Culinary Adventure to Italy: Puglia & Neapolitan Riviera

9 Days Exploring Puglia & Neapolitan Riviera

October 10th - 18th, 2020

OUR CULINARY JOURNEY

Imagine waking up and stepping out on your balcony as you take in the breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples. You smile with joy and excitement for the days to come. During this culinary adventure you will taste the delicious coastal flavors of Puglia, then explore the Bay of Naples and the sun-drenched Isle of Capri with is colorful citrus groves and majestic coastline. 

Your journey will take you to some of the oldest cities in the world and you will explore some of the ancient culinary customs. You will experience local customs and cuisines such as the signature local homemade pasta 'little ears' orecchiette, burrata cheese (even more creamy and delicious than mozzarella), and of course fresh seafood.

You will have every culinary desire indulged, leaving you with memories that you will never forget. Each day will be filled with culinary surprises and fun.

PACKAGE PRICE:

• $2895 per person based on single occupancy

Deposit and Payments:

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 is due at the time of reservation *
  * Travel Protection (Insurance) premiums are not covered by the initial deposit. Insurance premiums may be paid at any time prior to or with final payment and become effective on the date payment is received by Be Relaxed Destinations, LLC/Wine Lovers Group. Purchase insurance below.

• Monthly Payments: After your initial deposit we will set up a Monthly Payment plan of equal amounts due on the 1st of each month through the full pay date. You may full pay your account at anytime.

• Final Payment: is due August 10, 2020 (no extensions allowed) 

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN US?

You join a fun group of fellow food and wine lovers who love to travel! There is never an increase in trip cost once booked in.  There is never an extra fees charged to those who prefer to use our trip payment options.

All o f your travel needs taken care of from the moment you decide to join us. We handle airport transfers, tours, local transportation, accommodation needs. If you need a roommate, we will connect you with a fellow traveler. Your only responsibility is to enjoy your trip!

OUR ACCOMMODATIONS

HOTEL KOLBE, ROME:

In the Kolbe Hotel Rome, the Ancient and Modern blend to create a new form of hospitality. The building's fascinating history paired with Rome's timeless beauty creates a breathtaking atmosphere and an unforgettable experience.

Surrounded by the magnificence of ancient Rome, only a few steps from the Circus Maximus and the Imperial Roman Forum, the building is located in an evocative and prestigious area right in the heart of the city.

In order to achieve its current appearance and interior design, a meticulous and skilful renovation was necessary for both preserving the building's ancient architectural features, while at the same time enabling it to be a state of the art hotel.

Ancient in its history, but with the service and facilities of the most modern and prestigious accommodation. Our luxurious rooms and suites will cushion you in comfort and tranquility – while outside, the timeless, romantic atmosphere of Rome awaits you.

The Grand Hotel la Chiusa di Chietri is a 4-star hotel open all year and is located in a 10-hectare Mediterranean park.

This upscale countryside hotel features a contemporary main building and a separate complex of traditional 16th-century Trulli farm buildings with conical stone roofs. It's 12 km from the Castellana Caves and 15 km from Dinosaur Park.

It also has AuraSylva SPA and the famous Nobis restaurant with a Mediterranean flavor.

FEATURES:

• Restaurant

• Bar

• Spa

• Indoor & outdoor pool

• Air conditioning and heating with individual control

• Minibar with wide assortment

• Telephone with direct line

• Free Wifi internet access

• Wardrobe with safety deposit box

• LCD flat screen satellite TV

HOTEL ISABELLA, SORRENTO:

Isabella Hotel is an elegant and modern 4-star hotel located in the heart of the Sorrento Peninsula, in a quiet area away from the chaos of the city, a short distance from the historic center of Sorrento. Recently renovated, the hotel offers its guests a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, finely furnished rooms, a large solarium area with swimming pool, intimate and welcoming shared spaces and a service always available to satisfy every need of stay.

Hotel Isabella, enjoys a quiet and exclusive location not far from the sea and the center of Sorrento. A strategic position that will allow us to easily reach all the major tourist attraction of the Campania region: Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, the charming islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida and the enchanting Amalfi Coast.

• Restaurant

• Bar / lounge

• Pool

• Air conditioning and heating with individual control

• Free WiFi internet access

• Wardrobe with safety deposit box

• LCD flat screen satellite TV

• Laundry services and facilities

• Concierge services

• Multilingual staff

• Garden

ITINERARY

Day 1: WELCOME TO ROME

After arriving in the Eternal City, Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) we will head to our hotel. Transfer to hotel: 09:30am, 12:30pm, and 3:30pm. After we've relaxed a bit we will head to a local restaurant and get to know our fellow travelers over a pleasant Welcome Dinner with wine of course.

Day 2 : RELAXED START: 

ACROSS THE APENNINES TO THE TRULLI TOWN OF ALBEROBELLO

We head southeast, through the sun-baked landscapes to the region of Puglia and its most spectacular town, Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With our local expert, we will explore the small, white-washed stone houses - known as Trulli- which are clustered together throughout the city and built entirely without mortar.

Day 3: RELAXED START:

EXPLORING ALBEROBELLO

Puglia is a paradise for wine lovers. We will join an expert vintner for a tasting of the region's most robust and structured reds.

Later in the evening we will join Chef Nonna at her family home as she teaches us how to make her orecchiette pasta. Then we will join her and her family for a traditional freshly prepared southern Italian meal that you never forget.

Day 4: RELAXED START:

FREE TIME  IN ALBEROBELLO

The day is free for you to enjoy this extraordinary town as you wish. I highly recommend you experience the gelato as you stroll through the Trullis.

Or you can choose to join the optional experience to the stunning city of Ostuni. With its dazzling white-washed houses and fascinating history, it's a true delight.

Day 5: THE SASSI DI MATERA & SORRENTO

With our local expert we will visit Matera and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi - a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases, and arches, hewn out of the solid rock.

We will take in the scenery of rolling green hills and wide mountain views, as we head towards the Tyrrhenian Sea and the lovely clifftop town of Sorrento. Perched upon the cliffs, look out to see the mighty Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.

Day 6: CAPRI, THE ISLE OF DREAMS

We will take a short cruise by jetfoil through the impossibly blue sea to the sun-drenched island of Capri. On arrival, we will take a ride on the funicular through lemon groves up to Capri town where will explore Cesar Augustus Garden with our local expert. We will take in the breathtaking view of the Faraglioni rocks and enjoy a refreshing lemon granita.

After exploring the winding cobbled streets, we'll descend to the port by open-top taxi before returning to Sorrento. You are free to enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.

Day 7: RELAXED START:

THE AMALFI COAST & POSITANO

Travel along Italy's finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast, to visit the town of Positano. We will stop for a bird's eye view of the terraced houses before venturing into the heart of the town. We will explore the pastel rainbow colored houses precariously stacked upon one another as if cascading from the hilltop to the water.

Then we will enjoy the stunning views of the sparkling waters of the Bay of Naples as we make our way back to Sorrento where you have the rest of the day to enjoy as you wish.

Day 8: ON TO ILL-FATED POMPEII & ROME

 At the ancient Roman City of Pompeii, we will explore the cobbled streets with our local expert. Witnessing the colorful frescoes that were hidden for centuries. We will also travel by the brooding hilltop monastery of Monte Cassino as we make our way back to Rome.

During the evening we will come together to celebrate our amazing journey in the heart of the Eternal City. Our final meal together will be at a quintessential Italian experience of fine food, wine, and we'll have a special treat to round out the evening

Day 9: ARRIVEDERCI ROMA!

We depart for Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport and make our way back home. Transfers Times: 07:00am and 09:30am.

Day 10: OPTIONAL SPA DAY

Health & Beauty For Life Spa - Alexandria, VA

For those so inclined, after 9 days of total indulgence we will meet once again to enjoy some much needed relaxation and rejuvenation.

Join your fellow travelers for a 2-hour spa experience. You will receive a 40-minute massage and facial, 30-minute body scrub, 30-minute aromatherapy and essential oil bath, 20-minute sauna session, and a shower with herbal tea.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

COST INCLUDES:

• Airport transfers to and from hotels

• 8 nights accommodation in luxury four-plus stars hotels

• Welcoming reception at arrival

• Farewell dinner

• Celebration dinner during final evening

• Daily excursions with private A/C coach with driver.  

• Daily breakfast, 1 lunch

• 1 Wine Tasting Picnic 

• 4 Gourmet four courses evening dinners including wine

• 1 Michelin star dinner

• Winery tasting and tour in Puglia

• Cooking class

• City tours

• Cruise by hydrofoil to Isle of Capri

• Plenty of leisure time

• Be Relaxed Destinations Gift Bag

• Be Relaxed Destinations hostess on site

• Lots of food & wine

• Portage: One piece of Luggage per person, in and out of hotels 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

• International flight and airport taxes to and from Rome (see suggested flight options)

• Travel insurance (see suggested insurance companies)

• Gratuities for Driver & Local Guides

• Items of a personal nature

• Items not listed in inclusions

• Additional experiences offered by local expert

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

There is nothing worse than missing a vacation…how about also losing the money you paid for your vacation? Because all of Be Relaxed Destinations and Wine Lovers group tours are non-refundable and non-transferable, travel insurance is highly recommended. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. Click here for our preferred travel insurance vendors.

RECOMMENDED FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• Contact us for the current flight options or different class options.

• Flight prices are subject to change

TRIP POLICY:

• Making reservations for this package signifies your acceptance of our Trip Terms and Conditions.

• All payments to Be Relaxed Destinations are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Be Relaxed Destinations, LLC has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices competitive and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.

• Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries require a full blank “VISA” page in the passport for stamping purposes. Any information provided on travel description pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

• Reservations must be made in your FULL NAME as it appears on your passport. Your name on your invoice MUST match your passport.

• Portage: One piece of luggage per person, in and out of hotel. If you have additional pieces you must bring with you. 

• Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, we recommend Travel Protection that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss or Delay, Medical Expenses and more. We have a full list of travel insurance vendors. Click here to see referrals. 

• Prices are subject to change without notice. Please make your reservations today at this price to be locked in.

• Monthly payments are required to keep your reservations current. Your invoice will clearly note your payment plan. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.

• You must ensure your roommate, if applicable, is also making timely monthly payments.

• Roommate Matching is available. Review our Roommate Matching Program.

• You can log-in to our client portal to view your account and reservations 24 hours a day.

• Name changes are allowed with a $100 name change fee up until the final payment date and $250 after your final payment date.

• Late payment of $250 per person is required after final due date listed on your payment plan. Late payment fees are automatically added to your reservations the day after your final due date.

• All late payment requests must be approved by management before the final payment deadline on your account.

**Accommodations, activities, and other inclusions and/or their order may change and/or be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control and/or for any other reason we deem necessary. In the event this occurs, we will try our best to arrange similar accommodations, activities, and other inclusions.**

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL NOTES:

• Traveling abroad requires a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates. Please take a look at your passport right now to be sure it does not expire soon. Refunds will not be provided for expired passports.

• All prices are based on the rates of exchange in effect at the time of price quotation. In the event that the US dollar devalues, Be Relaxed Destinations/Wine Lover Group reserves the right to increase prices accordingly. Your final invoice will reflect increases resulting from currency devaluation.

• When making your reservations, you can choose to pay in full or select our convenient payment plan. If you select a  payment plan, you will automatically added to our automatic monthly payment plan option. You can opt-out of this program by emailing us at support@berelaxeddestinations.com.

• Please review our Auto Payment Plan Option.

• If you choose a monthly payment plan, you will receive monthly notices when your payment is due.

• Please note that our suggested flight leaving from [Wash Dulles (IAD) on Oct 09, 2019 and arrive in Rome, Italy (FCO) on Oct 10, 2020. Check-in at hotel begins on Oct 10, 2020.

• Please be mindful that we suggest and recommend all attendees arrive into FCO at least 3 hours before flight time. For peace of mind, you should additionally consider flying into FCO on Oct 10, 2020 and stay one night at a nearby hotel. We can provide assistance with hotels.

• Transfers: Please refer to the itinerary for arrival and departure transfer times. Should you require transfers outside of these times, you will need to make your own transport arrangements or transfers can be arranged for an additional fee.

• If you require a roommate match, please complete our roommate matching form: ROOMMATE MATCHING FORM

• Provided full payment is received no later than your Final Payment Due date, travel documents, itineraries and travel instructions will be sent via email 30 days or earlier prior to travel. All documents will be sent via electronic mail.

• This group tour will include walking tours over uneven and rugged streets. Please plan accordingly.

**It is the guests’ responsibility to notify Be Relaxed Destinations/Wine Lover Group of all email address changes.**

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Unexpected circumstances can occur. A sudden health emergency for you or an immediate family member before or during your trip could spoil your vacation. Trip Insurance is therefore highly recommended.