Sicily Amalfi Puglia

Copyright: L. & I. DUSI

THE TASTE OF SICILY

AMALFI COAST and WHITEWASHED PUGLIA

With

Judith Cullen

Friday 19 September 08 to Friday 03 October 2008

14 nights in Italy

Amendments to this preliminary itinerary will be of a minor nature to facilitate the coordination of visits and availability of hosts.

Day 1. Commencement - Rome: Friday 19 September : Your tour hosts, Isabella and Luigi Dusi, will meet you at the National Departures Check In Counter, Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Fiumicino, Rome, for our flight to Sicily.

After introductions, we’ll relax over coffee, and soon it will be time to board our aircraft. On arrival at Catania our coach will deliver us to stunning Taormina, perched high above the sea, where we will stay for four nights. Our hotel is situated in the centre of Taormina and you may like to enjoy a stroll through the heart of Taormina. We’ll meet for an introduction to our tour. The fortunes and misfortunes of Sicily brings into focus Sicily’s strategic importance at the centre of three continents – Africa, Asia and Europe. The Sicilian table is influenced by Phoenician settlers who brought the olive, Greek colonists who brought grapes, honey and almonds, Arab invaders who brought oranges, rice, pistachio and saffron, and from America came the basis of many famous Sicilian dishes using eggplant, such as caponata. Sunny Sicilian tomatoes and the omnipresent red and yellow Fig of India are tastes of this island of abundance. An early welcome dinner will be our initial indulgence in the delicious cuisine of Sicily.

Day 2. Taormina - Mount Etna Volcano – Etna Garden and Orchard: Saturday 20 September: Overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina beckons you to discover its secrets….. for a couple of hours this morning you can devote yourself to its delightful heart and enticing boutiques.

From the time when the wealthy set out on The Grand Tour of Italy in the late 1800’s, Taormina was the destination which drew artists and writers seeking a summer hide-a-way in unsurpassed beauty among classical ruins.

Departing Taormina late this morning we’ll pause on the slopes of Mt Etna to visit a marvellous private garden where mandarin, lemon and exotic fruit share space with mandarin, lemon trees and vegetables. We’ll culminate our visit with snack lunch of the garden produce.

Etna is Europe’s largest active, live volcano. It is feared and yet loved, the flowing lava has buried whole towns, devastating everything in its path. How can something so destructive be open to visitors? A permanent team of vulcanologists measure and watch the volcano, and when it stirs into fiery action they are already aware of pressure building in the cones which are caused by the up thrust of the earth’s crust. You enter a barren and eerie landscape as the vegetation gives way to layers of black lava. We’ll visit the crater of San Silvestro, and you can walk around the rim of the crater if you wish. Way back in Roman times, the snow of Etna was mixed with honey to make a sweet and icy concoction. We’ll return to Taormina and you will be free for the evening.

Day 3. The Straits of Messina: Sunday 21 September: Messina was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 1908 took the lives of more than 100,000 people. At the Cathedral our host will be waiting, and after our visit to the church we’ll see some of the highlights of Messina. We’ll then see a demonstration of the making of typical foods of Messina, such as arancina, and we’ll adjourn to a local restaurant for lunch. On our return you will once again be free in Taormina to enjoy some exploring time, perhaps to walk to the castle at the top of the town, or to enjoy the exquisite shopping, or perhaps you’ll take the cable car down to the sea.

Day 4. Siracusa: Monday 22 Septemberr: Setting off early this morning we’ll travel to the south along the coast facing the Ionion Sea to reach Siracusa and in particular the island of Ortygia. A walk through the alleys of Ortygia will bring us to the piazza and the Cathedral, which was rebuilt after the disastrous earthquake of 1693, and is now a celebration of Baroque architecture. You’ll have time to explore, and to have your lunch. On Monday morning the clothing and similar shops will be closed, so make sure you take advantage of free time in Taormina for shopping! Our excursion this afternoon will include one of the most important Greek theatres in existence dating from the 5^th century BC where the great Greek playwrights premiered their tragedies. We’ll visit the latomies – stone quarries – from where millions of cubic metres of stone were extracted with which to build the temples, and the Ear of Dionysus, where, thanks to the extraordinary acoustics, Dionysus could hear the whispers of his enemies who were imprisoned. On our return to Taormina you’ll be free for the evening.

Day 5. Milazzo - Sto Stefano - Cefalù - Palermo: Tuesday 23 September: Today we make our way to Palermo where we will stay for two nights. Departing on the autostrada early this morning we’ll travel to Milazzo where the fisherman bring their catch for sale to wholesalers throughout the island. Each morning many of the fish vendors set up their stalls in the open and await the public or restaurateurs of the region to select from the day’s catch. We’ll visit the morning fish market and travel on to the town of Sto Stefano where we’ll stop and visit a manufacturer of Sicilian ceramics. In Sto Stefano you’ll see the many shops selling ceramics, have your lunch, and then we’ll continue our journey, pausing at Cefalù where you can walk down to the sea, or visit the marvellous Norman Cathedral. We’ll arrive in Palermo in the late afternoon. This evening you have the option of joining our dinner group for a meal of Arab/Tunisian Sicilian food in a local restaurant. Optional group dinner at your expense.

Day 6. Palermo: Wednesday 24 September: Your fascinating encounter with this chaotic capital begins this morning. Palermo is a city encompassing the Greek and Carthaginian cultures; it suffered Roman conquest, Arab occupation, Byzantine tyranny, Norman invasion, sack by the Barbarians and the rule of Spanish and French invaders. It is an exasperating metropolis as vivacious as it is astonishing. Isabella will lead an orientation walk which will include the Pretoria Fountain and La Martorana, a unique work combining Norman, Arab and oriental architecture

Next we’ll experience the vibrancy of Sicilian food exploring the Ballerò market. This is Palermo’s poorest district, but the market offers an explosion of colours and odours with the atmosphere of a Arabian suk. Open air butchers display every particle from many kinds of beasts, and it is common to see a bucket of tripe simmering, a pan of entrails bubbling away, or sacks of snails squirming at your feet. The fishmongers thrash huge octopus on marble slabs, slicing great slabs of sword fish and bloodied tuna. After the market we’ll pause for lunch, and then to a Pasticceria for a demonstration of the making of Sicilian cassata. The cassata recipe was created by Muslim pastry cooks, called Qas’at – and is made with ricotta, candied fruits, cinnamon and - after the Spanish invasion – Spanish sponge cake was added. In the afternoon we’ll visit the tombs of Emperor Frederick and Queen Constance in the Norman Cathedral, and one of humanities treasures - the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece of Islamic art inside the Palace of the Normans, built by Roger II in 1132. We’ll gather for dinner this evening, which will introduce you to Palermitano cuisine.

Day 7. Erice – The Salt of Trapani - Marsala: Thursday 25 September: Following an early check out of our hotel and loading our baggage on the coach, we have a full day to explore the western coast before returning to Palermo and boarding our cruise ship to mainland Italy.

Towards Trapani we enter a magical lunar landscape. On this mirror of water soar crystal mountains – this is the Strada del Sale, the road of marine salt, which joins Trapani and Marsala with glassy mounds and where, delicately, this precious material is extracted, as it has been for two thousand years. We’ll visit the salt museum at the Phonecian port of Mozia. Travelling on towards Marsala we’ll visit a cellar and following an explanation of the regional grape varieties we’ll enjoy a wine tasting. The village of Erice is poised 750 metres above the sea. Passing along the dry stone paths closed in by Phoenician walls, suddenly you face the blue of sea and sky. We’ll find the pasticceria where Erice’s famed cook bakes specialties like La Palline, scrumptious balls of orange and chocolate. Her Mustaccioli delle Monaci (monk’s biscuits) are infused with clove and almond. At the age of eleven Maria entered a cloistered convent where she learned to make the sweets and biscuits. You may have read the book ‘Bitter Almonds’ by Mary Taylor Simeti which talks about Maria’s life. A light lunch is included today, but we will remain flexible as to where we will eat, depending on traffic conditions and time available.

We’ll return to Palermo in the early evening and board our cruise ship. For your comfort and convenience you are requested to bring on board to your cabin only your hand baggage and articles which you can carry comfortably. All main baggage will remain on our coach which will be travelling to Naples on the cruise ship along with us. All meals on board ship are at your expense. The cafeteria style restaurant on board offers light meals. Accommodation is in first class twin bedded cabins with private bathroom facilities.

Day 8. The Port of Napoli - Pompei and Sorrento. Friday 26 September: Early this morning our ship will dock at Naples, we’ll disembark and, as soon as our driver and coach are ashore, we’ll stow our hand baggage and, clearing the Port of Napoli we’ll begin our journey to Sorrento, pausing for a light breakfast of cappuccino and brioche. Before Sorrento we’ll stop to visit the archaeological ruins of the city of Pompei. On the 24^th of August in the year 79, the volcano of Mt. Vesuvius erupted and sepulchred a whole city under a deadly layer of molten ash which rained from the sky for hours, asphyxiating the citizens, and burying their city. Archaeologists are still excavating the last third of the territory of the city of Pompei offering a fascinating experience. After our visit to Pompei we’ll lunch on delicious Neapolitano pizza and then travel on to Sorrento where we will stay in the centre of town for three nights. Sorrento and the towns along the coastline are jewels of international fame offering interesting shopping and an ambience for relaxation over the coming days. Once settled into your room, you will be free for the evening to explore your new surroundings.

Day 9. Paestum - Mozzarella: Saturday 27 September: There are two very good reasons to visit Paestum. One is the chance to visit a buffalo farm run by a Baroness, who also produces olive oil. We’ll stop at the Azienda where raw buffalo milk mozzarella is produced – one of the few remaining authorised raw milk mozzarella producers in the world, and here we’ll see the process for the production of this highly regarded buffalo milk cheese.

We’ll enjoy a light lunch in the grounds of the villa owned by the Baroness, and then we’ll visit the archaeological site of Paestum, founded in the 7^th century BC by Greek colonists. Paestum enjoyed trade with the Etruscan civilisation, but was conquered in the 4^th century BC by native Italian tribes, then fell under Roman domination. Here we will see three evocative Greek temples standing in a field of flowers, including the magnificent Temple of Neptune. The temples of Paestum have survived the ravages of time and pillaging better than the more famous Parthenon in Athens. We’ll return to our hotel by autostrada.

Day 10. Amalfi - Positano - Isle of Capri: Sunday 28 September: The Amalfi coast is a craggy coastline dotted with inlets shadowed by mountains of stone which rise from the sea. Many stunning cliff top towns have given the Amalfi Coast its international fame. Today we drive along the Amalfi Coast for a thrilling and panoramic ride until we reach Amalfi, a sea side town which was once a maritime power vying with Venice for control of the Adriatic. Positano is a jumble of colourful houses built one on top of the other as if tumbling into the sea. The Cathedral of Amalfi, at the entrance of the town is one of Italy’s most awesome churches. Please note that at the time of preparing this preliminary itinerary regulations concerning motorised transport along the Amalfi Coast are under review. We are unable to specify travel details until regulations are finalised.

The Island of Capri needs little introduction: famed all over the world as an island of paradise. Capri’s main income derives from tourism and while famous personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Clark Gable were, long ago, to be seen strolling around, now-a-days the rich and famous still come, but rarely make themselves seen. Instead, many thousands of tourists make the trip from the mainland each day because everybody wants to share in the fame of the Isle of Capri. We’ll travel to Capri in the afternoon and spend a little time at one of the villages when the crowds are beginning to dwindle. A glass of wine or campari as the sun lowers over Capri is the best way to enjoy this beautiful island. On our evening return to Sorrento we’ll gather for dinner in a family trattoria.

11. Matera in Basilicata – Puglia: Monday 29 September: Today is a travel day and we leave Sorrento early this morning and travel on the autostrada to the east, entering the region of Basilicata to visit the sassi of Matera on our way to whitewashed Puglia. Our first stop is to visit the local bakery where we can see the making of the breads and focaccia of Basilicata, which we’ll taste along with the bakery specialities.

A handful of decades ago Matera represented quintessential poverty. The most striking account of how people lived, still within living memory, is given in the book Christ Stopped at Eboli written by Carlo Levi. ‘The houses were open on account of the heat, and as I went by I could see into the caves. Some of them had no entrance but a trapdoor and ladder. In these dark holes with walls cut out of the earth I saw a few pieces of miserable furniture…on the floor lay dogs, sheep, goats and pigs. Most families have just one cave to live in – this is how twenty thousand people live.’ Vast amounts of funds in the 1960’s and 1970’s eradicated malaria and put a stop to starvation. Whilst no longer a land of poverty-stricken peasants worn down by malaria, Basilicata retains a powerful sense of isolation. Today people are returning to live in the sassi, but now it is trendy, as a population of artists and writers move in. In the afternoon we’ll travel on to our home for the next three nights in a charming “Liberty villa” set in a park on the fringes of the whitewashed village of Ostuni. We’ll eat buffet style at the hotel this evening.

Day 12. Valley of the Trulli – Puglian Olive Oil - Ostuni: Tuesday 30 September: The Valley of Itria offers romantic marvels hard to equal. Peasant farmers constructed, out of necessity and with scarcity of materials, fairytale conical houses, pointing into the sky, gleaming in the sun like icebergs. More than three thousand trulli cluster around villages or dot the countryside. Some trulli lie abandoned, and so do many Masserie, where the feudal overlord of the peasant lived. The Masseria was autonomous, fortified, a place of work, for production of cheese, raising cattle, milling olives, a place of prayer and of battle. After a free morning for you to discover the gleaming white washed town of Ostuni we’ll gather to visit a Masseria and taste the olive oil of Puglia which is a symbol of the cuisine. A light lunch will be served at the Masseria. Our afternoon will be spend traversing the countryside and the fairytale world of the Trulli.

Day 13. Lecce - Wines of Manduria: Wednesday 01 October: This morning we’ll explore the Florence of the South. Un-touristed Lecce is a triumph of baroque in a theatrical explosion of festoons, masks, caryatids and putti with balconies and terraces sumptuously decorated. It is as if the very bones of the martyrs have been used to adorn the churches and palaces around the perimeter. The church of Santa Croce, a supreme example of baroque Leccese, suggests a bizarre fantasy of monsters, the façade is profusely decorated with soft golden sandstone, an exuberant and incredible combination of elements.

You’ll have free time in Lecce to explore, shop and have your lunch, and then we’ll begin our return journey, bringing back to our hotel some of the wines from the Manduria region where Primitivo - a surprisingly uncompromising 100% varietal, is grown. We’ll return to our haven in the Valley of Itria in the afternoon so that you have time to enjoy tasting some wine, and then to prepare for your departure in the morning. We’ll gather this evening for a delicious farewell dinner.

Day 14. Montecassino - Roma: Thursday 02 October: This morning we depart and begin our coach journey to Rome. We will break our journey for morning coffee, and for you to buy a sandwich lunch, and in the afternoon, before reaching Rome, we’ll pause at a site which has a sacred meaning to all New Zealanders. Montecassino is a place written into the hearts and minds of New Zealand families, and their descendents, whose soldiers fought a bitter battle along with the allied forces to break the line at Montecassino in World War II. The story of Montecassino will unfold as we travel up to the monastery, rebuilt after destruction in war.

Our estimated arrival time at the Termini Railway Station, Rome, is approximately 6.30 pm. If you are among guests spending nights in Rome with Judith following our tour, your hotel is close to the railway station and you will be able to wheel your baggage to reception.

On arrival in Rome we will check into our hotel which is close to Termini Railway Station. Overnight *** Hotel in Rome.

Day 15. Rome – The Eternal City: Friday 03 October: Guests completing the 14 nights Group Tour Package depart Rome this morning. Judith will arrange transfers to Fiumicino Airport, Rome. Your tour hosts take no responsibility for delays of any nature whatsoever which could be caused by traffic, weather, strikes or any kind of unpredictable delay over which they have no control and which could interfere with your departure. Guests whose departure plans do not coincide with the designated departure will need to make alternative arrangements at their own expense which must be co-ordinated with booking agent and tour hosts.

Guests taking the OPTIONAL Rome extension package will remain with Judith and commence their two day Rome adventure this morning. Today is your opportunity to “walk” Rome – the best way to see the eternal city. Having experienced our Culinary & Culture Tour you will now be Italian wise – or you can feel free to do your own thing if you prefer.

You can join Judith this morning and using the hop-on-hop-off bus we’ll set off at 9 am and our first stop will be to visit the colourful Mercato dei Fiori, a vibrant local marketplace where everyday Romans buy daily food requirements. From the market we’ll walk to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Hopping back on the bus we’ll hop off at St Peter’s Square and Vatican City. Judith will take you to lunch at a favourite Trattoria serving wonderful Insalata Mista with fresh mozzarella cheese. You may like to visit St Peter’s Basilica, or the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. In the early afternoon it is often possible to enter the Vatican Museums without waiting in a queue.

Back on the bus, we’ll hop off in Via Tritone. From here it is a short walk to the Spanish Steps and you will be free to shop and explore these famous shopping streets. We’ll hop back on the bus which will take us back to Termini Railway Station, which is close to our hotel.

Day 16. Rome: Saturday 04 October: Continuing your Rome Extension you may prefer to choose your own itinerary today. Judith will offer an optional morning walk to the Borghese Gardens. Entry into the Borghese Villa is optional and dependent on availability. In the afternoon you will be free to explore Rome. Another option for today is a separately organised tour with a private company to take you to Tivoli Gardens and Hadrian’s Villa. You may like to spend the afternoon exploring Trastevere, a trendy and interesting nearby suburb of Rome, or shopping along the Via Nazionale.

Day 17. Departure from Rome: Sunday 05 October: Judith will arrange airport transfers for all guests this morning for your return on the designated group flight to New Zealand.

Tour Hosts: Isabella and Luigi Dusi, English and Italian speaking tour leaders, are personal friends of your tour host Judith Cullen. Luigi is Italian by birth, but spent many years living in Australia. His interests are the wine and culture of Italy. Isabella grew up in Australia. Her interests are the history, culture, art and food of Italy. Isabella’s extensive knowledge of history and art appreciation talks, presented in an enjoyable and animated style, will greatly enhance your understanding of Italy, bringing to life remarkable aspects of Italian history and culture which previously you may only have read about. Isabella’s books - Vanilla Beans & Brodo and Bel Vino are recommended reading for those who seek to understand Italy and Italians.

Total of 14 nights. Twin share accommodation including light breakfast each morning at hotels. Single supplements are available. Payment of a single supplement entitles you to a room to yourself with a single bed and private bathroom. 4 nights ***Taormina – 2 nights*** Palermo – 3 nights*** Sorrento – 3 nights*** Ostuni - 1 night ***Rome. Hotels have yet to be confirmed. You are guaranteed *** star accommodation throughout the tour. A hotel schedule will be made available with the final itinerary and well before tour commencement. 1 Night - first class twin bedded cabin with private bathroom facilities on cruise ship for sea voyage Palermo to Napoli.

10 Meals – Breakfast on each day of the tour. Light lunches, lunches or dinners are included as set out on the itinerary. There is no reimbursement for wines or meals not consumed. Meals not listed on the itinerary are at your own expense. Meals on board ship are at your expense.

Domestic Flight – Economy class flight Rome to Catania is included in your tour costs.

Sea Voyage – Palermo to Napoli in first class cabin on cruise ship is included in your tour costs.

Important notice: This itinerary has been prepared in accordance with departure and arrival times presently quoted by the airlines and cruise ship company. Should any alteration to timetables be made you will be advised before departure of any amendments to the program, including departure and arrival times.

Entry fees and costs for all visits and events scheduled on the itinerary are included. There is no refund if you choose not to attend any performance or event. Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysus at Syracusa, Mt Etna excursion, Entry to Palatine Chapel in Palace of the Normans, Tombs of King and Queen of Sicily at Norman Cathedral, La Martorana, Excursion to Amalfi and Isle of Capri, Archaeological site at Pompei, Temples and Museum of Paestum, Sassi at Matera, Montecassino.

Food and Wine Events: the costs for all food and wine events scheduled on the itinerary are included in your tour. Please note that as our tour draws near food and wine events may need to be re scheduled to accord with availability of food and wine hosts at the time of visit. Your tour hosts will program any rescheduling necessary and advise you of any alterations to the day’s program.

On arrival – On the morning of the tour commencement your tour hosts will meet you in the National Departures Check In at Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Fiumicino, Rome. Your flight arrival must be co-ordinated with your booking agent to ensure you arrive with appropriate check-in time for the flight to Catania. If your private travel plans, or flight connections or independent arrival, mean you are unable to meet your hosts at Leonardo da Vince airport Rome in time to board the group domestic flight to Catania, you will need to make your own private arrangements to arrive at Taormina in Sicily which will be at your expense.

On departure – The tour concludes with the arrival of our coach at Termini Railway Station, Rome. Estimated arrival time at Termini is 6.30 on the evening of the final day of the tour. It is your responsibility to be aware of the estimated arrival time at the departure point of Termini Railway Station Rome and to ensure that your travel plans are not endangered due to circumstances outside the tour operators control and for which they take no responsibility, such as any delay due to weather conditions or traffic, hold ups or any other kind of unforeseen delay. It is your responsibility to ensure you leave a wide margin for your ongoing travel plans or connections.

Gratuities – to coach driver and at group meals in hotels and restaurants is included.

Hotel Porterage of strictly one piece of baggage per person will be provided to and from coach to hotel foyer. Room service porters are generally not available at three star hotels in Italy. You will be responsible for transporting your hand and main baggage from the hotel foyer to your room on arrival, and vice versa on departure. Please ensure your baggage is on wheels and clearly labelled. If you are physically unable to manage your baggage, we will seek to secure help on your behalf.

Baggage: Air travel – you will be required to handle and check in your own baggage for the flight Rome to Catania and to retrieve your baggage from the carousel on landing at Catania. We highly recommend baggage with wheels which you will then comfortably be able to wheel to the touring coach for loading.

Baggage: Sea Voyage – For our overnight cruise please pack your hand baggage with whatever you will need in your cabin, and whatever you can comfortably carry, as all main baggage will remain on the touring coach. This arrangement is for your comfort and convenience so that you do not have to load and unload your main baggage into and out of your ship cabin. Your main baggage will remain on board the coach, which will be travelling on the cruise ship along with you. Please note that you will not have access to the coach nor your main baggage once the coach is embarked nor during the cruise. Loading and unloading group main baggage in and out of cabins is a difficult operation which will be avoided. We request that you bring to your cabin only your hand baggage and articles you can carry comfortably, such as toiletries and a change of clothes, for your overnight cruise.

TOUR COST
Economy Class airfare: NZ$12,127.00 per person, twin share
Business Class airfare: NZ$18,331.00 per person, twin share
Single supplement: NZ$880,00
Single supplement for Dubai Stopover: NZ$258,00

Inclusive of Italian land/sea costs as per itinerary and inclusions; International economy class airfare Christchurch/Rome return; Departure tax; Internal airfare Christchurch return; stopover accommodation in Dubai plus airport transfers; Day rooms; Dubai stopover package.

OPTIONAL ROME EXTENSION - COST
NZ$490,00 per person, twin share; Single supplement NZ$160,00
Includes 2 nights in Rome; hotel accommodation (B&B) Rome and taxi transfer to Fiumicino airport Rome.
Does not include - entrance fees to museums, meals or transport in Rome

EXCLUSIONS
Travel Insurance – please note personal travel insurance is mandatory on all our tours and it is essential for you to insure your travel and tour holiday in case of cancellation due to sickness or any other cause. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance and your attendance on tour will only be confirmed once you have signed and returned the Tour Operators Booking Form and Terms & Conditions to your booking agent. Visas and passports, meals other than those specifically noted on itinerary, personal expenses, excess baggage, telephone, laundry, room bar-fridge etc. are all at your expense. (OPTIONAL 2 night Rome Extension is available at the additional cost shown above).

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Your tour price has been established well in advance and at the same time of preparing this itinerary. The quoted tour price may vary due to suppliers increases for the year 2006 however, Project Travel International will make every endeavour to honour the price quoted. Please speak with your travel agent for clarification. Project Travel retains the right to make practical itinerary alterations deemed necessary. Any alterations are generally of a minor nature and you are assured of an equal quality tour in both value and content.

HOME	Copyright: L. & I. DUSI THE TASTE OF SICILY AMALFI COAST and WHITEWASHED PUGLIA With Judith Cullen Friday 19 September 08 to Friday 03 October 2008 14 nights in Italy Amendments to this preliminary itinerary will be of a minor nature to facilitate the coordination of visits and availability of hosts. Day 1. Commencement - Rome: Friday 19 September : Your tour hosts, Isabella and Luigi Dusi, will meet you at the National Departures Check In Counter, Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Fiumicino, Rome, for our flight to Sicily. After introductions, we’ll relax over coffee, and soon it will be time to board our aircraft. On arrival at Catania our coach will deliver us to stunning Taormina, perched high above the sea, where we will stay for four nights. Our hotel is situated in the centre of Taormina and you may like to enjoy a stroll through the heart of Taormina. We’ll meet for an introduction to our tour. The fortunes and misfortunes of Sicily brings into focus Sicily’s strategic importance at the centre of three continents – Africa, Asia and Europe. The Sicilian table is influenced by Phoenician settlers who brought the olive, Greek colonists who brought grapes, honey and almonds, Arab invaders who brought oranges, rice, pistachio and saffron, and from America came the basis of many famous Sicilian dishes using eggplant, such as caponata. Sunny Sicilian tomatoes and the omnipresent red and yellow Fig of India are tastes of this island of abundance. An early welcome dinner will be our initial indulgence in the delicious cuisine of Sicily. Overnight *Hotel Taormina. Dinner with wines included. Day 2. Taormina - Mount Etna Volcano – Etna Garden and Orchard: Saturday 20 September: Overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina beckons you to discover its secrets….. for a couple of hours this morning you can devote yourself to its delightful heart and enticing boutiques. From the time when the wealthy set out on The Grand Tour of Italy in the late 1800’s, Taormina was the destination which drew artists and writers seeking a summer hide-a-way in unsurpassed beauty among classical ruins. Departing Taormina late this morning we’ll pause on the slopes of Mt Etna to visit a marvellous private garden where mandarin, lemon and exotic fruit share space with mandarin, lemon trees and vegetables. We’ll culminate our visit with snack lunch of the garden produce. Etna is Europe’s largest active, live volcano. It is feared and yet loved, the flowing lava has buried whole towns, devastating everything in its path. How can something so destructive be open to visitors? A permanent team of vulcanologists measure and watch the volcano, and when it stirs into fiery action they are already aware of pressure building in the cones which are caused by the up thrust of the earth’s crust. You enter a barren and eerie landscape as the vegetation gives way to layers of black lava. We’ll visit the crater of San Silvestro, and you can walk around the rim of the crater if you wish. Way back in Roman times, the snow of Etna was mixed with honey to make a sweet and icy concoction. We’ll return to Taormina and you will be free for the evening. Overnight: Hotel Taormina. Snack lunch with wine included. Day 3.* The Straits of Messina: Sunday 21 September: Messina was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 1908 took the lives of more than 100,000 people. At the Cathedral our host will be waiting, and after our visit to the church we’ll see some of the highlights of Messina. We’ll then see a demonstration of the making of typical foods of Messina, such as arancina, and we’ll adjourn to a local restaurant for lunch. On our return you will once again be free in Taormina to enjoy some exploring time, perhaps to walk to the castle at the top of the town, or to enjoy the exquisite shopping, or perhaps you’ll take the cable car down to the sea. Overnight: *Hotel Taormina. Lunch with wines included. Day 4. Siracusa: Monday 22 Septemberr: Setting off early this morning we’ll travel to the south along the coast facing the Ionion Sea to reach Siracusa and in particular the island of Ortygia. A walk through the alleys of Ortygia will bring us to the piazza and the Cathedral, which was rebuilt after the disastrous earthquake of 1693, and is now a celebration of Baroque architecture. You’ll have time to explore, and to have your lunch. On Monday morning the clothing and similar shops will be closed, so make sure you take advantage of free time in Taormina for shopping! Our excursion this afternoon will include one of the most important Greek theatres in existence dating from the 5^th century BC where the great Greek playwrights premiered their tragedies. We’ll visit the latomies – stone quarries – from where millions of cubic metres of stone were extracted with which to build the temples, and the Ear of Dionysus, where, thanks to the extraordinary acoustics, Dionysus could hear the whispers of his enemies who were imprisoned. On our return to Taormina you’ll be free for the evening. Overnight Hotel Taormina. Day 5. Milazzo - Sto Stefano - Cefalù - Palermo:* Tuesday 23 September: Today we make our way to Palermo where we will stay for two nights. Departing on the autostrada early this morning we’ll travel to Milazzo where the fisherman bring their catch for sale to wholesalers throughout the island. Each morning many of the fish vendors set up their stalls in the open and await the public or restaurateurs of the region to select from the day’s catch. We’ll visit the morning fish market and travel on to the town of Sto Stefano where we’ll stop and visit a manufacturer of Sicilian ceramics. In Sto Stefano you’ll see the many shops selling ceramics, have your lunch, and then we’ll continue our journey, pausing at Cefalù where you can walk down to the sea, or visit the marvellous Norman Cathedral. We’ll arrive in Palermo in the late afternoon. This evening you have the option of joining our dinner group for a meal of Arab/Tunisian Sicilian food in a local restaurant. Optional group dinner at your expense. Overnight *Hotel Palermo. Day 6. Palermo: Wednesday 24 September: Your fascinating encounter with this chaotic capital begins this morning. Palermo is a city encompassing the Greek and Carthaginian cultures; it suffered Roman conquest, Arab occupation, Byzantine tyranny, Norman invasion, sack by the Barbarians and the rule of Spanish and French invaders. It is an exasperating metropolis as vivacious as it is astonishing. Isabella will lead an orientation walk which will include the Pretoria Fountain and La Martorana, a unique work combining Norman, Arab and oriental architecture Next we’ll experience the vibrancy of Sicilian food exploring the Ballerò market. This is Palermo’s poorest district, but the market offers an explosion of colours and odours with the atmosphere of a Arabian suk. Open air butchers display every particle from many kinds of beasts, and it is common to see a bucket of tripe simmering, a pan of entrails bubbling away, or sacks of snails squirming at your feet. The fishmongers thrash huge octopus on marble slabs, slicing great slabs of sword fish and bloodied tuna. After the market we’ll pause for lunch, and then to a Pasticceria for a demonstration of the making of Sicilian cassata. The cassata recipe was created by Muslim pastry cooks, called Qas’at – and is made with ricotta, candied fruits, cinnamon and - after the Spanish invasion – Spanish sponge cake was added. In the afternoon we’ll visit the tombs of Emperor Frederick and Queen Constance in the Norman Cathedral, and one of humanities treasures - the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece of Islamic art inside the Palace of the Normans, built by Roger II in 1132. We’ll gather for dinner this evening, which will introduce you to Palermitano cuisine. Overnight: Hotel Palermo. Dinner with wines included. Day 7. Erice – The Salt of Trapani - Marsala:* Thursday 25 September: Following an early check out of our hotel and loading our baggage on the coach, we have a full day to explore the western coast before returning to Palermo and boarding our cruise ship to mainland Italy. Towards Trapani we enter a magical lunar landscape. On this mirror of water soar crystal mountains – this is the Strada del Sale, the road of marine salt, which joins Trapani and Marsala with glassy mounds and where, delicately, this precious material is extracted, as it has been for two thousand years. We’ll visit the salt museum at the Phonecian port of Mozia. Travelling on towards Marsala we’ll visit a cellar and following an explanation of the regional grape varieties we’ll enjoy a wine tasting. The village of Erice is poised 750 metres above the sea. Passing along the dry stone paths closed in by Phoenician walls, suddenly you face the blue of sea and sky. We’ll find the pasticceria where Erice’s famed cook bakes specialties like La Palline, scrumptious balls of orange and chocolate. Her Mustaccioli delle Monaci (monk’s biscuits) are infused with clove and almond. At the age of eleven Maria entered a cloistered convent where she learned to make the sweets and biscuits. You may have read the book ‘Bitter Almonds’ by Mary Taylor Simeti which talks about Maria’s life. A light lunch is included today, but we will remain flexible as to where we will eat, depending on traffic conditions and time available. We’ll return to Palermo in the early evening and board our cruise ship. For your comfort and convenience you are requested to bring on board to your cabin only your hand baggage and articles which you can carry comfortably. All main baggage will remain on our coach which will be travelling to Naples on the cruise ship along with us. All meals on board ship are at your expense. The cafeteria style restaurant on board offers light meals. Accommodation is in first class twin bedded cabins with private bathroom facilities. Overnight on board Cruise Ship Palermo to Napoli. Light lunch included. Day 8. The Port of Napoli - Pompei and Sorrento. Friday 26 September: Early this morning our ship will dock at Naples, we’ll disembark and, as soon as our driver and coach are ashore, we’ll stow our hand baggage and, clearing the Port of Napoli we’ll begin our journey to Sorrento, pausing for a light breakfast of cappuccino and brioche. Before Sorrento we’ll stop to visit the archaeological ruins of the city of Pompei. On the 24^th of August in the year 79, the volcano of Mt. Vesuvius erupted and sepulchred a whole city under a deadly layer of molten ash which rained from the sky for hours, asphyxiating the citizens, and burying their city. Archaeologists are still excavating the last third of the territory of the city of Pompei offering a fascinating experience. After our visit to Pompei we’ll lunch on delicious Neapolitano pizza and then travel on to Sorrento where we will stay in the centre of town for three nights. Sorrento and the towns along the coastline are jewels of international fame offering interesting shopping and an ambience for relaxation over the coming days. Once settled into your room, you will be free for the evening to explore your new surroundings. Overnight: *Hotel Sorrento. Pizza lunch with wines included. Day 9. Paestum - Mozzarella: Saturday 27 September: There are two very good reasons to visit Paestum. One is the chance to visit a buffalo farm run by a Baroness, who also produces olive oil. We’ll stop at the Azienda where raw buffalo milk mozzarella is produced – one of the few remaining authorised raw milk mozzarella producers in the world, and here we’ll see the process for the production of this highly regarded buffalo milk cheese. We’ll enjoy a light lunch in the grounds of the villa owned by the Baroness, and then we’ll visit the archaeological site of Paestum, founded in the 7^th century BC by Greek colonists. Paestum enjoyed trade with the Etruscan civilisation, but was conquered in the 4^th century BC by native Italian tribes, then fell under Roman domination. Here we will see three evocative Greek temples standing in a field of flowers, including the magnificent Temple of Neptune. The temples of Paestum have survived the ravages of time and pillaging better than the more famous Parthenon in Athens. We’ll return to our hotel by autostrada. OvernightHotel Sorrento. Light lunch with wines included. Day 10. Amalfi - Positano - Isle of Capri:* Sunday 28 September: The Amalfi coast is a craggy coastline dotted with inlets shadowed by mountains of stone which rise from the sea. Many stunning cliff top towns have given the Amalfi Coast its international fame. Today we drive along the Amalfi Coast for a thrilling and panoramic ride until we reach Amalfi, a sea side town which was once a maritime power vying with Venice for control of the Adriatic. Positano is a jumble of colourful houses built one on top of the other as if tumbling into the sea. The Cathedral of Amalfi, at the entrance of the town is one of Italy’s most awesome churches. Please note that at the time of preparing this preliminary itinerary regulations concerning motorised transport along the Amalfi Coast are under review. We are unable to specify travel details until regulations are finalised. The Island of Capri needs little introduction: famed all over the world as an island of paradise. Capri’s main income derives from tourism and while famous personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Clark Gable were, long ago, to be seen strolling around, now-a-days the rich and famous still come, but rarely make themselves seen. Instead, many thousands of tourists make the trip from the mainland each day because everybody wants to share in the fame of the Isle of Capri. We’ll travel to Capri in the afternoon and spend a little time at one of the villages when the crowds are beginning to dwindle. A glass of wine or campari as the sun lowers over Capri is the best way to enjoy this beautiful island. On our evening return to Sorrento we’ll gather for dinner in a family trattoria. Overnight *Hotel Sorrento. Dinner with wines included. 11. Matera in Basilicata – Puglia:** Monday 29 September: Today is a travel day and we leave Sorrento early this morning and travel on the autostrada to the east, entering the region of Basilicata to visit the sassi of Matera on our way to whitewashed Puglia. Our first stop is to visit the local bakery where we can see the making of the breads and focaccia of Basilicata, which we’ll taste along with the bakery specialities. A handful of decades ago Matera represented quintessential poverty. The most striking account of how people lived, still within living memory, is given in the book Christ Stopped at Eboli written by Carlo Levi. ‘The houses were open on account of the heat, and as I went by I could see into the caves. Some of them had no entrance but a trapdoor and ladder. In these dark holes with walls cut out of the earth I saw a few pieces of miserable furniture…on the floor lay dogs, sheep, goats and pigs. Most families have just one cave to live in – this is how twenty thousand people live.’ Vast amounts of funds in the 1960’s and 1970’s eradicated malaria and put a stop to starvation. Whilst no longer a land of poverty-stricken peasants worn down by malaria, Basilicata retains a powerful sense of isolation. Today people are returning to live in the sassi, but now it is trendy, as a population of artists and writers move in. In the afternoon we’ll travel on to our home for the next three nights in a charming “Liberty villa” set in a park on the fringes of the whitewashed village of Ostuni. We’ll eat buffet style at the hotel this evening. Overnight *Hotel Ostuni, Puglia. Buffet Dinner with wines included. Day 12. Valley of the Trulli – Puglian Olive Oil - Ostuni: Tuesday 30 September: The Valley of Itria offers romantic marvels hard to equal. Peasant farmers constructed, out of necessity and with scarcity of materials, fairytale conical houses, pointing into the sky, gleaming in the sun like icebergs. More than three thousand trulli cluster around villages or dot the countryside. Some trulli lie abandoned, and so do many Masserie, where the feudal overlord of the peasant lived. The Masseria was autonomous, fortified, a place of work, for production of cheese, raising cattle, milling olives, a place of prayer and of battle. After a free morning for you to discover the gleaming white washed town of Ostuni we’ll gather to visit a Masseria and taste the olive oil of Puglia which is a symbol of the cuisine. A light lunch will be served at the Masseria. Our afternoon will be spend traversing the countryside and the fairytale world of the Trulli. Overnight Hotel Ostuni. Light Lunch with wines included. Day 13. Lecce - Wines of Manduria:* Wednesday 01 October: This morning we’ll explore the Florence of the South. Un-touristed Lecce is a triumph of baroque in a theatrical explosion of festoons, masks, caryatids and putti with balconies and terraces sumptuously decorated. It is as if the very bones of the martyrs have been used to adorn the churches and palaces around the perimeter. The church of Santa Croce, a supreme example of baroque Leccese, suggests a bizarre fantasy of monsters, the façade is profusely decorated with soft golden sandstone, an exuberant and incredible combination of elements. You’ll have free time in Lecce to explore, shop and have your lunch, and then we’ll begin our return journey, bringing back to our hotel some of the wines from the Manduria region where Primitivo - a surprisingly uncompromising 100% varietal, is grown. We’ll return to our haven in the Valley of Itria in the afternoon so that you have time to enjoy tasting some wine, and then to prepare for your departure in the morning. We’ll gather this evening for a delicious farewell dinner. Overnight *Hotel Ostuni. Dinner with wines included. Day 14. Montecassino - Roma: Thursday 02 October: This morning we depart and begin our coach journey to Rome. We will break our journey for morning coffee, and for you to buy a sandwich lunch, and in the afternoon, before reaching Rome, we’ll pause at a site which has a sacred meaning to all New Zealanders. Montecassino is a place written into the hearts and minds of New Zealand families, and their descendents, whose soldiers fought a bitter battle along with the allied forces to break the line at Montecassino in World War II. The story of Montecassino will unfold as we travel up to the monastery, rebuilt after destruction in war. Our estimated arrival time at the Termini Railway Station, Rome, is approximately 6.30 pm. If you are among guests spending nights in Rome with Judith following our tour, your hotel is close to the railway station and you will be able to wheel your baggage to reception. On arrival in Rome we will check into our hotel which is close to Termini Railway Station. Overnight * Hotel in Rome. Day 15. Rome – The Eternal City: Friday 03 October: Guests completing the 14 nights Group Tour Package depart Rome this morning. Judith will arrange transfers to Fiumicino Airport, Rome. Your tour hosts take no responsibility for delays of any nature whatsoever which could be caused by traffic, weather, strikes or any kind of unpredictable delay over which they have no control and which could interfere with your departure. Guests whose departure plans do not coincide with the designated departure will need to make alternative arrangements at their own expense which must be co-ordinated with booking agent and tour hosts. Guests taking the OPTIONAL Rome extension package will remain with Judith and commence their two day Rome adventure this morning. Today is your opportunity to “walk” Rome – the best way to see the eternal city. Having experienced our Culinary & Culture Tour you will now be Italian wise – or you can feel free to do your own thing if you prefer. You can join Judith this morning and using the hop-on-hop-off bus we’ll set off at 9 am and our first stop will be to visit the colourful Mercato dei Fiori, a vibrant local marketplace where everyday Romans buy daily food requirements. From the market we’ll walk to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Hopping back on the bus we’ll hop off at St Peter’s Square and Vatican City. Judith will take you to lunch at a favourite Trattoria serving wonderful Insalata Mista with fresh mozzarella cheese. You may like to visit St Peter’s Basilica, or the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. In the early afternoon it is often possible to enter the Vatican Museums without waiting in a queue. Back on the bus, we’ll hop off in Via Tritone. From here it is a short walk to the Spanish Steps and you will be free to shop and explore these famous shopping streets. We’ll hop back on the bus which will take us back to Termini Railway Station, which is close to our hotel. Transport, meals and entry fees at your expense. Overnight*Hotel in Rome. Day 16. Rome: Saturday 04 October: Continuing your Rome Extension you may prefer to choose your own itinerary today. Judith will offer an optional morning walk to the Borghese Gardens. Entry into the Borghese Villa is optional and dependent on availability. In the afternoon you will be free to explore Rome. Another option for today is a separately organised tour with a private company to take you to Tivoli Gardens and Hadrian’s Villa. You may like to spend the afternoon exploring Trastevere, a trendy and interesting nearby suburb of Rome, or shopping along the Via Nazionale. Transport, meals and entry fees at your expense. Overnight Hotel in Rome. Day 17. Departure from Rome:* Sunday 05 October: Judith will arrange airport transfers for all guests this morning for your return on the designated group flight to New Zealand. *Tour Hosts: Isabella and Luigi Dusi, English and Italian speaking tour leaders, are personal friends of your tour host Judith Cullen. Luigi is Italian by birth, but spent many years living in Australia. His interests are the wine and culture of Italy. Isabella grew up in Australia. Her interests are the history, culture, art and food of Italy. Isabella’s extensive knowledge of history and art appreciation talks, presented in an enjoyable and animated style, will greatly enhance your understanding of Italy, bringing to life remarkable aspects of Italian history and culture which previously you may only have read about. Isabella’s books - Vanilla Beans & Brodo* and Bel Vino are recommended reading for those who seek to understand Italy and Italians. TOUR INCLUSIONS Total of 14 nights. Twin share accommodation including light breakfast each morning at hotels. Single supplements are available. Payment of a single supplement entitles you to a room to yourself with a single bed and private bathroom. 4 nights *Taormina – 2 nights* Palermo – 3 nights* Sorrento – 3 nights* Ostuni - 1 night *Rome. Hotels have yet to be confirmed. You are guaranteed * star accommodation throughout the tour. A hotel schedule will be made available with the final itinerary and well before tour commencement. 1 Night - first class twin bedded cabin with private bathroom facilities on cruise ship for sea voyage Palermo to Napoli. 10 Meals – Breakfast on each day of the tour. Light lunches, lunches or dinners are included as set out on the itinerary. There is no reimbursement for wines or meals not consumed. Meals not listed on the itinerary are at your own expense. Meals on board ship are at your expense. Domestic Flight – Economy class flight Rome to Catania is included in your tour costs. Sea Voyage – Palermo to Napoli in first class cabin on cruise ship is included in your tour costs. Important notice: This itinerary has been prepared in accordance with departure and arrival times presently quoted by the airlines and cruise ship company. Should any alteration to timetables be made you will be advised before departure of any amendments to the program, including departure and arrival times. Entry fees and costs for all visits and events scheduled on the itinerary are included. There is no refund if you choose not to attend any performance or event. Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysus at Syracusa, Mt Etna excursion, Entry to Palatine Chapel in Palace of the Normans, Tombs of King and Queen of Sicily at Norman Cathedral, La Martorana, Excursion to Amalfi and Isle of Capri, Archaeological site at Pompei, Temples and Museum of Paestum, Sassi at Matera, Montecassino. Food and Wine Events: the costs for all food and wine events scheduled on the itinerary are included in your tour. Please note that as our tour draws near food and wine events may need to be re scheduled to accord with availability of food and wine hosts at the time of visit. Your tour hosts will program any rescheduling necessary and advise you of any alterations to the day’s program. On arrival – On the morning of the tour commencement your tour hosts will meet you in the National Departures Check In at Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Fiumicino, Rome. Your flight arrival must be co-ordinated with your booking agent to ensure you arrive with appropriate check-in time for the flight to Catania. If your private travel plans, or flight connections or independent arrival, mean you are unable to meet your hosts at Leonardo da Vince airport Rome in time to board the group domestic flight to Catania, you will need to make your own private arrangements to arrive at Taormina in Sicily which will be at your expense. Travel throughout the tour by air conditioned touring coach. On departure – The tour concludes with the arrival of our coach at Termini Railway Station, Rome. Estimated arrival time at Termini is 6.30 on the evening of the final day of the tour. It is your responsibility to be aware of the estimated arrival time at the departure point of Termini Railway Station Rome and to ensure that your travel plans are not endangered due to circumstances outside the tour operators control and for which they take no responsibility, such as any delay due to weather conditions or traffic, hold ups or any other kind of unforeseen delay. It is your responsibility to ensure you leave a wide margin for your ongoing travel plans or connections. Gratuities – to coach driver and at group meals in hotels and restaurants is included. Hotel Porterage of strictly one piece of baggage per person will be provided to and from coach to hotel foyer. Room service porters are generally not available at three star hotels in Italy. You will be responsible for transporting your hand and main baggage from the hotel foyer to your room on arrival, and vice versa on departure. Please ensure your baggage is on wheels and clearly labelled. If you are physically unable to manage your baggage, we will seek to secure help on your behalf. Baggage: Air travel – you will be required to handle and check in your own baggage for the flight Rome to Catania and to retrieve your baggage from the carousel on landing at Catania. We highly recommend baggage with wheels which you will then comfortably be able to wheel to the touring coach for loading. Baggage: Sea Voyage – For our overnight cruise please pack your hand baggage with whatever you will need in your cabin, and whatever you can comfortably carry, as all main baggage will remain on the touring coach. This arrangement is for your comfort and convenience so that you do not have to load and unload your main baggage into and out of your ship cabin. Your main baggage will remain on board the coach, which will be travelling on the cruise ship along with you. Please note that you will not have access to the coach nor your main baggage once the coach is embarked nor during the cruise. Loading and unloading group main baggage in and out of cabins is a difficult operation which will be avoided. We request that you bring to your cabin only your hand baggage and articles you can carry comfortably, such as toiletries and a change of clothes, for your overnight cruise. TOUR COST Economy Class airfare: NZ$12,127.00 per person, twin share Business Class airfare: NZ$18,331.00 per person, twin share Single supplement: NZ$880,00 Single supplement for Dubai Stopover: NZ$258,00 Inclusive of Italian land/sea costs as per itinerary and inclusions; International economy class airfare Christchurch/Rome return; Departure tax; Internal airfare Christchurch return; stopover accommodation in Dubai plus airport transfers; Day rooms; Dubai stopover package. OPTIONAL ROME EXTENSION - COST NZ$490,00 per person, twin share; Single supplement NZ$160,00 Includes 2 nights in Rome; hotel accommodation (B&B) Rome and taxi transfer to Fiumicino airport Rome. Does not include - entrance fees to museums, meals or transport in Rome EXCLUSIONS Travel Insurance – please note personal travel insurance is mandatory on all our tours and it is essential for you to insure your travel and tour holiday in case of cancellation due to sickness or any other cause. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance and your attendance on tour will only be confirmed once you have signed and returned the Tour Operators Booking Form and Terms & Conditions to your booking agent. Visas and passports, meals other than those specifically noted on itinerary, personal expenses, excess baggage, telephone, laundry, room bar-fridge etc. are all at your expense. (OPTIONAL 2 night Rome Extension is available at the additional cost shown above). IMPORTANT NOTICE: Your tour price has been established well in advance and at the same time of preparing this itinerary. The quoted tour price may vary due to suppliers increases for the year 2006 however, Project Travel International will make every endeavour to honour the price quoted. Please speak with your travel agent for clarification. Project Travel retains the right to make practical itinerary alterations deemed necessary. Any alterations are generally of a minor nature and you are assured of an equal quality tour in both value and content.
ABOUT JUDITH
COOKING CLASSES
ITALIAN TOURS
MY BOOKS
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
CAMPARI CLUB
JUDITH'S SHOP
LIVING IN ITALY
COMING EVENTS
RECIPES
NZ TOURS
CONTACTS & LINKS
PHOTO GALLERY

*Judith Cullen’s*
Cooking classes, tours and books	toursitaly@judith-cullen.com