TASTE ITALY ON A CHEF-GUIDED TOUR!
CULINARY TRAVELS WITH CHEFS CHRISTINE GARDNER & SIMON WEBSTER
PRIVATE VILLA * EXCLUSIVE TOURS
CURATED ITINERARY * SMALL GROUP
PRIVATE DRIVERS * PERSONAL SERVICE
2025 SCHEDULED TRIPS:
All groups are full. Please email for waiting list in case of possible guest cancellation.
2026 SCHEDULED TRIPS:
September 2026: Couples/Mixed Group - Itinerary Below
October 2026: Ladies Group - Itinerary Below
Email for 2026 dates & additional details.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
2026 Private Group Planning: Details
2025 & 2026 Amalfi Coast Travel Planning: Details
8 DAY/7NIGHT ITINERARY
This itinerary is for 2025 & 2026
DAY 1: BENVENUTO ALLA DOLCE VITA!
Members of our group rendezvous at our private villa in Sorrento during the afternoon. (Additional information regarding travel and airport transport will be given upon reservation. Transport from Naples airport or train station to villa is provided. Transport from other locations can be arranged, but additional cost will be applied.)
Upon arrival you will have time to relax at the villa, get settled, or enjoy time by the pool. (See villa photos below.)
For our evening meal, the villa chef has prepared a welcome dinner featuring authentic dishes of the Campania region. We’ll enjoy a casual family style Italian meal on the terrace of our villa overlooking Mt. Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR VILLA:
Our villa is located on the west side of Sorrento near Massa Lubrense. You’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Capri, Mt. Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. The blue of the Mediterranean meets the blue skies and captures the timeless beauty of the Sorrento coastline.
Everything about our villa is defined by classic Mediterranean beauty. The villa's interior design focuses on an elegant blend of complementary styles and decorative features, creating a sophisticated whole that is both contemporary and timeless.
Built in the 1700s, care has been taken to update the villa with modern amenities, but still preserve the European aristocratic charm.
Each room includes a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, housekeeping and air conditioning. To see more villa photos, click here.
DAY 2:
FLAVORS & SIGHTS OF SORRENTO
Today you have an opportunity to relax at the villa and then explore Sorrento. Christine will lead a brief walking tour of the historical sites, food markets, churches and spectacular shopping. You will then have the remaining time to enjoy Sorrento at your leisure and dine at the restaurant of your choice for lunch and dinner.
(Additional cost for this day: Lunch & dinner in Sorrento. Personal expenses in Sorrento.)
DAY 3:
BOAT EXCURSION TO CAPRI
Each morning, breakfast at the villa will be provided. Today we take an all day excursion to the island of Capri. You will be amazed by the marvelous scenery of the Sorrento coastline and the beauty of the “blue island” of Capri. Our cruise takes us through the famous grottos and around Capri to admire the beautiful island. We will be dropped off at the Marina Grande and have free time to visit Capri for shopping, exploring, eating and relaxing in the Italian atmosphere. The group will disperse so you are free to enjoy Capri as you wish.
Beverages and snacks provided on the boat. Activities and
food while in Capri are an additional cost. This excursion lasts about 8 hours. The boat is very comfortable with ample deck space, seating and a bathroom.
After returning from Capri, everyone is free to dine on their own in Sorrento. (Additional cost for this day: Lunch in Capri. Personal expenses in Capri, taxi cost in Capri. Dinner in Sorrento.) Click here for more photos of Capri.
DAY 4:
HISTORY OF PASTA & MT. VESUVIUS VINEYARD
Today we go to the ancient ruins of Pompeii where you will be led by a private guide through the vast archeological site that has excavated the catastrophic destruction of the Mt. Vesuvius eruption.
After the Pompeii tour, we take a short drive to a vineyard and winery at the base of Mt. Vesuvius that produces some of the Campania region’s most well-known wines.
We will have a wine tasting and hands-on cooking class at the winery with the vineyard owner and his family. After the class there will be a beautiful dinner in the vineyard enjoying the wonderful wine and dishes we prepared in the class. (Additional cost for this day: Personal expenses only. All other meals and activities provided.)
DAY 5:
POSITANO & PIZZA MAKING EXPERIENCE
Today we go to nearby Positano to explore this amazing seaside town. This vertical paradise is a wonder to see and explore. You will have free time to peruse the town and visit the shops, church and beach. There are numerous restaurants on the beach level where you can have lunch and soak in the amazing views.
After Positano, we will go to a family-owned agriturisimo for a farm to table cooking class featuring woodfired pizza and mozzarella. All of the gardens surrounding the property are used to grow ingredients for the family’s restaurant, bed & breakfast and food market in Sorrento. They produce olive oil, herb blends, tomato sauce, preserved vegetables, marmalades and limoncello. We’ll learn the art of of Neapolitan pizza making & everyone will have the chance to make their own pizza and enjoy some other Southern Italian delicacies. (Additional cost for this day: Lunch in Positano.)
DAY 6:
AMALFI COAST TOUR
This all-day excursion takes us on a tour of the scenic Amalfi Coast. In the city of Amalfi you can tour the famous Duomo, browse the harbor & visit the unique shops. We continue our journey along this picturesque route where we will have lunch in a 13th century medieval watch tower that is now one of the most famous restaurants in the area.
After lunch we visit Ravello -- an exclusive haven, known for its musical festivals and historic villas – Rufolo and Cimbrone. You will have free time in Ravello for exploring. The excursion ends with a visit to one of the premiere ceramic stores on the Amalfi Coast where you’ll find beautiful Italian ceramics in dozens of patterns.
When we return to the villa everyone is free to dine on their own in Sorrento. (Additional cost for this day: Dinner, personal expenses during excursion.) Click here for more photos of this excursion.
DAY 7:
FREE TIME
On this day there are no planned group excursions. Spend the day enjoying the incredible views and amazing scenery of Sorrento, our villa and the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
You are free to plan your own excursion, relax by the pool, visit the beach, or shop and stroll through Sorrento.
Other possible activities include return trip to Capri, tour of Pompeii/Herculaneum or massages at the villa.
We will rendezvous at the villa in the evening for a farewell dinner.
(Additional cost: Added excursions, lunch, personal expenses. Assistance is available for arranging whatever activity you choose.)
DAY 8:
DEPART FROM VILLA
Everyone departs the villa by 10am. Group transportation to Naples airport or train station is provided. Assistance with travel to other destinations is available. Rome transfer is available for an additional fee.
RESERVATION & PRICE DETAILS:
This itinerary is for 2025 & 2026
Dates are not published for privacy reasons.
Contact us for exact dates.
EMAIL for inquiries about private groups or other custom itineraries.
Please be advised, the terrain of the Amalfi Coast area and many locations visited on this tour are not advised for those with limited mobility. This tour requires a great deal of walking. Most locations visited are not handicap accessible and involve stairs, inclines or uneven cobblestone pavement.
6250 euros per person includes double occupancy accommodations, group excursions, group scheduled transport from Naples to and from villa, group meals, wine/drinks at villa and other designated activities.
(Airfare not included. Does not include some meals, as indicated in itinerary.)
$2500 deposit due upon reservation, per person.
$500 nonrefundable service charge for cancellation, per person.
Price will be calculated at current exchange rate on date of final payment. Rate fluctuates daily.
(Exchange rate average for 2025: 1 EUR = 1.04 USD. Current price in USD $6500.)
Final payment due 180 days from departure.
Cancellation after balance is paid is 100% non-refundable.
Additional cancellation policy details available upon request.
Solo travelers: Full price, plus 1000 euro single occupancy fee for private room. Limited availability. Please inquire for details.
Participants are advised to purchase travel insurance. Additional payment/cancellation details provided in travel agreement.
Itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
When changes occur, we work to achieve the same level of service and offer better or similar excursions.
For Questions & Reservations Contact:
903-922-9209