Departure Date for 2010: June 13

June 13 - 24, 2010

This special expedition goes far off the beaten path in Italy with Countess Alessandra G. Ranghiasci, a descendent of an ancient Italian family, who will introduce you to the finest elements of Italian culture. Alessandra will call on her friends and family to bring Italy's past alive...something that will turn your trip into an unforgettable cultural experience.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1 - June 13 - Rome

Upon arrival in Rome, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. Later, join your fellow travellers for a special wine and cheese aperitivo (the trick to surviving Italy's late dining hour) followed by a welcome dinner at a quaint local restaurant. Sleep in Rome (D)

Day 2 - June 14 - Rome and Orvieto

Today you will make your way north to the picturesque Umbrian town of Orvieto. Built on a high plateau of tufa rock, this historic town will surely be a cultural highlight of your trip. Visit a spectacular Etruscan Necropolis below the city walls and view the very frescoes that inspired Michelangelo to paint his "Last Judgement" in the Sistine Chapel. After a bit of free time, you will visit a pastry shop that rests above a secret, mile-long Etruscan tunnel. Alessandra's friend, Maurizio, the shop's owner and an early proponent of the Slow Food Movement, will teach you a few Umbrian cooking secrets after showing you the private tunnels his father started to renovate 20 years ago. Sleep in Orvieto (D)

Day 3 - June 15 - Civita di Bagnoreggio and the white wines of Umbria

Today you will visit the crumbling city of Civita, a village that was abandoned by all but a hardy few after a series of earthquakes in the 1600's. This tiny village sits atop several layers of Tufa rock that have been crumbling on all sides for centuries. Using a foot bridge to walk onto "the rock", you will learn about how American soldiers liberated Civita from occupying Nazi forces during World War II. Alessandra's friends, the Recchias, will greet you in an ancient olive oil mill where they will treat you to fresh bruschetta toasted over an open fire and smothered in the family's celebrated, locally-produced olive oil. In the afternoon you will taste the famous white wine, Orvieto Classico, in a family-owned estate. Sleep in Orvieto (L)

Day 4 - June 16 - Assisi or Spello and transfer to Gubbio

Before heading towards Gubbio you will first be introduced to the ceramics of Deruta, arguably the most famous in Italy. Next you can choose one of two options (you will be able to decide while on the tour):

Enjoy the medieval spirit, Roman antiquities and Renaissance monuments of Spello, one of Italy's "perfect hilltowns". You will indulge in a special wine tasting lunch at the best wine cellars in the province of Umbria. Your other option is to visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, one of the most mystical locations in Italy. It was St. Francis who rescued the Catholic Church in 13th century after a period of terrible papal indulgencies. Preaching to the common man a gospel of purity, humility, simplicity and the love of all creatures, St. Francis sent a message to the Vatican that could not be ignored by Pope Innocent III. You will be given plenty of time to visit the Basilica of Saint Francis where you can absorb the frescoes of Giotto and feel the special essence of St. Francis' Crypt.

You will then make your way to the city of Gubbio where Alessandra, the granddaughter of the city's last Marquis, will share with you the secrets of her city. Finally, you will end the day at Alessandra's favorite local restaurant with a gourmet dinner. Sleep in Gubbio (L)

Day 5 - June 17 - Gubbio and local sightseeing

This morning you will have an introduction to Gubbio's most important medieval sights (including the city's most beautiful cathedral and the Consoli Palace). You will then be invited to join Alessandra for a tour of her palace (Palazzo Ranghiasci) and a cooking class, where you will learn some of Alessandra's family recipes. In the afternoon you will have some time on your own to explore the village or climb to a beautiful viewpoint on top of the Mount Ingino (the mountain on which the city is built). This evening you are cordially invited back to the Palazzo Ranghiasci for a welcome drink and a lavish dinner. Sleep in Gubbio (D)

Day 6 - June 18 - Olive Oil, Montepulciano and Bagno Vignoni

En route from Umbria to Tuscany you will taste one of the world's best extra virgin olive oil, learn about different varieties and how to recognize a good oil from a bad one. In Montepulciano you will sample the famous wine "Vino Nobile" at a small, family-owned winery, and then you will head to Bagno Vignoni, a tiny medieval village built around a large thermal hot-spring pool. The pool, which still marks the village's center, is especially magic at sunset or in the first light of the morning. Both the Etruscans and the Romans knew of the therapeutic proprieties of these springs and built a spa here! Sleep in Bagno Vignoni (D)

Day 7 - June 19 - Tuscan Hill towns – Montalcino and Pienza

Today you will travel to Montalcino where you will be introduced to one of Italy's greatest red wines, the Brunello di Montalcino. After sampling this Sangiovese hybrid at a world-class winery, you will enjoy a Tuscan landscape so beautiful it is now protected by UNESCO's World Heritage Fund. Near the walled city of Montalcino, you will visit Sant' Antimo, the Abbey that once gave shelter to the ailing Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, and later grew to become as powerful as a small country. Your day will culminate with a tasting of pecorino cheese in the breathtaking Tuscan village of Pienza. Sleep in Bagno Vignoni (D)

Day 8 - June 20 - Loro Ciuffenna, end of the tour or beginning of tour extension: the Cinque Terre

This may be the last morning of the tour for part of the group but, before we say goodbye, we will visit the bridge over the Arno that can be found in the backdrop of Leonardo's Mona Lisa, and enjoy espresso in the lesser known but charming village of Loro Ciuffenna. A private driver will pick up those leaving the tour on the outskirts of Florence and take them into the city. A 5-day extension to the coast and the north of Italy starts today for everyone else!

The first stop up north will be at a tiny village in the Ligurian mountains (30 houses overlooking the Mediterranean) to sample authentic and delicious local food cooked for you by Alessandra's friend Zita. You will try Zita's hand-made tagliatelle pasta with her unforgettable meat and pesto sauces. Tonight you will have a relaxing stay by the sea in one of the picturesque Cinque Terre villages, the "Five Lands" of the Italian Riviera. Sleep in Monterosso (L)

Day 9 - June 21 - Cinque Terre

Today you can explore the villages of the Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. A short stroll on "Lover's Lane", one of the most romantic and scenic Mediterranean seaside walks, will take you from Manarola to Riomaggiore where you can continue by boat or train to reach one of the other villages. Along the way you will discover ancient castles and churches built on steep sea cliffs and you will encounter old fishermen sitting in front of their multicoloured houses, mending their nets. From small alleys carved into the hillside you will marvel at breathtaking views and eat local gelato at one of the small cafes that dot the coastline. At night you will enjoy a feast of fresh seafood served in the local manner and perhaps a glass of "Sciachetra", the famed local dessert wine. Sleep in Monterosso (D)

Day 10 - June 22 - Piedmont and Alba

Today the scenery will change completely as you travel from the rocky coast of Liguria to the verdant Po River valley and the fragrant rolling hills of Piedmont. Wine lovers know that Piedmont is synonymous with one of the finest red wines in the world: the Barolo. Your trek through Piedmont first stops in the red-brick city of Alba before you finally reach a small Piedmontese village for a quiet stay in a fabulous, local hotel. Sleep in Castiglione Tinella (D)

Day 11 - June 23 - Piedmont countryside

Don't be late this morning (the Piedmontese are always early) because your day is a full one. We will wander from castle to castle, sampling typical Piedmontese local food and the great wines of the region, including the Barolo and Barbaresco. Tonight we will have a sumptuous farewell dinner at a local countryside restaurant, where we will try home made ravioli del plin. Sleep in Castiglione Tinella (D)

Day 12 - June 24 - Milano, departure for the US

This morning you will be transferred to Milano airport for your flight home or you will start your further extension trip in Italy.

Your Journey:
1 night in Rome
2 nights in Orvieto
2 nights in Gubbio
2 nights in Bagno Vignoni
Tot: 7 nights – 8 days
Trip cost: $2,520 per person
Single supplement: $ 440

Journey Extension:
2 nights in Monterosso, Cinque Terre
2 nights in Piedmont, Castiglione Tinella
Total: 4 nights, 5 days
Extension cost: $1440 per person
Single supplement: $250

Deposit required to secure your reservation: $500
Booking deadline: December 31st 2009

Total Trip Cost:
US$ 3,960 per person in double room (land only)
US $690 single room supplement

Important: group size will not exceed 20 travelers, with a minimum number of 12.

What's included in your trip:

- Accommodation in carefully selected, centrally located hotels and charming country inns
- All group transportation in a deluxe air-conditioned private bus
- All breakfasts and 1 main meal per day, including 1 dinner at Alessandra's Palace
- The services of a professional tour leader and local guides
- Entrance to museums and attractions as per itinerary
- 2 cooking classes
- 6 very detailed and informative wine tastings
- Olive oil tasting
- A post-departure travel insurance plan from Travel Guard.

What is not included in your trip:
- International airfare from and to the US
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your M&G guide, driver and local guides

Please Contact Us for more information!