Known for having one of the world's most spectacular coastal roads, Amalfi is also a favorite with foodies, who come to taste locally grown lemons and to sample the artisan-made mozzarella di bufala cheese indigenous to the region. Today, you'll discover how this region of Italy is a wealth of artisan farmers and budding vintners.
Sit back and enjoy the views during the drive down the coast to the town of Minori, where you will visit an ancient Roman villa from the 1st century A.D. This region shared the fate of Pompeii and was buried under the ash from Vesuvius, but that preserved many splendid example of ancient Roman family life. Discovered in 1932, you can still see the existence of an ancient water heating system and walls decorated with beautiful mosaics. After a guided tour, you'll take a short walk to visit an artisan limoncello producer. Here you will see a demonstration of how they still make this lemon liqueur by hand, and then taste the delicious results.
Then, you'll take a short drive inland to the village of Tramonti. You'll meet one of the region's budding vintners and visit a small, family-run winery. Walking through his vineyards, he'll describe how he makes his wines from grapes grown on heritage vines, some of which are more than 100 years old. After, you will be the family's guest for lunch at their "osteria" (a traditional restaurant) located just across the road. Family members will prepare dishes from authentic Tramonti recipes made with locally grown products and served with two different varietals of wines.
Before the end of the day, you will have some free time in the town of Amalfi to stroll through the streets or shop for artisan-made items to remember the day.
Oceania Cruises is proud to partner with FOOD & WINE TRAILS, in the offering of this tour. F&WT tours are always led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking wine or food expert, sommelier, cooking instructor or chef, who enjoys introducing visitors to some of the best and most authentic food and wine of their region.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of easy to moderate walking; however, there some steps and uneven surfaces to negotiate at the Villa. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and is not considered suitable for those with mobility concerns. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Given it is a set meal that is served on this excursion, guests with any dietary restrictions should advise the Destination Services Desk once on board the ship.