Overview:
The Wings Over the World itineraries allow you to travel to remote destinations with less time spent getting there, thanks to private charter flights between locations. This easygoing luxury journey takes you through Italy, from the Renaissance art and classic cuisine of Rome to the rural Puglia and the storied islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Along the way, you will immerse yourself in local cultures, wines, and dishes, with exclusive private flights making it easy to access these far-flung locales. The aircraft used for this journey is the Challenger 850 or a similar model, but the seating configuration and aircraft may change. The flight details are as follows: Rome to Olbia (45 minutes), Olbia to Catania (1 hour and 20 minutes), and Catania to Bari (1 hour and 15 minutes).
Highlights:
- Private charter flights between destinations for easy access to remote locations
- Explore Rome’s Renaissance art and classic cuisine
- Experience the rustic charm of Puglia and its delicious local dishes
- Discover the beautiful islands of Sardinia and Sicily, and learn about their rich history and culture
- Immerse yourself in local wines and cuisines
- Stay in luxury hotels and resorts throughout the journey
Advantages:
- Private Tour.
- The tour can start on any date that suits you.
- Top VIP Treatment.
- Experience a hassle-free journey between some of Italy’s most enchanting mainland and island destinations with the convenience of private charter flights
- Treat your taste buds to the authentic fettuccine Alfredo at the Roman restaurant where the recipe was first created. Spend an entire day discovering the rugged backcountry of Sardinia, complete with a scrumptious lunch at a traditional farmhouse overlooking the picturesque coast
- Explore the culinary delights of Sicily
- including wine, chocolate, and gastronomic delights
- while also visiting the famous markets of Catania
- Immerse yourself in three days of exploration in Puglia, including a range of eclectic Design Your Day experiences.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Upon arrival in Rome, the Eternal City, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome reception and dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Sina Bernini Bristol Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 ROME | ANCIENT WONDERS & RENAISSANCE SPLENDORS
Delve into the history of Rome as you explore some of its most iconic sights and view the great Ara Pacis of Augustus, an altar dedicated to Pax, the goddess of peace, adorned with detailed stone friezes depicting ancient Roman life. Indulge in lunch at Alfredo alla Scrofa, where the classic dish fettuccine Alfredo was originally created. Afterward, gain private entry to the Villa Farnesina, a 16th-century suburban estate noted for its sumptuous Renaissance frescoes, Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Accommodation: Sina Bernini Bristol Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3 SARDINIA | PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENT
Fly by chartered air to Sardinia, Italy’s mountainous island in the heart of the Mediterranean. After arriving in time for lunch, visit the prehistoric site of Nuraghe La Prisgiona, dating back to the 14th century BC. Check into your hotel and later gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: CPH Pevero Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 SARDINIA | RURAL TRADITIONS
Embark on a full-day 4×4 Jeep safari into rural Sardinia, taking in breathtaking views of the ocean from rocky heights, and wandering through country landscapes and rural villages. Stop for a traditional lunch of Sardo specialties in a local farmhouse perched above the scenic coastline.
Accommodation: CPH Pevero Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5 CATANIA | SAMPLING A CITY’S CUISINE
Fly to Catania, in Sicily, and take note of the contrasts of the port and its Baroque architecture upon arrival. Set out on a foodie tour of the city and explore its bustling markets. Enjoy time for lunch at leisure before continuing to Noto to check into your stunning hotel, where you can refresh with a Scenic Sundowner before dinner.
Accommodation: Il San Corrado di Noto Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 RAGUSA & MODICA | GEMS OF THE BAROQUE
Journey to nearby Ragusa, a town rebuilt after a great earthquake in 1693 — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — that exemplifies the Sicilian Baroque style. Afterward, continue to another UNESCO-listed site, Modica, for an introduction to their chocolate crafting skills: a molto dolce Chef’s Table experience that includes a demonstration and tasting workshop. Later, relax with an evening at leisure at your hotel.
Accommodation: Il San Corrado di Noto Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 AVOLA | WINE TASTING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
This morning, ride like a local on an e-bike through the countryside to a winery in the Avola area. Avola is known for producing the famous Nero d’Avola grape, one of Sicily’s most important indigenous varieties. Here, you can taste the fruit of the vine and take some leisure time to stroll around this charming coastal town. Later, return to your hotel for relaxation before joining the traditional passegiatto (pre-dinner stroll) in beautiful Noto, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Il San Corrado di Noto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 SYRACUSE & PUGLIA | LEGACIES OF THE GREEKS
Today, travel to Syracuse, one of the earliest and most powerful colonies of Ancient Greece. Join a local expert who will reveal the many-layered history of this old city. Afterward, enjoy lunch at your leisure before transferring to the airport in Catania for your private flight to Puglia, Italy’s mythic southern region. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Accommodation: Il Melograno
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 LOCOROTONDO & ALBEROBELLO | TRULLI HOUSES
Visit Locorotondo, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and take some leisure time for lunch. Later, proceed to fascinating Alberobello and see its traditional trulli houses. These distinctive structures are built entirely of stone without mortar, and only a few people remain who can still create them. Explore the town with a local expert before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation: Il Melograno
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 MONOPOLI | DESIGN YOUR DAY
This morning, choose one of these Design Your Day activities:
- Take a cooking class at a local masseria, where you can make pasta and focaccia, and enjoy lunch as part of the experience.
- Go on a hike in scenic Alto Salento with a guide and break for a classic picnic lunch.
- Set out on an e-bike tour, an active experience that includes lunch in Ostuni.
Afterward, drive to Ostuni, a region famed for its massive, gnarled olive trees — some over 3,000 years old — and visit a local olive oil producer with an ancient underground mill. Learn about the production of oil, a staple of the region’s culture, which has evolved from Roman times to the present day. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Il Melograno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11 DEPART PUGLIA
After breakfast, privately transfer to Bari or Brindisi airport for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
- 11 nights accommodation in 5-star hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Domestic flights as per the itinerary
- Ground transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to all attractions as per the itinerary
- Scenic flight along Sicily’s eastern coast
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities for tour guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Pricing Information:
Prices $40500 per person based on double occupancy.
Accommodation Plan:
ROME, ITALY: Sina Bernini Bristol
SARDINIA : CPH Pevero Hotel
CATANIA : Il San Corrado di Noto
SYRACUSE & PUGLIA: Il Melograno
Tips and Advice:
- Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, as there will be plenty of walking involved in the city tours and excursions.
- Italian cuisine is a highlight of this tour, so make sure to try local specialties and regional dishes.
- Be prepared for hot weather during the summer months, especially in Southern Italy and Sardinia.
- English is widely spoken in Italy, but it’s always helpful to learn some basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience.
- Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you plan on spending time outdoors.
Trip Notes:
- This tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to the amount of walking involved in the city tours and excursions.
- The tour includes domestic flights within Italy, but international flights are not included. It is recommended that travelers book their flights to arrive in Rome and depart from Naples.
- The tour includes accommodation in 4-star hotels, but upgrades to 5-star hotels are available upon request.
- Customizations are available upon request, such as changing the pickup time or adding extra nights to the itinerary.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any unforeseen circumstances, such as trip cancellation or medical emergencies.
FAQs:
Q: What is the maximum group size for this tour? A: The maximum group size for this tour is 16 people.
Q: Can I customize the itinerary? A: Yes, we offer customizations to suit the needs of our travelers, including changing the pickup time or adding extra nights to the itinerary.
Q: What is the level of physical activity required for this tour? A: This tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to the amount of walking involved in the city tours and excursions.
Q: Is travel insurance included in the tour package? A: Travel insurance is not included in the tour package, but we highly recommend purchasing it to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
Q: Is the tour suitable for children? A: This tour is not recommended for children under the age of 12 due to the amount of walking involved in the city tours and excursions.