The Trip

To celebrate our 30th Anniversary, REX HILL is pleased to offer you an unforgettable journey right into the heart of Italian food, wine and art. Join Carrie Stigge, REX HILL’s Direct Sales Manager who has lived in Italy, on this amazing excursion. From spectacular Rome to the hilltowns of Tuscany and the rocky coastline of the Italian Riviera, this journey is a kaleidoscope of Italy’s greatest attractions.

Itinerary

Day 0: Departure for Italy – or consider flying a day earlier to enjoy an optional pre-night in Rome!

Day 1 - Rome
Upon arrival in the Eternal City, you will be transferred to your hotel near the world-famous Spanish Steps. If you arrive early enough you will discover the most famous sights near to your hotel with an engaging local guide. You will then have a little bit of time to relax before enjoying a welcome dinner with your co-travelers at a quaint local restaurant. Sleep in Rome

Day 2: Rome and Orvieto
This morning you will be transported by private bus to the beautiful village of Orvieto, a picturesque hill town built high on a plateau of volcanic “tufa”. Besides its spectacular cathedral, Orvieto is known for its mysterious Etruscan caves and delicious wine. Our friend the celebrity chef Maurizio will teach you a few Umbrian secrets before treating you to an unforgettable “cave lunch” over his family’s private Etruscan tunnels. You will have time to tour Maurizio’s tunnels and sample Orvieto’s great local white wine before heading to an amazing countryside resort in Tuscany where you will unpack for five wonderful nights. Sleep in the Tuscan Countryside

Day 3: Montepulciano, Pienza, Bagno Vignoni
This morning you will start your exploration of Tuscan hill-town life with a first stop in beautiful Montepulciano. You will visit the village and then sample the famous wine “Vino Nobile” at a small, family-owned winery. You will then head to Pienza, where you will enjoy an incredible landscape that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage monument. You will then sample Pienza’s amazing pecorino cheese while your guide shares the legends and traditions of the local area with you. After this you will head towards 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 mystical 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! You will enjoy dinner here before heading back to your hotel. Sleep in the Tuscan Countryside

Day 4: Montalcino and Sant’Antimo abbey
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 can explore the ancient walled city of Montalcino. Later, you will drive along windy Tuscan roads back to your countryside estate – an experience that will give you the chance to visit several hidden spots that most foreigners never get to see, including the amazing Sant’Antimo abbey, and sample some more Brunello en route. Sleep in the Tuscan Countryside

Day 5: Chianti Hills and cooking class
This morning you will start your exploration with a visit to a very special estate in the Chianti region of Tuscany. You will be blown away by the quality of the wine here as you learn that the worst Chianti was shipped out of the region 100 years ago while the Tuscans kept the very best for themselves. You will learn about how the Chianti blend has changed over time and also try some fabulous olive oil. Later, you will visit the tiny Tuscan town of Panzano in Chianti for a visit to probably the most famous butcher in Italy. His name is Dario Cecchini and he keeps cutting and preparing meat like nobody else, REALLY. Here, you will sit down to a late lunch of meat specialties in Dario’s informal restaurant. After this very different experience, you will have time at the resort to breathe in fresh air scented by rosemary and ripe olive trees and take in the views with a great glass of wine in your hand. A cooking class will be available for those interested. Sleep in the Tuscan Countryside

Day 6: Siena
Today you will head off to one of Tuscany's grand jewels: the city of Siena. You will learn from a local about the famous Palio, the horse race all Sienese are crazy about, and you will visit several of Siena's amazing architectural masterpieces such as the grand Cathedral and the Campo square. You will have time on own to soak in the atmosphere of this unforgettable town, people watching, eating ice-cream and sipping wine at one of the many local great bars. Sleep in the Tuscan Countryside

Day 7: Trasimeno Lake, olive oil mill and Cortona
Today we will drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno to an olive oil mill that produces arguably the best olive oil in Italy. We will sample several grades of oil and learn how recognize the best quality. We will then enjoy a short drive to the gorgeous Tuscan hill town of Cortona, once an important center of Etruscan civilization. We will have time to stroll and discover this beautiful city centre at our own pace under the Tuscan sun. We will than make our way back to our charming countryside resort. Sleep in the Tuscan Countryside

Day 8: End of Tour or beginning of your tour extension
This may be the last morning for part of the group but we hope you will choose to stay! If you choose to leave today, a private driver will pick you up at the countryside resort and drive you to either the Florence airport or train station.

A four-day extension to the Italian Riviera and the north of Italy starts today!

This morning you will head towards the Italian Riviera. 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. Your final destination is the small seaside village of Monterosso. Sleep in Monterosso

Day 9: The Five Lands – The 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

Day 10: Piedmont
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 near Gavi, where you will visit an awesome family owned production of chocolate. You will then visit a quaint local village and sample some of the very fine local wine. You finally reach a small Piedmontese village for a quiet stay in a fabulous, local hotel. Sleep in the Piedmont countryside

Day 11: Piedmont and Alba
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. We will also stop in the red-brick city of Alba to enjoy some more of the local villages atmosphere. Tonight we will have a sumptuous farewell dinner at a local countryside restaurant, where we will try home-made ravioli del plin. Sleep in the Piedmont countryside

Day 12: Transfer to Milano airport for your departur to 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.

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
• The services of a professional tour leader and local guides
• Entrance to museums and attractions as per itinerary
• 1 cooking class
• Olive oil tasting
• All wine tastings  as per itinerary description

What is not included:

• International airfare from and to the US
• Personal expenses
• Tips for your M&G guide, driver and local guides
• Medical and Travel insurance

8 days, 7 nights
$2,495 per person in double room (land only)
$420 single supplement

Itinerary details:
1 night in Rome
6 nights in a Tuscan countryside resort

Extension: 4 days, 3 nights
2 nights in Monterosso, Cinque Terre
2 nights in Piedmont
$1,440 per person in double room (land only)
$240 single supplement

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