragonese and even Spanish culture before 1692, when an earthquake destroyed it. The town was reconstructed somewhat like a stage set, with curvilinear accents and wrought-iron balconies. Many Sicilian artists and artisans have worked hard to rebuild Noto into a Baroque gem, with uniform buildings of soft limestone. It is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit Noto’s splendid San Nicolò Cathedral and see buildings that offer great examples of Sicily’s unique style of Baroque architecture, including Palazzo Villa Dorata with its many playfully buttressed balconies that feature horses, griffons, nymphs and cherubs. Once at the top of Via Nicolaci, we will visit the beautiful Monte Vergine Church with its elliptical façade.
From Noto we travel to Siracusa where we check into our 4 star hotel. Located on the island of Ortigia, the ancient part of Siracusa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooking the Mediterranean (standard rooms). This evening enjoy dinner on your own in one of Siracusa’s or Ortigia’s wonderful restaurants.

Day 7  Siracusa (B)

One of the centers of ancient Western civilization, southeastern Sicily is a sightseeing mecca filled with glorious, evocative ruins. Of all the Greek cities of antiquity that flourished on the coast of Sicily, Siracusa (Syracuse) was the most important, a formidable competitor of Athens. In its heyday, it dared take on Carthage and even Rome. Colonists from Corinth founded Siracusa on the Ionian Sea in about 735 B.C.
In Siracusa, enjoy a leisurely day on your own or join others for an optional self-guided exploration of the Parco Archeologico della Neapoli which contains the town’s most important attractions. (A modest entrance fee will be required). Explore on your own the Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great theatres of the classical period, the Altar of Hieron II, the Ear of Dionysius grotto, and the Roman Amphitheater. This evening enjoy dinner on your own in one of Siracusa’s or Ortigia’s wonderful restaurants.

Day 8  Wines & Extra virgin oil, Taormina (B, L)

Pick up in the morning from the hotel.
This morning we travel to Taormina, one of Sicily’s most picturesque towns and its greatest resort. On the way to Taormina we will stop in a winery that produce superb wines and oil. Visit to the winery, wine and olive oil tasting, lunch .

Transfer to Taormina. Such writers as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and D. H. Lawrence, captivated by the glories of Taormina’s panoramic views of the bays beyond and Mount Etna looming in the background, spread word of the area’s charms. Dating from the 4th century B.C., it hugs the edge of a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. Once in Taormina, we will check into our lovely 4 star hotel. Within a few minutes of the town center. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own exploring Taormina’s Greek amphitheater and its historic center. Linger in one of Taormina’s many fine restaurants, or explore its beautiful shops. You can also take advantage of an optional excursion to Mt. Etna.

Day 9  Taormina (B,D)

Enjoy a leisurely day on your own to shop, savor a delicious lunch at one of Taormina’s great restaurants, or just to people-watch while sitting at an outdoor café.
This evening we will enjoy a farewell Dinner in a gourmet restaurant few steps from the hotel.

Day 10  Departure (B)

Meet our English speaking assistant at the hotel, pick up from the hotel and private transfer to Catania airport.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it

An unforgettable week in Tuscany to live an extraordinary experience for a few: in the Montalcino countryside, Brunello wine area, you will be guests of a prestigious winery that produces rewarded and premium wines since 1600.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 12 participants

The estate collects the Renaissance villa and the buildings that once housed the mill and warehouses and have been recently restored and furnished with the elegance that best represents the taste of the great Italian families and are now reserved for the hospitality of a few selected guests. The estate rises majestically on a hill surrounded by 120 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and woods that represent the quintessence of Tuscan landscape: the beauty of nature combines with man’s work in a rare harmony. It will be an engaging experience that will see : you participate in activities such as daily work in a cellar, you will have the opportunity to speak with the general manager and the oenologist who will be happy to share with you the philosophy of this ancient and important company. You will have the privilege to taste special wines (a preview or an old vintage) and experience Tuscany as protagonists.

The protagonists of this journey will be the great Tuscan wines, from Brunello to the Super Tuscan (including: Ornellaia, Tignanello, Sassicaia), the territories and especially all the people who make them possible.Wine (as well as Extra Virgin Olive Oil) is indissolubly in the tradition of this region.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience life at the wine farm.
• Meet the epic winemakers who have created spectacular wineries.
• Taste the best Tuscan wines and visit the places where these wines are produced.
• Participate in activities such as daily work in a cellar.
• Visit Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, Bolgheri, Orcia Valley and Chianti area.

Price per person in double room from € 3,950 

Prices include:

• Accommodation in a luxurious property, 7 nights.
• Ground transportation by private minivan for the whole trip.
• Meals (20): 7 breakfast, 6 lunches, 7 dinners.
• Wineries: all vineyard tours, winery tours, educational and recreational activities, wine tastings.
• Activities: all vineyard, winery activities, wine tastings, truffle hunt, tours, aperitif in the vineyards, pic nic, our local guides for the whole tour.

Not Included in the package:

• International Flights, insurance, gratuities/tipping, items of a personal nature

THE PROGRAM

Day 1  Accommodation at the Wine Estate

Meet with our Tour Leader at Florence Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Montalcino, the Wine Estate which will host us for 7 nights.
At our arrival we will be welcomed by the winery manager for a first introduction and presentation of the Estate.

Our dinner with wine pairing will be at the Villa, in a historic hall. We will have a first taste of the excellence of this company: the wines, the extra virgin olive oil and to finish tasting the Grappa di Brunello.

Day 2  Discover the Wine Estate and Montalcino

The day is dedicated to discovering the estate: we will meet the oenologist and the agronomist who will explain us the work they are doing to get more and more valuable wines from terroir. we will be accompanied by a visit to the vineyards, both the oldest and the new plants, and the historic cellars where, since 1580, great wines were refined. We will reach Montalcino for a walk in the historic center and we will have a lunch in a Trattoria, where we can taste the best Pici (local handmade pasta) of entire Tuscany.
Then we will go back to the Wine Estate where we will have the opportunity to visit the master villa and finally before dinner we will have an aperitif in the vineyards.

Dinner at the villa.

Day 3  Montepulciano and its wines, Pienza and its Pecorino

Today we will discover the Orcia Valley, UNESCO heritage, its art treasures such as Pienza, the pecorino and the great wines of Montepulciano.
In the morning we will reach Montepulciano for a walk through the historic center of this beautiful Medieval Village and we will have the pleasure of visiting an absolutely unique winery, a young company, born 30 years ago, which has given a great mission: quality research, both in the vineyard and the cellar, with a close attention to the peculiarities of the grapes.
Manual harvesting, non-sulphite vinification, native yeast, Tuscan government, big barrels and tonneaxu. These are the tools for obtaining deliberately soft and elegant wines, with pronounced and unique perfumes at every grape harvest.

The owners have always had great attention to sustainability and wanted to create an off-grid cellar (energy saving is the first source of energy supply) and technologically innovative.
The lunch will be at the restaurant of the winery , in a terrace on the vineyards.

In the afternoon we will visit Pienza, a Renaissance jewel, than we will reach an organic cheese maker near Pienza where we will enjoy a private visit and Pecorino tasting.

Then transfer back to the Villa for dinner.

 Day 4  Bolgheri e Suvereto – Sassicaia wine & Ornellaia wines

After breakfast, our journey will continue to the Tuscan coast, land of very refined wines (like Ornellaia and Sassicaia), the result of very happy intuitions by the oenologist Giacomo Tachis, the man who has revolutionized the way of conception of winemaking in Italy and especially in Tuscany, making history of the great wines of this territory.

In the morning, in Bolgheri, we will visit the headquarters of World Wine Town in Italy, where we will be welcomed by the oenologist who will introduce us to the world of Bolgheri DOC wines (Sassicaia, Bolgheri, Guado al Tasso, Ornellaia and many other superb wines). We will then visit one of the most important winery in the area: Ornellaia.

Our guide will accompany us to the first discovery of historic vineyards around the estate. Then our visit continues in the cellar, where we will be greeted by contemporary artworks that are part of the “Vendemmia d’Artista” project. Then we will reach the barrel cellar, the “Barricaia,” where the French barriques enfold and mature the base wines that will make up Ornellaia and Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia, ther second winery.
Lunch at the winery will follow.

We will then reach the Petra Cellar, disegned by Arch Mario Botta, in Suvereto, a unique wine cellar in many aspects: climate, soil, wine quality, and architecture. We will be welcomed by the manager, who will talk about the company, that we will visit with him and finally will taste some of his important wines.

Petra is located near Suvereto a few minutes from the coast of Tuscany, the sea brings the Libeccio wind to the estate, distributing its salt to the hills. All around: innumerable landscapes, a myriad of soils, a series of different microclimates in an ever-changing setting that produces differences. And it is the difference of this hardy soil that produces the authentic wines of Petra, a natural evolution that undergoes no manipulation.
Back to the Wine Estate and dinner in the Villa.

Day 5  Chianti Bio Wines & Ama Castle

A day devoted to the discovery of Chianti. Around the village of Panzano, probably one of the most enchanting and intact areas of Chianti, we will meet some small producers who have spontaneously created a district where only organic Chianti wine is produced. And we will also meet the person who with his studies first spread the culture of organic wine in this area.
We will visit Fontodi winery a certified organic estate which extends over 130 hectares of which about 70 are planted with vines.

The protagonist of the lunch will be the best steak in Tuscany, by Dario Cecchini undoubtedly king of steak. In addition to the classic Fiorentina steak, we taste the meat declinated in many, innovative ways.

In the afternoon we arrive at the Castle of Ama, near Gaiole in Chianti, a company that produces Chianti wine, which has been awarded many prizes since 1600. This small hamlet contains several treasures: few perfectly refurbished houses, the villa-castle, the home of the prestigious winery and an important collection of contemporary art.

We will have dinner at Ama, at Il Ristoro, as it offers the opportunity to enjoy the quiet of the small village in the evening, offers an enchanting view and, last but not least, chef Giovanni offers genuine cuisine.
Then back to the Wine Estate.

Day 6  Wines and Truffles

This morning we will experience a truffle hunting followed by truffle lunch, we will leave the Wine Estate in the early morning and after 30 minutes drive we will meet the truffle hunters and his dogs. Our truffle search will start through the woods and hills of the Orcia Valley. Then we will reach the farmhouse where will have lunch enjoying dishes prepared with truffle.

In the afternoon we will visit the new Antinori Chianti Classico cellar at Bargino, a very famous building because it is virtually invisible from the outside and looks out onto the countryside alone through a terrace surrounded by the vineyard, and was built according to the most modern energy saving criteria.

Back to the Wine Estate where our chef will prepare us for a dinner with fresh vegetables.

Day 7  Flagship wines from a biodynamic wine farm

Today we will discover a unique biodynamic farm producing flagship wines in the heart of the Orcia Valley.

The estate boasts almost three hundred acres between Castiglione and San Quirico, between vineyards, arable land, woods, olive groves, pastures and gardens. Where Chianina cows and Cinta Senese pigs live in semi-rough state, chickens are nomadic because hens are always in the fresh grass, hives are moved between chestnuts and fir trees. The owner of the farm, has decided to lead the company according to the principles of biodynamic agriculture. Which means no chemical treatments, in the face of a fertile soil and robust natural compost, worked with a light hand so as not to compact it and allow the roots to look deep in the water. We will have our lunch at Trattoria near the winery , and after that, we will continue our visit of the estate.

Back to the Wine Estate and dinner.

Day 8 

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Florence Airport.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it

A whole week through Northern Italy, discovering and living all the production stages of Franciacorta, Amarone, Valpolicella and Prosecco wines, while staying in exclusives and unique accomodations.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 10 participants

Starting from Milan, visiting its highlights and discovering less known jewels, we will go to Franciacorta, a region famous around the world for its superb wines, then we will go to Veneto, where Valdobbiadene area will welcome us for our three day immersion in art and wine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover and taste the great wines from Franciacorta and Veneto and visit the places where these wines are produced.
• Visit Milan, Valpolicella area, Treviso, Conegliano, Asolo, Valdobbiadene and Prosecco area.
• Spend some nights in aristocratic Villas in the countryside around Padova and in Asolo.
• Taste the mouth watering local cuisine.

Price per person in double room from € 4,010 

Price includes:

• Accommodation in luxurious properties, 6 nights.
• Ground transportation by private minivan for the whole trip.
• Meals (17): 6 breakfast, 5 lunches, 6 dinners.
• Wineries: all vineyard tours, winery tours, educational and recreational activities, wine tastings.
• Activities: all vineyard, winery, harvest activities, wine tastings, tours , our private guides for the whole tour.

Not Included in the package:

• International Flights, insurance, gratuities/tipping, items of a personal nature.

THE PROGRAM

Day 1  Milan

Meet with your tour leader at Milan Airport and private transfer by minivan with English-speaking driver at the 4 star hotel few steps from the Duomo.

Dinner in a gourmet restaurant, walking distance from the hotel.

Day 2  Highlights & Hidden Gems

Meet our private guide at the hotel for an exclusive walking tour through the historic centre of Milan. You ‘ll discover some of the best highlights of Milan together with exclusive, private places.

You’ll visit the magnificent Duomo, a gigantic Church in late Gothic style, is the symbol of the city and keeps many treasures of art, the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele arcade, whom large size was extraordinary for the time it was built and the sign of the new modern time, La Scala theatre, which every year hosts world class musical events. While you’ll walk through the historic centre you will discover also the many hidden treasures of Milan: private, luxuriant gardens (Milan is rich on marvelous, manicured gardens), you will marvel in front of the Art Nouveau and Deco facades of many private buildings, from imposing palaces enriched with precious floral decorations and colorful tiles of the end of the 1800s to the geometrical elegance of the Thirties, you will be surprised by details and intact furnishings of small shops and mansions.

Afternoon at leisure. Dinner in a gourmet restaurant, walking distance from the hotel.

Day 3  Franciacorta Winery

Meet your English speaking driver at the hotel, then drive by minivan to Franciacorta area . You will stop on the way to discover a hidden gem just some km away from the busy centre of Milan, the Chiaravalle Abbey. The Abbey, unique in Europe, stands out in its entirety, here you will find an unexpected campaign frozen in time.

The Chiaravalle Abbey, is part of the Cistercian monastic and was built at the beginning of the twelfth century, combining two architectural styles: French Gothic and Lombard Romanesque.

Lunch at will be at the gourmet Locanda Chiaravalle ,a beautiful and quiet place with a sophisticated atmosphere where past and present merge with extreme simplicity.

Then you will drive to a superb Franciacorta winery, the oldest winery of the area, that will be your truly special accommodation for tonight.

Up on your arrival you will be met by one of the owners and you will have a guided tour of this truly special Estate , surrounded by gentle hills and few minutes from Iseo lake.

The Reception of the winery as well as the suites combine the uniqueness of its landscape grape rows, with historic and avant-garde architectures, wisely merging antique and modern in an really successful way.

The Franciacorta is a particular, more precious type of Prosecco called Spumante, as the characteristic bubbles are the result of a second bottle fermentation that lasts for months or years. The Franciacorta wine can be produced only in a small area around Brescia, a city located a little over an hour from Milan, and only whit two specific combined wine varieties: the Chardonnay and the Pinot.

Dinner will be at the gourmet restaurant of the winery, with 3 superior choice Millesimé Franciacorta and 3 unique combinations of food conceived and prepared by the chef. This is a fantastic way to experience just how unique every Millesimé Franciacorta can be. In addition to this, a unique opportunity to learn food and wine pairing by an internationally acclaimed chef.

Day 4  Valpolicella Wines & Villa Emo Capodilista

From Franciacorta we will drive to Valpolicella area renowned for red wines such as Amarone and Valpolicella Classico, we will stop on the way for the visit of a superb winery where we have a wine tasting and after a tour of the estate we will have a tasting of local products.

This winery produces estate grown fine wines from the historical vineyards. The relationship between the land, heritage and tradition has, for many years, molded the production philosophy, yet never losing sight of innovation to produce a better bottle of wine.

Then we will drive to Padova, you will stay for the next two nights in an old unique and unforgettable aristocratic Villa.

Villa Emo Capodilista was built in 1568 ,located on the top of the La Montecchia hill, the enchanting Villa tells the history of the Counts: the seven residences owned at that time, for example, are painted in the rooms.

Day 5  Treviso – Valdobbiadene

Today we will drive to Treviso and we will discover the Prosecco area. We will meet our guide in Treviso for the visit of the city, a true jewel of art enclosed by 16th century walls featuring exquisite palaces, waterways crossing the historic city centre.

The rivers Sile and Cagnan that slip between the streets give a unique charm to the old town surrounded by ancient walls. The houses with their beautifully painted facades reflect on the Buranelli canal and the Island of the Fish.
After lunch in a typical Trattoria , you will visit an award winning Winery, a sparkling jewel protected by the hills of the Marca Trevigiana. The headquarter of this winery is a Palladian style Villa dating back to 1622. The Villa rises from a fertile countryside in which fields and farms, nowadays as well as in the past, pay homage to the local history. We will visit the Villa, the underground cellar, the historic gardens then we will enjoy a wine tasting of sparkling wines (Prosecco).

Overnight at Villa Emo.

Day 6  Valdobbiadene – Conegliano – Prosecco road

Today we will reach the town of Conegliano and walk through the historic center.

Conegliano is immersed in the land of the famous Prosecco wine and it ‘s a treasure chest of architectural and artistic beauty. The Castle is an emblem from medieval times, the ancient Grande quarter, now Via XX Settembre, is the pivot of Renaissance elegance, with the row of stately palaces rich in frescoes and carved stone decorations. After lunch in a typical restaurant we will reach Valdobbiadene along the famous Prosecco Road.

The new Prosecco Wine Road, created in 2003, is the direct heir to what was Italy’s first enological route, started long-ago in 1966. Large stretches of the original route have been repeated, joined by theme itineraries able to valorize the entire district, its different viticultural landscapes and many attractions, including historical-artistic ones, scattered through the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

Running along the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, this wine road guides the visitor past uninterrupted vineyards, through villages and towns where you can taste the fruits of age-old winemaking arts and enjoy views and landscapes of true beauty and great charm, along with the medieval legacies of hermitages and churches and traces of typical rural and religious life.

We will stop outside the town of Valdobbiadene, after driving almost the entire Prosecco Road, in a renowned Winery, where we can taste some of the best wines and Prosecco in the area.

Overnight will be at the 5 star hotel – Villa in Asolo, in the countryside of Treviso. Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 7  Departure

After breakfast, private transfer to Venice airport.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it

A unique holiday for you to to discover the jewels of Amalfi Coast: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Capri as well as experience the best of Amalfi Coast cuisine.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 12 participants

A unique holiday for you to to discover the jewels of Amalfi Coast : Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi , Ravello and Capri as well as experience the best of Amalfi Coast cuisine. You will taste the flavors of this land : delicious local products , excellent wine , luxury accommodations with wonderful views and amazing cooking classes. On this tour you will also enjoy a visit to a cheese farm, a cooking class in a local “masseria” on the hills of Sorrento peninsula , foraging with our naturalistic guide , an amazing sunset cruise along the coast and other activities that will leave new memorable moments for you to take back home.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Private excursion by boat to Capri
• Enjoy a sunset cruise along the coast by private boat
• Wine and food experience in a prestigious winery in Ravello
• Enjoy foraging and cooking in a local “masseria” of Sorrento
• Cheese tasting in a farmhouse and sightseeing tour in Ravello and Amalfi

Price includes:

• 5 night accommodation in Sorrento, breakfast included
• 2 night accommodation in Positano, breakfast included
• All on-ground transportation within the journey’s duration
• Half day guided visit in Pompei
• Lunch and wine tasting in Ravello
• Mozzarella demonstration and light lunch at the Farmhouse
• Walking, foraging & cooking class, lunch
• Sunset cruise
• Excursion by private boat to Capri
• Transfer from and to Naples Capodichino International Airport (NAP)

Price per person sharing double room from € 3,290

THE PROGRAM

Day 1  Amalfi Coast – Pompei & Sorrento

Upon your arrival at Naples train station meet our English speaking driver and you’ll be transferred to Pompei, where you will meet our private guide for a guided walking tour through the ruins of the old city that was blown away by the volcano Vesuvius. Then you’ll be transferred to the luxury 4 star hotel in Sorrento where you will stay five nights, in a sea view room.

Day 2  Farmhouse experience & Sunset cruise

Private transfer by car and English speaking driver to the hills around Sorrento, you will visit a truly special Farmhouse that offers also a breathtaking view over the Naples Gulf and Salerno Gulf. You will find there a large range of typical products starting with wine, extra virgin olive oil, then various tasty marmalades and of course the world renowned Limoncello followed by the classic herbs liquors, appetising seasoned products (cheeses, salami etc). You will start your visit with a guided tour of the Mediterranean vegetation around the farmhouse and of the kitchen gardens, led by one of the farmhouse owners. Then you will have a tasting of typical products (bruschette, different kinds of home- made bread dipped in olive oil, pizza slices).
Transfer back to your hotel.

In the afternoon make your own way to Sorrento port where you will meet our Captain for your private sunset cruise along the Coast and around Li Galli Island, one of the most scenic spots in Amalfi Coast, you will have time to swim in the sea and enjoy a glass of Prosecco.

Day 3  Cheese farm & Morrarella demonstration – Sorrento peninsula

Today you will enjoy an unforgettable experience at the oldest cheese factory in a small, untouched village of Sorrento peninsula. It will be very interesting to see a demonstration of how they create “mozzarella” from the simple cow’s milk. You will explore the heart of the factory, the “cella frigorifera” when they season and dry over a thousand “caciocavallo” cheese at once. Then you will enjoy a specialities tasting: mozzarella, caciocavallo, provolone del Monaco and caciotta with tomatoes salad and bread, local wine.
Then, transfer back to Sorrento and afternoon at leisure.

Day 4  Walking, foraging & Cooking Class

Today your food experience begins in a Masseria (farmhouse) up on the hills of Sorrento peninsula. You will meet our naturalistic guide who will lead you through the countryside for an easy walk foraging wild herbs that you will use for your cooking class. Then you will reach the farmhouse where you will have your private cooking class together with and expert cook. You will prepare a complete local menu, you will taste wines coming from the closest vineyards.
After lunch you will be transferred back to Sorrento.

Day 5  Capri

Discover the enchanting island of Capri, a private boat will transfer you to Capri and you will enjoy a tour around the island and the visit of the Blue Grotto.
Beloved by the Roman emperors, Capri became a playground of the rich and famous, and a colony for artists and writers. It is one of the Mediterranean’s must-see places. The island’s top attraction is the famous Blue Grotto, Grotta Azzurra.
Then you will have time at leisure to explore Capri and Anacapri villages on your own. In the afternoon you will be transferred back to Sorrento by our private boat.

Day 6  Positano & Cooking class

Pick up in the morning and transfer to Positano. Today you will discover the beauty of Positano where you will stay for next two nights. Accommodation will be in a luxury 4 star hotel, sea view room.
In the afternoon you will enjoy a hands on cooking class, the class will take place in the kitchen of one the best restaurants in Positano. You will meet the chef and you will prepare some typical appetizers such as fiori di zucchine ripieni, arancini di riso, a first dish such as ravioli capresi or eggplant parmesan, a second dish such as meatballs or pollo alla cacciatore, you will prepare also a dessert such as Torta caprese or tiramisu. Dinner will follow.

Day 7  Amalfi Coast villages & winery

Today you will travel to Amalfi and Ravello by private car and English speaking driver.
Your first stop will be in Ravello, where you will have time at leisure for the visit. Ravello offers architectural gems of rare elegance with its Duomo rich with artistic treasures like the grand bronze central door; Villa Rufolo immersed in a verdant park of exotic and Mediterranean flora and Villa Cimbrone a simple hut transformed into an exceptionally fascinating Villa. There is a very special feeling in the cloister of the villa, still showing elements of the ancient Arab Sicilian style it was built in.
Then you will discover an unexpected side of the Amalfi Coast: the green heart of the Amalfi coast with centuries old vineyards and lovely villages where time seems to have stopped. You will taste the award winning wines (such as Falanghina, Aglianico) together with the farmhouse cheese and salami, you will be immersed in the true farm atmosphere.
In the afternoon you will drive to Amalfi, where you will have time at leisure for the visit.
Back to Positano and evening on your own.

Day 8  Departure

Pick up from the hotel in Positano ad private transfer to Naples airport.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it

Discover Northern Italy regions , home of some of the best Italian wines from Valpolicella to Amarone, from Prosecco to best wines of Friuli, from Gewurtztraminer to Muller Thurgau in Alto Adige.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 12 participants

The wine history of the Veneto region is very long, even the Romans appreciated the wines produced in this area. Veneto has over 20 DOC zones: the Valpolicella, near Lake Garda where the world famous Amarone and Recioto wines are made, Conegliano Veneto is one of the principal wine villages of the Prosecco wine country ( the Valdobbiadene ).

Friuli region is an historical melting pot of people, languages and traditions ( Roman, Venetian, Mitteleuropean, Mediterranean and Slavic ) and it’s is also home of a unique range of world famous wines so that a small group of flagship small wine makers coined the name “ Super Whites” for their top wines with reference to the ultra high quality “ Super Tuscans” wines.

Alto Adige/South Tyrol is one of Europe’s oldest wine-growing regions in which over 20 top quality international grape varieties flourish in around 5,000 hectares of vineyard and it’s a top wine-growing region. Travelling through the hills and the mountains of Alto Adige you will taste the superb local wines such as Lagrein, Gerwurztraminer and Muller Thurgau , visit the award winning century years old Wineries and you will be stupefied by the unexpected beauty of the many small , untouched villages , imposing Castles, verdant valleys.

Price on request

THE PROGRAM

Day 1  Verona – Veneto

Arrive in Venice airport and private transfer to Verona, accommodation at the hotel in the historic centre.

Day 2  Valpolicella wines and Verona – Veneto

We will discover today the Valpolicella great wine area: the Valpolicella , which begins just outside Verona and it’s renowned for red wines such as Amarone and Valpolicella Classico,. Travelling through the “ historic “ Valpolicella area we will stop for the guided visits of flagship wineries and wine tastings. Transfer back to Verona and time at leisure for the visit.

Day 3  Treviso, Valdobbiadene and Conegliano – The Prosecco

We leave Verona and we head to Treviso , a true jewel of art enclosed by 16th century walls featuring exquisite palaces, waterways crossing the historic city centre, the enchanting Piazza dei Signori . Then we will drive to Valdobbiadene area , home of the world wide known Prosecco wine and we will visit some another award winning wineries, located in stunning Palladian style Villas .

Overnight will be at the Villa – Hotel in the countryside of Treviso.

Day 4  The Super Whites Wines of the Collio area- Friuli

We leave the Veneto region and we travel to the Friuli region, home of superb wines ,our accommodation will be a Relais in the heart of Collio area, surrounded by vineyards . Travelling through the rolling hills of the Collio area , you will visit two superb wineries and you will taste excellent wines.

Day 5  Trieste and Cividale del Friuli Wines

Today we will enjoy an excursion to Trieste , an awesome Mitteleuropean town , overlooking the Adriatic sea . On our guided walking tour of the old town we will visit the Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, the symbol of Trieste, a huge rectangular piazza, the largest in Europe looking onto the sea, opens on one side onto the Gulf of Trieste and is surrounded by magnificent houses and public buildings. From here we go on to the Cathedral of S.Giusto, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Canal Grande . A stop at the historic Cafè degli Specchi where you can experience the city’s history as one of Europe’s intellectual centers . Then we’ll visit the breathtaking Castle and park of Miramare, a few kilometres from the centre of Trieste, rising steeply above the sea. This superb castle was built by Maximilian of Hapsburg, as a home to share with his wife Charlotte of Belgium better known as “Sissi”. All the rooms, nearly all with a sea view,  are in perfect condition and fully furnished.

On the way back to our relais we will stop in the Roman village of Cividale del Friuli where we will visit the flagship Winery which is making some of the most fascinating whites of “Colli Orientali del Friuli” area.

Day 6  Alto Adige Wines and Castles

Today we depart from Friuli and we head to the Alto Adige/Sud Tyrol region , home of super wines such as Lagrein, Gerwurztraminer and Muller Thurgau and we will visit some award winning century years old Wineries. We will travel through an enchanting landscape pointed by vineyards and ancient Castles at the top of the hills, this is the famous Weine Strasse. Accommodation will be in Castle – Hotel , which belongs to a Wine Estate and it’s surrounded by vineyards producing award winner Gewurtztraminer wine.

Day 7  Alto Adige Wines and Castles

Today we will drive through the WeineStrasse area, home of superb wineries, we will stop in Termeno , where we will visit a flagship Wine Estate which have been rewarded with Italy’s most highly award, the ‘Three Glasses’ of the Gambero Rosso wine guide for several years in a row, to mention the most important only.

Then onto Caldaro an enchanting small village located just in the centre of the WeineStrasse which host also the Wine Academy and Wine Museum. After a walk in the medieval centre we will visit another superb , award winning winery accommodated in a grand 16th century edifice, originally built for the Austrian Imperial post coaches . On the way back to our hotel we will drive along the Castle route and we will visit some untouched villages.

Day 8  Departure

Private transfer to Venice.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it

An exclusive wine tour of Amalfi Coast and Campania to discover the finest Amalfi Coast wines while touring Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Capri, Pompei and Sorrento.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 18 participants

An exclusive wine tour of Amalfi Coast and Campania, guided by a wine critic, journalist and sommelier, designed to be memorable, informative and fun, to discover the finest Amalfi Coast wines while touring Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Capri, Pompei and Sorrento.

You will be introduced to the local grape varieties, visiting selected small boutique vineries, you will learn more about Amalfi Coast wine and fully understand the structure and nuances of the wines. You will experience also a  walking and cooking experience, focused on traditional local recipes, and learn how to pair food with wine.
During the tour you will have the chance to visit some of the most beautiful villages in Italy and admire the beautiful landscapes of Amalfi Coast. You will have the possibility to walk and foraging wild herbs that you will use for your cooking class with a naturalistic guide and a professional chef.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover and taste the great wines from Campania and visit the places where these wines are produced.
• Visit Sorrento, Pompei, Mt Vesuvius, Sorrento Peninsula, Capri, Ravello, Positano, Amalfi, Paestum.
• Excursion by private boat to Capri Island.
• The walking tours will provide you with a unique perspective of this amazing area.
• Visit a cheese factory where you will see how mozzarella cheese is made and enjoy a tasting.

Price includes:

• All excursions as featured
• 4 night accommodation in Sorrento, breakfast included
• 4 night accommodation in Amalfi, breakfast included
• English-speaking private guides as per program
• Visit to 4 wineries and wine tastings
• Walking , Foraging & Cooking class in Sorrento
• Walking tour from Ravello to Amalfi via Atrani
• 4 dinners, 4 lunches
• Ticket for the visit in Pompei, Vesuvius and Paestum
• Excursion by private boat to Capri, including tour around the island
• Tickets for the Blue Grotto

Price per person sharing double room from € 4,110

THE PROGRAM

Day 1  Sorrento

Private transfer from Naples airport to the hotel in Sorrento, accommodation at 4 star hotel, sea view room. Rest of the day at leisure.
Welcome dinner in Sorrento.

Day 2  Pompei, Winery, Walk Mt Vesuvius, Pizza

Meet our guide at the hotel pick up and private transfer to Pompei where you will enjoy a walking tour through the ruins of the old city that was blown away by the volcano Vesuvius.
Private transfer to a boutique winery near the Vesuvius for the visit, tasting of various types of wines and light lunch. After lunch you will reach Mt Vesuvius for a guided walk.
Transfer back to your hotel in Sorrento.
Dinner at the restaurant where you will taste the best Pizza in town.

Day 3  Sorrento, Walking, Foraging & Cooking Class

In the morning you will have a private transfer to the Farmhouse in Vico Equense, where your experience will begin. You will meet the naturalistic guide, who will lead you through the countryside for an easy walk , foraging wild herbs that you will use for your cooking class. Then you will reach the farmhouse where you will have your private cooking class together with and expert cook. You will prepare 4 recipes (a complete local menu), you will taste wines coming from the closest vineyards. Transfer back to Sorrento.
Afternoon at leisure and dinner on your own.

Day 4  Capri

Today you will enjoy an excursion by private boat to the enchanting island of Capri. Your private boat will transfer you to Capri. After the private tour around the island and the stop for the visit of the Blue Grotto, you will have time at leisure to explore Capri and Anacapri villages on your own .
Beloved by the Roman emperors, Capri became a playground of the rich and famous, and a colony for artists and writers. It is one of the Mediterranean’s must-see places. In the late afternoon you will meet the captain at Marina Grande Port in Capri, for the transfer back to Sorrento by private boat. Transfer to the hotel and dinner on your own.

Day 5  Ravello, Amalfi, winery and Walk

After breakfast check out from your hotel and leave Sorrento for a private excursion to the enchanting Amalfi Coast villages. You will first visit Ravello then you will discover a less known side of the Amalfi Coast: centuries old vineyards and lovely villages where time seems to have stopped.
You will visit a special wine estate where you will meet the owner who will lead you for the visit, you will taste the rewarded and “heroic” wines of Amalfi coast as well as the huge centenary vines of Tintore, local and rare grape variety , together with typical dishes and you will enjoy a lunch with the owner of the winery.
Then you will take the path from Ravello to Amalfi, via Atrani, walking through some of the best landscapes of the area you will reach the 4 star hotel in Amalfi where you will spend the next 4 nights. Dinner on your own.

Day 6  Salerno winery, Mozzarella & Paestum

Meet our guide at the hotel, pick up for a private full day excursion through the countryside around Salerno.
Your first stop will be the cheese factory where you will see how mozzarella cheese is made and you will have a tasting.
Then, you will visit a boutique organic winery (just few km from Salerno), in a rustic farmland from the 1800s that lies on a hill 400 m above the sea, paying homage to the natural splendour surrounding it, bringing forth the kind of organic farming where nothing is left to chance. Visit, tasting of various types of wines and light lunch.
Then you will reach Paestum where you will visit the impressive Greek Temples and the Museum.
Transfer to the hotel in Amalfi. Dinner in a restaurant in Amalfi.

Day 7  Amalfi & Salerno winery

Morning at leisure in Amalfi.
Pick up in the afternoon for a private excursion to Salerno area where you will visit another superb winery. The estate is a 26 hectares and about 5 of these are vineyards, in the Monti Picentini Regional Park, in southern Italy. The vineyards are near Salerno, in a Rustic Villa at 400 meters above sea level, on the crest of a hill among oaks, chestnuts, hazelnut trees, citrus grove and olive trees, under the shadow of an ancient medieval castle. Visit and wine tasting.
Transfer back to Amalfi and dinner on your own.

Day 8  Positano

Private transfer to Positano in the morning.
Called the “vertical village”, Positano is an amazing little beach town , famous for its colourful buildings, excellent restaurants and it’s home to tiny, winding roads that run down to the sea , lined with restaurants, shops.
Time at leisure and lunch on your own and in Positano. Going back to Amalfi by public boat will allow you to admire the Coast from the best perspective.
Farewell dinner in Amalfi.

Day 9  Departure

Check out from the hotel and private transfer to Naples airport.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it

From the marvels of Rome to the hidden gems of Umbria and Tuscany, tasting the best wines and visiting medieval towns and untouched hamlets.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 12 participants

Umbria is a stunningly beautiful wine region and offers scenery of gentle rolling hills covered in vineyards, medieval towns and untouched hamlets. The best thing about Umbria is despite all it has to offer culturally and gastronomically, the region is still a relative secret, is unspoiled and pristine, and doesn’t receive the tourist hordes. You will visit flagship wine estates and fantastic small wineries , you will taste reds, whites, sparklers and sweeties. While wine tasting is a major focus on this tour, you will also enjoy art and culture with some private guided walking tours, and of course some unforgettable meals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the best of Rome
• Taste the best wines of Umbria and Montalcino , visit the places where these wines are produced
• Visit Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Spello , Pienza & Montalcino, gems rich in history
• Meet the epic winemakers who have created spectacular wineries
• Experience a true truffle hunt in the woods
• Learn how to prepare traditional Umbria dishes
• Visit the historic Perugina factory and taste the legendary Chocolate

Price includes:

• All excursions as featured
• 7 nights accommodation, 4 star hotels, breakfast included
• Private transfers and excursions by minivan as per program, including airport transfers
• English-speaking private guides as per program
• 2 dinners, 5 lunches
• 7 winery visits/tastings
• 1 cooking class
• Visit of Perugina Chocolate factory and chocolate tasting
• Truffle hunt and lunch
• Reservation to skip the line and tickets for Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Colosseum

Price per person sharing double room from € 2,320
Price per person in single room from € 2,370

THE PROGRAM

Day 1  Rome

Arrival to Rome, meet our English speaking assistant at the airport, private transfer to the 4 star hotel, Piazza del Popolo area.

Day 2  Rome, Colosseum, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel

Meet your guide at the hotel, private transfer by bus to the Vatican for a guided visit of Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums. Time at leisure for lunch.
Then you will reach together with your guide the Forum, Capitoline Hill, Colosseum for a private guided visit. Welcome dinner in a gourmet restaurant, walking distance from your hotel.

Day 3  Umbria – Orvieto

Pick up from the hotel in Rome, today we will travel to Umbria region. We will stop on the way in Orvieto, where we will meet our guide for a half day guided visit of the Gothic Cathedral, one of the most important medieval buildings in Italy, containing the Last Judgment fresco by Fra’ Angelico and Luca Signorelli, the historic centre and a visit to the Etruscan underground tunnels, and lunch in a gourmet restaurant (wine included).
Then we will visit a superb boutique winery producing wines that are extremely smooth and with a strong identity.
The experience, led by the winery’s Wine Master, includes a visit to the modern area of the Estate, a walk through the vineyards into the ancient caves, where the sparkling wine traditional method is made and the French oak barrels are kept.
The wine tasting will take place in the old Medieval Chapel of the estate where the Wine Master will guide you through three tastings, specially chosen for you, together with a selection of local delicacies.
Accommodation at the 4 star hotel in the countryside around Perugia, the Relais rises like a jewel between the sweet Umbrian hills in front of Assisi and Perugia. Although protected by the most enchanting scenery, the hotel is a short distance from Umbria’s most beautiful destinations. The hotel features also a private SPA.
Dinner on your own.

Day 4  Perugia, Torgiano Wines & Perugina chocolate factory (B, L)

Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Perugia historic centre, where you will meet your guide for a half day guided visit. The capital of Umbria was founded by the Etruscans in the VII century b.C. The untouched historical centre is one of the largest and interesting in Italy. From the ancient Etruscan remains to the Middle-Ages, from Renaissance to Baroque, every period produced absolute masterpieces. This beautiful town will surprise and charm you with unexpected sites and views.
Lunch will be in a gourmet restaurant in Perugia.
In the early afternoon you will visit Perugina factory and chocolate tasting.
The heart of Italian chocolate beats in a fascinating place rich in history. It is the Casa del Cioccolato Perugina, a unique place in the world, a few kilometers from the center of Perugia, where anyone can breathe chocolate emotions and make a real journey. A place in which to live a unique experience and discover all the secrets of “food for the gods”.
Then you will reach the winery in Torgiano, visit of the wine Museum of the winery and wine tasting will follow. This Umbria’s premier winery is credited with earning the region its initial fame, thanks to its pioneering wines and insatiable drive to promote Umbrian wine and culture. The owners were also innovators in wine tourism in Italy, founding a wine museum.
Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 5  Truffle hunt & Assisi, Spello (B, L)

In the morning we will reach the truffle hunter and his dogs in the countryside around Città di Castello for a truffle hunt in the woods. This is a unique and evocative experience. The truffle hunters and dogs will lead you on a fascinating expedition through the woods, hunting truffles! After an optional visit to a medieval hamlet you will join the cook in kitchen just to see how to prepare the day’s harvest and enjoy your lunch.
Lunch including truffle at the farm will follow.
In the afternoon we will reach Assisi where Saint Francis of Assisi is buried in the monumental Basilica di San Francesco. With your private art guide, you will tour this wonderful village, seeing Giotto’s frescoes in the basilica, as well as the Romanesque-Gothic San Pietro church and the Piazza del Comune. On your way back to Perugia, we will stop in the perfect little medieval hamlet of Spello.
Transfer back to the hotel and dinner on your own.

Day 6  Cooking class & Montefalco wineries (B, L)

In the morning pick up from the hotel and transfer to a fine Country House on the outskirts of Foligno, fully immersed in an authentic Italian life-style, where we will have a hands on cooking class with the chef. During the private cooking class you will the chef will guide you through the preparation of a traditional Italian meal. A real feast consisting in 2 appetizers, 2 pasta dishes, 1 second course and a light dessert. Seasonal produce will determine the menu we shall prepare together: you will only use fresh products, directly from the House vegetable garden or from the local markets. Besides a generous vegetable garden from which the owners pick the freshest produce such as zucchini, tomatoes, carrots and many others, they also grow a myriad of herbs.
Lunch will follow.
In the afternoon we will visit the first winery in Montefalco, one of the finest in Italy. With an unshakable commitment to the terroir and to old-fashioned techniques, the wine estate is known for its expressive, organic wines. At this winery much of the work (including all of the harvesting) done by hand (like in the majority of Italian wineries) and without the aid of modern technology. The wines, made organically without pesticides or herbicides, are robust and complex considered to be the best garage winery in Umbria, producing cult wines for collectors, tasting of these famous organic wines will follow.
We will visit then another flagship winery that produces top-quality elegant wines that uniquely express the terroir of Montefalco and it’s the leader in the production of Sagrantino di Montefalco wine. While this winery is firmly rooted in tradition, such as using the native variety of grape, they also focus on innovation and are constantly thriving to improve production methods both in the vineyard and the cellar. We will tour the vineyards, the winery and Barricaia (barrel room).
Transfer back to the hotel and dinner on your own.

Day 7  Montalcino village, Tuscany (B, L, D)

Pick up from the hotel, we will drive to Tuscany, Montalcino area. Today we will taste some of the most famous Italian wines: Brunello and Rosso Montalcino wines. Your will first reach Montalcino. This ancient village is best known for its red Brunello di Montalcino wines, made with Sangiovese Grosso grapes. You will have a private visit to a Brunello producer, a spectacular, family-run winery producing stellar wines. This winery is one of the highest-altitude estates in Tuscany and this high altitude – which ensures cool nights – leaves an unmistakable footprint on the wines made here, creating a full bouquet that’s hard to find elsewhere in Montalcino. The iconic Brunello di Montalcino wine was the first in Italy to receive the most prestigious wine classification, D.O.C.G. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita – controlled and guaranteed from the origin), and along with other wines has been consistently praised in international media.
At the winery you will tour the cellars, the vineyards and take in the gorgeous views and taste Brunello “Riserva” and also Rosso di Montalcino. Lunch will be at a Trattoria in Montalcino .
In the afternoon you will visit a superb boutique winery producing Brunello. The owner is not only the founder, he is the winemaker and manages also all the work carried out in the vineyards and his attentive supervision and direct involvement in selecting the grapes prior to and during the manual harvest are what make this winery one of the leaders in Montalcino with the production of first prize award winning Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva and Rosso di Montalcino. Wine tasting and visit of the estate.
Then we will reach Pienza, the wonderful Renaissance jewel, where we will have a truly special Farewell dinner (wine included) will be in a truly special place: a restaurant located in a the Convent’s hanging garden, a large terrace that opens out over the Val d’Orcia. Tables are set under the linden trees, surrounded by the fragrant scents of the garden where there are still plants and herbs grown by the monks.
Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 8  Departure

Returning to Rome, private transfer to Airport.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it

An exclusive wine tour of Apulia to discover the finest wines while touring Lecce, Matera, Alberobello, Altamura, Ostuni, Martina Franca, Castel del Monte, Otranto, Gallipoli and Specchia.

On request  |  Min 2 – Max 12 participants

Puglia is a charming region that offers a wide range of places that tell the ancient origins of this land: from prehistory to Magna Graecia, from the imperial age to the Renaissance, to the splendor of the Baroque of Lecce and Salento. Puglia also offers some of Italy’s best food and wine.

With respect to wine production, Puglia is such a geographically long region with highly differentiated territories from the less known plain at north (province of Foggia) up to the notorious ‘sunny and windy’ Salento at south, especially known for its savory rosato (rosé wine), among the best ones in Italy; going throughout the province of Taranto with the most popular and plush red of the region: Primitivo di Manduria and its sweet counterpart (Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG) as well as the Murge plateau (province of Bari) with well 3 of the 4 DOCG of the region (the best classification foreseen by the Italian wine legislation) along with the other version of Primitivo (Primitivo of Gioia del Colle) and finally Itria Valley, the area truly specialized in the production of white wines in Puglia which range from the most neutral versions to floral and aromatic ones.

The wine tour has been professionally developed with the aim to give the opportunity to taste the best wines of the main appellations as well as the niche ones, to discover some of the most charming and typical estates as well as the family businesses in order to really capture the local philosophy; yet, the most historical producers who have relaunched the image of a region whose rich grapes, in the past, were all exported to enrich the pale and light wines of the north.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover and taste the great wines from Apulia and visit the places where these wines are produced.
• Visit Lecce, Matera, Alberobello, Altamura, Ostuni , Martina Franca, Castel del Monte, Otranto, Gallipoli and Specchia.
• Enjoy a private cooking class at a private, amazing Masseria.
• Taste the mouth watering local specialties.

Price includes:

• All excursions as featured
• 4 nights at the 4 star hotel in Conversano, breakfast included
• 3 nights at the 4 star Masseria in the countryside around Lecce, breakfast included
• 1 night at the 4 star Masseria in Gioia del Colle, breakfast included
• English-speaking private guides as per program
• Visit to 7 wineries and wine tastings
• Visit to the olive oil producer and tasting
• Cooking class and dinner at the Masseria
• Visit to the Pasta factory

Price per person sharing double room from € 3,490

THE PROGRAM

Day 1  Conversano (D)

Meet our Italian tour leader in Bari airport, transfer by private minibus to the enchanting village of Conversano, located just behind the coast between Bari and Brindisi, featuring a lively and well-preserved historic center .Accommodation will be at the 4 star hotel in the historic centre, the hotel features also a gourmet restaurant which offers terrace seating with panoramic views and specializes in fresh seafood and delicious regional cuisine. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2  Matera & Altamura (B)

Pick up from the hotel. This morning we will travel early to the picturesque city of Matera in the Basilicata region where we will meet our local guide.
On the way to Matera we will stop at Altamura to discover the local and precious bread tradition. We will visit a place where the owners will show us the big oven, will give us some explanations. And we will have a tasting of that amazing bread.
Matera is a remote and timeless corner of Italy, now a bustling tourist destination, it remains one of Europe’s hidden gems. Known as “la Città Sotterranea” (the Subterranean City), Matera is well known for its historical center, the “Sassi di Matera” (meaning “stones of Matera”). The Sassi , a UNESCO World Heritage Site ,are houses dug into the calcareous rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Apulia. We will enjoy lunch on our own in one of Matera’s charming restaurants and we have time at leisure in the afternoon.
Transfer back to Conversano.

Day 3  The Itria Valley – Alberobello, Ostuni and Martina Franca, Apulian Wines (B, L, D)

Today our journey will take us to the Itria Valley with its enchanting landscapes and centuries old white trulli that feature conical roofs made of limestone slabs from the surrounding area.
meet your guide at the hotel then travel to the Itria valley.
We will first visit Alberobello, where nearly 1,000 trulli dwellings cluster the cobblestone streets. A UNESCO world heritage site since 1996, Alberobello is a picturesque architectural gem. In Alberobello we will meet our private guide for a walking tour of the neighborhoods of Aia Piccola and Rione Monti where we will find some of the oldest dwellings, still preserving the original features of construction.
The trulli are white dry-stone houses with conical roofs made of lapidary stones.
From Alberobello we will drive throughout the Itria Valley accompanied by our private guide. We will make stops in the charming and beautifully preserved villages of Martina Franca and Ostuni.
We will stop on the way for the visit of a flagship winery, wine tasting and light lunch.
Then we will visit Ostuni. The ancient town of Ostuni’s history dates back to 600 BC and it is certainly one of the most beautiful cities of Apulia. It is situated on the largest Murge (the hills of Apulia) offering stunning views of the countryside and the Adriatic that alone make the trip worthwhile. The white-washed houses have been painted for centuries with lime giving the town its nickname, “The White City.”
Then we will drive to Martina Franca. The Baroque Village of Martina Franca is well known for its marvelous historic center, for its Baroque architecture, including its stunning palaces. It’s a true jewel positioned on a hillside with a wonderful panoramic view of the Itria Valley.
Dinner will be in Martina Franca to discover the tradition of “fornello pronto” (butchers where you choose your own meat and they prepare it right there, just for you) at a local butcher.
From Martina Franca we transfer back to Conversano.

Day 4  Castel del Monte, Winery & Cooking class at the Masseria (B,L,D)

Today we will drive to Castel del Monte where we will meet our guide for a tour of the unique 13th century octagonal citadel and castle built by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Castel del Monte’s octagonal design is said to symbolize the transitional phase between Earth and the heavens.
Then we will drive to a flagship winery for a guided visit, wine tasting and a light lunch at the winery.
Then we move to the Masseria in Conversano where we will take part in a private hands-on cooking lesson led by two professional chefs.
There we will prepare typical Apulian dishes including panzerotti, doughnut stuffed with small tomatoes and ricotta forte; pasta with the local traditional pesto made with ricotta, almonds and baked tomatoes; vegetable quiche with gratin vegetables. We will enjoy dinner al fresco in the courtyard of the masseria. Following dinner we will transfer back to Conversano.

Day 5  Lecce and Salento Wines (B, D)

Today we will drive to the Salento area, a land rich in history and tradition and renowned for its natural and architectural beauty, its hospitality, its magical atmosphere, it’s delicious regional food, its warm sun, its crystalline sea, and its dreamlike coast.
On the way to Lecce, we will stop for the visit of a winery in Salice Salentino and wine tasting.
Salento was a land of conquest with the Romans, Greeks, the Byzantines and the Barbarian pirates, the Spaniards, the Turks, all having had dominance over the area and each having left their mark.
Far off the beaten track for most of Italy’s art-loving visitors, Lecce sits on the southeast tip of Italy’s boot, waiting to demonstrate its little-known magnificence. We will meet our private guide in Lecce, also known as the “The Florence of the South,” for a walking tour of the historic center rich in Baroque masterpieces.
In Lecce where we will have a guided walking tour and time at leisure. Then we will journey to our next accommodation: a 4 star Masseria in the countryside around Lecce. Surrounded by olive trees, the masseria offers a comfortable retreat with a relaxed ambiance where you can enjoy a true taste of Apulia. This evening we will enjoy a dinner hosted at the restaurant of the Masseria.

Day 6  Otranto, Specchia, Galatina & Salento Wines (B,L,D)

Our day begins with an excursion with our guide to the historically rich towns of Otranto and Specchia, some of the most beautiful sites of the Salento area. You will marvel at centuries-old olive groves, rich red-colored fields, and the many small Baroque villages so rich in art treasures.
Otranto, also called “The Door to the Orient,” is an ancient maritime city that sits on the eastern most point of Italy. Of Greek origin, and an important embarkation point to the East during Roman rule, Otranto offers its visitors interesting sites like the Cathedral, considered the largest church in Apulia, it was finished and opened to prayer in 1088. There we see one of the best preserved Christian-Byzantine floor mosaics in Italy. Otranto is also home to the Aragonese castle with its towers, bastions, and fortified walls.
Following our visit to Otranto we will drive through the enchanting Salento countryside and visit the charming village of Specchia, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where we will have lunch at a gourmet restaurant .
After lunch in Specchia we will drive to Galatina, one of Puglia’s many hidden gems, where we will visit the historic centre and the Basilica of Santa Caterina a rare example of gothic architecture in Salento and, with its wonderful frescoes, tells the story of the man in relation to his love for God.
On the way back to Lecce we will visit an excellent winery in Copertino ,based in a nice Masseria, for a tour, wine tasting and light dinner.
This winery is a reference point for the whole territory and the father of the current owners has been a consultant (winemaker) for many wineries in Puglia (and even in other regions of Southern Italy) contributing in rising the quality of the territory.

Day 7  Pasta, Gallipoli & Salento Wines (B,L,D)

This morning we will drive to two gourmet temples of Italian food and wine. First we will visit an ancient pastificio ( pasta factory) in Maglie where pasta is still prepared and dried according to ancient methods. Our next visit will be at another flagship winery, where we will have a private cellar tour and wine tasting and lunch.
Then we will drive to Gallipoli , an enchanting seaside village , where we will have dinner at a truly special restaurant owned by a winery producing some truly rare wines such as a niche DOC Apulian appellation and even a white wine from the local red grape Negroamaro, the restaurant is “young” and offers high quality food : we will have wine & food dinner with their wines.

Day 8  Primitivo di Manduria wine & Olive Oil (B,L,D)

This morning we will drive to Primitivo di Manduria wine area. We will first stop for a Wine tour at a superb winery for tasting. Then we will drive to another winery located in Gioia del Colle area, for tasting and light lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit an Olive oil producer, tasting of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and light dinner.
Transfer to the 4 star Exclusive Hotel close to Gioia del Colle.

Day 9  Departure

Check out and transfer to the Bari Airport.

To find out how we can create your dream holiday or event in Italy, please do contact us at info@stendhaltours.it