La Famiglia - Wine, Culture & Cuisine of Italy

Friday July 1- Friday July 8, 2011
Price $2399   
Single Supplement $450

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Rome-Venice-Florence are glamorous Italian  destinations but the heart of Italy is more likely to be found in its small towns, which still retain their centuries-old charm and originality.

Get off the beaten path and experience something truly different on this wine tour: authentic cultural events, great traditional cuisine and of course wine visits. This tour focuses on Campania & Basilicata and Le Marche.

We’ll start with an optional stay in Naples then we move on to Buccino, our home in Campania.Like many Italian towns, Buccino is on the crest of a hill with an old town that predates Roman times. We’ll be visiting Buccino during the annual Festa della Madonna, a colorful tradition that has been recreated for generations.

Then we’ll spend 3 nights in Senigallia, a seaside town on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Besides Renaissance Urbino, we’ll be sure to spend time in tiny Stacciola, a hamlet of 50 people where Vin’s grandmother was born and known for its communal ovens dating from the 1700’s.

When the tour ends in Rome on July 8, we’ll say “arriverderci” or perhaps extend our stay in the eternal city.

Optional Pre-Tour Extension in Naples

Wednesday June 29-Friday July 1
Price $315
single supplement $170

 The majority of Italian immigrants came from Naples and its environs. This city has so much to offer that makes it  so irresistible: the most important museum of Italian antiquity; Spaccanapoli, the original center of Naples designed by the Romans; a beautiful harbor made famous by so many Neapolitan songs; the best pizza in Italy; and a view of the omnipresent Mt. Vesuvius. 

  We’ll stay at the art nouveau Grand Hotel Santa Lucia, one of Naples’ finest hotels, located on the waterfront with spectacular views of Vesuvius, the Bay of Naples, Capri and Ischia.

 On our arrival day we’ll have a tour of Naples and then free time to explore individual interests: The Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Palace, Pompeii; Sorrento, Capri, Royal Caserta Palace, or perhaps connect with a grandparent’s hometown.

Highlights

• 2 nights Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
• 2 breakfasts
• transportation to & from the airport
• city tour of Naples