VINEYARDS – OLIVE – GARDENS – ORCHARDS – WOODS –  WINE TASTING – ORGANIC RESTAURANT – ENOTECA

DETTORI agriturismo is situated in the middle of the vineyards 300 metres above sea level, with a majestic panorama. The building which today houses the farm was once the wine cellar. The original structure has been lovingly maintained and the family welcomes us to share their history, fine wines of Sardinia, and a delicious wine-paired lunch for a perfect afternoon.

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

From Civitavecchia: Wine & Slow Food lunch on our families Country Agriturismo, Farm & Wine Estate
9:30am-5pm
Available as pre or post cruise transfer to/from Rome

9:30am: Disembark the ship and meet our private minivans for a 30 minute drive along the coast to the countryside retreat in Cerveteri. Our family agriturismo estate has an active vineyard, and working farm to provide everything for today’s lunch. You can choose to join a cooking demonstration preparing gnocchi and fettuccine, sample wines in the ancient cantina casks, walk the vineyard, visit the farm animals, pick vegetables from the garden, toss a pizza into the wood-burning oven, lounge & swim in the pool, while watching a veritable “slow food” lunch prepared.  Mid day, a farm-to-table feast is set in the gardens at long tables under the Roman sun, with estate grown white, red, and sparkling wines.  Our afternoon concludes with a short drive back to the ship by 5pm. 

Voyages beginning or ending in Rome will have the option of a pre or post cruise transfer to/from their central Rome hotel.

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

From Livorno to Bolgheri, Tuscany:  Sapaio Wine Estate and Lunch at Osteria Magona
9:15am to 5:30pm

9:15am: After breakfast aboard ship, disembark to meet our private guide and motorcoach in Livorno’s inner-harbor for a 45 minute coastal drive along the Etruscan seaside into the Bolgheri wine region. We will make a short stop in the tiny village of Bolgheri to explore the boutiques, or pop into Enoteca Tognoni to taste/shop the finest Super-Tuscans such as Ornellaia, Solaia. Around noon we will continue to meet the proprietor of Sapaio Wine Estate for a private tour of his vineyards, estate and cellar. Our appetite beckons us to a relaxed Tuscan wine country lunch at Osteria Magona, to enjoy local wines from boutique wineries in the Bolgheri region. (You may upgrade your wine selection at the restaurant to their more prestigious wine list such as Tignanello, Guado al Tasso, Sassacaia…). 

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

Authentic Shepherd’s village & Lunch in the Supramonte Mountains & Beach  
9am to 5pm

9am: Meet guide for a one-hour drive into the interior Supramonte Mountain to discover the  vast expanse and rugged wilderness of the Barbagia region of remote villages, endless flocks of sheep and for those who want an alternative to the cosmopolitan ambience and expense of the coast, an immersion in the simple shepherd culture. We will explore ancient trails, known only to generations of shepherds until we reach Campeggio Supramonte. Shepherds will prepare the typical Sardinian rustic meal of open-air cooking, served outdoors, fireside in a wooded setting among the ancient holm-oaks. The shepherds will hand you a wooden plate piled high with rosemary-scented potatoes with lamb and  porchetta, spit-roast over an open fire, accompanied with pecorino sheep cheese, olives, Pane “carasau” and “ispianadas”, dessert and enhanced by the full-bodied local wine “Cannonau” – strong in both color and taste, and finish with “Abbardente” Sardinian Grappa digestivo. All very “rural” and authentic! Afterwards shepherds huddle us together in a tight circle as if in an intimate embrace. Suddenly their bodies vibrate in unison, summoning a low guttural hum in four parts (mimicking a cow, a sheep, the wind and a lonely human voice) – a primordial shepherds’ song – the canto a tenore. After lunch in the country, if time allows we will stop in Porto San Paolo – very nice beach in front of the island of Tavolara before returning to the port of Olbia. 

Sail the Maddalena Archipelago with lunch on board
830am to 530pm

Transfer from the port of Olbia to Cannigione for a full day motor boat excursion in the Archipelago of La Maddalena.  Today we will include 3 stops in 3 different islands: La Maddalena, Spargi and Santa Maria. During the first stop in La Maddalena we will have an hour to enjoy the city centre of the island, shop or sample gelato and cappuccini. Second stop will be in Spargi, where you can choose a favorite spot to swim in the Sea and relax on the beach. With an appetite, we will enjoy lunch prepared by our chef onboard including pasta with fresh tomato sauce. We continue toward Budelli, also known as “Pink Beach” with its sparkling rose colored sand, now a private natural reserve with no beach access since 1991. We navigate through the Manto della Madonna, “Madonna coat”, due to the several shades of blue sea which flows through the island of Santa Maria and Razzoli. Last swim stop will be in Santa Maria island, where you can also take a short walk to the lighthouse.  Bathing suit recommended. 

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

Tour Lecce, Salento & Wine Tasting with lunch
9am-4pm

Today’s treat is the back of Italy’s boot, Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South” because of the rich Baroque architecture and monuments. We’ll explore the 17th century buildings and city center, and the Roman amphitheatre, built at the end of the 2nd Century BC. A visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling the wine, olive oil & food of the Puglia region. We’ll visit a top winery and olive grove to learn about the history and local flavors. Lunch will be served at local ristorante before returning to our ship.

Alberobello Trulli Experience with lunch in a Trullo
9am- 4pm

Alberobello is a neighborhood of conically- roofed homes found only in this particular part of Puglia. Looking like they arrived directly from the pages of fairy tales, legend has it that Trulli were created to avoid a property tax. Our local guide will take us through the Rione Monti, the most popular district facing the modern town center to visit an authentic trullo.  Free time to walk through narrow streets and enjoy local ceramics stores. Then savor a traditional regional cuisine hosted in a Trullo before returning to our ship.

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

 Discover Chiavari with Lunch ‘a palazzo’
930a to 430p

 Tender into port to meet our English-speaking guide for the short scenic drive to the enchanting seaside village of Chiavari, for an exclusive unique experience that combines traditions and noble elegance. Chiavari is an underestimated, authentic small town in the Portofino Gulf, not touched by tourism yet. Here we will discover the Medieval historical center with its pedestrian cobbled streets. Among noble palaces we will find traditional food and artisan shops passed down from generation and a lively food market. At lunch we are welcomed in a noble private palace dating back to Medieval times. Vera, the owner will show her palace full of precious frescoes, stuccos and ancient furniture. Here, around a table beautifully dressed under the frescoes of the dining room we will enjoy a delicious lunch tasting local specialties including roasted vegetable and fresh handmade pasta with Pesto Genovese sauce. All the dishes will be paired with local wines. A totally fascinating exclusive experience! We return back to Portofino for a free afternoon and evening to explore this lovely seaside village.  

Hike the Eco farm & Old Mill with wine Lunch
930a to 430p

The famous village of Portofino is immersed in a unique natural setting made of Mediterranean vegetation, olive groves and vineyards; and today you will discover its most authentic side. Meet our private hiking guide in Portofino harbor to start a relaxed pace uphill hike of about 1 hour, on a fairly steep trail in a chestnut forest. We will reach an old mill where a savory tasting lunch awaits with local specialties of fresh cheese, grilled vegetable and pasta with the famous Pesto Genovese of the region. After lunch we will continue the hike for about 15 minutes, to be welcomed by a local producer to visit an Eco farm. Born from the recovery of abandoned lands they aim to develop sustainable agriculture and tourism. The view of and from the gardens will leave you speechless. We will have a private guided tour of the hops area, visit the bees’ wood, the vineyard, the olive grove, and relax to an amazing sea view tasting local products, with a glass of local wine. Afterward, our return hike is along a panoramic trail flanking the gardens of gorgeous villas! We return back to Portofino for a free afternoon and evening to explore this lovely village.

Portofino – San Fruttuoso – La Dolce Vita wine lunch – boat ride
10am – 430pm

 Tender in to meet our private guide in Portofino to start a discovery of this intimate fishing village of the affluent. We’ll hike uphill to the castle for an unparalleled view of the cozy harbor, visit the church of St. George perched on the rocks, and gawk at luxurious villas as our guide shares fascinating stories. Then we will hop a water ferry and sail along the stunning rocky coast of Portofino Marine Reserve, till reaching the even more remote village of San Fruttuoso, only accessible  by boat or a long hike. It has an scenic cove with a medieval abbey built right on the pebble beach, restored and protected by FAI, the Italian National Trust. A visit of the magnificent abbey before we enjoy a savory lunch in a lovely seaside restaurant overlooking the water. Free time to dip in the crystalline water and soak up the sunshine on the beach. We return back around the Portofino peninsula by water ferry for a free afternoon and evening to explore this lovely seaside village.     Bathing suit recommended. 

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

Isle of Capri by Private Boat 
8:30am to 5:00pm: 10 guests per boat

Take the 8:30am tender into Sorrento. Capri’s coastline is punctuated with hidden caves, secluded beaches and islands vistas that are incredibly varied with breathtaking landscapes that never fail to astound. Our excursion includes a professional local captain and his private boat for 10 guests. From Piano di Sorrento jetl along the Sorrentine Coast to the ancient fishermen village of “Marina Grande”, the ruins of a roman villa near “Bagni della Regina Giovanna”, the natural waterfall in the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Then circumnavigate Capri stopping to visit the Marvelous Grotto, the White Grotto, the Green Grotto, the Natural Arch, the Villa Curzio Malaparte, the Faraglioni rocks and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena. There will be stops for swimming and snorkeling, and snacks and drinks on board. Once ashore you have ample free time for lunch (on own) and to.explore Capri’ chic boutiques with the help of an audio guide. Afternoon depart from Capri to Sorrento with happy hour and limoncello tasting. Sea conditions permitting. Return to the port and tender back to.the ship. Bathing suit recommended.

Pompeii’s Oplontis Villa & Cooking Class & Wine Lunch  
8:30am to 5:00pm

Take the 8:30am tender into Sorrento. Pompeii and Oplontis were both destroyed in the mighty blasts of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today we will visit this other archaeological site near the town of Torre Annunziata, to view the elaborate ruins and frescoes called Oplontis, the villa of Poppea, the mistress of Roman Emperor Nero. The villa was not totally destroyed as in Pompeii, but buried by a light ash that actually preserved rather than destroyed some of the frescoes.  After a short visit we are off to spend the afternoon at a local family’s vineyard. We don our aprons for a hands on cooking lesson to make “gnocchi” homemade pasta from potatoes. Afterwards, we walk the vineyards while lunch is prepared; then we sit to savor a slow food, home grown, farm-to-table lunch, accompanied by the pairing of five wine varietals from their Sorrentine Estate; today is all about what this region is all about. In the afternoon we head back to Sorrento.

The Amalfi Coast – Sorrento & Positano – Boat Ride – Wine Lunch
830am–5:00pm

Take the 8:30am tender in for today’s adventure which will start with a walk thru charming Sorrento. Then a drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, the world’s most spectacular, dotted with intimate, colorful, seemingly vertical cliff-side villages of Furore, Positano & Praiano. After some photo ops, the spectacular 5-star Santa Catarina estate welcomes us to a 4-course wine-paired lunch served with a dramatic seaside view overlooking the Med. After lunch we reach the walled village of Amalfi for a walking tour and free time to shop. Soon we board our boat for a whales eye view from the sea, of the dramatic coastline as we make our way to Positano, Italy’s most vertical town that spills down from the corniche like a waterfall of pink, cream and yellow villa’s. Free time to browse the shops, enjoy the sunshine and swim in the sea before our drive back to Sorrento.

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

Taormina – Mt. Etna – Gambino Winery with lunch
9am to 5pm

Tender in to Giardini Naxos pier to meet our guide to explore Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3345 mt). First stop is “Rifugio Sapienza” at 1800m, then the extinguished Craters of Mount Silvestri with a variety of fauna and flora and moonscapes on the way. Having worked up an appetite, we are off to Gambino Wine Estate, producers of artisan wines which capture the vibrant flavors and spirit unique to Sicily. The Gambino famiglia will share tastings to explain the unique terroir that influences the minerality of their wines. After a countryside wine lunch we drive to the charming walled village of Taormina. Taormina is the prettiest, most romantic town in Sicily, located on Mount Tauro (204 mt) with dramatic views of the coast and our ship anchored in the Ionian Sea. We will visit the famous Greek Amphitheatre and then free time to shop the picturesque pedestrian zone. Late afternoon return to Giardini Naxos pier to tender back to the ship.

The Godfather, Castelmola wine lunch & Taormina
9am to 5pm

Tender to Giardini Naxos pier to meet our guide.  First stop is Savoca where a few of the memorable moments of Francis Ford Coppola’s immortal scenes of the Godfather trilogy were filmed in this remote serene hillside village. This visit will make you wonder how they found a tiny, unspoiled authentic Sicilian town – a real insight into the island and the heart of its people.  As we enter Savoca, ‘Bar Vitelli’s’ splendid terrace is where Michael Corleone asked Apollonia’s father for her hand in marriage, after he left NYC. We’ll enjoy a taste of Sicilian “granita limone” and see photos taken during the filming. Next to the tiny hilltop village of Castelmola for aperitif at one of the most curious x-rated Bar Turrisi. A very Sicilian specialties lunch will follow at Taverna dell’Etna with a spectacular view of the sea below. We end the day in Taormina, Sicily’s most charming village where the ‘gliterati’ parade and shop the fabulous boutiques. After lunch we return to Giardini Naxos pier to tender back to the ship.

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.

Walking Cicchetti Food Tour
3:30pm – 5:30pm

Meet your private guide ashore and embark on a guided culinary walk to discover the hidden parts of Venice. Our guide will lead us for a 2 hour exploration where you will sip & eat your way through some amazing and delicious cicchetti, and sample Venetian wines, Aperol Spritz or local beer. This opportunity will allow you to peak into the lives of Venetians, learning more about the people, their food & culture. Our slow paced culinary tour will start and end at the ship.

Tour includes: ​Private guide & walking tour of Venice with traditional Venetian Cicchetti food & wine sampling.

Murano & Burano Islands by boat
10:00am – 4:00pm

10:00am: Disembark and meet our guide ashore to embark on a Venice islands tour by boat to visit Murano & Burano in the Venetian Lagoon. In Murano the trade of glassblowing is still an elite pursuit dominated by a few craftsmen that can perform a glass blowing demonstration. In 1291, the Venetian Republic ordered glassmakers to move their foundries to from Venice to Murano because the glass-works represented a fire danger in Venice. Since then, Murano has been home to some of the finest artisans in the world. After a glass-blowing demonstration and a peek in the showroom, we will embark for pastel colored Burano, known as the colorful island of lace. Here you will find hand crafted embroidered original Burano laces made by locals. Free time for lunch, vino and shopping before returning to the ship around 4pm.

Tour includes: Private guide, touring and boat transportation to Murano & Burano from the ship.

*Times are subject to change due to ship’s arrival & departure times. Advance reservation and prepayment is required and pricing is subject to final number of guests. Venues are subject to change based on availability.