Join the Colavita family, children and friends for an unforgettable summer vacation through the Molise and Apulia regions of Italy where Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Colavita Pasta and other fine Italian specialty food items are produced. The historic beach town of Termoli on the Adriatic is where we will call ‘home’ for the first four nights before heading south to the olive and grape lush region of Apulia. Each afternoon-into-evening, we will have an active agenda planned to compliment our relaxing morning beach time. Activities include exploring ancient ruins, historic towns and castles, dining and shopping tours. But of course, you can always choose to remain on the pristine beach until the sun goes down! Regardless, you’ll be charmed by the beauty and hospitality of Molise and Apulia. And with the Colavita family as your hosts…this will be a vacation you will always remember.While in Italy, where cycling is a national passion, we invite you to bring your bike to ride in the early mornings with other members of the group or to explore the region at your own pace. See details below.
Our all-inclusive package includes:
• Round-trip economy air travel from Newark to Rome
• Eight nights accommodation at selected hotels
• All inland transportation and transfers
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners except last evening to explore Rome on your own
• Wine and beverages at dinners included
• All guided tours, excursions and tipsExtras: Unfortunately, some extra costs will apply for:
• Single room stays
• Oversized baggage costs at airport check-in for those traveling with bicycles
• Travel insurance (encouraged)
• Departing for Italy earlier or leaving later than scheduled dates
• Unusual circumstances which might result in date and pricing changesCost of trip per person (includes sales tax):
• 2 Adults per room: $3795.00
• 3 per room: (2 – Adults, 1- Child under 18):
Adults: $3600; Youth/Child: $3200• 4 per room: (2- Adults, 2- Children):
Adults: $3450; Youth/Child: $2950(For children under 3 yrs and under, substantial discounts may apply.)
Final payment is due April 1, 2006.
Remaining seats are limited, please act soon to ensure your spot.All pricing subject to final confirmation prior to departure.
*persons under age of 18 must be roomed with an adult.Cancellation Policy (pdf)
To learn more about the trip or to reserve your space:
e-mail: usa@colavita.com or call Nicole at 1-888-265-2848 ext. 129.
- 2006 Itinerary -
(subject to change and improvement!)Departure (July 23)
Today we depart Newark International Airport and head off on our way to beautiful Italy!Day One (July 24th)
We'll arrive at the Rome airport in the morning and met by our bus driver who will accompany us for the week and head to the nearby Colavita headquarters in Pomezia. There we will be greeted by members of the Colavita family. After an espresso and refreshments, we'll stretch our legs for a tour of the packing facility and watch the recently harvested and pressed Italian olive oil get filled into Colavita bottles bound for worldwide distribution. For those wishing to carry around some Colavita EVOO samples for the next 8 days are welcomed to do so!
Next we’ll wind our way through Frascati, an area in the Region of Lazio that is best known for producing the delightful white wine that bears its name. Even before there was a city of Rome, the citizens of this region enjoyed the local wine, which they called "Gold Wine," not just because of its color, but also for the money it brought to the local economy. We will stop at a vineyard to sample a glass of Frascati and see for ourselves what has made this wine a favorite throughout the ages. Our final stop of the day is Termoli where we will get settled into our hotel and gather for dinner.
Day Two (July 25th)
Enjoy your first leisurely day in Termoli on the sandy beach or take a guided walking tour. The walking tour will depart from the hotel at 10am* and head into the old part of town that is walled and guarded by a castle. The castle was built above the beach in 1247 by Frederick II. We will visit the town's cathedral which houses the relics of Saint Timothy and then walk into the modern town where we can browse the shops. In the evening, we will return to the old part of town to have a typical Molisan dinner in a characteristic trattoria.
*Cyclists will depart for the countryside by 8am.
Day Three (July 26th)
Today we will visit the Tremiti Islands---a jewel-like cluster of islands located approximately 40 km east of Termoli. The islands are extraordinarily beautiful and boast breathtaking views. Our private boat tour will give us a taste of what these small limestone islands have to offer---lovely reefs, enormous needle rocks, gorgeous coves and deep turquoise waters. We will visit the island of San Domino, the biggest of the islands as well as the island of San Nicola, where you can explore the fortified abbey, built in the 8th century, that crowns the cliff. And of course, after lunch, we will have the opportunity to relax a bit under the dazzling sun or go for a dip in the crystal clear waters.
Early morning ride.
Day Four (July 27th)
Our final day in Termoli will include an optional excursion to the hilltop town of Larino at 10 AM*. Known today as "la citta dell'olio" for its rich tradition of producing quality olive oil, Larino is also well known for its rich history. We will visit Larino's well preserved amphitheatre, which is presumed to have been constructed between 70 and 150 A.D., to learn about the ancient Roman and Samnite civilizations that occupied this area. And then we will head into the town center to get a glimpse of the centuries-old street life and to visit Larino's cathedral, a gothic masterpiece.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Campobasso where we will be greeted by Michele Scasserra, the owner of the Colavita Pasta factory, and learn how pasta is produced and packaged while touring his pasta facility. We'll remain in town for a walk through the narrow windy streets of the historic center and visit the old fortress and church atop the hillside for a view of the city. Others may opt to shop and discover the latest Italian fashion in the piazza. We'll remain in town and share a farewell dinner with the Colavita family as we depart the region of Apulia (a.k.a Puglia) in the morning.
*A group ride will depart from the hotel at 8:00 AM.
Day Five (July 28th)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out and depart for the region of Apulia by driving along the Gargano Peninsula – the spur on the boot shape of Italy. Renowned for its cliffs and greenery, the Gargano Peninsula is largely a national park site. Our first stop will be the picturesque town of Vieste, located on the Eastern most tip of the peninsula. We’ll see the many old towers that look out into the Adriatic Sea in defense of the peninsula as well as the landmark Pizzomunno, a sandstone monolith central to many of the legends told in this region.After lunch, we will head for our hotel to check in and have some time to unwind by either visiting the beach, cycling or exploring the town. In the evening, we will head to a lively nearby town called Torre a Mare for dinner.
Early morning ride.
Day Six (July 29th)
In the morning, we will travel to the nearby Castellana Grottos, considered to be the deepest caverns in Europe. (http://www.grottedicastellana.it) Then we will head south into Apulia's most magical area, Alberobello. Alberobello boasts hundreds of "trulli", an attraction that you will only see in Apulia. Trulli are whitewashed, gnome-like huts that are made of stones. Legend has it that because trulli are held together without mortar, they could be easily dismounted when it came time to pay taxes. In addition to sightseeing amidst the famous trulli, we will have the opportunity to walk through Alberobello's famous picture-perfect narrow streets, visit the town's cathedral and to purchase some souvenirs.
We will return to the hotel for some relax time before dinner in Polignano a Mare, a charming old village overlooking the Adriatic with little alleyways and flights of steps.
Early morning ride.
Day Seven (July 30th)
The region of Apulia produces more wine than any other Italian region; therefore, our trip to Apulia would not be complete without a visit to a local winery. We will be greeted by the owners of the winery who will teach us how wine is made as well as how to do a correct wine tasting. We will taste several of their wines and have the opportunity to buy our favorites before heading to a local "masseria" (Italian farm). We will take a walk around to see the various animals and then sit down to a typical "Pugliese" lunch.
After lunch, we will visit another castle built by Emporer Frederick II, Castel Del Monte. The massive castle, built as a perfect octagon, can be seen from miles away crowning an isolated peak way above the surrounding countryside. We will wander through huge rooms, eight on each floor, that were once decorated with reliefs in Greek marble, porphyry and precious stones.
Early morning ride.
Day Eight (July 31st)
We bid our farewell to Apulia and board the bus back up towards the region of Lazio, home to Italy's capital, Rome. We'll stop for lunch along the way and check-in to our hotel. Our Roman tour guide will be awaiting us and guide us on our tour of Rome's most famous site, the Colosseum. Afterwards, you are free to do as you wish! You may stroll down the Spanish Steps, stop to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain or visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. The rest of the evening is yours to explore the sights and tastes of Rome on your own.
Day Nine (August 1st)
Early breakfast and transfer to Rome Airport where we will depart for the United States.
Aditional Photos:
Making buffalo mozzarella
More Buffalo mozzarella
Termoli's historic center
Termoli's castle
Hotel Meridiano, Termoli
Beach in Termoli
Tremiti Islands
Larino's Amphitheatre
Colavita Pasta
Center of Campobasso
Old part of Campobasso
Monforte castle, Campobasso
Cathedral in Trani
Among the trulli in Alberobello
Wine barrels
Masseria in Apulia
Castel del Monte
Fountain of Trevi, Rome
Spanish Steps, Rome
