ITALY WITH FRIENDS "LADIES DELIGHTS TOUR September 23 October 1, 2017 (Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice.) Day 0 - Depart USA - Friday, September 22, 2017 Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You will need to book your air travel so that you arrive into Naples Airport (NAP) on Saturday, September 23, 2017 by 2 PM for pickup and transfer to your Amalfi Coast hideaway. Day 1 - Arrival Day - Benvenuto! - Saturday, September 23, 2017 Welcome to Southern Italy! We will begin experiencing Italy's delights with a visit to one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. The region of Campania and Divine Coast south of Naples is truly memorable. Here mountains erupt from the Mediterranean and pastel-hued villages cling to their sides. This area is filled with dazzling antiquities like Pompeii and breathtaking natural wonders. We will spend 3 days in this picturesque region near the town of Sorrento, known as the city of orange and lemon groves, which you will see everywhere. The perfume of the citrus trees is a reminder to sample the local liqueur, Lemoncello. We will get acquainted with Sorrento and its narrow Roman-grid streets. We will sit down and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner. Yes, we will toast our adventures ahead with some chilled Lemoncello. Salute! (D) Light Day 2 - The Divine Amalfi Coast Escape - Sunday, September 24, 2017 Today will be a full day of discovery on a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast, the most amazing of all the Mediterranean shores. It has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit the vertical town of Positano, where colorful houses cling to a hillside overlooking the sea. Continue to Amalfi, once a mighty maritime republic. Enjoy a walk through the town and a visit to the Duomo di Sant' Andrea which glitters when the sun strikes the gold mosaics on its pediment. Then continue your scenic ride up to the charming town of Ravello, with those never-ending views of the turquoise blue sea. There will be time for lunch along the way. You will return to hotel and we enjoy dinner together. (B) (D) (L) Light Day 3 - Old Taverna Sorrentina Cooking School - Monday, September 25, 2017 Would you like to cook just like an Italian chef? Would you like to learn about the fantastic dishes typical of the Mediterranean cuisine? Thanks to the Old Taverna Sorrentina Cooking School and the help of Chef Guglielmo Gargiulo you will be able to learn the secrets of this region. Located in the historical center of Sorrento, you will enjoy a day of fun and learning about how to cook Italian. (B) (L) Light
Day 4 - Pompeii and the Region of Umbria - Tuesday, September 26, 2017 When Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, the lively port city of Pompeii was perfectly preserved by the volcano's ashes. Pompeii has amazed visitors since its discovery in the 18th century. Exquisite mosaics and wall paintings among the ruins of theaters, shops, homes and temples offer total immersion into the ancient Roman world. We will visit the site early and enjoy a guided tour throughout the excavations. We then say farewell to Southern Italy and head north into the Italian countryside and the region of Umbria. Orvieto sits majestically atop an outcrop of volcanic tufa stone with thousands of caves underneath the city, dug out during Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance times. Orvieto was once an important Etruscan city. Today it is famous for one of Italy's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, and a delicious white wine, Orvieto Classico. After time to settle into our hotel, we will take time to enjoy this grand hill town. We will visit inside Orvieto's Duomo, 300 years in construction, with its San Brizio Chapel covered in frescos by Luca Signorelli. You will enjoy a wine tasting of the local Orvieto Classico. You will have some time to shop or relax at our hotel before we meet for our dinner at the Trattoria Tipica Etrusca which specializes in Etruscan dishes and hides a secret underground chamber. (B) (D) Very Strenuous Day 5 - Siena, a Tuscan Treasure - Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Take some time this morning to enjoy the lovely village of Orvieto. We will then make our way to Siena, one of Tuscany's favorite towns. Yes, Siena is well known for the unusual Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena. This is where the Palio, a renowned horse race, is held each year. The Siena Duomo is truly one of the most ornate in all of Italy. We however, are going to focus our time on a fun "Savor Siena" walking tour. What better place to indulge in the foods of Italy than in the center of Tuscany, Siena. You will taste cheese, cold cuts, cakes, olive oil, basalmic vinegar, wines, coffee, truffles, saffron, chocolate and more. You will visit vendors selling the local Panforte and Ricciarelli, two of Siena's most typical sweets. We will make a quick stop at Fattoria San Donato, a working farm that produces olive oil and a delicious white wine called Vernaccia. This is one of the few white wines produced in Tuscany. The Vernaccia grape is only grown in a 50 kilometer circle around San Gimignano. It is a fruity white that was said to be a favorite of Michelangelo. We will then head to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany's most popular towns. You will quickly see why it is referred to as the "Medieval Manhattan". The 14 towers that dominate the San Gimignano skyline are just magnificent. We will stay right in the middle of everything and you will have time to truly enjoy this magical setting. We will meet for a short walking tour of the town, followed by dinner together at the wonderful restaurant, La Terrazza.
San Gimignano seems to be a favorite stop on the tour. Could it possibly be due to all the great shopping available? This has always been an important trading center. It was on the famous Via Francigena: the most traveled of the medieval roads that pilgrims traveled to Rome. From the 8th Century, it was the route through France that linked Canterbury Cathedral in England and Rome, the heart of Christianity. Today you will find locally owned shops selling ceramics, soaps, alabaster, olive wood items, leather goods, etc. You will find a great selection of paintings and prints of the Tuscan area.. Also, do not miss the award winning gelato shop located right across from our hotel for a little taste of gelato heaven. Throngs of tourists come in and out of San Gimignano each day and it is especially nice to be able to enjoy it after the crowds have gone. (B) (L) (D) Strenuous Day 6 Yummy Treasures of Tuscany Thursday, September 28, 2017 Thursday is market day in San Gimignano and you will enjoy being a part of the weekly experience. In fact, many of the booths will be right outside your door in the Piazza Cisterna. Do try to get out early and enjoy this important taste of the Italian culture. Today will be an enjoyable day of learning and discovery of some of this region s most famous products. We will visit an organic Saffron and Olive Oil Farm located near San Gimignano. A visit to this heavenly countryside farm is a great way to experience the agricultural roots of this area. You will meet the owner Elena, who will introduce you to the history of her small family run farm. Then you will see her treasure: the saffron field. After a walk through the panoramic estate and several stops at the herb and vegetable gardens and the magnificent olive grove, you can enjoy a light lunch with all the specialties produced by the organic farm. You can even taste some saffron cookies and a spelt based beer. Spelt is a very ancient grain that was farmed all the way back in the Etruscan times in Tuscany. After our fun on the farm, we will return to San Gimignano for the evening. (B) (L) Light Day 7 Hidden Tuscan Jewels - Friday, September 29, 2017 The Chianti area of Tuscany is littered with medieval villages, abbeys, castles, olive groves and perfectly manicured vineyards. Today we will visit some lovely, hidden jewels in this area. Badia a Coltibuono, or the abbey of the Good Harvest, is one of my favorite places in Tuscany. The 11 th century abbey was once a thriving monastery set in a peaceful, secluded forest. Some of the first vineyards in Chianti were planted during this period. In the 18 th century it was sold to the Stucchi-Prinetti family who have continued to grow and improve this celebrated estate. Today the abbey/villa is a bed and breakfast and home to a wonderful cooking school. The estate wines and olive oil are known all over the world. You will have the opportunity to tour the abbey
with its ancient ageing cellars that were once the abbey crypt. The Italianate garden is just beautiful and full of herbs and vegetables. You will have the opportunity to participate in the renowned cooking class, The Villa Table. You will prepare a full course meal from appetizers to dessert. You will work in the family kitchen and enjoy lunch in the villa s private dining room. It is truly a beautiful slice of Tuscan heaven. Afterwards, we can stop into the estate s little shop where you can purchase any of the estate s wines or other products that you just cannot live without. We will also make a stop at tiny Vertine, another hill town with never-ending views. This village of 50 inhabitants is picture perfect. We will then drive into the frenzy of Firenze, Florence in Italian. We will jump right into the Renaissance with a tour of the main sights of Florence including the Duomo, Baptistery, with its famous bronze doors, followed by a walk through the medieval streets of Florence. You will pass Piazza Republica (Ancient Roman forum), leather markets, the sculpture studded Piazza Signoria and end at the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio. Florence is known as an outdoor museum and you will have time to enjoy all the sculpture, art, and architecture that surrounds you. Afterwards, you will have time for your own pursuits. (B) (L) Light Day 8 - A Lovely Day of La Dolce Vita in Firenze Saturday, September 30, 2017 We will start with a visit to the Central Market, which is filled with all types of food items produced throughout Tuscany. You will also find the San Lorenzo market here. This is a great place for finding bargains and souvenirs. You will then have some time for shopping on your own and for lunch. You might want to visit one of the wonderful museums in Florence. Shopping abounds in this town of designers and it is a great place to find those special souvenirs. There are several leather markets and the Ponte Vecchio is known for its many gold and silver shops. You can even visit the Shoe Museum in the Ferragamo shop. You might want to stop into my favorite chocolate shop, Rivoire, located right on Piazza Signoria. You can find delicious treats and some unusual gifts. We will meet again later for our farewell dinner. (B) (D) Light Day 9 - Arrivederci Italia! Sunday, October 1, 2017 Sadly, it is time to say "arrivederci". Parting will be such sweet sorrow, but I know you will take along wonderful memories of time spent experiencing those Italian Delights Ladies Style. (B) THE FOLLOWING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOUR:
8 nights accommodation in 3-4 star, centrally located hotels with private bath or shower. Many meals included: 8 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), and 5 dinners (D). All ground transportation in Italy during tour. (Does not include airfare. Does not include transportation to and from the airport or train station in Florence.) Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights, wineries and museums as described in itinerary. Local VAT taxes and government fees, gas, highway tolls and parking fees. Pre-tour visit with helpful travel information. Plenty of memories to last a lifetime. Surprises along the way. NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR: Does not include airfare. Does not include transportation to and/or from the airport in Florence. Does not include remaining meals, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks at included meals. Does not include personal expenses such as internet use, laundry, mini-bar, or extra transportation in tour towns. Does not include travel insurance. Does not include local city tax paid directly to hotel. Can range from 2-4 Euros per night, per person, depending on hotel. 2017 LAND ONLY TOUR PRICES: Tour begins in Sorrento (Naples airport) and ends in Florence; tour is for 9 days and 8 nights. The total cost per person is $2799 with double occupancy. (Includes taxes, fees, and Euro exchange rate adjustment.) BFF discounts begin at $100 per person. See terms and conditions for more on BFF discount. Single occupancy supplement is $500. A $500 deposit will hold your place on the tour. Tours are limited in size. (Usually only 8 people unless I have another driver.) Payment is accepted by check or credit card through PayPal. (5% fee if using PayPal) Your deposit is credited against the total tour cost. Final payment is required no later than 60 days prior to departure. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Prepare for a physically demanding tour. Age is not a concern so long as you are physically fit, a very good walker at an energetic pace, and able to stand for extended periods of time and climb lots of hills and stairs. All of the above could be done in all sorts of weather and temperatures. You are required to load and unload your bags into the van, and to carry your bag to your room. This sometimes could be a short distance from the hotel. Most days our sightseeing will cover anywhere from 2-8 miles of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces. Plan to get in shape before you head to Italy.