WORLDWIDE CULTURAL AND CULINARY VACATIONS
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Living La Dolce Vita in the Heart of Italy's Central Hill Country

(Luxurious Culinary Adventure in the Italian Countryside of Lazio)

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regular price: $4,798
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7 days | 6 nights

Visit Medieval Villages, Discover Old World
Cultures and Immerse Yourself in Regional Cooking!

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Live la dolce vita (the sweet life) with this one-of-a-kind culinary experience set in the heart of an exquisite medieval Italian village. From the moment you arrive in Castro dei Volsci, your hosts will immerse you in culture and cuisine you're sure to remember for a lifetime. In addition to delicious tours and tastings throughout the Ciociaria (pronounced Cho-cha-REE-a) region, you'll have the opportunity to further your gourmet skills with four intensive cooking classes. During each hands-on cooking class, you will master a full four-course meal before sitting down to enjoy it with the best local wines. Your culinary experience doesn't end there, however, as you'll venture out for meals in the local area to further immerse you into this unparalleled cuisine. Add in some free time for shopping and exploration and you'll certainly be living la dolce vita!

Living La Dolce Vita in the Heart of Italy's Central Hill Country

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ Testimonials
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.
•6 Nights' Lodging
•Round-trip Rome Airport Transfers
•All Meals and Wine Each Day
•Four Hands-on Cooking Classes
•Welcome Dinner – Guided Village Tour
•Mozzarella Making Tour
•Arpino Olive Oil Tour
•Traditional Italian Farmhouse Dinner
•Abbey of Fossanova
•Seaside Town Visit and Dinner
•Prosciuttificio Visit - Alatri
•Coffee Tasting Experience
•Authentic Cucina Italiana Dinner
•Shopping in Frosinone
•Winery Visit & Tasting
•Old Cantina Visocchi Dinner
•Multi-Course Farewell Dinner
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
April through early October. (This tour starts on Monday and ends on Sunday)
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Round Trip Transfers | Guided Village Tour | “Benvenuti” Welcome Dinner Your much-anticipated culinary experience begins with transfers from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Villa Marcello. Benvenuti and check-in at the Villa is followed by an aperitivo and light lunch. You will then set off for a guided walk acquainting you with the medieval historic village of Castro dei Volsci. After taking some time to relax, unwind, and unpack, "La Dolce Vita" begins with a special welcome dinner served at the Palazzo's Taverna !
Day 2
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Gourmet Breakfast Buffet Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into an area rich in culinary tradition. Your decadent breakfast buffet is extremely eclectic, featuring fresh fruit, tomatoes, mozzarella, and exquisite pastries. A vast array of the area’s highly acclaimed cheeses and cold meats is a treat for both the eyes and the palette.
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Mozzarella Making | Cooking Class | Lunch | Abbey of Fossanova | Seaside Town Visit with Dinner Today begins with a perfect Italian coffee and breakfast in the newly renovated bar in the Palazzo. A cooking class will follow, where you'll meet the chef and together you will create a perfect antipasto, a sumptuous primo piatto, a delicious secondo with the proper contorni and a fabulous dessert. You will enjoy the food prepared with the chef at one of the Palazzo's dining facilities with some of the best local wines selected to enhance and highlight the quality of the food. After a perfect espresso or cappuccino to close your lunch, the afternoon continues with a visit to the "Abbey of Fossanova" on your journey to the Tyrrhenian seaside. Then dine by the beach at the local Trattoria Centosedici, located in the seaside town of Terracina.
Day 3
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Gourmet Breakfast Buffet Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into an area rich in culinary tradition. Your decadent breakfast buffet is extremely eclectic, featuring fresh fruit, tomatoes, mozzarella, and exquisite pastries. A vast array of the area’s highly acclaimed cheeses and cold meats is a treat for both the eyes and the palette.
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Second Cooking Class | Lunch | Prosciuttificio | Coffee Tasting Experience | Alatri Ristorante Dinner La Dolce Vita continues with a traditional Italian breakfast served at the breakfast bar.After breakfast, the second cooking class begins, prepared together with the Chef and enjoyed with a special selection of wines in one of the charming dining rooms. The afternoon begins with a stop to Nero Caffè for a coffee bean and tasting experience, followed by a visit at Prosciuttificio (Prosciutto Factory) Erzinio in the town of Guarcino, "The Parma of Ciociaria", and have a sample of authentic Amaretti cookies. After a walking tour of the historical town of Alatri, a special dinner is waiting for you at the local "ristorante" to introduce you to an authentic "cucina italiana" and the wines that compliment.
Day 4
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Gourmet Breakfast Buffet Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into an area rich in culinary tradition. Your decadent breakfast buffet is extremely eclectic, featuring fresh fruit, tomatoes, mozzarella, and exquisite pastries. A vast array of the area’s highly acclaimed cheeses and cold meats is a treat for both the eyes and the palette.
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Third Cooking Class | Lunch in the Olive Mill | Winery Tour & Tasting | Cantina Visocchi Dinner Today after breakfast,, you have a free morning to enjoy a walk in the hills around or just relax.You'll continue your Dolce Vita experience in the Palazzo's kitchen where with the chef you will prepare a 4-course meal and enjoy the dining ambiance of a 16th century Frantoio, savoring your culinary delights accompanied by yet another selection of local wines. In the afternoon, the toasting & tasting continues, visiting one of the best wineries of Ciociaria, "Villa La Ferriera" in Atina. Here you'll visit the cantina as the host introduces you to the procedure of making and testing wine. Dinner tonight is at the "Old Cantina Visocchi" completely restored with antique winery relics into a sophisticated restaurant called Le Cannardizie. Our host Patrizia Patini, a sommelier, will give you a taste and sampling of some fantastic wine from the region, followed by dinner.
Day 5
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Gourmet Breakfast Buffet Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into an area rich in culinary tradition. Your decadent breakfast buffet is extremely eclectic, featuring fresh fruit, tomatoes, mozzarella, and exquisite pastries. A vast array of the area’s highly acclaimed cheeses and cold meats is a treat for both the eyes and the palette.
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Brunch | Pizza Making Class | Shopping | Dinner Enjoy an delicious brunch this morning followed by a lesson on how to make the perfect pizza dough! While the dough is rising, stroll the cobblestone streets of Castro Dei Volsci and visit the Artisan shops where you can participate with the artisans in learning the traditional art that has been passed down generation to generation. This is a great time to find that treasured memento to remember your visit with us. In the early afternoon, Chef Valerio walks you through making the pizza making process and followed by a "pizza party". This evening you'll enjoy a night of entertainment in the tavern.
Day 6
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Gourmet Breakfast Buffet Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into an area rich in culinary tradition. Your decadent breakfast buffet is extremely eclectic, featuring fresh fruit, tomatoes, mozzarella, and exquisite pastries. A vast array of the area’s highly acclaimed cheeses and cold meats is a treat for both the eyes and the palette.
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Olive Oil Tour & Tasting | Lunch | Farewell Dinner After breakfast, the day continues with an olive oil tour in the town of Arpino, birthplace of Cicero and land of the Olives. Here, you'll visit a traditional olive oil mill where you'll learn the process of how to make extra virgin olive oil. You'll then proceed to a local estate and taste the fresh olive oil. A light lunch with flavors of the oil and a sample of some of the owner's organic wine to accompany our visit. After lunch you'll head back to Castro dei Volsci for some time to relax. Your final night's Farewell Dinner is held at a local restaurant, Il Ditirambo. A special menu has been created by its chef that mixes up local traditions and new suggestions, to conclude your La Dolce Vita culinary experience, and to extend to you a warm "Arrivederci!"
Day 7
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Gourmet Breakfast Buffet Each morning brings the opportunity for you to dive into an area rich in culinary tradition. Your decadent breakfast buffet is extremely eclectic, featuring fresh fruit, tomatoes, mozzarella, and exquisite pastries. A vast array of the area’s highly acclaimed cheeses and cold meats is a treat for both the eyes and the palette.
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Check-Out and Departure Time flies when you’re having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, “Edible Destination.” Your tour includes luxury transfers back to the Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO). Arrivederci!
Villa Marcello
Though fit for a king, the Villa Marcello was long ago the summer residence of Pope Innocenzo III. One can easily see why he chose it--breathtaking views abound from the Villa's terrace, offering guests a chance to look upon the main square of the village, as well as the picturesque countryside of Castro Dei Volsci. The completely renovated, four bedroom Villa Marcello is located adjacent to the main building and has been reappointed with elegant touches throughout. The Villa includes a common living room area with fireplace and its own kitchen with spectacular views. Each guest suite has its own private bath with shower, flat screen TV, air-conditioning and WiFi, creating a luxurious enclave perched high atop this medieval village.
Castro dei Volsci, Italy•Arpino, Italy•Sperlonga, Italy•Guarcino, Italy•Boville Ernica, Italy•Atina, Italy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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To all of you at Villa Marcello, Grazie!! Thank you for all you have done to make this a week I will never forget!
JoAnn S. - October 2023
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Grazie to the whole team! My compliments to the authentic warmth and family atmosphere shared by all. I was touched by the constant kindness to accommodate my allergies, and the gluten-free food was fantastic. I greatly enjoyed the conversations while driving, the father/son songs, the kitchen lessons, and Luca’s jokes. The Olive Mill tour especially!
Laura B. - September 2023
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Thank you to the hardworking staff at Villa Marcello. We appreciate the professional service and all of the effort that each person makes to support and enhance the guest experience, which adds to an enjoyable vacation time. Thank you for your kind and gracious hospitality. May God bless you all.
Daniella and Victoria - October 2022
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This was our second visit, and it was even better than the first. From the moment they picked us up at the airport to our drop off at the end of our tour, the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. The views from the village are just awesome, and the food is divine. This was the first time trying the La Dolce Vita program, and it exceeded my expectations. I am already planning my return with several close friends!
Janet R. - April 2022
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