Oceania Cruises is proud to partner with FOOD & WINE TRAILS, America's foremost culinary travel company, in the offering of this tour. F&WT tours are always kept intimate and visit sites not typically offered by mainstream travel suppliers. Their tours are always led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking sommelier, wine or food expert, cooking instructor or chef, who enjoys introducing visitors to some of the best and most authentic food and wine of their region.
This day combines ancient history with the traditional food and exquisite wine of the region. For the first part of the day, instead of visiting Pompeii, which is typically crowded and offers no shade protection from the hot Southern sun, you will visit two of the delightful yet unknown, Villas of Ancient Stabiae. The Villas share a common ancestry with Pompeii, for on the same day of August 24, AD 79, Mount Vesuvius buried the ancient luxury resort at the same time it buried the nearby town of Pompeii.
The remains of the string of enormous opulent villas overlook the sea and were home to some important Roman civic leaders who spent their holidays here. Each villa boasts more than 118,000 square feet of multiple dining rooms with sea views, private heated baths, decorated gardens and huge colonnaded courtyards. Here, the aristocracy gathered to discuss political matters and to enjoy the luxurious surroundings. All the walls were decorated with paintings featuring gods and goddesses, women in flowing gowns, and motifs from nature. Some of these frescoes and floored mosaics are more elaborate and better preserved than those found in Pompeii.
Our food and wine experts in Campania hold a deep passion for this region - its land, farmers and artisans. They believe the best way to truly experience Campania is to meet the small farmers and family owned vintners who call this part of Italy home. Following this theme, you will travel to the foot of the mighty Mount Vesuvius to the Azienda Sorrentino Winery. The Sorrentino family has been making wine here for more than a century. Their estate is located along the southern face of the volcano where the excellent exposure and fertile volcanic soil is said to produce the finest example of the Lacryma grape varietal. The Sorrentino family and their hospitality staff will welcome you as guests in their own home and will host you for a lunch of local specialties and traditional dishes home-made by the women of the family and paired with their renowned wines.
Looking back at the mighty Vesuvius as you drive away from the winery, you will hopefully take with you a bit of the atmosphere shared with an Italian family.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of moderate to easy walking; however, there is some uneven terrain and steps to negotiate. Due to excavations taking place, guests should use caution and remain with the group at all times. The tour is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. While there are public restroom facilities at Villa Arianna, there are none at Villa San Marco.