Italy

O Sparkling and bright in liquid light….does the wine our goblets gleam in;

with hugh as red as the rosy bed…which a bee would choose to dream in.

[ C H A R L E S F E N N O H O F F M A N ]

Italy

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] T h e a v e r a g e l i f e e x p e c t a n c y a t b i r t h f o r a n I t a l i a n i s 7 9 . 5 4 y e a r s .

SSlightly larger in size than Arizona, the long boot shaped peninsula of Italy isbound by the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas, France, Switzerland, Austria, andSlovenia. Art and poetry, monuments and museums, cathedrals and churches,basilicas and medieval castles, are all hard to ignore while visiting this beautifuland mysterious country. Miles of grapevines decorate the rolling hills and coun-trysides, while picturesque streets and piazzas are found in the cities, villages andold town squares. Italy is famous for its fashion industry, luxury sports cars, motor-cycles, beautiful coastlines, lakes, mountains, local pageants, festivals, Italian cui-sine and VINO!

Italians are very proud of their regional and local cuisine and dishes. Theyare also leaders in wine production, exportation and consumption, making it amust destination for wine lovers. Like breathing, food and wine are a naturalintake within the Italian household. Cooking classes and schools are minutes awayfrom any Italian destination.

The eternal city of Rome is the country’s capital. Rome was not built in aday and cannot be seen in a day. There are thousands of sites, walking tours, bustours, boutiques, shops, magical sidewalk café’s, exciting nightclubs and fine diningestablishments to uncover. From the arrogant opulence of the Vatican and time-lessness of the Forum, you will feel the thrill of the turbulent history when visitingthis historical, yet modern city. Buon Viaggio!

SSalute di Vino ItalianoCheers to Italian wine! With over 400 officially identifiedgrape varieties that lushly carpet the rolling hillsides of Italy’s21 wine regions, this boot shaped peninsula is one of themost romantic, diverse, and mysterious wine destinations inall of the world.

Italian wine is more exciting and sophisticated than ever,with new focus on updating “Old World” wine makingphilosophies to concentrating on newer advanced technolo-gies and viticulture practices. Italy is number one in wineexport and number one in consumption per capita, makingthis destination a must for any wine lover. Wine making inItaly is so natural it almost seems instinctive. Vineyards areeverywhere, and most Italians own their own row or two ofgrapevines either for their own personal use, or to be part of alarger group of elite growers that sell the fruit to local vint-ners. But what good is Italian wine without Italian food?Italian cuisine is still considered the number one ethnic foodin America. So whether it’s the beautiful countryside, fasci-nating history, or food and wine, our Italian wine vacationswill offer something new to discover with each memorablestep along your personalized journey.

Tuscany, Italian Wine CentralNo doubt about it, Tuscany is a very important wine

region in Italy. It is home of the “Brunello di Montalcino,”also known as Sangiovese and the super-Tuscan cult wine,“Sassicaia.” Tuscany is considered to be wine central in com-parison to the other Italian wine regions. With the warmcoastal Mediterranean climate, and the cool and gentleocean breeze, Tuscany is very proud of its eleven wine zones,most notably Bolgheri, Carmignano, and Chianti.

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] I t a l y a c c o u n t s f o r t h e l a r g e s t n u m b e r o f n a t i v e v i n e s i n t h e w o r l d .

T E R R O I RO F I TA LY

With Florence as its capital, Tuscany is the birthplace of theRenaissance, and the place where the Catholic Church hasreigned supreme with total and complete power. Tuscan foodis traditional wild game and foul, which is prepared with abed of wide pasta noodles or a variety of polenta dishes.While visiting this region, which is rich in wine and fabulouscuisine, one must be sure to sample the wonderful Toscanabreads; especially the “Pane Toscano.” This Italian bread iscooked in a wood burning oven, cooled, and then brushed inaromatic freshly pressed, virgin, green, unfiltered olive oil.Tuscany is also considered to be the leader in producing extravirgin olive oil.

The wines of Tuscany have inspired many, from religiousfigures that date back hundreds of years, to ancient scholarswho studied art, as well as famous poets and writers who didtheir part in creating history. The Chianti and Super Tuscanwines have come to symbolize a kind of cultural icon. Withthe rugged and beautiful winding hills, this is a land wheregreat wine is made. Imagine yourself standing atop anextremely elevated vineyard that overlooks the TyrrhenianSea, as you sip a glass ofone of Tuscany’s awardwinning wines. OurTuscany adventuresoffer this and muchmore!

Piedmont,The Land andThe Wine

While it is fair tosay that Tuscany can beconsidered theBordeaux of Italy, it iseven more correct tosay that Piedmont isthe Burgundy of Italianwine. Piedmont isknown as the premierwine region of Italywhich was created by the Alps. The Nebbiolo grape livesand thrives in this large mountainous region, and is recog-nized as the king of the Italian red grapes. Piedmont’s lead-ing wines are Barolo and Barbaresco. They are made fromthis delicate, difficult to grow and produce grape. The winesfrom this region are phenomenal and meticulously cared for.Barbera is the most widely planted grape, creating vibrant butrustic wines.

I TA LY

The world is a book, and those who donot travel read only a page

[ S T . A U G U S T I N E ]

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] Tw e n t y p e r c e n t o f I t a l y ’s p o p u l a t i o n i s o v e r 6 5 y e a r s o f a g e .

Piedmont has many other note-worthy wines such as theArneis, Moscato, and Asti Spumante. Famous for the winetowns of Asti and Alba, Piedmont has been producing wineonly since the latter part of the 1800’s. Vermouth, the indis-pensable ingredient in a martini, was also first crafted andcommercially sold in Turin (or Torino), the capital ofPiedmont. This is the ultimate destination for eating andconsuming great Italian wines. When visiting this lush yetfoggy area, with the help of specially trained truffle dogs, onecan find the rare white truffle. Also an abundance of hazel-nuts, chestnuts, and root vegetables are among the culinarydelights crated in this gorgeous region. Be sure to stop off at

some of thelocal restaurantsfor a culinarydelight , whichare rich with thelands treasures.That includesquality lamb andbeef. Andplease don’t for-get the wine!

Friuli-VeneziaGiulia

Located onthe borders of Slovenia and the Carnic Alps of Austria, youwill find the wine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Thisnorthern wine region reflects the history of intertwined alle-giances and shifting borders. Friuli, named after the ancientFriulani who first inhabited this area and Venezia Giulia, ishome to some of Italy’s most prestigious white wines, espe-cially the Tocai Friulano.

The area of Friuli is known to be a very ambitious andvery successful wine region, because of the mixed culturesand history that lie within the background of the people wholive there. But wine is not the only shining star for thosewho live and visit this breathtaking region. Prosciutto fromthis area is considered to be the best in all of Italy. The air isthe key and main ingredient for this delectable Italian ham,which includes the perfect combination of the warm, saltyocean air that mixes with the cool Alpine air. While travel-ing through the beautiful countryside, you will find theLambrea pig, a massive pig raised for the highest quality ofprosciutto, “Prosciutto di San Daniele.” This area is also aleader in producing a variety of scrumptious artisan cheeses.

Wandering re-establishes the original harmony

which once existed between man and the universe.

[ A N A T O L E F R A N C E ]

All of these factored together, create an extraordinary culi-nary picnic with a view.

Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly’s northern most wine region is Trentino-Alto Adige.

Beautiful and pristine vineyards lie between the Alpineregion’s narrow valleys. With extreme elevation changes,some vineyards are located as high as 3,600 feet. The settingis inspiring with the sheer rock faces of the Alps, and its deepgreen valleys. Here you will discover some of the world’smost breathtaking vineyards. Although hyphenated,Trentino and Alto Adige are two distinctively differentplaces. Italian is the primary language spoken in Trentino,located in the south, while German is the main language ofAlto Adige, located right below Austria. However, evenwith the differences in the cultures, there is a strong bondwith one another when it comes to making and producingfine wines. Chardonnay, Muller-Thurgau, Pinot Grigio,Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Trentino-Alto Adige’s most famous grape, “Teroldego,” are found inthis beautiful alpine region. If you like sparkling wine, this isthe right destinationfor you. With thecooler climate, this isan ideal place togrow and produceworld-class sparklingwine.

During themonth of June onone of the lastSundays, you canexperience the“Festa di SacroCuore” (Day of theSacred Heart). Hugefires are set usually inthe shapes of heartsor crosses, castingunforgettable shad-ows of yellow andorange over the facesof the steep vine-yards. This is a long summertime ritual that began first as apagan offering to the sun gods, and later was looked at as aChristian tribute to Saint John, whose saint’s day coincidedwith the summer solstice. Other legends and stories are oftentold about this incredible day.

I TA LY

No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he

comes home and rests his head on his, old familiar pillow.

[ L I N Y U T A N G ]

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] T h e i c e c r e a m c o n e w a s i n v e n t e d i n I t a l y.

This is also home of Grappa, a strong alcoholic drinkthat is made from the leftover seeds and skins, of pomace.Grappa has been produced for hundreds of years. After refer-menting and then distilling the pomace, you get a highlysophisticated after-dinner drink. Found throughout Italy,Grappa is most famous from the northern Italian wineregions. But before you indulge in a glass of Grappa, be sureyou feed your appetite by sampling some of the local favoritefoods, which include Tyrolean smoked bacon, air-dried beef,

rennet apples, Asiagocheese, and wonder-ful gnocchi anddumplings that aremade from bread andflour. Salute!

VenetoOf the Tre

Venezie, Veneto isthe largest producerof wine in NorthernItaly. The names ofboth Veneto and itsmagnificent city ofVenice, come fromthe native tribe that

once inhabited this incredible land, known as the Venetitribe. Nothing can prepare you for the sites of Venice. Atone time one of the world’s most famous medieval ports,Venice today is rich with luxurious palaces, exotic landmarks,and romantic waterways. Both political and stylistic, Veniceis the capital of this famous wine region. The cuisine is afusion between fish and local food that is either raised orgrown there. A long list of dishes can be sampled, rangingfrom various recipes for risotto and polenta, to a very com-mon dish of liver and onions. Visiting Venice is like walkingout of a Canaletto Masterpiece. However, your trip toVenice, even with its entire splendor, is not complete with-out visiting Verona, known as Veneto’s principle wine town.The hills that surround Verona are blanketed with a sea ofdeep green grapevines that flow as far as the eye can see. Forwine professionals and wine lovers of all walks, Verona ishome to one of Italy’s most important and largest wine fairscalled Veronafiera, which is held annually in April. At thiswine festival, you will find some of Italy’s finest wines,including the most collected wine, Amarone. This wine isintensely concentrated and is loaded with tannins and highalcohol. It is made from a combination of the Corvina,

Travel and change of pace impart

new vigor to the mind.[ S E N E C A ]

Rondinella, Molinara, and sometimes Negrara grapes. Thiswine is usually not released for sale for three to six years fromthe date of its vintage, and can have a shelf life of over 25years. Valpolicella is made from the same grapes asAmarone, and is also a famous wine of Veneto that can befound in five distinct styles. While the grapes are the same,the similarity ends there. It is a much younger, softer winethan Amarone, and is released earlier and a delight to any-one’s palate. These are just two of the well-crafted wines youwill find visiting this magnificent Italian wine region.Veneto definitely has it all- the magical city of Venice and aspectacular wine country.

Emilia-RomagnaEmilia-Romagna is Italy’s most ultimate and important

food region. With Bologna (meaning the fat one), as its cap-ital, the world’s best Balsamic vinegars and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese can be found in this gastronomic wineregion. You must come hungry when you visit this culinaryrich state. Theregion’s restaurantsand specialty foodswill definitely be oneof the highlights ofyour wine vacation.One has not liveduntil they’ve sam-pled a piece of per-fectly agedParmigiano-Reggiano cheesethat has been deli-cately dipped insome of the world’smost famous AcetoBalsamicoTradizionale (bal-samic vinegar). It isan explosion of fla-vor that will not eas-ily be forgotten. But don’t forget you are also here for thewine. Taste the Lambrusco, which wine that is very foodfriendly and easy to drink. In fact, this is the number oneItalian wine in the United States. While it is not made likeChampagne, it does have a slight fizzy affect on the palate.However, if it’s fizz that you want, you can also find anotherpopular wine of the land, the Spumanti wines.

I TA LY

To get away from one’s working environment

is, in a sense, to get away from one’s self”[ C H A R L E S H O R T O N C O O L E Y ]

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] A n y t i m e y o u d r i n k t h e w i n e o f a p a r t i c u l a r r e g i o n , e a t t h e f o o d o f t h e s a m e r e g i o n .

UmbriaUmbria is the producer of one of Italy’s most well-known

and consumed white wines, Orvieto, a crisp and refreshingwine made from Trebbiano, Verdello, Grechetto, Drupeggio,and sometimes Malvasia. Orvieto is not only a superb wine,but also a beautiful gothic-like medieval town. Umbria’sserene land is home to Saint Francis of Assisi and Italy’s mostcomplete wine artifact museums, the “Museo del Vino.” Fromcooking classes to world-class chocolate tastings in the quaint

town of Perugia, you willfeel like you left yourheart there and need toreturn.

SicilySicily, one of the

Mediterranean’s largestislands, is also one of thelargest producers inwine, running neck andneck with Veneto. Thesunny climate has a longhistory of producingsweet, fortified wines.With extreme hillsideelevations, poor soil con-ditions, and endless sun,this is the perfect placeto grow world-class fruit.

During the twentieth century, Sicily suffered from placing theimportance of quantity instead of quality, causing it todecline in its reputation. In effect, Sicily became known forundesirable, cheap wine. Starting in 1970, grape growers andwine makers decided to change this reputation and theylaunched a revolution that began to change history. Sicily’smost famous wine is Marsala, but the region is also known forthe dessert wines, Moscato di Pantelleria and Malvasia delleLipari. Today, Sicily is Italy’s new shining star, producingmany note-worthy wines.

But wine is not all that Sicily has to offer visitors.Beautiful picturesque seaside communities are abundant, withviews that are unimaginable and unforgettable. Cuisine isalso a passion among the local people. Rich with seafood,various nuts, olives and tomatoes, some of Italy’s best cuisineis found here. If desserts are what you fancy, then you cameto the right place. Sicily is not only known for desserts of theearth, but it is also believed that the gelato made here is thebest in the world.

Travel provides you with experiences that will remain

locked forever in the scar tissue of your mind.

[ D A V E B A R R Y ]

Thoughts from the Road

“Wine Tours of the World' has definitely got it downpat. Our time was well spent getting to know a

specific area with all the local culture, history, people, foodand wines of the Tuscany region. It made our first trip to Italythe type of adventure that you want to do again and again.Thank you............”

Nancy NaumanWest Palm Beach, FL

“I wanted to thank you for a fantastic vacation toItaly. Our culinary and wine tour of Tuscany was a

very unique and memorable experience. The cooking lessonand dinner at Fattoria Di Corsignano was a highlight – withour hosts Elena and Mario welcoming us in their home andwine cellar! The wine tasting excursions to Chianti Districtopened my mind to the joy of Italian wines. I also lovedwalking the cobblestone streets of Siena, discovering wonder-ful little shops, and small, local Osterias for lunch. I think ofSiena every time I wrap my favorite souvenir scarf around myneck! I can highly rec-ommend this region andtour to my clients.”

Thanks again,Melody SattizahnDenver, CO

“Going toItaly has

always been a dream ofmine. Last year thatdream came true. In thefall of 2007 I headed toTuscany with 11 other food and wine lovers. We cooked din-ner at the winemaker’s farmhouse and ended the eveningtasting his Chianti Reserve in the cellar. We walked the cob-blestone streets of Siena and Florence admiring the black andwhite patterned churches, and if all that wasn’t enough weended the trip being wined and dined in a castle. People askme “was Tuscany everything you thought it would be,” and Itell them it was every thing I imagined and more.”

Gail MadsenDenver, CO

I TA LY

Travelers never think that they

are the foreigners.

[ M A S O N C O L L E Y ]

FFlorence, the city of flowers, is also the capital of the Tuscanregion. Originally settled by Julius Caesar, Florence is oftenreferred to as the “Italian Athens.” It is also home to the ArtRenaissance movement that inspired many. Art Renaissancewas a period when the free development of thought, derivedby a vision of life, and reality independent from metaphysicaland religious concepts, were expressed in a new manner.

The Arno River winds through Florence and is the sec-ond most important river in Italy, next to the Tiber River.The Ponte Vecchio, noted for its shops and fine jewelers, andthe Santa Trinita bridges, are just two of many historical sitesto see. When visiting Florence, Michelangelo’s David, theDuomo of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore and the UffiziGallery, and Palazzo Degli Uffizi are all must see sites.Florence today has both fine and casual dinning. Wine bars,known as “enoteche’s,” area popular afternoon stop.Hundreds of Italian winescan be sampled and areaccompanied by plates ofantipasto and otherregional and local cuisine.Florence rivals other majorcities of the world forshopping. Products from

Versace, Armani and Gucci can be easily found. Antiques,leather goods, shoes and handbags are sold in stylish bou-tiques and open-air markets.

The city is also the gateway to Tuscan wine country, andday trips can be easily arranged into the Chianti wine region.Pisa, Siena and the wine towns of Lucca, Montepulciano,Montalcino and San Gimignano, are all within the region.Come once, come often… Florence is the perfect start to a‘once in a lifetime’ Wine Tours of the World custom vacation.

[ W I N E F A C T ] T h e a v e r a g e I t a l i a n c o n s u m e s o v e r 2 6 g a l l o n s o f w i n e p e r y e a r.

F L O R E N C E ’ SF I N E S T

Y O U R W I N E TA S T I N G T R I P P L A N N E R I TA LY

While creating your upcoming trip to Italy, it is important for us to know what inspires you. What are your travel dreams,

trip goals, and experience expectations for your perfect vacation? Sometimes it helps to put your thoughts down on paper.

We have created this guide to help plan the ultimate custom vacation, handcrafted specifically for you and your compan-

ions. What are your trip dreams and desires?

S E L E C T A D E S T I N A T I O N ( S )

O Rome O Milan O Turin/Piedmont O Sicily/SienaO Florence O Venice O Tucany O Umbria/Italian LakesSpecific Cities: ______________________________________________________________________________________Do you want to visit more than one? ____________________________________________________________________

W H A T A R E Y O U R T R A V E L I N T E R E S T S ?

O Food / Wine O Private Guide O Museums O SpaO Cooking Classes O Transfers / Airport O Historical tours O GolfO Chocolate Tours O Child / Family Activities O Hot Air Ballooning O SailingO Specific Wine Types O Helicopter O City Tours O Shopping / FashionO Pastries / Breads O Regional Festivals O BikingO Specialty Gastronomy O Rail O Art / History O Group TravelO Picnics O Antiques O Painting / Art Classes O Self DriveO Dinner Reservations O Ocean Sports O Performing Arts O Driver/GuideO Fall Wine Crush O Botanical / Gardens O Cordials & Liqueurs O Limousines

W H A T T Y P E O F W I N E S D O Y O U D R I N K ?

O White / Light O Sweet / Dessert O White / Big O Rose / BlushO Red / General O Merlot O Barbaresco O Cabernet SauvignonO Sangiovese O Super Tuscan O Nebbiolo O Sparking WineO Chardonnay O Arneis O Sauvignon Blanc O Brunello DiMontalcinoO Pinot Grigio O Babera O Chianti Classico O Other Varietals

H O W L O N G W I L L Y O U B E G O N E ?

O 7nts / 8days O 10nts / 11days O You tell us! _______________________________

W H A T T Y P E O F H O T E L A C C O M M O D A T I O N S ?

O Boutique Lodging O Villas or Homes / Country O City Property / Central O FarmhousesO Chateau O Vineyard Property O River / Ocean View

Did we miss something? Let us know and we’ll make sure to include:___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________

City _______________________State ______ Zip _____________Telephone __________________________________

Email ________________________________ Fax ______________________ No. of Travelers ____ No. of children ____

Travel dates (list alternate dates) _______________________________________________________________________

Traveling with any other couple, group etc.? ________ If so, may we contact them? _______________________________

What is your budget per person? _________________________Special Occasion? ________________________________

Do you want us to handle your airfare? ___________ Carrier Preference? _______________________________________

D R I N K W I N E ? L I V E I T !

I TA LY R E C O M M E N D E D A D V E N T U R E S

Italy is the birthplace of “Baked Earth”, or Terra Cotta. Therefined clay "mud" is dried, cast, molded, or hand-worked into adesired shape. Terra Cotta has been used throughout history forsculpting, pottery and building materials such as bricks and roofshingles. While visiting the Italian Wine Country, you can visita local factory and witness how the precious pieces are created.You may even want to take a hands-on class, or simply shopamong the many different forms of terra cotta that include vases,statues, garden ware and kitchen and home decorations. Thisadventure will leave a new insight for the artist at heart.

This excursion allows you to step into the Italian kitchen. Youand your professional chef will make a wonderful 5-course Italianmeal. You choose the menu! From pastries and breads, pizzas andpastas or traditional dishes from the Italian garden, you will learnabout the ingredients and the methods used to prepare yourgrand feast. You will also be advised on your wine selections foreach course. Then relax and enjoy your feast. Salute!

Cooking Italian Style

Reservation staff will assist with trip advice.

Wine Tours of the World would like to invite you to enjoy a won-derful experience in the culture of the Italian land. Get directlyin touch with the ancestral tradition of Parmigiano Reggianocheese, the King of Cheese, and other local Italian cheese.Watch how the cheese is made, how imprints are formed and seehow cheese is salted and placed on their aging shelves. Thenrelax and enjoy an elegant glass of wine as you sample the mag-nificent creations! This excursion is a perfect part of any winecountry day!

Italian Cheese Factory

Your individual travel vision is our focus while planning your trip.

Terra Cotta Workshop

Experience the difference with our travel specialists.

Italy is known for more than just great cheese and wine. Italiansare also proud of their Parma hams, aged balsamic vinegar, rusticbreads, homemade pastas, olives, olive oil and fine chocolate.Take a day to discover the secret ingredients that are hidden inthe pantries of all Italian kitchens. Taste the secrets as you seehow these local regional favorites are processed and stored.Behind every sample lies a lovely glass of wine!

Enjoy Italy’s spectacular scenery from inside one of the world’smost exotic automobiles. Imagine sitting behind the wheel of abeautiful, new shiny Ferrari as you are blown away by its incredi-ble speed and extreme performance. This is an exhilaratingexperience of a lifetime. Whether you want to see the country-side or visit quaint towns and villages, Wine Tours of the Worldhas a car waiting for you.

Drive a Ferrari

We can make it happen…. You just tell us when.

A fine golf course, like fine wine, must have distinct character, agood body, and a great finish. Imagine teeing off in the beautifulrolling hills of the Italian countryside among the beautiful rowsof grapevines. Tuscany, Piedmont, and Sicily are just some of theareas to pull out a club and set up a golf ball. Golfing in themicroclimates of any wine country is a treat for those who have apassion for the game.

Wine Country Golf

It’s Your Trip… Planned Your Way… We Make It Happen.

Food, Food & More Food

Drink Wine, Live It!

I TA LY

Whether your trip to Rome is your first or your fifth, this magnif-icent city always has history and stories to delight the discerningtraveler. Wine Tours of the World hand picks a guide with tour cre-dentials to match your personal interests for your half-day or full-day private tour. Your day may include the vineyards just outsidethe city proper or specific hard to find historical sites. They mayinclude local neighborhoods few tourists see, the Tiber River, cat-acombs under the city, or hidden castles. You select the topic,we’ll handle the rest!

Your local guide will take you on a pleasant stroll through thehistorical center of Rome, where you can admire sites such as theTrevi Fountain, La Colonna di Marco Aurelio, Palazzo diMontecitorio, designed by Bernini, the Pantheon (visit inside),Palazzo Madama - seat of the senate, and Piazza Navona. Passingalongside Castel S. Angelo, your coach will take you to theBasilica of St. Peter (visit inside, except when there are religiouscelebrations), where you can admire one of Michelangelo's mag-nificent works of art - La Pieta.

Classic Rome Tour

Envision your vacation, let us make it a reality, call today!

Your day begins with a short drive past Piazza della Repubblicawith the Fountain of the Nayads, and the beautiful PiazzaBarberini with Bernini's Baroque Tritone Fountain. Upon arrivalat St. Peter's Square, you will pass the impressive Castel S.Angelo, the ancient tomb of Emperor Hadrian. Next, you willattend a Papal Audience in Rome to see Pope Benedict XVI.Wine Tours of the World handles the tickets and secures yourreservation. The audience takes place in St. Peter's Square, St.Peter's Basilica or the Audience Hall.

Audience with Pope Benedict XVI at Vatican City

Our Tour/Travel Specialists customize each and every trip.

Private Customized Tour

Travel as you like it… Anything is possible.

C R A F T Y O U R O W N I T I N E R A RY W I T H T H E S E E X T E N S I O N S A N D O P T I O N S !

I TA LY

Head south from Rome to the Naples & Pompeii region to discover themost symbolic regions of southern Italy. Begin on the “Highway of theSun,” and "Castelli Romani" (Castles of Rome). See the Abbey of MonteCassino, famous for its battle and complete destruction during the SecondWorld War. Enjoy the views of Naples from the hill of Posillipo, includingspectacular views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, which erupt-ed in AD79. Visit the ancient fishing quarter of Santa Lucia and see theimpressive Castel dell'Ovo (Egg Castle) for a photo stop. Next, you willcross the valley of Mount Vesuvius, passing through the villages ofErcolano (Herculaneum), Torre del Greco and Torre Annunziata beforearriving in Pompeii for a lunch stop. Enjoy a guided two-hour walkingtour of the ancient city of Pompeii, as you explore the ancient ruins buriedin ashes after Mount Vesuvius erupted. Discover the everyday life of theImperial Age, and imagine the panic felt by the people in those last fewminutes before the city was so disastrously buried. After the walking tourof Pompeii, stop at the Coral and Cameo Factory, where you will have theopportunity to admire and purchase items of this ancient craft that datesback to the Greek period. Choose to return to Rome, or Wine Tours of theWorld will organize your hotel for the evening.

Discover some of the famous monuments of the Eternal City in the romanticatmosphere of past times. Some of the sites you pass will include The Fountain ofthe Nayads, the Exhibition Palace, Piazza Venezia with its Tomb to the UnknownSoldier, and the Capitoline Hill. Take a glimpse of the Imperial Roman Age asyou drive by, and admire the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and Arch ofConstantine, and the Circus Maximus. Leap into the Papal Era when drivingalong the banks of the Tiber, here you will see the Jewish Quarter, complete withthe synagogue and the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo, which heralds your approachto St. Peter's. Set in the ancient Aurelian Walls that frame part of the VillaBorghese Park you will see some of the most beautiful gateways in Rome; PortaFlaminia, through which you can admire the Piazza del Popolo, and PortaPinciana through which you reach the famous Via Veneto, the symbol of "la dolcevita" (the sweet life) in Rome. There will be two stops on your tour, the first, atPiazza Navona, to discover Bernini's beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers, andthe second at the Trevi Fountain, where you can maintain the tradition of throw-ing coins into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome in the future. You canchoose to include dinner with the tour to round out the evening experience.

Illuminated Rome Night Tour

Are you looking for “unique”? We’ll find it for you.

Naples & Pompeii Day Tour

We take your dream and make it your reality.

N

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] I t a l y i s s l i g h t l y l a r g e r t h a n t h e s t a t e o f A r i z o n a .

Magnificent Milan,The Lakes & Piedmont Grapes

9 N I G H T S / 1 0 D AY S

Northern Italy has a plethora to offer any wanderlust per-

son who has a curiosity for the region near the Italian &

Swiss border. This mountainous region is home to one of

the most famous lake regions of the world, Lake Como.

Other picturesque lakes in the region include Lake Garda

and Lake Lugano. City splendor also resides in the region

with stops in Milan and Torino. The wines of northern

Italy have world recognition. Your itinerary is carefully

crafted to include daily sipping

splendors of the wine varietals

from this region while exploring

quaint vineyards, delightful

northern Italian cuisine and best

of all, castle accommodations.

H I G H L I G H T S

•Walking tour of fashion-forwardMilano, the style and fashion cap-ital of Europe.•Lake District Region that includesthe Italian-Swiss border, LakeGarda, the walled hilltop villageof Bergamo, the cobbled streetvillages of Riva, and Malcesine.•Italian wine tastings of Barolo,Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Roero,Barbera, Dolcetto and Arneis.•Castello Sforzesco, a Viscontifortress redesigned by Leonardoda Vinci, now an incredible artmuseum. Also visit the Duomo,the fourth largest cathedral in theworld.•Lapis Gold Factory in Marco,Lugano Lake two-hour scenicboat Tour, a Tour of UndergroundTorino, Wine Bank Tour inPollenzo and White Truffle Tastingin Alba.•Learn about the historical andcurrent viticulture methods, vinifi-cation practices, producers andstyles, and DOC and DOCGboundaries and regulations.•Learn about the Italian winelabels as you sip your waythrough spectacular wines.

The ItineraryD AY O N E : Welcome to Italy! This evening you willhave your first Italian wine tasting and northern Italian welcomedinner.

D AY T W O : Start the day with a walking tour exploringthe fashion-forward Milano. Milano is considered to be the styleand fashion capital of Europe. The Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelleis a real shopper’s paradise. You will also see the CastelloSforzesco, a Visconti fortress redesigned by Leonardo da Vinci,which is now an incredible art museum. Conclude your walkingtour day with an Italian wine tasting.

D AY T H R E E : Depart for the Lake District. Your pri-vate chauffeur will take you along the Italian-Swiss border for ascenic ride to Lake Garda. En route, see the walled hilltop vil-lage of Bergamo, where you will have a wine-paired lunch. Your4-Star accommodations await you with a wine reception.

D AY F O U R : Today is filled with beautiful sites, won-derful people and excellent food. You will take a scenic tour ofLake Garda and the surrounding villages. After lunch, stop atthe Lapis Gold Factory in Marco to shop for sparkling jewelry.The Arco village evening tour and cathedral are remarkable. Thisevening, you will also prepare your own dinner at a hands-oncooking class in a family owned restaurant located in a 13th cen-tury building, Hotel Du Lac et Du Parc. Salute!

D AY F I V E : It’s off to Sirmione, located on a stunningpeninsula. Sirmione is a maze of narrow streets, attractive cafés,elegant shops, villas and churches. Next stop is Como, locatedon the gorgeous blue-green waters of Lake Como. You will havea wine tasting and lunch before touring the cathedral and townhall. Continue to Lake Lugano, and conclude the day with awine tasting and dinner.

D AY S I X : Set sail for a two-hour scenic boat tour. Youwill arrive at the Lugano town pier for a day of sightseeing, shop-ping and lunch.

D AY S E V E N : Today starts with Torino. Your privatedriver will craft a splended sightseeing tour that includes a winetasting lunch. Your castle accommodations sit atop the quiet andunspoiled medieval gorgo near Alba. It’s all about the wines ofBarolo and Barbaresco. Upon arrival at your castle, a welcomewine tasting and educational briefing about the wine country youhave just entered is scheduled. This evening you will be a specialguest at a private wine-maker’s dinner.

D AY E I G H T : Visit famous regional wine cellars andvineyards today. The theme is the wines of Piedmont. TasteBarolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo and Arneis. You will visit the WineBank in Pollenzo and taste white truffles in Alba. Enjoy a gour-met lunch in the prestigious wine cellars of La Morra Restaurant.This afternoon taste more wines from the cellars in Asti andGavi.

D AY N I N E : Tour the underground of Torino. Fifteenmeters below the city, the tunnels of the citadel and the sub-cel-lars of the Baroque palaces are waiting for you to discover theirmysteries and sites of ancient murders. Your afternoon wine tast-ing will focus on wines of Piedmont. You will learn about thehistorical and current viticulture methods, vinification practices,producers and styles, and DOC and DOCG boundaries and regu-lations. An unforgettable lunch will be served at the castle ofGrinzane Cavour, a beautiful castle in perfect condition, which ishome to the provincial wine museum. Your evening dining expe-rience is at a winery, where you will taste all the fresh, local foodsof the region paired with excellent wine!

D AY T E N : Time to return home or choose to extend yourvacation to either Rome or Venice.

Other Excursions & ExtensionsSailing, Hiking & Climbing, Pasta Cooking School, Castle Tour,Rome, Ferrari Manufacturer Plant, Cheese Production Tour.

I soon realized that no journey carries one farunless, as it extends into the world around us,

it goes an equal distance into the world within.[ L I L L I A N S M I T H ]

I TA LY

AccommodationsProperty, location, style, sizeand amenities chosen basedon client specifications.

PricingThis suggested itinerary is basedon two people traveling togeth-er. A single supplement fee willapply. Cost of itinerary is pricedbased on dates of travel.

MealsRestaurants and meals listedabove are recommendationsonly. Wine Tours of the Worldhandles reservations at toprestaurants, small intimatebistros and gourmet dinners atvineyards. Exact meal inclusionsand dining reservations will bespecified at time of bookingbased on final trip itinerary.

C H O O S E T H I S I T I N E R A RYO R

C R A F T Y O U R O W N I T I N E R A RY !

P

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] I t a l y h a s m o r e h o t e l r o o m s t h a n a n y o t h e r n a t i o n i n E u r o p e .

Sunny SicilyThe Wine Island

7 N I G H T S / 8 D AY S

Palermo is rich with monuments and royal palaces, amidst

the bustle of the 21st-century lifestyle. The wine enthusi-

ast will enjoy a first full day of wine tasting in the Palermo

city limits. Catania, another Sicilian city, is famous for pot-

tery, lava stone works and the Napoli family puppets. The

village of Taormina has breathtaking views because of its

location 200 meters above sea level, overlooking the

Ionian Sea. Over the centuries, Taormina has fascinated

wretched poets, writers and rest-

less painters who decided to put

down roots here. Some pilgrams

were inspired by the beauty, oth-

ers by the unique, refreshing cli-

mate that makes it seem like it is

always springtime. Salute!

H I G H L I G H T S

•Welcome wine tasting and dinnerwith traditional Sicilian food andregional wines.•Orientation and private city tourof Palermo. The city is an exoticmixture of Moorish, Norman andSpanish Baroque styles makes thisa special city.•Personal Sicilian cooking classand lunch paired to perfectionwith the wine of the vineyard.•Olive oil factory tour includinglesson in how olive oil is made.Sample a variety of blends, fla-vored and extra virgin olive oils aswell as fresh olives.•Wine tasting in Marsala, Italy’slargest contiguous grape growingregion.•Private tours of Catania andTaormina. Shop for treasures andtrinkets such as pottery, lavastone works and the Napoli fami-ly puppets in Catania.•Mount Etna tour at approximate-ly 3350 meters; Europe's highestactive volcano. The height of itssummit changes with each erup-tion, and over the centuries a fewlava flows have reached thecoast.

The ItineraryD AY O N E : Welcome to the warm, beautiful, and pleas-ant island of Sicily! Start your orientation with a two-hour citytour of Palermo. The exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman andSpanish Baroque styles makes this city special. Your guide willpoint out tucked-away churches and lively street markets, whereinnumerable reminders of history are woven within the moderncity splendor. Your hotel will welcome you with a wine tastingand dinner.

D AY T W O : Today you will taste the wines of Palermo.You will stay within the city limits today, in order to visit the bestwineries Palermo has to offer, including a private tour and cavetasting. Then you will depart for Tasca D’ Almerita for a specialreserve tasting and cooking class hosted by Anna Tasca Lanza.The afternoon continues at the wine estate of Fatascia for a pri-vate vineyard tour and tasting. Conclude the day with a stop atan olive oil factory for a lesson in how olive oil is made. Thisevening, Wine Tours of the World has made a dinner reservationfor you at Cin-Cin, one of Palermo’s best restaurants. Hiddendown a flight of steps behind a gate on Via Manin, the setting isserene.

D AY T H R E E : The beautiful Marsala wine region isItaly’s largest continuous grape growing region. Vineyard visitsand tastings today include Donnafugata, lunch at Marco DeBartoli and Pellegrino and Planeta wineries later in the day.

D AY F O U R : Tour the historical and modern city ofCatania before arriving into Taormina for the evening. Cataniais famous for pottery, lava stone works and the Napoli family pup-pets. In the afternoon, you will take in the breathtaking sites ofTaormina, built 200 meters above sea level that overlooks theIonian Sea like a terrace. It is truly one of the prettiest places onearth. Your hotel for the evening has scheduled a special wineand food pairing in the garden. Enjoy!

D AY F I V E : Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also itshighest mountain. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was therealm of Vulcan, God of Fire, and the home of the one-eyedmonster known as the Cyclopse. Be sure to dress in layers today,due to the elevation of the volcano. There are many differentlevels of hikes and nature walks available while visiting the park.Bird watching tours and other botanical tours are also recom-mended. Your guide will help you find the perfect way to spendthe day here. Lunch, wine, and snacks are all included.

D AY S I X : Today you will visit Agrigento, which is onSicily's southwestern coast. Agrigento was once an importantcenter of Greek learning and culture. Built on a cliff above thebeautiful bay of Capo Bianco, the city today is largely collapsedinto the sea. An extravagant wine lunch will be served at a his-toric site for full archeological enjoyment. Finally as the sunbegins to fade, you will walk among the Valley of the Templesnear the modern city of Agrigento, described by the Greek poetPindar, as "the most beautiful city of mortals."

D AY S E V E N : Explore beautiful Taormina by yourselfor with your guide. In the late afternoon, you will be expectedback at the hotel for a Marsala wine treatment at the hotel spa.This evening a dinner reservation will be waiting for you at A’Zammara. When you step into this restaurant, you might thinkthat you have had too much wine because of the ancient Romanartifacts on display at your feet in the glass floor. Order the meat-balls grilled in lemon leaves, a favorite house specialty.

D AY E I G H T : Time to transfer to the Palermo airport,where you will board your flight home.

Other Excursions & ExtensionsPicnics, Ocean Sports, Painting & Art Classes, Biking, Spa,Barrel Tasting, Wine Festivals, Naples & Pompeii.

Half the fun of the travel

is the esthetic of lostness.

[ R A Y B R A D B U R Y ]

I TA LY

AccommodationsProperty, location, style, sizeand amenities chosen basedon client specifications.

PricingThis suggested itinerary is basedon two people traveling togeth-er. A single supplement fee willapply. Cost of itinerary is pricedbased on dates of travel.

MealsRestaurants and meals listedabove are recommendationsonly. Wine Tours of the Worldhandles reservations at toprestaurants, small intimatebistros and gourmet dinners atvineyards. Exact meal inclusionsand dining reservations will bespecified at time of bookingbased on final trip itinerary.

C H O O S E T H I S I T I N E R A RYO R

C R A F T Y O U R O W N I T I N E R A RY !

F

[ F O O D F A C T ] T h e a v e r a g e I t a l i a n c o n s u m e s o v e r a h a l f p o u n d o f b r e a d e a c h d a y.

Classico Tuscany& Umbria Hill Country

7 N I G H T S / 8 D AY S

Florence by night, is one of the most romantic cities in the

world. As evening light softens, bustling shoppers head

toward popular cafés and bistros. The café door-fronts dis-

play inviting menus for the passersby to review, while the

chef’s entrees of the day spill aroma onto the cobblestone

streets. Preparation of food is the life blood of all Italians.

The wine regions of Chianti, Montepulciano and

Montalcino consist of rolling coun-

try hills with hidden jewels around

every bend. The villages of Siena

and Orvieto, with their walled

cities, invite the mind to remem-

ber centuries past. The visual beau-

ty of these Italian regions lures

travelers from around the world.

H I G H L I G H T S

•Tuscany is rich in culture, art andculinary creations. Artists fromaround the globe never tire ofdepicting this country splendoron a canvas.•Time in Florence including awalking tour by night.•Private wine lunches, dinners,and food pairings throughout thehill country of Chianti,Montepulciano, Montalcino andUmbria.•Enjoy time in the medieval walledcities of Siena and Orvieto.•Italian cooking class and wineseminar with personal chef andsommelier.•Meet the locals while strollingAssisi during your private tour.•Enjoy the local Italian foodsincluding olive oil, balsamic vine-gar, prosciutto and homemadepastas.•Wine, Wine, and more Winethroughout one of the most pic-turesque regions of Italy.•En route to prearranged winetastings, drive through hillside vil-lages, past secluded villas that areframed by olive groves and vine-yards.

The ItineraryD AY O N E : Transfer from the airport to your hotel over-looking the Arno River, in the heart of Florence. Your afternoonstarts with your first Italian wine tasting paired with a wonderfulassortment of fresh Italian cheese. Then enjoy a walking tour ofFlorence in the evening, by a dinner reservation at Ristorante LaLoggia. The restaurant is known for their hand-made pasta dishesand incredible views of the city skyline.

D AY T W O : Sightseeing in Florence is the ticket fortoday. Visit places such as the Accademia Delle Belle Arti, whereyou can admire some of the world’s most famous works, includingMichelangelo’s “David.” You will also see other sites, such as theCathedral complex and Giotto’s Bell Tower. In the afternoon,you will have time to shop and visit the leather factory. Thisafternoon your guide has arranged another wine tasting at a localItalian bistro. You can sit outside of a café and people watch asyou sip on a flight of red and white Italian wines. Dinner thisevening is at your leisure.

D AY T H R E E : Today journey to Siena for wine tastingin the Chianti region. The Tuscan experience of Chianti andSiena have gained fame again with the travelers of the world.This wine region is picturesque and all who travel here vow toreturn again. Your first private tour and tasting will be in the cel-lars of Il Molino Di Grace. Then it is off to Radda for lunch, andthen a private tasting at Brancaia with one more vineyard stop enroute to your hotel in Siena. The region is also famous for oliveoil, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto. This evening your personalreservation will be waiting for you at Trattoria di Fonte Nuova.

D AY F O U R : Your adventure today includes sippingyour way through the wine areas of Montepulciano andMontalcino. The wine estates have been carefully selected foryou with private wine tours and tastings at vineyards includingCastello Banfi, Biondi Santi and Fattoria Santavenere. A vine-yard and winemaking tour with lunch will be included today.

D AY F I V E : The drive to Perugia is scenic. Upon arriv-ing, attend a personalized Italian cooking class. Before you diveinto your freshly made cuisine, your personal sommelier will assistyou in selecting the wines to complement the meal. The after-noon includes a drive to Assisi for touring, shopping and sightsee-ing.

D AY S I X : Wine production in Umbria is limited, but thequality is outstanding. Today you will visit the wine cellars ofPoggio Bertaio and Arnaldo Caprai. Enjoy lunch at a local bistrowith an afternoon chocolate tasting of Italian confection. A spatreatment awaits you in the privacy of your hotel room.

D AY S E V E N : As you head towards Rome today, youwill wine taste in the Orvieto region. Enjoy private tours andtastings upon your arrival at La Carraia and Decugnano DeiBarbi. Lunch will be en-route. This evening your guide hasarranged a special Rome tour by night. This twilight view ofRome is splendid and a favorite for all. Your personal dinnerreservation will be at one of Rome’s most romantic and intimaterestaurants.

D AY E I G H T : It’s time to start your trip to the States.We trust your vacation to Italy will inspire a future vacation tothis country, which always pleases its guests!

Other Excursions & ExtensionsTuscany Picnic in Vineyard, Hiking the Tuscan Hill Country, ADay of Photography, Pasta Pasta Pasta Cooking Lesson, Extend toMilan or Venice.

I travel a lot; I hate having

my life disrupted by routine.[ C A S K I E S T I N N E T T ]

I TA LY

AccommodationsProperty, location, style, sizeand amenities chosen basedon client specifications.

PricingThis suggested itinerary is basedon two people traveling togeth-er. A single supplement fee willapply. Cost of itinerary is pricedbased on dates of travel.

MealsRestaurants and meals listedabove are recommendationsonly. Wine Tours of the Worldhandles reservations at toprestaurants, small intimatebistros and gourmet dinners atvineyards. Exact meal inclusionsand dining reservations will bespecified at time of bookingbased on final trip itinerary.

C H O O S E T H I S I T I N E R A RYO R

C R A F T Y O U R O W N I T I N E R A RY !

F

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] Tw e n t y p e r c e n t o f I t a l y ’s p o p u l a t i o n i s o v e r t h e a g e o f s i x t y - f i v e .

A Toast in Tuscany8 N I G H T S / 9 D AY S

From Rome, head north through beautiful rolling hills dot-

ted with medieval villages and castles of Tuscany. Tuscany

is all about wine, romance and a picturesque place to vaca-

tion. The wines have been praised by many for years, with

favorites such as the Brunello di Montalcino and the

Super-Tuscans. Relax as you play a round of golf or enjoy

a spa treatment. Shopping, chocolate tasting and cooking

schools are just a few of the activities to choose from. The

way to an Italian’s heart is through the joys of eating. You

will sample mouth watering

Italian meals and Parmesan

cheese. The Art Renaissance city

of Florence, rich in art, fashion

and culture, is where you will

conclude this trip. Tuscany is a

dream destination for many.

H I G H L I G H T S

•Rome Welcome Wine Tastingwith Italian antipasto.•Enjoy an elegant family ownedfarmhouse.•Roman castle tour with gourmetlunch with wine tasting and anenchanting Twilight Night tour ofRome.•Tuscany wine tastings including,Montepulciano wine region andthe sought after Brunello(Sangiovese) wines.•Local specialty foods are so deli-cious! Sample fine Italian choco-late and aged balsamic vinegarand Parmesano Reggiano,cheese.•Learn the secrets of Italian cook-ing with your personal chef.Sienna is the perfect spot to takea culinary arts class.•See an authentic leather factory,while enjoying a day of shopping.Tour Florence by night with an in-depth Art Renaissance tour.•Personalized dinner reservationsmade at top restaurants in alltour locations. You will also betreated to a family-style farm-house dinner and a farewellwinemaker’s dinner. Salute!

The ItineraryD AY O N E : Welcome to Italy! Get ready to begin yourRome orientation with a city tour in late afternoon. Thisevening will be your first private wine tasting with some of Italy’smost exquisite wines.

D AY T W O : A private car is set up for a tour of thefamous castles of Rome, including the Castel Gandolfo Village,which is the “Summer Residence” for the Pope. Your journey willinclude a gourmet lunch and a private wine tasting at each of thecastles. Twilight hours include the ‘Rome by Night’ excursion.This is always a favorite for guests visiting Rome.

D AY T H R E E : It’s off to Tuscany today. A private tourand tasting is scheduled en route to an esteemed winery choosefrom the Falvo family estate, Poliziano or Fassati. Enjoy a trueItalian gourmet lunch while taking in the beautiful countryside ofTuscany. For an afternoon treat, your day continues with a pri-vate Italian chocolate tasting before checking into a charmingItalian Farmhouse that includes Tuscan charm and wine countryambience. Dinner will be a delight as you indulge in an Italianfamily-style dinner.

D AY F O U R : The winding hill country of Chianti ischarming. Look forward to a private tasting and vineyard tour atthe wine cellars of Gaiole. Your next stop will be at the medievalvillage of Radda for lunch. En route to your farmhouse accom-modations, stop in historical Castelline in Chianti for a wine tast-ing of delicate, and fine handcrafted Chianti Classico’s and SuperTuscan wines. Dine on property this evening.

D AY F I V E : Today is filled with food and fun at anItalian cooking class. Wine Tours of the World has arranged a per-sonal cooking class in one of Siena’s top culinary schools. Learnhow to shop, prepare and present a full Italian meal. Today youwill also be treated to a special tasting of Italian balsamic vine-gars. Taste the sweet and delicious aged vinegar that will beaccompanied with Italy’s own Parmesano Reggiano cheese. Enroute to the farmhouse, you will stop in Palio, home of one ofItaly’s oldest horse racing events. Wander through the streets ofthis quaint and historical 11th century village. Choose to dine onproperty or venture out to a local restaurant in Palio or Siena.

D AY S I X : Brunello is a famous wine varietal and cloneof the noble Sangiovese grape. Your day will include private toursand tastings at wine estates such as Biondi Santi, Brunelli – LeChiuse Di Sotto or Castelgiocondo. Lunch will be served at alocal Trattoria. Enjoy the beautiful sites of the rouged Italianvineyards, as you embrace the aromas of these famous wines whilethey dance across your taste buds. An afternoon olive oil tourand tasting is on the schedule. Dine at the farmhouse or hit thestreets of Siena with many culinary dining opportunities.

D AY S E V E N : Florence is the focus for today. Enjoy awalking tour after the short transfer to the home of the ArtRenaissance period. This tour will include a local leather factory,making it the perfect opportunity to buy custom leather pieces.Stroll the streets of Florence, a world class city for fashion anddesign. This city is radiant at night. This evening includes a twi-light tour with Florence architecture lit for viewing.

D AY E I G H T : Walk in the footsteps of Michelangeloduring your final opportunity to visit the most famous sites ofFlorence with your guide. Visit the Accademia Museum, theBasilica del Santo Spirito, and lastly Piazza Michelangelo.Tonight is your farewell wine and cheese tasting before dinner.

D AY N I N E : This is the last chance for souvenirs beforedeparture. See you again!

Other Excursions & ExtensionsCave Tour, Spa / Wellness Day, Day of Antiquing, Golf the Hillsof Tuscany, Painting/Art Class, Extend to Liguria on theNorthern Coast.

To travel is to discover that

everyone is wrong about other countries.

[ A L D O U S H U X L E Y ]

I TA LY

AccommodationsProperty, location, style, sizeand amenities chosen basedon client specifications.

PricingThis suggested itinerary is basedon two people traveling togeth-er. A single supplement fee willapply. Cost of itinerary is pricedbased on dates of travel.

MealsRestaurants and meals listedabove are recommendationsonly. Wine Tours of the Worldhandles reservations at toprestaurants, small intimatebistros and gourmet dinners atvineyards. Exact meal inclusionsand dining reservations will bespecified at time of bookingbased on final trip itinerary.

C H O O S E T H I S I T I N E R A RYO R

C R A F T Y O U R O W N I T I N E R A RY !

T

[ I T A L Y F A C T ] T h e t h e r m o m e t e r i s a n I t a l i a n i n v e n t i o n .

Venice & the Tre Venezie1 0 N I G H T S / 1 1 D AY S

The wine regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and

Fruili-Venezia Giulia, create what is referred to as the Tre

Venezie, Italy’s most northern wine region. This alpine

region has sheer cliffs and valleys filled with row after row

of grapevines. Italy’s most important wine event, Primavera

del Processo, is held in Venice annually. Lesser know

grapes are found here. Northern Italian cuisine is heavily

influenced by the surrounding countries of Switzerland and

Austria. The unspoiled beauty is like walking into a scene

from “Heidi,” with the Dolomites

and Alps as giant, silent back-

drops. There is no other world-

class wine region in the world as

dynamic as the surrounding areas

of Tre Venezie.

H I G H L I G H T S

•Venice Grand Canal and CityLights Night Tour with Wine.•Shop for local arts and crafts andregional food items as you enjoyfree time to explore the uniqueshops and open-air markets.•Board a boat bound for theVenetian Islands includingMurano, Burano and Torcello.•Scrumptious winery lunchesserved family style and winemak-er’s dinners accompanied withthe brilliant wines of the TreVenezie.•Private wine tours and tastings inthe Northern Italian alpine wineregions of Trentino, Alto Adige,and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.•Stay in a beautiful Tyrolean-stylehotel situated in the southernDolomites. Spa treatment includ-ed.•Discover the secrets of NorthernItalian cuisine as you listen andlearn how to prepare regionaldishes with your privatechef/sommelier.•Step into the quaint homes ofthe well-known lovers, Romeoand Juliette when visiting thetown of Verona.

The ItineraryD AY O N E : Arrive in Venice! Begin with a 1-! hourprivate boat tour of the Grand Canal and the minor canals ofVenice, the city built on water. Sip on sparkling Prosecco andother selected wines as the magic of Venice comes alive. Thisevening is a welcome dinner at the hotel.

D AY T W O : Venice walking tour includes the Frarichurch hidden away in the San Polo district of the city, home tomasterpieces of Titian and Bellini. The artisians quarters are alabyrinth of narrow passageways. This evening includes your per-sonal gondola for a relaxing serenade with wine.

D AY T H R E E : Private full day boat tour of theVenetian Islands, located in the Venetian lagoon. Islands includeMurano, known for fine glasswork, Burano, famous for its laceand fishing industry, and Torcello with a population of about 60people. Back in Venice, visit a local enoteca (wine bar) for atasting that include Amarone and Soave wines.

D AY F O U R : Morning drive through winding hills toVerona. En route, stop at the wine village of Soave for privatetours and tastings. Lunch is hosted by the Leonildo Pieropanwine estate continue on to Coffele and Suavia. A farmhouse out-side Verona is home for three nights. Staff greets guests with awine reception and family-style dinner.

D AY F I V E : Verona is a splendid, romantic, yet gothiccity that includes La Casa di Romeo and La Casa di Giulietta, thehomes of Romeo and Juliette.

D AY S I X : Today is all about the wines of Veneto withchoices including wine estates like Tedeschi and Romano DalForno. The private wine tour also includes a pairing with fresh,local regional foods. The family-owned winery of Speri will beawaiting your arrival for a wine-makers dinner paired with theirbest wines.

D AY S E V E N : Head to the pristine, Northern Italianalpine valleys of Trentino-Alto Adige, with its lush carpets ofgrapevines. On your way to Trentino, you will have a privatetour and tasting at vineyards like Foradori and Cesconi.

D AY E I G H T : Trento is an amazing village, includingFontana del Nuttuno (Neptune’s Fountain), the most beautifulfountain in Europe. Enjoy lunch at a quaint outdoor café beforean afternoon of shopping. Conclude the day with a personal chefand sommelier for a cooking class. The theme is mushrooms!

Trento is Europe’s mushroom capital. Start with a lesson ondomestic and wild mushrooms and end with a lesson on whitetrufles.

D AY N I N E : Go North! The northern-most area of AltoAdige is all about white wines including Muller-Thurgau, PinotBianco and Pinot Grigio. Reds include Lagrein, Lambrusco,Marzemino and Teroldego. You will be treated to a Tyrolean stylelunch along the way. Continue on to the wine alpine village ofBolzano, located in the southern Dolomites. Be ready for yourEuropean spa treatment. Conclude the evening with a lesson onhow Grappa is made.

D AY T E N : Your rail transfer will leave Bolzano and trav-el to Trieste in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Check into your hotel forthe evening, explore the area and enjoy a café while peoplewatching.

D AY E L E V E N : The Fuiulian Wine Estates are thefocus for today with choices that include Abbazia Di Rosazzo,Steverjan, Ronchi Di Cialla and Vigne Dal Leon. Once again,each wine will be paired with local cuisine and dishes. Thisevening you will have a farewell wine tasting and dinner atJermann winery. In the morning you will transfer to Venice foryour flight home.

Other Excursions & ExtensionsClimb in the Dolomites, Travel during Fall Crush / FestivalSeason, Enjoy a Historical Tour rich in regional culture, Extendto the coastal communities of Carrara, Viareggio and Torre DelLago Puccini in Tuscany.

The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees

what he has come to see.

[ G K C H E S T E R T O N ]

I TA LY

AccommodationsProperty, location, style, sizeand amenities chosen basedon client specifications.

PricingThis suggested itinerary is basedon two people traveling togeth-er. A single supplement fee willapply. Cost of itinerary is pricedbased on dates of travel.

MealsRestaurants and meals listedabove are recommendationsonly. Wine Tours of the Worldhandles reservations at toprestaurants, small intimatebistros and gourmet dinners atvineyards. Exact meal inclusionsand dining reservations will bespecified at time of bookingbased on final trip itinerary.

C H O O S E T H I S I T I N E R A RYO R

C R A F T Y O U R O W N I T I N E R A RY !