Hiking - Top Ways to Enjoy an Awesome Experience

What could be more exciting for an adventure lover than hiking in the beautiful valleys of Nepal? Of course, this is one of the most interesting things that you can do when on an adventure trip. However, there are certain things you need to consider in order to make sure that your trip goes in a smooth manner.
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Take a tour from New York

TrekAmerica.com offers a Freedom Trail trip from New York.

Prices range from $799 to $949

From their website:

Day: 1 New York Area & Boston
Welcome to Bean Town! Relive the Revolution along the Freedom Trail or let Faneuil Hall's street performers, stores and eateries tell their own Bostonian tale. Lounge and watch the locals from the lawns of Boston Common, then pop across to the famous pub Cheers.
Accommodation: En-route hostel paid locally


Day: 2 Berkshire Mountains
City folk just can't resist hiding out here in summer and you'll soon figure why. Trails snake through forested hills and meadow walks skirt clapboard farms. This is 100% New England.
Accommodation: Camping


Day: 3 Niagara Falls
From the edge of Lake Ontario, the sensation of crashing water is stupendous, the noise immense, at America's greatest national attractions, Niagara Falls. Wait 'til you're down on the water aboard 'Maid of the Mist', where the cascades pound, churn and foam right before your eyes. That's what you call a front row seat!
Accommodation: Camping included


Day: 4 Bear Country
Here in Pennsylvania, there are more black bears per square mile than anywhere else in the States. Keep your cameras on standby, folks!
Accommodation: Camping included


Day: 5-6 Washington DC
See where America's leaders shape the country's future. An evening tour shows off the seat of US power, awash with icons like the White House, Jefferson Monument and Capitol Hill. When it comes to DC's museums 'Land of the Free' is spot on: barely any of them, sensational Smithsonian included, will cost you a dime. Later, switch from culture to clubbing in the oh-so-cool lounges around DuPont Circle and Georgetown.
Accommodation: Camping included


Day: 7 New York Area
We head back to the Garden State via Pennsylvannia where our adventure began. This tour is not scheduled to spend any time in New York City so make sure you book extra hotel nights and explore the sights and sounds of the Big Apple on your own. Splurge along Fifth Ave, hit the top of the Empire State Building, or soak up the trendy, laidback vibe of Greenwich Village before heading home.

Tour ends at approx 17:00 hrs in New York Area on day 7.

New Tours for Gap Adventure

GapAdventure.com has added some new adventures to its 2010 roster. Well, when I say some... dozens!

YOLO Trips (You Only Live Once)

Budget Galapogos
Touring Galapogos serves two purposes. First, you get to see them, and second, your tourist dollars can help save the Galapogos wildlife, which otherwise might be killed by poachers, or natives trying to make some money.

The tour:
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time.

Day 2 Baltra/North Seymour (B,L,D)
Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival meet our naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to our boat, the g3. Set sail and reach Seymour Island in the late afternoon. Our first landing shows us the great bird life of the island, including magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. We may also catch a glimpse of sea lions and several species of endemic plants.

Day 3 Rabida/Puerto Egas (B,L,D)
Cruise to Rabida Island in the morning and visit a salt water lagoon rich in wildlife and vegetation. A large sea lions colony provides great photo opportunities. Spend the afternoon visiting the lava rock beaches for which Puerto Egas is known.

Day 4 Sombrero Chino/Bartolomé (B,L,D)
This morning we visit Sombrero Chino, located on Isla Santa Cruz. Arrive at Bartolomé Island in the afternoon. Learn the geological history of Bartolomé as our naturalist explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. We may spot rare Galapagos penguins, of which less than 1000 pairs exist.

Day 5 South Plaza/Santa Fé (B,L,D)
Set sail and reach South Plaza Island in the morning. One of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, South Plaza has one of the largest populations of Land Iguanas. In the afternoon visit Santa Fé Island. Santa Fé Island (also called Barrington) is well-known as a great place for watching (and swimming with) sea lions.

Day 6 Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
The morning we visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Charles Darwin Station, see giant tortoises and learn about Charles Darwin’s studies of Galapagos wildlife. Free time to do some shopping and exploring.In the afternoon visit the highlands of Santa Cruz.

Day 7 Floreana (B,L,D)
Reach Floreana Island in the morning and stop at Champion Islet. In the afternoon we go to Punta Cormorant to see a variety of birdlife.

Day 8 Española (B,L,D)
Head to Garner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkeling site. In the afternoon head to Puenta Suarez on Española Island. The southernmost island in the Galapagos is home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies.

Day 9 Black Turtle Cove/Quito (B)
Located on the second-largest island in the archipelago of Isla Santa Cruz, we venture to the picturesque Black Turtle Cove by panga ride to experience the full splendour of the diverse marine life and birds. We then transfer to the airport and fly to Quito. Enjoy one last night on the town.

Day 10 Depart Quito

IF YOUR TOUR STARTS ON A THURSDAY IN QUITO PLEASE FOLLOW THE BELOW ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time.

Day 2 Puerto Ayora (B,L,D)
Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival we will be transferred by ferry and bus to Puerto Ayora where we meet our naturalist guide and visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz in the afternoon.

Day 3 Floreana (B,L,D)
Reach Floreana Island in the morning and stop at Champion Islet. In the afternoon we go to Punta Cormorant to see a variety of bird life.

Day 4 Española (B,L,D)
We make our way to Gardner Bay in the morning and Punta Suarez on Española Island. The southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago is home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies.

Day 5 Black Turtle Cove/North Seymour (B,L,D)
Located on the second-largest island in the archipelago of Isla Santa Cruz, we venture to the picturesque Black Turtle Cove by panga ride to experience the full splendor of the diverse marine life and birds. In the afternoon we continue on to North Seymour, home to abundant animal life including the magnificent frigate bird.

Day 6 Rabida/Puerto Egas (B,L,D)
Cruise to Rabida Island in the morning and visit a salt water lagoon rich in wildlife and vegetation. A large sea lion colony provides great photo opportunities. Spend the afternoon visiting the lava rock beaches for which Puerto Egas is known.

Day 7 Sombrero Chino/Bartolomé (B,L,D)
This morning we visit Sombrero Chino, located on Isla Santa Cruz. Arrive at Bartolomé Island in the afternoon. Learn the geological history of Bartolomé as our naturalist explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. We may spot rare Galapagos Penguins, of which less than 1000 pairs exist.

Day 8 South Plaza/Santa Fé (B,L,D)
Set sail and reach South Plaza Island in the morning. One of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, South Plaza has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. In the afternoon visit Santa Fé Island. Santa Fé Island (also called Barrington) is well-known as a great place for watching (and swimming with) sea lions.

Day 9 Santa Cruz/Quito (B)
Today we arrive back to Santa Cruz. Morning visit to the Charles Darwin Station here we have the chance to view some of the giant turtles and learn more about Darwin´s work .

Transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for our flight to Quito. Transfer to our hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy one last night on the town.

Day 10 Depart Quito

A bit more about the Galapogos Islands

The Galápagos Islands (official name: Archipiélago de Colón; other Spanish names: Islas de Colón or Islas Galápagos) are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 km (525 nmi) west of continental Ecuador. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site: wildlife is its most notable feature.

The Galápagos islands and its surrounding waters are part of a province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of around 23,000.

The islands are geologically young and famed for their vast number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. His observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.

The first crude navigation chart of the islands was done by the buccaneer Ambrose Cowley in 1684. He named the individual islands after some of his fellow pirates or after the English noblemen who helped the privateer's cause. More recently, the Ecuadorian government gave most of the islands Spanish names. While the Spanish names are official, many users (especially ecological researchers) continue to use the older English names, particularly as those were the names used when Charles Darwin visited.

and

Environmental threats
Introduced plants and animals, such as feral goats, cats, and cattle, brought accidentally or willingly to the islands by humans, represent the main threat to Galápagos. Quick to reproduce, these alien species decimate the habitats of native species. The native animals, lacking natural predators on the islands, are defenseless to introduced species and fall prey.

Some of the most harmful introduced plants are the guayaba or guava Psidium guajava, avocado Persea americana, cascarilla Cinchona pubescens, balsa Ochroma pyramidale, blackberry Rubus glaucus, various citrus (orange, grapefruit, lemon), floripondio Datura arborea, higuerilla Ricinus communis and the elephant grass Pennisetum purpureum. These plants have invaded large areas and eliminated endemic species in the humid zones of San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz. Also, these harmful plants are just a few of introduced species on the Galápagos Islands. There are over 700 introduced plant species today. There are only 500 native and endemic species. This difference is creating a major problem for the islands and the natural species that inhabit them.

Many species were introduced to the Galápagos by pirates. Thor Heyerdahl quotes documents that mention that the Viceroy of Peru, knowing that British pirates ate the goats that they themselves had released in the islands, ordered dogs to be freed there to eliminate the goats. Also, when colonization of Floreana by José de Villamil failed, he ordered that the goats, donkeys, cows, and other animals from the farms in Floreana be transferred to other islands for the purpose of later colonization.

Non-native goats, pigs, dogs, rats, cats, mice, sheep, horses, donkeys, cows, poultry, ants, cockroaches, and some parasites inhabit the islands today. Dogs and cats attack the tame birds and destroy nests of birds, land tortoises, and marine turtles. They sometimes kill small Galápagos tortoises and iguanas. Pigs are even more harmful, covering larger areas and destroying the nests of tortoises, turtles and iguanas as well as eating the animals' native food. Pigs also knock down vegetation in their search for roots and insects. This problem abounds in Cerro Azul volcano and Isabela, and in Santiago pigs may be the cause of the disappearance of the land iguanas that were so abundant when Darwin visited. The black rat Rattus rattus attacks small Galápagos tortoises when they leave the nest, so that in Pinzón they stopped the reproduction for a period of more than 50 years; only adults were found on that island. Also, where the black rat is found, the endemic rat has disappeared. Cows and donkeys eat all the available vegetation and compete with native species for the scarce water. In 1959, fishermen introduced one male and two female goats to Pinta island; by 1973 the National Park service estimated the population of goats to be over 30,000 individuals. Goats were also introduced to Marchena in 1967 and to Rabida in 1971. However a recent goat eradication program has cleared most of the goat population from Isabela.

The fast growing poultry industry on the inhabited islands has been cause for concern from local conservationists, who fear that domestic birds could introduce disease into the endemic and wild bird populations.


The tanker Jessica aground in the Galapagos, January 2001.The Galápagos marine sanctuary is under threat from a host of illegal fishing activities, in addition to other problems of development. The most pressing threat to the Marine Reserve comes from local, mainland and foreign fishing targeting marine life illegally within the Reserve, such as sharks (hammerheads and other species) for their fins, and the harvest of sea cucumbers out of season. Development threatens both land and sea species. The growth of both the tourism industry and local populations fuelled by high birth rates and illegal immigration threaten the wildlife of the Archipelago. The grounding of the oil tanker Jessica in 2001 and the subsequent oil spill brought this threat to world attention.

Currently, the rapidly growing problems, including tourism and a human population explosion, are further destroying habitats.

In 2007, UNESCO put the Galápagos Islands on their World Heritage in Danger List. [4]

On January 28, 2008, Galapagos National Park official Victor Carrion announced that 53 sea lions (13 pups, 25 youngsters, 9 males and 6 females) were killed at Pinta, Galapagos Islands nature reserve with their heads caved in. In 2001 poachers killed 35 male sea lions.[5]

The Galápagos Islands were short-listed as a candidate to be one of the New7Wonders of Nature by the New Seven Wonders of the World Foundation. As of February 2009 the archipelago was ranking first in Group B, the category for islands

Take a Trek to Canada

www.trekamerica.com has a few tours to Canada.

Here's one called "Mountie"

From their site:

14 days, from SEATTLE to SEATTLE
Trek Type: TrekAmerica (18-38's)
Destination: Canada
Accommodation: Camping
Trek Code: MO

TREK IT OUT!!
Bathe in Sulphur Mountain's hot springs Delve into the wild on an included canoe trip See the sights of Vancover and Seattle

and

TOUR OVERVIEW

Explore the pristine wilderness of British Columbia and Alberta... Camp in the high Rockies, soak in hot springs, hike across an ice glacier, and canoe on a crystal clear mountain lake. The Mountie will take you into the heart of Canada's wilderness - the perfect outdoor adventure!

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
2-day overnight wilderness canoe trip - (experience not necessary) Sulphur Mountain hot springs Wildlife viewing Scenic walks and hikes Sightseeing in Vancouver & Seattle National and provincial parks - Yoho, Banff/Lake Louise, Jasper and Wells Grey Services of a TrekAmerica tour leader All transportation by private adventure vehicle 13 nights camping fees & equipment (except sleeping bag)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (paid locally)
Canoeing US$25-US$75 Great national park hikes US$FREE Mountain Biking US$45-$95 Horseback Riding US$45-$115 Western saloon evening US$10 Aerial Tramway Ride US$10-US$30 Guided Glacier Walk US$65-$175 Scenic Glacier Flight US$180 Rollerblading US$10-$20 Seattle Space Needle US$12 Capilano Suspension Bridge Park US$30 Whitewater Rafting (in season) US$100-$200


TREK NOTES
This tour may operate in either direction.

PRIVATE DEPARTURES
Why not arrange your own TrekAmerica departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our classic "Trek" style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

Travel Insurance

I was just visiting the GapAAdventures.com site, and I see they have a lot of info about Travel Insurance.

These days, travel insurance is a must. You never know when you're trip might be cancelled... either because of your illness, or because of bad weather. Travel insurance just makes good sense.

Here's a bit of what they have to say about it.

What insurance is required?
Travel medical insurance is mandatory. With a wide variety of company, credit card and travel policies out there, how do you know if your coverage is sufficient for our style of adventure travel? Our minimum insurance policy coverage for medical emergency evacuation and repatriation is USD$200,000 (or equivalent in other currency). If your pre-existing coverage does not meet these needs, you will be required to purchase travel medical insurance.

Why should I get cancellation insurance?
Adding cancellation insurance to your medical insurance is optional, but always recommended. By having 'all-inclusive' coverage you do not need to worry about emergencies that can happen any time, any where, before or during your travels. Including the cost of your airfare, as well as your tour(s), ensures that you do not have to worry about any unforeseen situations such as having to rush home to a family member or having a tour changed or cancelled because of a natural disaster.

How much does it cost?
Less than you'd expect! Travel medical insurance is based on the number of days of coverage - so how long you will be away. All-inclusive insurance, which adds cancellation to your medical insurance, is based on the dollar value of the tours, airfare, hotel nights and other services being covered. Typical costs, in USD, on a 10-day tour valued at $1000 with airfare coverage at $1000 as well would be:

Medical insurance only for 10 days = around $50
All-inclusive insurance (medical + cancellation) for $2000 (tour + airfare) = around $130

Get a quote on travel insurance!
Give our Adventure Specialists a call:

In North America - 1 800 708 7761
In the UK - 888 800 4100
In Australia - 1300 796 618
In New Zealand - 0800 33 33 07

Time for a Kenya Wildlife Adventure, May 23, 2010

If you visit the website for GapAdventures (GapAdventures.com) you'll find a Kenya Wildlife Adventure just waiting for you. The next adventure starts May 23, 2010. $1408 per person (not including taxes, of course.)

Here's the overview of the 9 day trip from their website:

Day 1 Arrive Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi at any time.

Day 2-3 Samburu Game Reserve (2B,2L,2D)
Samburu is a wildlife haven with many species that are rarely found elsewhere. Enjoy a full day game viewing in search of this unique wildlife!

Day 4-5 Lake Nakuru (2B,2L,2D)
Descend into the Great Rift Valley enjoying stunning views of the escarpment on the way. Lake Nakuru is a shallow soda lake, renowned for its huge concentration of flamingos and over 460 species of birds. Embark on a safari within Lake Nakuru National Park, in search of the resident black and white rhino, buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.

Day 6-7 Masai Mara (2B,2L,2D)
With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit here! Spend time game viewing with excellent chances of seeing the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

Day 8 Nairobi (B,L)
Enjoy one last morning game drive in the Masai Mara, watching the animal kingdom come to life as the sun rises over the Mara plain. Continue through the Great Rift Valley on your way back to Nairobi.

Day 9 Depart Nairobi (B)

If you're a wine enthusiast, Italy is the place for you.

http://iexplore.com offers guided tours to Italy.

iExplore Luxury Wine Tour of Umbria

From their website:
Recommended times for this itinerary are May 1st to mid-July and September 1st to mid-October. Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details

Unlike Tuscany, Umbria has luckily been untouched by large-scale tourism. Etruscans and Romans made wine in this fertile region 2,500 years ago. Innumerable artists have lived here enriching its piazzas with architectural jewels and frescoed its churches and palaces with dazzling masterpieces. Food ingredients and preparation have remained traditional. Olive oil, lamb and Durham wheat pasta. Truffles from Norcia. Pecorino tartufato. Stuffed "porchetta", young roasted pig flavored with wild fennel. Stringozzi pasta resembling rustic spaghetti. Cardoon and lentils are protected by IGP. Unsalted bread, “casereccio”, is baked in wooden ovens. This is “essential” cooking where everything is balanced beautifully and all the flavors are brought out to sing together with their wines to a perfect pitch, in one of the most magical settings in the world.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Rome, Italy- Torgiano
Upon arrival at the Rome airport, you will be met by your chauffeur and your local Customer Service Coordinator and will be privately driven to your hotel Relais Borgo Brufa in Torgiano, Perugia where you will be assisted with check-in. Enjoy the balance of your day at leisure.

Dinner at the Hotel. Borgo Brufa is a luxury resort set in a highly panoramic position on the crest of a hill, offering superb views of Perugia, Assisi, Spello, Foligno, Spoleto, and of the Umbrian countryside.
Dinner
Relais Borgo Brufa

Day 2: The Cantico Route. Pila and Perugia
This morning you will be met at your hotel by your local English-speaking guide and you will be driven to visit the first winery.

There are 3 main wine routes In Umbria: The Cantico Route, the Etrusco-Roman Route and the Sagrantino route. We are starting with the Cantico Route. You will be driven to the Goretti Winery in Pila. This estate is in the DOC Perugia Hills and has its wine tastings in an imposing 14th Century tower, symbol of the winery. Outstanding wines are the red DOC L’Arringatore and the DOC Grechetto only grown in Umbria. L’Arringatore gets its name from 2nd Century BC Roman statue of “The Haranguer” (L’Arringatore) found on the Estate and which is now in the Archeological Museum in Florence. It also grows an awarded Sagrantino in Montefalco.

Wine tasting and lunch al fresco in the terrace overlooking the Colli Perugini and the city of Perugia.

Afternoon: you will visit Perugia, a notable artistic center of Italy. From its early days as an Etruscan city to the Renaissance the city played an important role in the history of the peninsula with powerful families giving birth to an overwhelming display of wealth and in turn the arts. The famous painter Pietro Vannucci, nicknamed Perugino, was a native of Perugia. He decorated the local Sala del Cambio with a beautiful series of frescoes; Notable sites are the Etruscan Arch, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Palazzo dei Priori, and Galleria Nazionale with paintings by Piero della Francesca and Beato Angelico.
Wine tasting and dinner at Relais Borgo Brufa.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relais Borgo Brufa

Day 3: Torgiano
This morning you will be met at your hotel by your local English-speaking guide and you will be driven to the Hotel “3 Vaselle in Torgiano owned by the Lungarotti family, one of the outstanding wine makers of Italy. Here multi-award Chef Chef Domenico D’ Imperio holds his Umbrian cooking lessons. Guests will be receive recipe booklet, and certificate of participation.

For groups of less that 8 people the cooking class will be held at the Academy Cooking School in Bettona, near Perugia. Guests will receive recipe booklet, certificate of participation and photo of event.

Lunch today is at the Hotel Le Tre Vaselle; here you will have a 4-course D’Imperio lunch with the tasting of 4 wines from the classic Lungarotti line. Drawing from the millennial cuisine of the area Chef D’Imperio creates dishes that blend the traditional and innovative.

In the afternoon you will visit the nearby Wine Museum .The museum run by the Lungarotti Foundation is a history lesson on the making and drinking of wine through the ages from the role of wine in medicine to wine making techniques, equipment and the vessels used for storing, shipping and drinking wine . The Museum has also a world-class collection of art works ranging from paintings, prints, to ceramics on the consumption of wine.

Then you will be driven to the celebrated winery founded in the 60’s by Giorgio Lungarotti and run today by 3 Lungarotti sisters. Chiara Lungarotti is President of the National Wine and Tourism organization. Tasting Torre di Giano, Aurente IGT, Rubesco Riserva DOCG, Giubilante.

You then will be driven to your Hotel Relais Borgo Brufa where you will have dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relais Borgo Brufa

Day 4: Assisi- Todi
Today after checkout, your local English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel for a full day dedicated to Assisi area.

You will be driven to the Sportoletti Winery in Spello near Assisi. The Sportoletti brothers own 40 acres on the hills of Spello and Assisi. Tasting will be with local specialties prepared by Mrs. Sportoletti. The produce 4 wines: Assisi Rosso D.O.C., Assisi Grechetto D.O.C., Villa Fidelia Bianco I.G.T., Villa Fidelia Rosso I.G.T

Lunch will follow at Il Frantoio in Assisi. The restaurant is housed in an old 17th century olive press with a garden terrace serving local specialties.

Afternoon visit of Assisi: The city, which is still within the confines of the old Roman wall has preserved most of its medieval buildings, and walking around its narrow streets is like stepping back in time. Frescoes by Giotto adorn the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi. The Cathedral of St. Rufino is built on a Roman cistern. And an imposing medieval castle, Rocca Maggiore, rises on top of the hill. Unesco declared Assisi a World Heritage site.

You will be driven to Todi to check-in at the Roccafiore Resort. This is a rich and comfortable rural farmhouse with a full view of the Todi hills. Gardens, vineyards and olive groves perfectly match the skyline of Todi’s medieval bell-towers and the beautiful landscape of the Martani Mountains. Sloping down from the pool one can contemplate the graceful lines of the Sangiovese and golden Moscato vineyards.

Each guest will receive a 30-minute full body massage in the spa.

Dinner at the Hotel: the Fiorfiore Restaurant blends homemade and refined cuisine based on the farm’s products (wine, oil, vegetables and legumes) and neighboring’ farm products (meat, cheese, truffles). Tasting of the Roccafiore wines: Rosso Sangiovese IGT, Roccafiore Grechetto.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Roccafiore Resort

Day 5: Todi
You will be met at your hotel by your local English-speaking guide for a ride to the Cantine Peppucci in Petroro di Todi. Housed in the 13th Century St Antimo Abbey, this very small winery is a family business run by the founder’s children, Elizabeth and Filippo. The abbey is considered one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of Medieval Umbria. The spectacular territory and the Peppucci’ family dedication to making high quality wines makes this a unique visit. Tasting: Petroro Red, Montorsolo Grechetto di Todi, Alter Ego Red.

Lunch at the Todini Winery in Collevalenza, Todi. The agritourism and winery are located in the heart of the Colli Martini next to Colli Perugini and the Sagrantino area. Wine tasting in the winery and then lunch in the luxurious agriturismo owned by Mr. Todini. The views are spectacular and so is the food.

Tasting: Rubro San Giovese, Bianco del Cavaliere ( Grechetto di Todi DOC), Tiaso Rosso IGT Umbria, Eteria Grechetto IGT Umbria and Nero della Cervara.

In the afternoon you will visit Todi, another medieval jewel. The Duomo built on the Roman Temple of Apollo, The Captain’s palace and the Prior’s Palace face the sloping main square, one of the most picturesque in Italy and regularly used as a film set.

Return to Relais Roccafiore and before dinner a visit to the Roccafiore Winery and Cellars or relax at the Roccafiore spa.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Roccafiore Resort

Day 6: Etruscan- Roman Wine Route- Orvieto
Today you will be met at your hotel by your local English-speaking guide for a ride on the Etruscan-Roman Wine Road.

The first visit is to the Falesco Winery in Montecchio. Owned by enologist brothers Enzo and Riccardo Cotarella the estate is home to great experimentation with old vines. This has resulted in great new wines among them the EST!EST!EST! Enologist Riccardo Cotarella introduces wines. Marciliano, Pesano, Vitiano Rose’ and Grechetto

Lunch at “Le Grotte del Funaro” in Orvieto. Dating from the 1100 this restaurant with a spectacular terrace serves Umbrian specialties. Wines: Dubini Winery: Ultima Spiaggia, Piviere San Donato

Afternoon: visit Orvieto. Orvieto is a medieval city built high up on a cliff. The defensive walls are built of the same stone so that the city rises like an impregnable monolith from the surrounding plain. It was a major center of Etruscan culture since the 7th century BC. A Papal residence since the Middle Ages it has striking monuments ranging from Etruscan ruins to its magnificent gothic Duomo and the spectacular Well of St Patrick.

Check-in at Locanda Palazzone, Orvieto.

Dinner at Locanda.

This Hotel and winery owned by Giovanni and Ludovico Dubini is a treat. Built like a town palazzo by a Cardinal in the 13th century it stands alone on top of a hill with spectacular views of Orvieto. It is now a converted farmhouse with 7 luxurious residences. Reds: Armaleo, Rubbio, whites: Terre Vineate, Campo del Guardiano. They are the only producers who age Orvieto.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Locanda Palazzone

Day 7: Orvieto
In the morning you can lounge around the pool or take strolls through the vineyards. Later in the morning you will be met at your hotel by your local English-speaking guide for a drive to The Winery of Decugnano dei Barbi.

Wine was grown on the Decugnano Hills since the 13th century. Claudio Barbi owns it since the 1960’s and his son Marco runs the company. Impressive caves have been excavated in lava rock to age the sparkling wine Decugnano Brut for which they are famous.

Tasting and lunch al fresco around the pool.

Wines Decugnano Rosso-Lago di Corbara DOC, Rosso Umbria IGT, Decugnano Pinot Nero – Lago di Corbara DOC, white: Orvieto Classico DOC, Bianco Umbria IGT.

After lunch your guide will take you to visit the winery Antinori’s Castello della Sala in Orvieto. The 1,000 acres estate has as its center a totally restored Medieval Castle built in the 14th Century, The Antinori's, giants among Italy’s wine producers bought the castle in the 1940s to take advantage of Umbria’s unique microclimate and to expand into whites. The castle’s tasting room feels like Henry the VIII could come in any time. Tasting: Cervaro della Sala, Muffato della Sala, e Pinot Nero.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Locanda Palazzone

Day 8: Montefalco
Today after checking out you will be met at your hotel by your local English-speaking guide for a trip on the Road of Sagrantino.

No more than 20 growers only make this wine in the Montefalco and Bevagna area.

Visit to the Arnaldo Caprai winery. Caprai in the 1970’s took the old Sagrantino, an ancient dessert wine and experimenting with the vine created the first Sagrantino red. Wines: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano DOCG, Montefalco Rosso DOC

Lunch Enoteca Alchimista Montefalco: In the midst of Montefalco’s main square the Enoteca Alchimista is true to its name concocting fanciful flavors out of classic umbrian recipes. Wines: Caprai’s Anima Umbra, Bea’s Montefalco DOC Rosso.

Afternoon visit of the village of Montefalco and the St. Francis Church with its remarkable frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli.

And then another visit to an important grower: Paolo Bea . The family roots in Montefalco go back to the 1500’s.The small, still artisanal production focuses on high environmental standards and organic farming barring chemicals in the vineyard. Among its unique organic methods is the burying of globe artichokes under the vines to improve exhausted soil.

Tasting: Santa Chiara IGT bianco, Rosso de Veo, Montefalco Doc Rosso Riserva, Montefalco Docg Sagrantino Secco, Montefalfo Docg Sagrantino Passito.

Dinner at “Il Bacco Felice” Foligno. Owner Salvatore Denaro is a passionate proponent of growing your own food. His chickens, rabbits and pigs as well as his tomatoes and fava beans come from his farm. You do not order. He brings out whatever he has created for the day. A dictatorial chef well worth the surprise. The only place in which wines are not included in the dinner.

Your Hotel for the night is Villa Pambuffetti in Montefalco. This is a 19th Century family Villa under majestic trees turned into a 4 star resort.
Villa Pambuffeti
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Montefalco- Rome- Depart
Today you will be privately transferred to the Rome airport.
Breakfast