A CULINARY TOUR THROUGH
MOLISE, ITALY
DURING THE OLIVE HARVEST

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San Polo Matese

Day One
We meet at the Rome airport and transfer by bus to the Colosseum to stretch our legs, learn some Roman history and take some great photos. On to lunch as Trattoria Perilli near the Pyramid where we will sample such typical Roman specialities as Roman-Style Artichokes and Spaghetti alla Carbonara. Back on the bus to head towards the region of Molise, first stop Isernia. Check in to the Grand Hotel Europa, freshen up. Dinner and tombolo lesson at the charming Trattoria Maresca. Walk back through town.

Isernia: The Fraterna Fountain

Day Two
Early breakfast and board the bus to head towards Northern Molise. We will pass the morning in the mountainside town of Agnone for a tour of the Marinelli bell foundry, a walk through the town and a visit to the ancient Samnite theater in the lovely hill town of Pietroabbondante. A traditional, relaxed country lunch will follow at the rustic Staffoli restaurant with some time to stroll. Back to Isernia for some relax. Dinner in Campobasso tonight-walk the main street and have dinner at the characteristic Zia Concetta.

Rocchetta a Volturno: The Basilica of Saint Vincenzo Nuovo

Day Three
This morning the local coffee producer, Peppe Camardo, will offer us an espresso and a tour of his nearby Camardo Caffe' factory. Afterwards, we leave Isernia and drive to the Campobasso area at Ripalomisani where we meet Michele Scasserra, the owner of the Colavita Pasta factory, and learn how pasta is produced and packaged. A quick jaunt to Attilia to learn about the Samnite civilization followed by a leisurely lunch at Trattoria Imperatrice in Sepino for a taste of the seasonal white truffles. Late afternoon we will visit a local cheese factory/buffalo farm and learn how they make the prized buffalo mozzarella. Back to Campobasso, check in at Roxy hotel to change and relax before our special dinner: To experience Italian hospitality is to truly experience Italy: Leonardo's wife, Lidia, will host us at their home that evening. Return to Roxy.

Roccamandolfi

Day Four
This morning we will venture to the hilltop town of Larino to witness the harvesting and pressing of olive oil and of course a tasting of the freshly pressed "novello" oil! Our trusted guides, Enrico and Leonardo Colavita, fourth generation owners, of the Oleifici Colavita olive oil company in Campobasso, will explain the master craft of tasting and producing olive oils. We will also have an opportunity to see the wonderfully preserved Samnite amphitheater in Larino and learn some local history. Then we will proceed on to the Di Majo winery where we will enjoy lunch, a tour and wine tasting. Later we will head towards the seaside town of Termoli to check into the hotel (tbd). Dinner to sample the local fishermen's specialities at Z'Bass.

Traditional Molisana Costume

Day Five
We bid our farewell to Molise and board the bus towards the the region of Lazio, home to Italy's capital, Rome. Lunch at Conte di Gallucci in the trendy Via Veneto. After lunch, we'll stroll down the Spanish Steps and stop to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Check in at the Columbus Hotel and then relax before dinner (tbd).

Day Six
We will have a guided tour of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and nearby churches and then a wonderful, typical Roman lunch at Da Lucia in the Trastevere area . Afternoon free for shopping and siteseeing. Pizza tonight.

Day Seven
This morning our art historian will lead us through the wonders of the Vatican Museums, culminating in the spectacular Sistine Chapel. The rest of the day (including lunch and dinner) is yours to explore the sights and sounds of the ancient city.

Be part of the this exciting COLAVITA group tour to Molise and Rome with Francis Anthony the Love Chef! From The Live With Regis Show! Your all-inclusive package includes:

• Round-trip economy air travel on Alitalia or Continental Airlines from New York to Rome
• 7 nights accommodation at selected hotels
• All transfers
• All (delicious, mouth-watering) meals until tour ends
• Sightseeing by scheduled tour in each city
• A guaranteed wonderful time!

All photos reproduced from the book Molise Immagini with the permission of Dr. Guido Cavaliere.

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