Take a Trip Back in History on this Magical Mediterranean Adventure. Explore the Gulf of Naples, Herculaneum, Amalfi Coast, Capri and Mount Vesuvius
This authentic Southern Italian tour combines culinary experiences, hands-on cooking classes, and guided tours of UNESCO historical sites throughout the Campania region. Your time in Naples by the sea will be filled with exciting excursions to Pompeii, boating along the Amalfi Coast with a visit to the Isle of Capri, Mount Vesuvius Vineyard Experience, and guided Herculaneum Historical Tour. There are multiple hands-on cooking classes featuring the best of Italian cuisine while taking in the beautiful views of the sea. Daily breakfast and dinner are included in your tour, as well as four unique lunches. Even though there are a lot of activities packed into this tour, you'll still have enough down time to relax, and soak in the fabulous sunsets and famous coastal scenery.
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VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•Naples Airport or Rail Station Transfers
•6 Nights Hotel Accommodations
•6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 6 Dinners
•Neapolitan Hands-On Cooking Class
•Herculaneum Historical Tour
•Capri & Anacapri Excursion
•Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii Vineyard Experience
•Amalfi Coast Boat Tour & Visit
•Fresh Pizza Hands-On Cooking Class
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
Season Runs April to Mid-October. Tours start on Sunday and end on Saturday. 6 persons minimum
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Naples Airport or Train Station Transfers to the Hotel
Your driver will meet you at the Naples Airport or Train Station for your short drive along the coast to your hotel located in Ercolano (just outside historic Herculaneum). There will be light refreshments provided to begin your holiday. The hotel is located only 35 minutes from the airport.
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Sunset Welcome Dinner with Wine
Meet your hotel contact and review the week's exciting schedule as you sip your exotic welcome drink. This evening you will enjoy a four-course dinner with wine in the hotel's fine restaurant overlooking the breathtaking sea views of the Gulf of Naples. La Terrazza specializes in fresh seafood prepared in the classic Neapolitan style infused with unforgettable flavor.
Day 2
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Italian Breakfast Buffet
Your day starts with a delicious Italian continental breakfast served buffet style on the terrace overlooking the sea. It includes breakfast sandwiches, chef's homemade desserts, cereal, yogurt, juices, salami, ham, assortment of cheeses, eggs, jams, honey, croissants and fresh fruit of the season.
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Neapolitan Hands-On Cooking Class & Pastry Lesson | Lunch with Wine
Cooking with a view! Each day the backdrop of your cooking class will be an unforgettable view of the Gulf of Naples. Your cooking experience begins with Gnocchi pasta, Sorrento style. You can enjoy gnocchi with the special traditional Neapolitan sauce. As second course you will prepare the seafood biscuit of Castellammare, a typical octopus salad and the Neapolitan pastry: the Frolla, filled with ricotta and cooked semolina flavored with vanilla, "millefiori" flavor and mixed candied fruits. A three-course lunch will be served with wine following the cooking class.
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Herculaneum Historical Tour | Dinner at La Terrazza
Enjoy a stunning walk through the ruins of Herculaneum, offering a unique opportunity to rediscover the last moments of life in this city affected by the volcanic eruption of 79 A.D. Admire the panorama that has inspired artists from around the world. Embrace the pure vitality of the volcano, which will show you its slow and dark breath through the fumes coming from rocks surrounding the path. Dinner will be back at the hotel this evening.
Day 3
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Italian Breakfast Buffet
Your day starts with a delicious Italian continental breakfast served buffet style on the terrace overlooking the sea. It includes breakfast sandwiches, chef's homemade desserts, cereal, yogurt, juices, salami, ham, assortment of cheeses, eggs, jams, honey, croissants and fresh fruit of the season.
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Capri & Anacapri Experience | Island Lunch | Dinner at La Terrazza
After a short walk from the hotel, you will reach the Borbonic dock of Villa Favorita, one of the best preserved gardens of the borbonic period. It's only 45 minutes to reach the island of Capri. At the port of "Marina Grande" your guide will be waiting at the meeting point, "Bar Gabbiano". From there, you will get to Anacapri crossing the scenic road from where you can see the entire Gulf of Naples. Lunch on the island consist of your choice of different sandwiches prepared by the typical Neapolitans "Salumerie" of Anacapri like "De Martino Pasquale". After the lunch break, visit all the major points of interest of the island: La Piazzetta, the square which is the meeting point of the jet set worldwide; Via Vittorio Emanuele, the shopping street of the island and end at the Augustus Gardens, a perfect photo spot for the famous symbol of the island, the Faraglioni. After the free time, you will reach the port of Marina Grande by a minibus, for the boat tour around the island. After the tour of the coast, you will be boarding to come back to the docks in Herculaneum followed by the short walk back to the hotel for free time before dinner on the terrace. In case of bad weather and/or rough seas, alternative plans will be made for the day.
Day 4
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Italian Breakfast Buffet
Your day starts with a delicious Italian continental breakfast served buffet style on the terrace overlooking the sea. It includes breakfast sandwiches, chef's homemade desserts, cereal, yogurt, juices, salami, ham, assortment of cheeses, eggs, jams, honey, croissants and fresh fruit of the season.
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Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii Vineyard Experience with Tastings | Lunch | Dinner at La Terrazza
Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano on mainland Europe, which rises majestically above the Bay of Naples. Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in 79 A.D. that led to the burning and destruction of the Roman Cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Today's excursion will start in a vineyard at the foot of the volcano. Here, you'll taste a variety of organic wines, extra virgin olive oil tasting along with a sparkling wine tasting. Following this gastronomic tour, you'll enjoy a delicious tasting lunch. After this experience you will have the opportunity to visit Pompeii on your own. You can also make your way to the top of Mount Vesuvius. If you plan on spending more time in the area, you will need to make your way back to the hotel on your own for an additional fee. You can arrange this with your guide during your tour. The view is definitely one you'll remember, so don't forget your camera. You will have some free time before this evening's dinner at the hotel.
Day 5
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Italian Breakfast Buffet
Your day starts with a delicious Italian continental breakfast served buffet style on the terrace overlooking the sea. It includes breakfast sandwiches, chef's homemade desserts, cereal, yogurt, juices, salami, ham, assortment of cheeses, eggs, jams, honey, croissants and fresh fruit of the season.
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Amalfi Coast Boat Experience | Sunset Dinner Overlooking the Harbor
This morning you will set sail along the Sorrento Coast, admiring the enchanting beauty of Sorrento. Take in the panoramic views overlooking the sea, the baths of Queen Giovanna, the Bay of Ieranto and the marine protected area of Punta Campanella. The onboard guide will accompany you during the crossing, sharing various anecdotes, curiosities and legends of these historic places. The first stop will be in Amalfi, a UNESCO heritage town, where you will have approximately three and a half hours to admire its picturesque views and romantic panoramas. Lunch will be on your own today, to take advantage of the variety of eateries of the area. We suggest you take advantage of your free time to visit the famous Cathedral of St. Andrew and the Paper Museum. You will then reach Positano, where you will have about one hour to discover the pearl of the Amalfi Coast, famous for its narrow streets, small stores and colorful ceramics. At the end of the day, you will be driven back to your hotel. Enjoy dinner back at the hotel overlooking the harbor.
Day 6
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Italian Breakfast Buffet
Your day starts with a delicious Italian continental breakfast served buffet style on the terrace overlooking the sea. It includes breakfast sandwiches, chef's homemade desserts, cereal, yogurt, juices, salami, ham, assortment of cheeses, eggs, jams, honey, croissants and fresh fruit of the season.
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Neapolitan Pizza Cooking Class | Lunch with Wine | Free Time to Explore | Farewell Dinner
Your lesson starts with the Crocchè – a delicious potato croquette antipasto originating from Naples. Then it's time for pizza! The preparation of the pizza dough will begin on Wednesday, giving it time to rise. Then we'll work on creating some of the most delicious pizza you've ever tasted! The last dessert you will make is Torta Caprese, a typical chocolate and almond cake from the Isle of Capri that uses no flour…so it is gluten free. You will see this cake in all the pastry shops! There will be free time to relax back at the hotel prior to sunset cocktails and your farewell dinner.
Day 7
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Italian Breakfast Buffet
Your day starts with a delicious Italian continental breakfast served buffet style on the terrace overlooking the sea. It includes breakfast sandwiches, chef's homemade desserts, cereal, yogurt, juices, salami, ham, assortment of cheeses, eggs, jams, honey, croissants and fresh fruit of the season.
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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." Remember, short excursion packages are often available in nearby cities or historic destinations. Should you desire an extension, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. Early in the morning on your departure day, you and your newly acquired friends will be transferred back to the Naples Airport or Train Station.
Hotel Punta Quattroventi
Hotel Punta Quattroventi is located near some of the most important attractions in the province of Naples. Your superior room with private balcony and beautiful views of the sea is also the perfect location for viewing outrageous sunsets. The scenery offers views of some of the best coastal areas in Campania. Each room features a bathtub and shower, AC, mini-bar, hair dryer and TV. In the heart of the historical and culturally rich area near Pompeii and Herculaneum cities, adventure is only a short distance from the hotel. With a private beach, two pools, hot tub, fitness center, a stress-free itinerary - relaxation is virtually guaranteed.
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.
Winner OUTSTANDING CULINARY TRAVEL Category
Vacation options presented on this website are offered by Epitourean LLC doing business
as Edible Destinations pursuant to an agreement with Marriott Resorts, Travel Company,
Inc. d/b/a MVC Exchange Company (“MVC”). MVC and its respective affiliates make no
warranty, express or implied, regarding the quality, condition, features or amenities
or any other aspect of any tour or package. The tours and packages offered herein may
have limited availability, are subject to change, and/or may be subject to additional
fees and/or taxes. MVC and its parent company and respective affiliates are not liable
for any damage to, loss of, or theft of personal property, for any bodily injury, or
any other matters, that occurs arising out of or related to the tours or packages
available through Epitourean. MVC HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT OF Epitourean, AND
DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY IN THIS REGARD TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Access to the Culinary Tours is made available through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™
exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the
applicable Abound documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual
arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.
The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are
subject to change.
Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make
no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, features or
amenities or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed
herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or
the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of
or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
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