To have a comprehensive description of the

Dolcevita Holidays
Italian lifestyle
By GOODTIME Promotion
ITALY
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HERITAGE
OF ART, CULTURE, HISTORY, TRADITION AND LANDSCAPE
The Routes of Taste.
LOCAL TOURS DESCRIPTION
Food & Wine Tours from Riccione
Full day Food and wine tour
Conca Valley: MONTEGRIDOLFO and MONDAINO
Departure by bus at 9.30 for Montegridolfo for a walk in the castle and the visit of a renowned Oil
producer. We'll learn how to recognize a very good extra-vergin olive oil with perfumes, flavors.. (oil
tasting).
Lunch at a local “agriturismo”
In the afternoon visit of the medieval town of Mondaino (followed by a special guide: Dante Alighieri!)
from the main square, till the ancient mill where the famous “Fossa Cheese” is produced. Tasting of cheese
and other typical products .. on the verses of the Divine Commedy of the most famous italian Poet!
Full day tour in the inland to discover traditional italian food with cookery experience
Marecchia Valley: SANTARCANGELO + Homemade Pasta Course
Departure by bus at 9.30
Visit of Santarcangelo, tour of the medieval town, from the main square to the suggestive ancient caves
and the traditional “Romagnola Print” workshop. Visit of a famous cellar and lunch with typical dishes +
wine tasting.
Fun Cookery Course: Italian Style Home made fresh pasta !! you'll learn all the secrets of our traditional
recipes.
Full day Food and wine tour
BERTINORO & CASA ARTUSI
Departure by bus at 9.00 Visit of a famous cellar in Bertinoro, visit of the Wine's Museum and wine tasting.
Transfer to Forlimpopoli at CASA ARTUSI: centre of gastronomic culture dedicated to Pellegrino Artusi, the
father of Italian home cooking, loved all around the world. LUNCH at their renowned restaurant with the
Artusian Menu. After lunch visit of Artusi's library and walk in the town centre.
Art & Culture Tours from Riccione
Full day Excursion to SAN LEO FORTRESS and SAN MARINO REPUBLIC
Departure by bus at 9.00 for San Leo.
Visit of the Castle: visit of the famous medieval Fortress, ancient prison of the Alchemist Cagliostro Count.
The medieval walls are permeated of many legends and history, alchemy and mystery.
Lunch in a typical “Locanda” inside the medieval town.
In the afternoon transfer to San Marino for a tour of the little medieval city centre, from the S.Francis
door, through the Publics buildings, till the holy Basilica of S.Marino, all inside the suggestive medieval
walls !! This is also the capital of shopping cheaper and TAX free!
URBINO and RAFFAELLO'S LANDS
Departure by bus at 8.30 and arrival to URBINO hometown of the famous painter Raffaello. Visit of the
medieval city center and entrance to Palazzo Ducale (Marche National Gallery with all the masterpieces of
Raffaello, Piero della Francesca, Tiziano ..) ancient residence of the Duke Federico Montefeltro. LUNCH in a
typical restaurant with traditional “marchigiano” menu. In the afternoon transfer to a nearby medieval
town for a relaxing walk and visit of the historical centre (Sassocorvaro or Novilara depending on the time)
GRADARA
Situated at 142 metres above sea level, with the Republic of San Marino, Rimini and Carpegna in the
background, Gradara represents an extraordinary urban and architectural combination.
Legend has it that the castle was the scene of the famous and tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca,
caught in each other’s arms and killed by Gianciotto, Francesca’s husband. This love story was
immortalized by Dante in his Divine Comedy.
Guided tours of the village and castle of Gradara with illustration of the main historical and artistic
heritage, the architecture with panoramic view from the top, frescoes, paintings, interior design and
furnishings and of course a narration of the legend of Paolo and Francesca. Transfer for LUNCH at
Agriturismo. In the afternoon transfer to a nearby medieval town for a relaxing walk and visit of the
historical centre.
RAVENNA and the Byzantine Mosaics
Departure by bus at 8.30 Guided tour of the most important monuments: S.Apollinare in Classe, S.Vitale,
Galla Placidia Mausoleum (with their famous Byzantine mosaics) LUNCH at typical restaurant and in the
afternoon visit of the town centre: Dante Alighieri's Tomb, the original S.Francis Church and Piazza del
Popolo.
RIMINI & FELLINI
Depature by bus at 9.00 for a guided tour of Rimini, capital of summer holiday but also a very important
city for the Roman Empire .. guided walk through the Roman monuments (August's Arch, Tiberius's Bridge
..) and the Medieval monuments of the Malatesta Family (Sismondo's Castle, Malatesta Temple ..) LUNCH
in a typical Hostaria in the old centre with seafood menu. In the afternoon visit of the Fisherman Village
Borgo S.Giuliano where all the walls are painted with Murales about Federico Fellini's movies!
CESENATICO maritime traditions
Departure by bus at 9.00 Guided visit of its traditional Floating Maritime Museum a truly unique spectacle.
See the old fishing boats floating in the harbour and enjoy entrance to the grand section of the Maritime
Museum located inside a new building designed to resemble and ancient shipyard. Lunch at a fish tavern
near the harbor with a traditional menu. In the afternoon guided tour of all the corner of the small village.
Tours in Rome
CLASSICAL ROME
An itinerary by coach and on foot to visit the classic monuments of Rome. Crossing Piazza della Repubblica
with the Fountain of the Nayads, our local guide will take you on a pleasant stroll through the historical
centre, where you can admire the Trevi Fountain, La Colonna di Marco Aurelio, the Palazzo di
Montecitorio, designed by Bernini, the Pantheon (visit inside), Palazzo Madama seat of the senate, and
Piazza Navona. Passing alongside Castel S. Angelo the bus will leave you close to the Vatican City. Having
admired St.Peter's Square where you can hear all the guide has to say about the Basilica*, you will then
have the chance (except when there are religious celebrations) to explore this magnificent church on your
own and to admire masterpieces such as Michelangelo's la Pietà a and Bernini's bronze canopy. After the
visit you can decide to stay in Vatican city by your own or to get our transfer back to the Hotel.
CRYPTS & CATACOMBS
Discover imperial and early Christian Rome and millenniums of history as you descend into the Eternal
city’s underground burial chambers, its long winding catacombs and its crypts. Go below and beyond to a
time when Christianity was considered a simple cult whose members were xecuted as pagans and buried
as martyrs. The one and only tour that takes you to crypts and catacombs from different historical eras, in
various locations and with varying styles. Much of what Rome has to offer is buried underground - and
through this tour, our guests can discover the underside of Rome through three select sites -- The
Cappuccini Crypt (chapel decorated entirely by human bones), Domitilla Catacombs (ancient Christian
burial ground) and the Church of San Clemente (built over an ancient fourth century church built over an
even older Roman house containing Christian artifacts and a pagan temple - with ruins reaching 57 feet
deep).
COLOSSEUM WITH UNDERGROUND & THIRD TIER
For the first time in history, access has been opened to the underground level of the Colosseum. Tours
also explore the highest ‘third tier' level, now open for the first time since the 1970s. Hear the echoes of
Ancient Roman civilization as you journey through tunnels where lions and tigers once roared from their
cages and gladiators sharpened their swords. Then climb to the third tier and finally understand the
magnitude of the Colosseum as you marvel over spectacular panoramic views of the amphitheater as well
as the nearby Palatine and Roman Forum. Remember though, these areas can only be visited on a guided
tour so be sure to book now to avoid disappointment! Pulling yourself away from the Colosseum you will
climb the Palatine Hill, the most famous of the seven hills of Rome.
As you ponder views over Nero’s Circus Maximus where chariot races were once held, your guide will tell
you the story of Remus and Romulus who, legend has it, were found right here by the she-wolf who raised
them as her own. Romulus is often said to be the founder of Rome so what better place to start a trip to
the Ancient City. While our group sizes are only 12 people or less for most of this tour, limited slots mean
that two groups combine for special-access areas of the olosseum. Access is limited to only one company
per slot though, so these 23 people will be alone in the Colosseum underground, third-tier and arena
floor - promising an exclusive, once-in-a–lifetime experience. With so few other tourists around you will
have the time and space to let your magination run free in this astounding location, rebuilding the
Colosseum from the ground up with the guidance of your expert tour leader. During your time in other
areas of the Colosseum, as well as at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, intimate groups of 12 or less
allow your English-speaking guide to cater more specifically to the interests of your group.
ANCIENT ROME & CAPITOLINE MUSEUM
A discovery of the art and famed location that defines the beginning of Rome, this Rome tour of the
CapitolineMuseums, Capitoline Hill and surroundings illustrates the legendary past of the Eternal City.
From Trajan’s Column in the Imperial Fora your guide will put the Capitoline Hill into
context with the modern Victor Emmanuel II Monument (Il Vittoriano), one of the major monuments of
Italy commemorating the Italian Revolution and unification. From the Vittoriano you will walk
Michelangelo’s Renaissance staircase to Piazza Campidoglio atop the Capitoline Hill
where the ancient bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius awaits you.
One of the seven hills of Rome the Capitoline Hill's history characterizes it as the first capitol of the Roman
World and in fact it is from this very hill that we derive the word “capitol.”
With a thorough tour inside the Capitoline Museums you will explore the oldest public museum collection
in the world. Founded originally by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471 the Capitoline Museums now house some of the
most famous and definitive pieces of art such as the Dying Gaul, Capitoline Venus, an original colossal
bronze sculpture of Marcus Aurelius, Capitoline She-Wolf, Bernini’s Medusa, and the colossal statue
remains of Constantine. Enjoy the best view of the Roman Forum from the Tabularium underneath the
Capitoline Museums before re-emerging to Michelangelo’s
Piazza Campidoglio. You will end your visit of the Capitoline Hill overlooking the skyline of Rome upon the
terraces of the Victor Emmanuel Monument- the modern tribute to the Italian Republic and memory of
the Italian Risorgimento.
This Rome walking tour of the Eternal City's mythic origins and legendary beginnings up to its modern
grandeur encompasses the center of the civilization created and cultivated by the Romans -- leaving any
visitor in awe of the humble beginnings which evolved into the most famous of empires.
CHRISTIAN ROME
The first stop will be on the Esquiline Hill where our guide will show you some of the treasures inside the
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, before continuing by coach to stop and see the Holy Staircase and the
Lateran Palace and visiting the Basilica of San Giovanni*, the cathedral of Rome (visit inside). Then
proceeding along the Ancient Appian Way, you will pass by the Chapel of “Domine Quo Vadis?” before
arriving at the Catacombs, the ancient underground cemeteries and first hiding places for the Christians. A
visit will be made to either the Catacombs of San Callisto, Santa Domitilla or San Sebastiano depending
upon seasonal conditions. The tour will end with a view of the Baths of Emperor Caracalla.
Tours from Rome to the inland and to the South
TIVOLI – VILLA ADRIANA & VILLA D' ESTE
Following the ancient Via Tiburtina for 30 Kms. east of Rome, this tour allows you to visit and compare two very
splendid villas from two different ages. The Villa Adriana dating back to Roman Times and the Villa D’Este from the
Renaissance period. At the foot of the Tiburtini hills, source the famous spa town of Bagni di Tivoli - which are
dominated by vast quarries of travertine marble, you will stop first to visit the ruins of Villa Adriana which can only
hint at the grandeur and beauty of this Villa built by Emperor Hadrian to remind him of the monuments and sites he
had admired during his travels in the East. We then continue to the Villa D’Este, one of the most beautiful residences
of the Renaissance. The Villa’s countless fountains, set in the heart of magnificent Italian style gardens, create a
delightfully graceful symphony of carved stone, shade, sunlight and water.
Full Day Tour POMPEII & VESUVIUS
Join the only day trip from Rome that brings you up to the top of Mt. Vesuvius where you can hike to the
crater with a fantastic view of the bay of Naples below. Discover Pompeii and the still active Volcano that
brought the bustling Roman city to its terrible end in this exclusive day trip from Rome to Pompeii &
Vesuvius. After a comfortable transfer from Rome on an air-conditioned coach, we begin our day high
above the city and bay of Naples – on the ridge of the crater of the famous Mount Vesuvius. Infamous for
the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD, Vesuvius has erupted many times since – and is
today regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the 3,000,000 people
living in its immediate vicinity and the volcano’s tendency towards explosive eruptions. Lava flows have
scarred the sides of the volcano, and are visible on the winding road up to the top.
From the parking area, it is a 20 minute upward hike to the crater through soft volcanic ash and pumice –
and the view from the top is well worth the while. After our adventurous morning we’ll take a leisurely
lunch break, where you can experience the world-famous pizza Naples is known for. When you are ready
to go – it’s on to the highlight of the day: Pompeii.
Sitting in the ominous shadow of Vesuvius, the now ruined city of Pompeii was a sprawling metropolis of
shops and residences, restaurants, gyms and brothels. Walk Pompeii’s main streets just as the ancient
Romans did – the stones are still worn with tracks from the drawn carriages that tread them nearly 2000
years ago. We’ll visit the forum, the center of Pompeii’s political and social life, as well as view the startling
plaster death casts of the victims of the catastrophic eruption that destroyed the city – freezing forever in
time their last second of life. Join us on this comprehensive and fascinating tour of Pompeii & the powerful
Volcano that destroyed it and discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to hock
and fascinate the 2.6 million people who venture here each year.
Full Day Excursion to CAPRI
Capri, situated in the Gulf of Naples, surrounded by an emerald and turquoise sea, is often called the pearl
of the Mediterranean. This Island of Dreams has enchanted many people with the incomparable beauty of
its rugged landscape, the mildness of its climate, the richness of its vegetation and its characteristic small
white houses.
Leaving Rome in a southerly direction you take the “Highway of the Sun” crossing the fertile Roman
countryside and the area known as “Castelli Romani”.
Approximately halfway along the highway you will be able to see the Benedictin Abbey of Montecassino,
noted for the famous battle and its complete destruction during the Second World War. Arriving in Naples
you will board the jet boat for the 45 minute crossing to Marina Grande.
Minibuses are then used for a panoramic drive to reach Anacapri, situated at 280 metres above sea level
from where you will have a wonderful view of the Bay of Naples. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will
have some free time to take unforgettable photographs and purchase local products before returning to
Marina Grande to board the boat back to Naples. Entering the port of Naples, don’t miss this opportunity
to admire the splendid Maschio Angioino (a fortress of the 12th century), the Certosa of San Martino and
the Royal Palace. After disembarking you will then take the coach for the return journey of approx. 3
hours, back to Rome.
Food & Wine Tours from Rome
ROMAN CASTLES / COUNTRYSIDE
An opportunity to leave the metropolis and immerse yourself in the natural and artistic beauty of the small
medieval villages outside Rome.
Leaving Rome we drive by the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla and onto the Ancient Appian Way by the
Chapel of “Domine Quo Vadis?”. This tour takes us along the ‘Road of the Lakes’ through one of the hilly
areas of volcanic origin that characterize the outskirts of Rome; the Colli Albani with its many growing
villages. Castelgandolfo on the shores of a volcanic lake, where the Pope has his summer residence, Rocca
di Papa and Grottaferrata, known for their culture, sights and gastronomic delicacies which include the
traditional “porchetta”. Towards the northerly part of the Colli Albani, we reach Frascati popular with
visitors both for its beauty and considerable wine production. Here we stop for a taste of local wine and to
absorb the flavor of village life.
FRASCATI WINE TASTING TOUR
A wine tasting tour that transports you from the Eternal city to a tranquil hillside Villa encircled by
vineyards and olive groves in the Frascati countryside. Grasp Italy’s essence from the hilltops of the famed
Castelli Romani, “Roman Castles” as you experience history and enjoy a tour of the senses. The only tour of
its kind in Rome – Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in the Frascati region. The 200 acres
of vines surrounding 17th century architecture and 3rd century caverns lined with Acacia and French Oak
barrels are treasures of one of Italy's oldest and most distinguished noble families, the Pallavicini.Our
expert guide illustrates the local wine producing methods from antiquity to modern day and reveals
Imperial Rome as the cradle of wine culture, where the Nectar of the Gods went from a status symbol of
the elite to a pleasure enjoyed by all. This enticing voyage of the senses concludes with a guided tasting of
a special selection of Pallavicini’s featured wines and fresh pressed olive oil.
Transfer to RICCIONE via ASSISI
An itinerary that unveils the religious architecture of Umbria and the wines and local products of Tuscany.
Leaving Rome in a northerly direction, driving along the Tiber Valley, we reach ORVIETO, a small town of
Etruscan origins where we stop to admire the magnificent 14th century cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic
architecture. The tour continues through the green Tuscan Hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. This
is the land of some of Italy’s best known D.O.C. (quality controlled) wines, which include Orvieto, Chianti
and Brunello di Montalcino and a stop is included so that you can taste both some local wine and other
typical Umbrian and Tuscan products. Lunch too will be of traditional local dishes. In the early afternoon,
having driven along the shores of Lake Trasimeno, we reach ASSISI, built at the foot of Mount Subasio.
Here, during a guided stroll through the lanes of this historic town, you will see the Church of St. Claire*, St
Francis’ birthplace, his childhood home, Townhall Square with its People’s Palace, Roman Temple
dedicated to Minerva and of course the Townhall itself. Visit St Francis’ Basilica*, close to the ancient city
walls, with its magnificent frescoes painted between the 12th and 14th centuries. Leaving Assisi, we stop at
the town of Santa Maria degli Angeli* named after its church inside which, in the Chapel of Porziuncola*,
St. Francis died in 1226.
TOURS FROM BOLOGNA
Full day excursion to MODENA and MARANELLO
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for San Cesario di Modena and visit of Malpighi Company producer of
the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. After that transfer to Civitanova for visiting the farm Hombre and the
prestigious Museum of Vintage car Maserati. Afterwards, transfer to Maranello. Visit to the Galleria
Ferrari Cars. Optional: test-drive with Ferrari. Afterwards, transfer to Anzola and visit of the new Museum
of Carpigiani Gelato.
Return to Bologna.
Optional: afternoon, guided tour of "Bologna unusual"
Full day excursion to LANGHIRANO, TORRECHIARA and PARMA
DAY 4 - BOLOGNA
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Langhirano and visit to a company producer of Parma Ham. When
finished, transfer to Torrechiara for visiting the Castle of Torrechiara. Afterwards, transfer to Parma.
Guided tour of the historic center of Parma. Free lunch Leisure.
Return to the hotel.