AMORE IN ITALY A Culinary Adventure in Sicily October 15-23, 2016 Hosted by Amore Trattoria Italiana + Onward Travel

amore in italy 2016

For the third annual Amore in Italy tour, we’re heading to the largest & most diverse island in the Mediterranean.

Imagine yourself…

To a place where east meets west, where African and European influences mingle. Where the lemon trees are fragrant, the sun shining, the history of ancient cultures woven into daily life. Alluring Sicily awaits!

Cooking (and eating!) Sicilian specialties.

Join Chef Jenna Arcidiacono and Onward Travel to explore Sicily’s fascinating cuisine, culture, and scenery. The first five nights will be based in Syracuse’s ancient quarter: Ortygia. Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient world, and these days Ortygia is full of atmosphere and timeless beauty. Three nights will be spent in Taormina, a clifftop resort town that has been a destination for centuries. We’ll spent time by the sea, wander the beautiful town, and spend a day discovering Mount Etna’s charms.

Exploring picture-perfect Baroque hilltop towns.

Sicily has been a source of inspiration for millennia – from Homer, to the Greek legends, to The Godfather, and now it’s your turn. Be part of Amore’s travel and food loving community and join us to experience The Island in the Sun.

Peering over the edge of a volcanic crater.

OnwardTravel.co Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Hudson Valley, New York

DAILY ITINERARY

amore in italy 2016

Welcome to Italy!

Wine, Nature & Charm

• Settle-in to Siracusa… look out at the Mediterranean and relax. • Savor local flavors and great company at our welcome dinner.

• Stroll picture-perfect Noto, gelato in hand. • Visit a winery and enjoy lunch perfectly paired with their own lauded wines.

DAY 1: SATURDAY OCTOBER 15

Bienvenido! Travelers will be collected from the Catania airport and transferred to Syracuse depending on arrival time. We’ll gather at Hotel Gutowski early afternoon to share some wine and a light lunch on the terrace. Our local guide, Rosa Rizza, will join us to provide some history and context to enhance our time in Sicily. Gaze at the sea and get to know your fellow travelers. Sneak off to your room for a siesta or stroll around charming Ortygia. We’ll gather again for evening aperitivo (drinks and snacks) and then a festive welcome dinner at a cozy, family-owned restaurant that preserves local recipes and traditions. Meals Light lunch, Aperitivo, Dinner

Local Culture & Food DAY 2: SUNDAY OCTOBER 16

• Explore the alleys and charm of Ortygia. • Learn culinary tricks and local specialties at a hands-on cooking class. Enjoy a leisurely morning and a delicious breakfast. Mid-morning Rosa will take us on a walking tour of Ortygia. Ortygia is a small island just off mainland Siracusa that was colonized by Corinthians in 734 BC. Bring your camera and curiosity. We’ll ogle at the beautiful Piazza Duomo, enjoy espresso like proper Italians, and experience some of the art, culture, and charm that make Ortygia so special.

DAY 3: MONDAY OCTOBER 17

Today we’re in pursuit of the best of Southeast Sicily. Our first stop: Noto. Noto is a picture-perfect Baroque town with an elegantly manicured main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Enjoy a walking tour with Rosa and then stick with her to go a bit deeper, or enjoy some free time. Did you know ice cream is rumored to have been invented in Sicily? And it was absolutely perfected in Noto. So we’ll (almost) ruin our appetites with ice cream – pistachio, mulberry, amaro, or almond, perhaps? – and then head south to drink in the landscape. Our next stop is Buonivini Planeta winery. The past couple decades have seen a new generation of Sicilian wine producers, with more than 20 DOC and DOCG territories and many vintages that are considered some of Italy’s finest wines. Planeta has five wineries in Sicily, with Buonivini being their eco-friendly winery. Iconic Sicilian grape Nero d’Avola is grown here, as are Moscato Bianco grapes, so we’ll have an opportunity to try some classic Sicilian wines. En route back to Ortygia, we’ll stop at the beautiful Riserva Naturale Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari to stretch our legs along the wild coastline. Keep your eye out for birds and view an abandoned tuna processing plant (common along Sicily’s west coast). Once we arrive back at Hotel Gutowski, the evening is yours. Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Rosa will point out some excellent local restaurants, so enjoy lunch on your own. We’ll reconvene late afternoon to head into the kitchen. We’ll roll up our sleeves and prepare a delicious multi-course meal with a local chef. Then, let’s dine on our creations! Rosa will point out some excellent local restaurants, so enjoy lunch on your own. We’ll reconvene late afternoon to head into the kitchen. We’ll roll up our sleeves and prepare a delicious multi-course meal with a local chef. Then, let’s dine on our creations! Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OnwardTravel.co Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Hudson Valley, New York

For those with a sweet tooth, Sicily is nirvana, we’ll try cannoli, cassata (ornate ricotta cake), granita, and gelato.

DAILY ITINERARY

amore in italy 2016

Savoring Siracusa DAY 4: TUESDAY OCTOBER 18

• Experience ancient history through Greek and Roman ruins. • Feast on some of the best seafood in your life! Fresh from local waters. Spend the morning as you please, Onward will certainly provide some suggestions. If you’d like, join Jenna and Molly to stroll the bustling farmers market and visit a bakery for a demonstration of the prized beautiful Sicilian cake cassata. After lunch, Rosa will escort us to one of her favorite places (just a few miles away): Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. Considered one of the most compelling archeological sites in Sicily, Parco Archeologico has a 5th-century Greek theater carved out of rock and a Roman amphitheater originally used for gladiatorial combats and horse races.

relax on the short transfer to Modica. Modica was once a very powerful town in Sicily. It remains a beautiful and interesting destination. We’ll visit Dolceria Bonajuto, Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory, for a tour of their kitchen and a chocolate tasting. The chocolate is a legacy of Spanish rule, but it remains some of the best in Italy. Then, Rosa will lead us in discovering the cultural gems of this UNESCO-listed city. And we’ll make sure to stop by Casa del Formaggio to taste local cheeses such as Ragusano, a cow’s milk cheese and fresh ricotta. As the sun gets lower, it’s time to head back to Hotel Gutowski. Make the most of your last lovely evening in Ortygia!

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Tonight we’ll have an elaborate group dinner featuring the seafood and specialties of the region. We’ll dine on whatever’s fresh and local… enjoying perhaps raw shellfish or spaghetti with prawns and wild herbs, or mashed beans with crispy cod or cuttlefish with pistachios. (And if you don’t love seafood, we’ve got you covered!) Buon appetito!

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Baroque Hill Towns DAY 5: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19

In Sicily, seafood (think tuna, swordfish, and sardines) reigns supreme, as do pistachios, lemons, and wild herbs.

The Sea & its Treasures DAY 6: THURSDAY OCTOBER 20

• Dine at a two-Michelin starred restaurant in the middle of a charming town. • Taste some of Italy’s best chocolate and cheese. In 1693 a devastating earthquake all but ruined many of the hill towns in Southeast Sicily. You’ve already experienced rebuilt Noto, but today we’ll experience two more stunning towns: Modica and Ragusa. When these towns were rebuilt, they were rebuilt in meticulous Baroque style, so the piazzas are picturesque and the town centers are full of detail, drama, and grandeur. We’ll start in Ragusa Ibla. We’ll get a view of the rooftops and the beautiful blue dome of Santa-Maria dell’Otria. Stroll the public gardens at Giardini Iblei and enjoy the stunning piazzas in this beautiful rebuilt old town. Then, we’ll have lunch in one of Sicily’s best restaurants: two-Michelin starred Ristorante Duomo. It will be a delicious and sophisticated experience. After a fabulous lunch, we’ll OnwardTravel.co Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Hudson Valley, New York

• Visit Catania’s exhilarating and iconic fish market: La Pescheria. • Treat yourself to sea views and luxurious comfort at Villa Sant’Andrea. Sadly, it’s time to leave Ortygia and Siracusa, but lots of wonderful adventure remains! Mid-morning we’ll head to Catania, a shabbychic city that is home to the thriving and legendary La Pescheria fish market. We’ll visit the street markets and admire the fishmongers’ haul. Lunch today will be Sicilian street food such as arancini (filled rice balls) and pane con panelle e crocche (chickpea fritters and potato croquettes in a bread roll). The beautiful baroque mainstreet, Via Crociferi, deserves a stroll, too. Early afternoon we’re off to Taormina. Taormina has long been a lauded seaside resort town since the 19th century. The town is spectacularly perched on the side of a

DAILY ITINERARY

amore in italy 2016

mountain, with beautiful views of looming Mount Etna and class and sophistication for days. We’re treating ourselves to three nights of luxury at Villa Sant’Andrea. We’ll stay at the base of Taormina (with the town center quickly accessible by a cable car or shuttle), on the sea. Early afternoon we’ll check in at our new abode and the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy. Take advantage of the exclusive beach and stick your toes in the sand. Tonight we’ll take the cable car into town for aperitivo followed by a delicious and festive dinner.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Asmundo family have worked this land and made wine. Inspiring! After a short transfer, we’re back to our beachside oasis and the evening is yours.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Tantalizing Taormina & a Farewell Feast DAY 8: SATURDAY OCTOBER 22

• Explore absolutely beautiful Taormina at your own pace. • Visit the market, then cook a feast with Chef Jenna. Take a leisurely morning to enjoy your special surroundings. The agenda today is flexible and traveler interests will dictate. A visit to the Greek theater will be organized – to see this 3rd century BC amphitheater plus the excellent views from the site. Take time to explore the medieval streets, especially pedestrian friendly Corso Umberto, lined with shops. Villa Sant d’Andrea Taormina, Sicily You’ll enjoy three amazing nights here.

Majestic Mt. Etna DAY 7: FRIDAY OCTOBER 21

• Ascend Mount Etna by jeep & cable car to see the volcanic craters. • Taste world-famous wine and honey from Mount Etna’s slopes

This afternoon we’ll gather for an annual tradition: preparing a meal together with Chef Jenna at the helm. We’ve rented a private kitchen at a lovely B&B in town. Those who are interested may join Chef Jenna at the market in the morning to select beautiful products for our meal. We’ll begin cooking together in the afternoon, join when you’d like. Don your apron, as we’ll prepare a feast together. We’ll enjoy our meal at a long table on the terrace, toasting our time together (with Sicilian vino) and sharing stories.

Wake up to seaside views and a gorgeous breakfast spread on the terrace. Now it’s off to finally experience that volcano we’ve been staring at. Mount Etna is famous not just because it dominates the landscape of eastern Sicily, but also for the nectar of its lush slopes: wine and honey. We’ll ascend Mount Etna early, by bus, then cable car, then 4x4 jeep, to get up close and personal with the craters. Folklore and legend surround the volcano and it is now a national park full of otherworldly vistas.

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

After a once-in-a-lifetime morning, we’ll visit a family run apiary with pollinator-friendly gardens. Taste a variety of honeys and buy some locally produced edible products if you’d like. Then, it’s off to a gourmet lunch at Vinicola Barone di Villagrande, a vineyard and winery. We’ll taste five wines with our lunch and learn about the Etna DOC, Sicily’s first D.O.C. More than ten generations of the Nicolosi

Transfers are available this morning for early flights out of Catania. Onward is also very happy to help you extend your stay is you’d like a few more days of beachside bliss.

OnwardTravel.co Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Hudson Valley, New York

Arreviderci!

DAY 9: SUNDAY OCTOBER 23 • Head home with wonderful memories!

Meals Breakfast

TRIP INFORMATION

BEGINS

ENDS

MOBILITY

TRIP LENGTH

amore in italy 2016

Siracusa, Italy Midday on October 15 Transfer provided from Catania to Siracusa Taormina, Italy on October 23 (no activities scheduled 10/23) Transfer provided from Taormina to Catania Airport This tour includes walking for 15-30 minutes at a time, plus stairs and cobblestones. If you have limited mobility, we can accommodate you, but it is essential to let us know at the time of registration. Travelers may always opt out of activities they deem too physically challenging but refunds will not be provided. 9 days, 8 nights Unique lodging with a Sicilian sense of place has been selected for Amore in Italy.

LODGING

Hotel Gutowski | 5 Nights | A fresh and stylish hotel on the Ortygia waterfront with tile floors, lots of light, and a calming aesthetic. Enjoy the terrace with sea views.

Trip price includes the following: • Airport transfers and ground transportation to/from all scheduled activities. • Five nights accommodations at Hotel Gutowski and three nights seaview accommodations at Villa Sant’Andrea. • Most meals: daily breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners. We have fantastic gourmet experiences, wine included, of course! • Local guide services throughout the tour to truly understand Sicily. Plus Jenna speaks Italian and Molly keeps your wine glass full. • Activities, tastings, cooking classes, and tours as detailed in the itinerary. • Pre-trip dinner at Amore Trattoria to get to know fellow travelers and post-trip reunion dinner to relive the memories. Plus an Amore hoodie!

Villa Sant’Andrea | 3 Nights | Beachside luxury… 1830 residence hotel featuring bright and elegant rooms, an infinity swimming pool, and an ideal location on a private beach on the secluded Mazzarò Bay. October 15-23, 2016 Double Occupancy $3,775 per traveler Single Supplement $885 additional TOUR DATES & PRICE

Contact Onward if you are interested in a room upgrade. A variety of suites are available at Villa Sant’Andrea. Please note that air travel is not included and a current passport is required for travel to Italy.

A NOTE ABOUT AIR TRAVEL:

The tour will start and end with transfers to/from Catania International Airport (CTA). Please confirm with Onward Travel that the tour is a “go” before booking non-refundable airfare. Contact Onward Travel for assistance or to coordinate with other Amore in Italy travelers.

OnwardTravel.co Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Hudson Valley, New York

Visit onwardtravel.co to complete the registration form and submit payment. $1250 deposit due upon booking, balance due by August 10, 2016.

TRIP INFORMATION

amore in italy 2016

About Onward Travel Onward Travel is a boutique travel planning company that carefully crafts itineraries to create an authentic, engaging trip that exposes the destination and roots travelers to the place. Onward was founded by two sisters, inspired by their family’s cooking school on a farm in Bucks County, PA that has offered culinary-focused travel to customers for over two decades. This is Onward’s third year planning and hosting Amore in Italy.

Sicily in October Blue sky and sunshine are pretty dependable in Sicily thanks to the Mediterranean climate, similar to Southern California. By mid-October the crowds and high heat have waned and it’s a great time to explore the island. The temperature ranges in October from 65-80 degrees so plan to bring layers and prepare for possible rain. Onward Travel will provide packing notes in advance of the trip.

Miscellaneous Travel Information •

Passports are required for American citizens travelling to Italy. Visas are not required. Note your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel.

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To determine the current exchange rate, Google “USD to EUR.”

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Travel Protection: Onward Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 32-0704. For a summary of plan details on benefits, coverages, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the applicable Description of Coverage. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Transamerica Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio; NAIC #10952. 1308294

Get in Touch!

Contact Molly with questions or special requests. [email protected] 267-825-5880

OnwardTravel.co Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Hudson Valley, New York

#amoreinitaly & #amoreinitaly2 Want to see what Amore in Italy is all about? Hop on Instagram and search #amoreinitaly and #amoreinitaly2 to see photos from the past two tours in October 2014 and 2015. You can also view the photo album on Amore’s Facebook page to get a virtual taste of the fun and adventure we have.