Sopra Sorrento

10/26/2017

Great small group trip to Fattoria Terranova, an agriturismo and culinary school in the hills above Sorrento. Stunning views of Capri while you learn to cook with local lemons the size of grapefruit!
Contact me about our next trip to Sorrento in the Spring 2018, or to any of Italy!

10/11/2017

05/23/2017

05/23/2017

Thinking of a trip to Italy? Fabulous food & wine, staying in small villages, enjoying that "dolce vita" lifestyle? Check out our small group tours, or...
go independently with our expert help to insure you enjoy Italy to the fullest!

05/29/2016

This incredibly modern winery is built into the hillside vineyards just south of Florence near San Casciano. Wonderful alfresco dining overlooking the grapes. Bravo Antinori!

05/29/2016

The Ligurian Coast is so stunning! Stay away from the crowds at the Cinque Terre and enjoy these less spoiled places- Camogli, Portovenere, Lerici.

02/29/2016

The tour to Fattoria del Colle in May is sold out. Check back for our upcoming stay at Antinori's Fonte di Medici Agriturismo in the Chianti countryside south of Florence and a few day is Sorrento.

02/10/2016

I was just able to get another 2 rooms in the 12th c winery where we are staying this May! If you would like to join us you can contact me for details at [email protected] or call 864.270.5033
The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany & Liguria. May 2-14
This program is not a normal tourist itinerary- its 5 nts on the Ligurian Riviera (Portofino, Camogli, etc) and then 5 nts in the heart of Tuscany (Buonconvento, San Giovanni d'Asso, Montalcino, Cortona, etc). The focus is on good company, good food & wine and a relaxing time enjoying "La Dolce Vita!" .
If you dream of wine, truffles, hill towns & cobblestones, you'll want to join us! See below for more info too!

10/08/2015

Last call to join me in Italy in May 2016 see below. Just 2 spaces left on this fun foodie (and lots of wine!) tour.

09/26/2015

Italian Food & Wine Adventures presents…
The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany & Mediterranean Coast
May 2-14, 2016 see details below

Join us for a food & wine adventure in the very heart of Tuscany, plus time on the Mediterranean Coast. Based on a wine estate in Tuscany we explore tucked away hill towns & wineries celebrated for their wonderful way of life. We also stay on the stunning Ligurian Coast with its dramatic coastal villages & carefree culture.

Our itinerary… 11 nights in Italy includes
5 nights in La Spezia, 5 nights in Trequanda, 1 night Rome
Airport transfers if arriving within group flight time frame
All transportation while touring
Breakfast daily, many meals & wine tastings
On the Ligurian Coast visit the Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Portofino, Camogli & Lucca
In Tuscany visit Montalcino, San Giovanni d’Asso, Cortona, Buonconvento, Montepulciano, Castiglioni del Lago & Monteriggioni
Wine experience at Casato Prime Donne & vineyard trek.
Wine experience at 16th c Fattoria del Colle
Traditional farmhouse cuisine lesson
Handpicked certified local guides for excursions
All sightseeing/entrance fees/gratuities for guides/driver
Italian speaking tour manager throughout

Free day in Tuscany to visit Siena or Florence by train
Price per person based on 2 sharing a room $3599.00
Singles $3859
5 spaces left. Max 16 people
For details and prices contact Joyce Moore at [email protected] or 864.270.5033

07/16/2015

Stay tuned for our next small group tour early May 2016. This one promises to please- we will be doing an in-depth Tuscany program with a stay at a winery in the countryside & excursions to hill towns,local markets, etc. Then a stay on the Ligurian coast with excursions to Cinque Terre, Portofino, Camogli,etc. 10 nights
For details 864.270.5033 or [email protected]

04/07/2015

If your dream is to see 2 of Italy’s most enchanting areas,paired with really good food & wine,here’s your chance! Join us for a visit to Lakes Como,Maggiore,Orta,Lugano & to the Ligurian Coast, Porto Fino & the Cinque Terre! For a brochure contact us at
tel 864.270.5033 or [email protected]

Here's what's included...
*10 nights first class hotels with private bath ~ 5 nights Lake Maggiore, 4 nights La Spezia, 1night Milan Airport
*Breakfast daily, 4 lunches 1 dinner
*Airport transfers if using recommended flight times to meet us
*All transportation including by coach & private boat
* Cruise Lake Maggiore, visit Isola Bella Villa & Gardens &
St Catherine’s Monastery
*Cruise Lake Como & visit Bellagio
*Spend a day at Lake Lugano, Switzerland
*Experience Lake Orta,wine tasting at Cantine del Castello Conti
*Visit the “foodie” town of Parma with tour & tasting
*Visit Portofino & nearby fishing village of Camogli
*Full day excursions to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, the Cinque Terre & Portovenere
*Visit the Boccadasse historic fisherman’s quarter in Genoa
*Certified local guides throughout, services of your Italian speaking IFWA hosts
*All entrance fees & guided sightseeing
*All tips including coach driver tip

Price per person with 2 sharing a room $3498 Singles add $500

03/16/2015

The Bells of Agnone are worth seeing!
Agnone is famous for its Marinelli Bell Foundry, who since 1000 AD has made the bells for the Vatican and churches all over the world; and since 1924 has been granted to honor of using the Pontifical Coat of Arms. This site alone gives reason for the local community to boast a strong tourist economy. The Bell Museum at the foundry is amazing and well worth seeing after touring the bell works. Imagine still making the bells by hand! Don’t miss a visit to the town itself where the bells of the numerous churches lend a distinctive profile to the town. Agnone is a splendid little place in an area of remarkable beauty marked by forests, rivers and majestic mountains in the Isernia region of Molise, not far east of Rome. The panorama is studded with ancient fortified villages and noted archaeological sites. The streets of Agnone’s medieval center are lined with stone houses and doors adorned with great coats of arms. Check out campanemarinelli.com

02/23/2015

Little Known Facts about Italy! Feb. 2015 by Priscila Siano
Published in Italian Travel/Edited for space accommodation

1. Italy has the most World Heritage Sites as recognized by UNESCO. This United Nations Organization bestows this honor on places that are of significant cultural or natural heritage and importance. Among the sites are the Royal Palace at Caserta, Pompei, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata in Naples, Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco, the city of Verona, and the Amalfi Coast.
2. Italy also has more hotel rooms than any other European country. It is one of the continent’s most frequently visited countries, and tourism provides 63% of its national income.
3. There are over 3,000 museums in Italy, dedicated to ancient civilization and the history of art and humanities.
4. The average Italian drinks one glass of wine per day. With a consumption of about 300 million cases per year, Italy is a country of devoted drinkers; the country produces more wine than any other country in the world.
5. Italy’s old age dependency is the highest ever in Europe, and the elderly retire as some of the youngest in the continent. The country spends most of its national income on pensions: for every 100 working Italians there are 30 elderly citizens being cared for.
6. The ice cream cone, scissors, eyeglasses, thermometers, typewriters, telephone, radio, even the MP3 format? All invented by Italians, known the world over as innovators.
7. Soccer was introduced in the late 1800s by the British, but only took off in the 1930s under Mussolini. The devotion to the sport is so fervent that it borders on the maniacal. The Italian national football team is considered to be one of the best in the world, having won the FIFA World Cup 4 times: 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006.

01/20/2015

If you LOVE ITALIAN FOOD play this short video!
http://player.vimeo.com/video/70776419

We traveled across Italy to make this short film., searching out our favorite foods (we know, mozzarella and many other things are missing), seeing how they are…

01/16/2015

Take a Bike Ride on the Ancient Walls of Lucca!
It appears that the world is catching on to Lucca’s charms. Until recently this lovely walled Italian town was relatively tourist free, but not so much anymore, so see Lucca soon! It’s a wonderful place, full of not only historical interest, but the home of the composer Puccini and great shopping!
The ancient walls completely circle the city, but you’re not balancing on a narrow wall, as many people imagine. The path is very wide (so wide it was once used as a racetrack), and is also completely flat and full of great picnic spots!
Bike rental rates are a few Euros an hour, and the shop will keep your ID while you take the bike out. They also rent helmets but they are not required and few use them. Riding one circuit on the walls will take you about 25 minutes at a relatively slow pace. This area is a park, with people walking too. There are many rental shops near the wall ramp entrances. Just walk in and hop on!

12/20/2014

BUON NATALE! CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN ITALY
Christmas markets, gorgeous lights and decorations and seasonal foods make Christmas season a wonderful time to visit.

During Christmastime, one readily observable difference between Italy and the US is the lack of commercialism that threatens to completely secularize our holiday. While Italians celebrate with a religious emphasis, they still do exchange presents and decorate for the season.

Cities sparkle with an unparalleled elegance, and the exuberant, generous Italian spirit is apparent everywhere. Along with the fancy lights, wreaths and trees, presepi (nativity scenes) are displayed in many churches and piazzas. Crafting these ornate works of art by hand remains an artisianal tradition in many parts of the country. Colorful Christmas markets offer crafts, decorations and Christmas sweets.

The essence of Christmas Day is family, love and food. Food varies from region to region, although there are some common dishes. In the Italian Catholic tradition, everyone abstains from meat on Christmas Eve and go to Midnight Mass. Christmas Day brings all the local specialties to the table including antipasti, baked pastas, meats, and all the trimmings. Sweet-toothed Italians indulge in desserts like a light Milanese cake filled with candied fruit and raisins, called il panettone. The main, traditional cake is gold bread, il pandoro, which is very similar but without the fruit. A gingerbread with hazelnuts, honey and almonds, il panforte, is also popular.

Most Italians open their presents on Christmas morning or after lunch, although some wait until Epiphany on January 6th. Children receive colorful, long stockings full of sweets. Traditionally, it's the kind witch, La Befana, who brings gifts and sweets. In northern Italy it is Santa Lucia who brings presents, while in some regions it’s Baby Jesus who bears the gifts. Nowadays, 90% of Italians also indulge in Father Christmas, “Babbo Natale “.

The official end of the Christmas season is January 6—the Day of the Epiphany, and the twelfth day of Christmas. On the eve of the Epiphany, families usually prepare a large dinner to mark the end of the holiday season.

12/15/2014

Planning a trip to Italy? Here's some great classic and modern films to watch before you go.

Roman Holiday – Audrey Hepburn shows the ladies that we can all experience Rome like a princess—even in disguise! A classic!
Rome Adventure-- Troy Donahue and Suzanne Pleshette make young love in Rome even more romantic. You’ll be singing Al Di La all night!
Life Is Beautiful – The fairytale romance distracts you from the pressing issue of anti-Semitism during World War II.
Pane e Tupliani – A married woman takes off on her own journey and start a new life in Venice, where she finds love.
Under the Tuscan Sun – This movie will make you fall in love with Tuscany over and over again!
Eat Pray Love – Julia Roberts finds she loves Italy after eating her way around Rome and Naples.
Marriage Italian Style-- Sofia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni in a WWII classic.
Divorce Italian Style- Mastrioanni is back with a light hearted comedy.
La Dolce Vita—Fellini’s most loved and well known film

Thanks to Mariano Pallottini for additions to our list!

12/11/2014

Fattoria del Colle- A winery owned and run by women in the heart of Tuscany!
Like to some spend time sipping wine in Tuscany? Join us May 4-14, 2015 for our Tuscany food and wine tour. Contact [email protected]

Owned by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, the 16th century estate of Fattoria del Colle is located between Chianti and Doc Orcia wine regions in Tuscany, south of Siena and near the village of Trequanda. Its staff of winemakers are all charming and smart young women!

Here on the hills looking towards Montalcino, and the Chianti Classico and Nobile di Montepulciano areas, Fattoria del Colle cultivates 23 hectares of vineyards of several varieties including Sangiovese, Merlot, Traminer and Foglia Tonda. Foglia Tonda is a local Sienese varietal which had been abandoned more than a century ago and has been rediscovered.

Here you can enjoy a day visit with lunch and wine tasting, or stay a few nights in one of their rooms or guest houses. They also offer cooking classes and wellness visits. The Osteria di Donatella Restaurant is inside the 16th century estate and serves traditional dishes from the Sienese countryside matched with the great red wines from Donatella’s two wineries including the famous Brunello di Montalcino. The restaurant terrace offers views over the vineyards to the hamlet of Trequanda.

11/29/2014

Italian Food & Wine Adventures presents….
Happiness is a sojourn in Tuscany! May 4-14, 2015
Contact us at [email protected] or call us 864.270.5033 anytime!

Join us for a food and wine adventure into the very heart of Italy. Based in Cortona for 5 nights we explore the hill towns and wineries made famous for their wonderful flavors, then another 3 nights in the medieval walled town of Lucca where you will find a diverse and charming experience. Topped off by an excursion to the Cinque Terre, our tour is sure to remind you how much you will love Italy!

Our itinerary…
*9 nights in village center 4* star hotels with private bath
*5 nights in Cortona, 3 nights in Lucca, 1 night Rome Airport
*Airport transfers if arriving with group flights, all other transportation
*Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 4 wine tastings
Visits to Montalcino, San Giovanni d’Asso, Montepulciano, Assisi, Deruta, Castiglioni del Lago, Trequanda, and the Cinque Terre
*Visits to wineries Casato Prime Donne and Fattoria del Colle
*Handpicked certified local guides for excursions *All sightseeing and entrance fees *Gratuities for guides and coach driver *All new local accommodation taxes *Italian speaking tour manager

$3299 per person based on 2 sharing a room Singles add $550

11/22/2014

Autumn is an enchanting season in Italy. The weather is still mild and local events focus on newly harvested crops, and indulgences and delights are everywhere! Fresh chestnuts, grapes, olive oil, truffles, citrus fruits, mushrooms, wild game and all that make the Italian table unique are in ample supply in the fall. The weather, the food, the changing leaves, and the sunlight join to create an ambiance unrivaled the rest of the year. Fall is a great time to visit Italy!

11/19/2014

Market Day!
Market day in any of Italy’s small towns and villages is such a fun experience for Americans. Yes, we are getting better at this, with our new foodie ventures, farmers markets, and great restaurants with locally sourced products. But in Italy it’s a way of life. People still go to the markets, the butcher shops, and the bakery for their families. Weekly markets include fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and cooked meats like chickens and roast pork (porchetta). General household items can also be found. These local markets are normally held in the morning once a week in the main piazza. In general, prices and quality are good and you can find bargains. It’s a good place to come to stock up on provisions if you're renting a vacation villa, or even to browse and take some colorful pictures. Here’s some that we like around Tuscany but there are lots more:

Market days in the Province of Arezzo
Anghiari Wednesday
Arezzo Saturday
Cortona Saturday
Loro Ciuffenna Monday
Monterchi Sunday
Montevarchi Thursday
Poppi Saturday
San Sepolcro Tuesday

Market days in the Province of Siena
Castellina in Chianti Saturday
Cetona Saturday
Montalcino Friday
Montepulciano Thursday
Pienza Friday

11/16/2014

Doorways of Carunchio

11/16/2014

The Truffle Museum of San Giovanni d’Asso
Want to know more about the mystery of truffles? If you are interested in Tuscan food and folklore,and you happen to be near Siena, take a side trip to the small village of San Giovanni d’Asso, southeast about 30 minutes on tiny backroads. In the Piazza Antonio Gramsci is the Museo del Tartufo, a journey through the history, tradition, aromas and flavors of truffles. It’s an interactive experience in a 14th century underground vault of the Castello San Giovanni. With a short multimedia presentation and a chance to experience “all that is truffle”—see, feel, taste, and smell, you will enjoy this unique experience. If you happen to be there in November, you might catch the Truffle Festival. http://museotartufo.museisenesi.org

The Truffle Festival of San Giovanni d'Asso
The Tuscan truffle season lasts roughly from September through December, and the 2nd and 3rd weekends in November play host to the Truffle Festival. You can find food stalls and restaurants selling white truffles and truffle-flavored products along with displays and information on this magical fungus. There is also the opportunity to taste and buy new olive oil, new wine, honey, cold meats, fruit and cheeses from local small-scale farms. If you buy truffles, use them quickly as their incredible aromas disperse rapidly. If coming for a meal, be sure to book your table ahead.

11/02/2014

Buon giorno! Waiting for our next Italy food and wine adventure? Just finishing up the details for a stay in Cortona and Lucca May 4-14,2015. And in the fall we will be visiting Sorrento and Abruzzo! Stay tuned for more details......

11/01/2014

Ever tried a "Dolce Vita"? In a martini or wide rimmed glass add a shot of orange liqueur, fill with Prosecco, add a splash of tonic water. Garnish with orange slice. Sip slowly and enjoy!
Makes you feel like you're sitting at a sidewalk cafe in the sun in Rome....

10/27/2014

Chef Dino at the pizza oven