Love Italy? Enjoy Fine Wines? Than this is for you

                 DATES

• Saturday 19th April 2014 - Sunday 27th April 2014
  Saturday 03rd May 2014 - Sunday 11th May 2014
  
• 
  PLEASE NOTE: There are only 6 places on each date available. Group size will be 10 Maximum

         

• FOCUS
  For Robertson Wine Tours the pursuit of a really meaningful travel means getting involved in the local culture of a specific region or a country as quickly as you can. RWT will offer you a completely unique tour service. The ethos is simple: to give you a once in a lifetime trip with wines and food that you will never forget. Our guides have all proven themselves with years of experience, wonderful personalities and of course in depth knowledge of their subjects. 


• Most of all ... we want to enable you to have an amazing and unforgettable tour by sharing with you the insights and the things we most love: food, wines and a great company in world class settings. We will use tasting techniques, sensory and vertical tasting which all contribute to fulfil your wine tourism experience … but drinking, enjoying and discussing the wines and the food is of course the main event. So to summarize the main objective of this tour is for you to taste very interesting wines (not just the most expensive or famous) and gain a great understanding of Puglia & Basilicata and the local food in the time you have available






• 
  This nine-day Puglia Wine & Food Experience will introduce you to a part of Italy few travelers visit. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll explore the history of Puglia's grapes and learn to appreciate traditional winemaking techniques, sipping top-notch varieties along the way. Accommodations include a luxe five-star sleep in the Baroque city of Lecce, a charming country house surrounded by olive groves and a traditional tufo hotel carved out of the rock, typical of the the Sassi of Matera. Your days will be busy with new sights and experiences, but you'll also have time to relax and soak up the slow life in Puglia and the Salento. This intimate tour is all about good food, good wine, good company and good time. 
  
• 
  WHY CHOOSE ROBERTSON WINE TOURS?The reason for choosing us is very simple: we are wine lovers and want to share with you our insights and the things we love most: outstanding wines with excellent food, great company and stunning landscapes. Our objective is for you to gain a great understanding of Italy and its people while tasting amazing wines and superb cuisine in the time you have available. RWT has 10 years of experience and excellence. Italy is a country you can return to often, so let us try to show it to you from a new perspective: through its foods and wines. Many of our guests have been to other great wine regions in the world. Italy sometimes surprises our guests with what appears to be backward technology and time tested winemaking techniques, which seem to be in big contradiction to all the New World's winemaking bells and whistles. It is fascinating to speak to winemakers about their perspective on the wines of Italy, the wine industry and global markets.
• 
  GUIDING
  Your Guides will be Ylenia Sambati and Tim Robertson. Ylenia is native of Lecce with over ten years of tourism and organizational experience in the heel of Italy. She knows very well the region of Salento and we have selected thanks to her help the very best cooking lessons, superb wine and gourmet tours, excursions to artisan food and producers as part of this incredible experience. Besides the food the joy for Ylenia is the local people with their warmth and sense of family in the beautiful local countryside, tasting the local wines and delicacies ... and meeting the people who live in small villages around or simply cook with a native family. With Ylenia you will experience a rustic and friendly holiday atmosphere. She is always happy to welcome new friends interested in discovering Puglia with her: a daily warm friendly atmosphere flavoured with simplicity and joy. Tim was born in the UK and is of Scottish descent. Tim was introduced to fine wines in 1988 when he worked for Sakagura Wine & Liquor ... part of Intercontinental Group in Hong Kong. He was responsible for selling their collection of Bordeaux Wines and other top quality new world wines, probably the best collection in Asia at that time. He never quite recovered from tasting the very best at early age of 18. However, he went on to complete his studies in Economics and Business. He was unable to find a suitably well-paid job in wine in London and so embarked on a career in finance. He decided to leave finance in 1998 to refocus on finding a project involving his love: the wine. He inaugurated Robertson Wine Tours (RWT) in 2003. The business has grown organically over the years and despite efforts to get involved in exporting he has stuck to the tried and tested formula of offering his clients the best the wine countries have to offer. The client base of RWT is rightly demanding of the best, extremely well travelled and generally with knowledge of wine.
  
  

 

• HOW TO GET THERE
  
• Flights are available to/from Brindisi Airport (BDS) and Bari Airport (BRI) via connecting flights from U.S. airports. Robertson Wine Tours recommends participants schedule arrival flights to Brindisi Airport (BDS) no later than 04:00 PM and departure flights from BDS no later than 03:00 PM. It is recommended that you schedule flights to arrive around midday. Airport transfers are included in the itinerary.
• 
  BREAKFAST / LUNCHES & DINNERS
  In this itinerary we make it clear where meals are included:
  • 
    (B) Breakfast
  • (L) Lunch
  • (D) Dinner

• HOTELS

RISORGIMENTO RESORT

This is the definitive hotel in the centre of Lecce. It features a delightful rooftop bar area and lounge with panoramic views of Lecce. Reception is superb and the Risorgimento Resort is located in Lecce’s Baroque historic center, perfectly placed. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and large modern rooms, which are very stylish and minimal in design. There is a small relaxing Spa as well. The attentive staff provide an excellent continental buffet breakfast. The restaurant overseen by Giovanni offers both Salento flavors and classic Italian cooking. This tends to be Puglian with a sophisticated twist. He is as passionate about his wines as we are. Drinks and snacks are available all day at the Janet Ross Bar. The health club offers a hot tub, Turkish Bath and gym. Massage and beauty treatments are also available. Piazza Sant’Oronzo is just 100 meters from Risorgimento Resort. The incredible Baroque Cathedral, Santa Croce, is a 5-minute walk away. All in all the perfect place for a few days to enjoy the wonderful town of Lecce.
Risorgimento Resort Tripadvisor comments
Website Risorgimento Resort

MASSERIA BAGNARA RESORT & SPA

Masseria Bagnara Resort and Spa is a renovated farmhouse offering modern design and an outdoor pool in Lizzano's countryside. The Ionian Sea is just 800 metres away. Massaria Bagnara has a number of different classes of rooms, all very well appointed, fantastically clean and well thought out. They are all air-conditioned rooms decorated in white and neutral colours. Each room has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi and a view of the pool and the vast countryside that surrounds the Masseria. The Bagnara restaurant serves typical cuisine from the Puglia region, as well as local specialities, all with a very unique twist. The daily breakfast is served buffet style. Bagnara Spa offers a small hydromassage pool and 3 beauty rooms for massages and treatments. We have to say we are impressed with their treatments and although starting at 50 Euros per person per session they are sure to make a great stay even better. The bar has a great list of wines and international spirits that would put a city bar to shame. We see attention to service and hospitality being very high. No children under the age of 12. Bicycles are available to enable you to get to the beach 800 meters away. The beaches/rocks of this side of Salento are rustic and should not be confused with those of the Southern tip of Salento, but never the less the sea is marvellous whereever you are in Puglia.

Masseria Bagnara Resort & Spa Tripadvisor comments
Website Masseria Bagnara Resort & Spa

SANT'ANGELO RESORT

Hotel Sant’Angelo boasts a great location in the amazing town of Matera. Carved out of the rocks the hotel combines this ancient setting with modern comforts perfectly. This small, smart hotel is located on the charming Piazza San Pietro Caveoso from where you have a breath-taking view over the Sassi Caveoso. The hotel is as dramatic and atmospheric as the city in which it is located. Consisting of beautifully restored cave dwellings, streets and stairways, Hotel Sant’Angelo is an example of the Albergo Diffuso concept at its absolute finest. The rooms are created from troglodyte cave dwellings, so each is unique and incredibly evocative of another era. Besides that, the rooms are marvellous, spacious and sleeping under the rocks is a great experience. All in all, encountering touches of luxury within such ancient, rustic spaces is an experience you will absolutely treasure. It is simply unforgettable!

Sant'Angelo Resort Tripadvisor comments

Website Sant'Angelo Resort

• TOUR OUTLINE

Day 1 - Arrival to Lecce / Welcome Wine Tasting
Day 2 - Cooking Experience at Masseria Provezani and Lecce City Tour
Day 3 - Gallipoli / Wineries of Southern Salento

Day 4 - Cooking Experience & Olive Oil Tasting at Taurino / Wineries of Northern Salento

Day 5 - Wineries of Manduria

Day 6 - Free day at Masseria Bagnara
Day 7 - Matera
Day 8 - Matera City Tour and Farewell Dinner

Day 9 - Departure

TOUR DAY BY DAY

DAY 1: Arrival IN / Lecce / Risorgimento Resort
Arrival IN at Bari OR Brindisi Airport
Private Transfer to Lecce
Arrival & Check IN at Risorgimento Resort
Reception at Risorgimento Resort with RWT Expert Local Guide
Welcome Tasting of Wines & Products of Salento at Historic Palace in Lecce Old Town
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant in Lecce
Please Note: RWT will give to you some suggestions and will book a table for you if you wish.
Sleep at Risorgimento Resort / Room Category:Superior Room
DAY 2: Cooking Experience at Masseria Provenzani / City Tour of Lecce
Departure from Risorgimento Resort with RWT Expert Local Guide
Visit at Food Market for Shopping & Tasting of Local Products
Arrival at Masseria Provenzani Cooking Experience & Wine Tasting at Masseria Provenzani with Mamma Giulia
Lunch Included with Wines Based on Your Creations atMasseria Provenzani
Private Transfer to Lecce

Guided City Tour of Lecce
Arrival at Risorgimento Resort
Welcome Dinner Included with Wines at Arcu Te PratuRestaurant in Lecce
Please Note: At Walking Distance from your Hotel.
Sleep at Risorgimento Resort / Room Category:Superior Room
(B) (L) (D)




DAY 3: Gallipoli / Wineries of Southern Salento
Departure from Risorgimento Resort with RWT Expert Local Guide
Private Transfer & Guided City Tour of Gallipoli
Visit & Wine Tasting with Lunch Included at Conti Zecca Winery
Visit & Wine Tasting at Apollonio Winery
Arrival at Risorgimento Resort
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant in Lecce Please Note: RWT will give to you some suggestions and will book a table for you if you wish
Sleep at Risorgimento Resort / Room Category:Superior Room
(B) (L)

DAY 4: Cooking Experience & Olive Oil Tasting at Taurino / Wineries of Northern Salento
Departure from Risorgimento Resort with RWT Expert Local Guide
Cooking Experience / Wine & Olive Oil Tasting atAzienda Agricola Taurino with Mamma Anna
Lunch Included with Wines Based on Your Creation atAzienda Agricola Taurino
Visit & Wine Tasting at Cantele Winery
Arrival at Risorgimento Resort
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant inLecce
Please Note: RWT will give to you some suggestions and will book a table for you if you wish
Sleep at Risorgimento Resort / Room Category:Superior Room
(B) (L)




DAY 5: Wineries of Manduria / Masseria Bagnara
Check OUT & Departure from Risorgimento Resort with RWT Expert Local Guide
Visit & Wine Tasting at Morella Winery
Lunch Included with Wines of Masseria Le Fabriche
Private Transfer to Lizzano
Arrival & Check IN at Masseria Bagnara
Tasting of Wines & Products of Manduria & Gioia del Colle at Masseria Bagnara
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Masseria Bagnara
Sleep at Masseria Bagnara / Room Category: Deluxe Room
(B) (L)
DAY 6: Free Day or Optional Cooking Experience at Masseria Bagnara
Morning Free Enjoying Masseria Bagnara
Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Masseria Bagnara
Afternoon Free Enjoying Masseria Bagnara
OPTIONAL
Masseria Bagnara Cooking Experience at Masseria Bagnara with Professional Chef
Dinner Included with Wines Based on Your Creations at Masseria Bagnara
Sleep at Masseria Bagnara / Room Category: Deluxe Room
(B) (D Optional)




DAY 7: Matera
Morning Free Enjoying Masseria Bagnara
Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Masseria Bagnara
Check OUT & Departure Masseria Bagnara with RWT Expert Local Guide
Private Transfer to Matera
Arrival & Check IN at Sant'Angelo Resort
Afternoon Free Sightseeing Matera
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant in Matera
Please Note: RWT will give to you some suggestions and will book a table for you if you wish
Sleep at Sant'Angelo Resort / Room Category: Junior Suite
(B)





DAY 8: City Tour of Matera
Morning Free Sightseeing Matera
Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant in Matera
Please Note: RWT will give to you some suggestions and will book a table for you if you wish
3 hour Guided City Tour of Matera
Tasting of Wines & Products of Basilicata at Regia Corte Restaurant in Matera
Farewell Dinner Included with Wines at Regia CorteRestaurant in Matera
Sleep at Sant'Angelo Resort / Room Category: Junior Suite
(B) (D)

DEPARTURE

DAY 9 - SUNDAY
After breakfast you'll be transferred privately to either Brindisi or Bari airport for your return flight home.
(B)
END OF SERVICES

PRICE OF TOUR

Based on Double Occupancy
Final Price per PERSON: 3,750 USD

Based on Single Occupancy
Final Price per PERSON: 4,550 USD

INCLUSIONS

• 
  ✓ All international airport transfers

• ✓ 8 Nights accommodation in the hotels listed in the program, including breakfast and tax

• ✓ Private Transport with Driver & Air Conditioning
• ✓ Expert Wine & Food Guiding
• 
  ✓ Daily Breakfast / 4 Lunches & 3 Dinners with Wines
• ✓Entrance Fees & Wine Tastings at 4 Wineries / 5 Informal Wine Tastings & 2 Cooking Experiences
• ✓ Overnight Tourist Tax of Lecce & Matera
• 
  ✓ Gratuities for all meals that are included / hosted by RWT

EXCLUSIONS

• 
  ✗ International & Domestic Flights
• ✗ Lunches & Dinners Not Included in the Itinerary
• ✗ Gratuities for Meals Not included in the Itinerary
• ✗ Personal Expenses & Other Costs Not Indicated in the Itinerary
• ✗ Gratuities for Drivers & Guides
• ✗ Activities not listed in the tour that might attract a charge
• ✗ Optional Cooking Class at Masseria Bagnara (170USD)

EMAIL US TO ENQUIRE OR BOOK THIS TOUR
contact@robertsonwinetours.com
Tim J.B. Robertson
Director of Robertson Wine Tours
January 2014