Italy 2023 - Bee The Wellness

Bee the Wellness and Chef Joann Present:

Italy, an Epicurean Adventure

September, 2023

Come and savor Italy with us.

Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art,
architecture and gastronomy…

Italy charms, inspires, and will stir your soul like no other.

Like an artisan food festival for the taste buds, but enhanced with inside-the-kitchen experiences and journeys to the source, you’ll get an insider’s peek into Italian culinary life and living.

Arguably one of Europe’s most captivating countries, Italy is THE place to indulge in world-class art, elegant architectural masterpieces and mouth-watering gourmet cuisine.

Just imagine yourself unwinding and taking in all the splendors of food, wine, history and culture, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the countryside.

Join us on our journey where the people we meet take enormous pride in their sublime culinary traditions, their fresh local fare, and boast generations of warm hospitality that they graciously share.

This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the beautiful art of truly experiencing the embrace of another culture is incredibly special, unforgettable and transformative.

We don’t just visit. We live it!

This is not a typical vacation.
This is:

❇ Immersion into Italy’s authentic culture, history, food and wine

❇ Handpicked locales to please even the most hardcore foodies

❇ Connection with local cultures and lifestyles

❇ Reveling in some of the most stunning scenery in the world

❇ A bespoke luxury experience that is unique and unrepeatable

❇ The rejuvenation of your very soul.

Experience Italy through the discerning lens of an experienced chef.

Drawing on her culinary knowledge and passion for living and eating well, Chef Joann had a vision for an inspiring and authentic travel “foodie” experience that led to her curating this special culinary adventure.

You will explore in a way that other travel enthusiasts completely miss out on. This trip is about appreciating local life as authentically as possible! While others holiday in Italy to see the sights, our guests truly EXPERIENCE those sights. We ensure a harmony between the cuisine, the culture, the locale, and YOU.

Our carefully curated tours and culinary lessons are small and expert-led, ensuring that you enjoy an insider’s access to genuine, artisanal foods, region unique wines and genuine perspectives while learning (in the most delicious way possible!) about Italian culture, lifestyle & history.

Sharing an incredible meal requires no common language or translation. Even without words, every dish tells its own distinct story; the people, the geography, the climate, the creations and specialities.

If we get lucky, we get the opportunity to be in the kitchen while the meal is being prepared, and witness the traditional techniques and a history passed down not through measured portions, but by generations of love and inspiration.

This is a once in a lifetime trip where we ensure you get to truly savor these moments with a perfect blend of hands-on cooking classes, culinary and wine excursions, incredible sightseeing, and unique cultural experiences.

Indulge your senses on our exclusive food and wine tour, led by a top executive chef.
Book your spot today!

The Adventure Begins in Rome
September 2-11, 2023

Itinerary at a glance

Day One | September 2

Arrive in Rome > Transfer to Transfer to Hotel U Visionary > Dinner experience at Salumeria Roscioli
Day Two | September 3

Walking tour of Rome > Picnic Lunch > Free time > Dinner experience at Vio’s Cooking
Day Three | September 4

Depart for Tuscany (Val d’Orcia) > Check in at Agriturismo Il Rigo > Pasta class and lunch at Podere il Casale > Free Time > Aperitif before dinner > Dinner at the property
Day Four | September 5

Kundalini Yoga class with Chef Joann > Wine Tour Montalcino > Dinner at Agriturismo Il Rigo
Day Five | September 6

Day trip through Val d’Orcia > Return to Il Rigo > Free Time > Easy flow yoga with Joann > Dinner on site
Day Six | September 7

Day trip to Florence > Check in Hotel Calimala > Artisan Tour > Lunch at Mercato Centrale > Gelato at Vivoli > Dinner at La Ménagère
Day Seven | September 8

Amalfi Coast > Check in at the Hotel Conca d’Oro > Lunch at property > Afternoon poolside Aperol Spritz > Dinner and cooking class at Melchió
Day Eight | September 9

Kick off with Kundalini Yoga class with Chef Joann > Walking tour of Positano > Lunch at Da Adolfo > Dinner at Il Pirata
Day Nine | September 10

Kundalini Yoga with Chef Joann > Boat trip to Capri > Lunch at Bagni Tiberio > Free time to shop and sightsee > Farewell dinner: La Caravella
Day Ten | September 11

Breakfast at hotel > Private driver back to Naples > Return train to Rome

View Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Transfer to Hotel U Visionary

This refined hotel, housed in an ornately curved building on a corner, is nestled among shops and restaurants in the historic center of Rome. It is also a 4-minute walk from incomparable sites such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps, as well as the Via del Tritone, with its stately buildings, boutiques and bistros. “U Visionary Roma Hotel boasts the architectural elements, the superlative design and the courageous mix of colors and fabrics are designed to allow you to live an out-of-the-ordinary experience that favors the openness of spaces and breaks down the physical barriers between guests and the hotel.”

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Dinner experience at Salumeria Roscioli

In the heart of the capital, a few steps from Campo de’ Fiori, Salumeria Roscioli is a historic Roman trattoria with a menu based on unique ingredients, techniques and authentic local Italian cuisine. The shop in front of this wine bar will beckon you in with top-quality comestibles like hand-sliced cured ham from Italy and Spain, over 300 cheeses, and numerous wines—but venture farther inside to try an extensive selection of authentic dishes and interesting takes on the classics.

Day 2: Rome

Walking tour of Rome: Ancient Rome with an Archeologist

An awe-inspiring mix of haunting ruins, soul-stirring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s capital is one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities. With thousands of years of history, all layered together in its ancient monuments, stunning architecture and iconic neighborhoods… enjoy a magical day exploring fabulous Rome.
Picnic at Villa Borghese

What better way to enjoy the spring sunshine, immersing yourself in Rome’s abundant greenery, escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday city life? Take a break from exploring winding cobblestone streets with an amazing tailor made picnic experience.
Vio’s Cooking

Vio’s Cooking is an exclusive experience created by Violante Guerrieri Gonzaga for small and selected groups of tourists coming to Rome that want to feel and taste “the eternal city” in a very private and special way. “We will cook delicious haute Italian cuisine and eat joyfully together on Palazzo Taverna’s rooftop terrace with one of the most magical views in the heart of Rome. Vio’s Cooking is a unique Italian experience of lifestyle, Italian culture, and passion for food.”

Day 3: Depart for Tuscany

Check in at Agriturismo Il Rigo

You know that picture perfect image of Tuscany that lives in your imagination? The majestic, lush cypress trees, the gently rolling hills, the warm brilliant gold of the wheat fields… That is the Val d’Orcia. Within this Tuscan sanctuary sits Il Rigo, a classic rustic farmhouse and organic farm, paradise for lovers of culture, food and wine, surrounded by stunning vistas. For five centuries, the stone and brick Casale del Rigo has seen the sun rise over one of the sweetest landscapes in Tuscany. “Today our family opens the doors of the Rigo to all travelers who wish to discover an authentic dimension of Tuscany, made of respect for the land and our ancient culture.”

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Pasta class and lunch at Podere il Casale

During our Pasta class, you’ll be taught how to make three different types of fresh Pasta, and the best sauces to accompany them. This lunch activity also includes a guided tour of the farm where you will pick the fresh local ingredients from the farm grounds, learning more about what it means to be an organic farm in the Orcia Valley.
Dinner at Agriturismo Il Rigo

With a presentation by the chef to celebrate the Tuscan culinary tradition.

Day 4: Tuscany

Yoga with Chef Joann

We begin the morning with a Kundalini Yoga class with Chef Joann, followed by a stunning breakfast personally prepared by your hosts, with organic products, home grown on their own farm or by local producers.
Breakfast

Every day you will find a selection of artisanal cured meats such as capocollo and finocchiona, fresh and semi-seasoned pecorino di Pienza, homemade cakes and biscuits prepared with freshly ground organic flours from their own cereals. Their jams are all homemade and are served with their own sourdough bread.
Best of Brunello wine tour

After breakfast, we depart for a lovely day spent in Montalcino. A classic fairytale hilltop town, set within a full circle of fortified walls and watched over by a mighty medieval castle, Montalcino is a beautiful village immersed in the breathtaking Val d’Orcia Natural Park, renowned all over the world for the production of its precious Brunello red wine. Meet real local people, dine at their tables, and taste wine that is at the heart of life in Tuscany.
Dinner at Agriturismo Il Rigo

“In our kitchen we celebrate the Tuscan tradition. We prepare the dishes of our childhood: you will find in our recipes a special bond of affection and belonging. Our food is healthy: we only use organic, local and seasonal products. Through our recipes we communicate the Respect for our Land. In our dishes you will find the sum of the Val d’Orcia and the hands of the farmers who work this land.”

Day 5: Val d’Orcia

Day trip through Val d’Orcia

Visit a family-run organic olive oil farm and wine estate outside Montalcino, with spectacular views of the rolling hillsides. Here you will taste a diverse variety of extra virgin olive oils. (EVOOs) Then head to an organic cheese farm in the hills overlooking Val d’Orcia and Pienza. The owners of the dairy will take you around the estate and share with you some secrets of cheese production before leaving you to enjoy lunch on their beautiful veranda, surrounded by orange, lemon, olive and almond trees. Take in the natural surroundings as you taste their farm’s cheeses—Pecorino, Ricotta, Primo sale—and indulge in a light lunch made from the organic produce grown on the farm, all paired with local red and white wines.
Return to Il Rigo

Free time to enjoy the property and another amazing dinner.

Day 6: Depart for florence

Hotel Calimala

When it comes to the dramatic combination of old and new, there’s still no one quite like Italy’s boutique hoteliers. This property occupies an ornate and beautifully weathered late 19th-century palazzo with soaring ceilings, tall windows and original rough brick walls which provide the backdrop for the stylish décor, which includes jazzy marble, design-led furnishings and contemporary art.

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Artisan Tour

Following our final incredible breakfast experience at Il Rigo, we will depart for the city of Florence. Cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence (Firenze) is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine. Few cities as compact are so packed with extraordinary art and architecture. The urban fabric of this small city has changed very little since the Renaissance and its narrow cobbled streets are a veritable feast of elegant 15th and 16th century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, marble basilicas and world-class art museums brimming with paintings and sculptures by the likes of Botticelli and Michelangelo. We have created a unique itinerary inside the Florentine artisan workshops where expert hands, through the secrets passed from one generation to the other, create exceptional precious objects. Mosaics, perfumes, leather goods and jewelry are just some of the beautiful products that the stores we will be visiting produce.
Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale Firenze is an ideal marketplace of taste, redeveloping a vital venue in central Florence. It’s a rebirth that returns artisans and their produce to the heart of the food scene in the city! The artisans at the marcato will put together a private tasting experience for us to sample their best traditional products, and discuss their secrets one on one!
Gelato at Vivoli

Vivoli, which dates back to 1929, is Florence’s oldest gelateria and a beloved favorite of the locals! No trip to Florence would be complete without visiting Vivoli for an ice cream. Vivoli creations are strictly artisanal and always fresh; the milk is all Italian; the cream is always fresh, the seasonal fruit and eggs from local farms. This is a traditional Italian delicacy not to be missed.
Dinner at La Ménagère

A contemporary, multi-purpose space housed in a stunning ancient palazzo. Gorgeous blooming flowers fill the space, all thanks to their in-house florist who set up shop inside the restaurant. La Ménagère was the first Florentine shop selling household products, originally opened in 1896. To honor its past, there is still a corner selling cups, tablecloths and other home decor accessories. This is not a traditional restaurant, as the space is also a bistro, cocktail bar, concert hall, florist, and decor shop! This is a truly unique place with plenty of character that will absolutely impress. Its gastronomic offerings deserve special attention for the blend of tradition, innovation, and outstanding quality. La Ménagère follows seasonal trends to guarantee the freshness of their ingredients.

Day 7: Depart for Amalfi Coast

Hotel Conca d'Oro

We will journey by train to Naples, then travel via private driver to the Amalfi Coast where we check in at the Hotel Conca d’Oro. No other place along the coast quite captures the area’s rich history while also offering quintessential Italian hospitality. Perched high atop the cliffs of Positano, Hotel Conca d’Oro gives you some of the best and most dramatic views of the sea. Close to the center, but perfectly secluded for a magical and romantic atmosphere. The hotel was born in 1949 by Giovanni Cappiello, and to this day is still owned and operated by the same family. Each room has been carefully preserved in its original baroque style.

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Cooking class at Melchió

A unique gastronomic experience with Chef Vito, you will discover all the secrets of authentic Neapolitan Pizza making! Using only the finest seasonal products picked directly from the restaurant’s very own garden, you will create your own hand-made pizza guided by time-honored tradition.

Day 8: Amalfi Coast

Kundalini Yoga with Chef Joann

Your morning could not start off in a more serene setting. We begin with a Kundalini Yoga class with Chef Joann, followed by breakfast at the hotel before we head out for the day.
Walking tour of Positano

Positano is an almost impossibly beautiful town, clutching the cliffs of Monti Lattari, a wash of pastel that scrambles up from the Mediterranean Sea. Here, the “streets” take the form of passageways among the houses and steep sets of stairs that interlink the alleys. Only one actual road traverses the town – Viale Pasitea, where shops, cafes, hotels and villas cluster together.
Lunch at Da Adolfo

A local’s secret spot tucked away in the lovely Laurito beach. Just a short 5-minute boat ride away from Positano’s Spiaggia Grande, this delicious, totally informal restaurant is a must on your Amalfi Coast trip.
Dinner at Il Pirata

This waterside restaurant and bar in Praiano offers the chance to dine on a rock platform practically cantilevered over the lapping waves, and a grotto-like cocktail lounge carved right into the cliff. This incredibly romantic, dramatic atmosphere is what your Amalfi Coast dreams are all about.

Day 9: Amalfi Coast

Kundalini Yoga

We again begin a lovely morning with a Kundalini Yoga class with Chef Joann, followed by another stunning breakfast at the hotel.
Boat trip to Capri

We will then enjoy a boat tour to the stunning Island of Capri. Capri is beautiful. Jaw droppingly beautiful. Steep cliffs rise majestically from an impossibly blue sea; beautiful villas drip with wisteria and bougainvillea; even the trees seem to be carefully and perfectly manicured. The island has a mythical charm, its breathtaking landscapes and beauty stretch from the rocky caves around the island to the edge of the horizon, and has been an inspiration to poets, lovers and travelers throughout the centuries. This truly is a bucket list item.
Lunch at Bagni Tiberio

Inspired by the island’s age-old culinary tradition, Bagni di Tiberio’s menu includes all of Capri’s best-loved dishes, prepared with the freshest of fish and seasonal vegetables. Ensuring the perfect accompaniment to every meal, the restaurant’s wine list features only the finest local and regional wines.
Free time to shop and sightsee
Farewell dinner: La Caravella

Located on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, this Amalfi favorite has held a Michelin star since the 1960s! It was the first restaurant in southern Italy to receive this honor. The greatest expression of elegance, cuisine and hospitality, a touch of art can be felt everywhere in the restaurant. La Caravella is an incredible fine dining experience graced with marble floors, frescoes, and vibrant ceramics. An undisputed gastronomic icon with deep historical roots, this restaurant continues to attract a loyal following today; It has enjoyed a gilded guest list that included Andy Warhol and Federico Fellini! The cuisine is deeply connected to the territory of the Amalfi Coast, exalting the senses with authentic flavors and aromas of the region. Chef Antonio Dipino’s creations stem from traditional recipes, re-imagined into a modern version highlighting genuine products to enhance the flavors of Italy. La Caravella also has a cellar of some note—the outstanding wine list has few equals thanks to its extensive choice and excellent vintages.

View Restaurant

Day 10: Return to rome

Breakfast at the hotel, private driver back to Naples, return train to Rome.

Soak in your last morning on the Amalfi coast before we make the journey back to Rome.

Meet your Host:

Joann Stabile

From intimate dinner parties to extravagant weddings and corporate and wellness retreats, Chef Joann Customized Catering creates beautiful and uniquely memorable events that honor not only the palate but the mind, body and soul.

Founded in 2008 by executive chef Joann Stabile, our company has evolved from a one woman show to a full-service operation with a team of culinary experts, bartenders, service staff and a designer. We hold ourselves to the highest standards for fresh, seasonal, locally sourced and organic ingredients. We are highly educated on and aware of dietary restrictions and preferences and work with each client to create a customized menu to tantalize the taste buds and keep your bodies happy. Our mission is to create a unique and unforgettable event for every occasion.

Discover the true taste of Italy with our one-of-a-kind food and wine tour, led by our very own executive chef Joann Stabile
Book now!

The Adventure Begins in Rome
September 2-11, 2023

Your Accommodations

Nights 1-2: Rome

Hotel U Visionary

This refined hotel, housed in an ornately curved building on a corner, is nestled among shops and restaurants in the historic center of Rome. It is also a 4-minute walk from incomparable sites such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps, as well as the Via del Tritone, with its stately buildings, boutiques and bistros.

“U Visionary Roma Hotel boasts the architectural elements, the superlative design and the courageous mix of colors and fabrics are designed to allow you to live an out-of-the-ordinary experience that favors the openness of spaces and breaks down the physical barriers between guests and the hotel.”

Nights 3-5: Val d’Orcia, Tuscany

Agriturismo Il Rigo

Agriturismo Il Rigo is where life is paced to savor the richness of the Tuscan countryside. This is paradise for travelers looking to experience an authentic taste of the land and Italy’s ancient culture.

For five centuries, the beautifully restored stone and brick Casale del Rigo has seen the sun rise over one of the sweetest landscapes in Tuscany: the gaze embraces the Val d’Orcia, from nearby Pienza to distant Radicofani.

You will feel right at home at Il Rigo. It might be the fact that it is a family run agriturismo, so you almost instantly feel like a part of it. It might be for the wild flowers arranged in every room, or for the smiling welcome you receive when you arrive. Whatever it is, your stay will be unforgettable.

Night 6: Florence

Hotel Calimala

When it comes to the dramatic combination of old and new, there’s still no one quite like Italy’s boutique hoteliers. This property occupies an ornate and beautifully weathered late 19th-century palazzo with soaring ceilings, tall windows and original rough brick walls which provide the backdrop for the stylish décor, which includes jazzy marble, design-led furnishings and contemporary art.

Nights 7-9: Amalfi Coast

Hotel Conca d’Oro

We will journey by train to Naples, then travel via private driver to the Amalfi Coast where we check in at the Hotel Conca d’Oro.

No other place along the coast quite captures the area’s rich history while also offering quintessential Italian hospitality. Perched high atop the cliffs of Positano, Hotel Conca d’Oro gives you some of the best and most dramatic views of the sea. Close to the center, but perfectly secluded for a magical and romantic atmosphere. The hotel was born in 1949 by Giovanni Cappiello, and to this day is still owned and operated by the same family. Each room has been carefully preserved in its original baroque style.

Uncover Italy’s culinary secrets with our exclusive food and wine tour led by an executive chef.

The Adventure Begins in Rome
September 2-11, 2023

Indulge your curiosity about the world while you escape the pressures of everyday life.

The Italian people live by the concept of “la dolce vita” which means “the sweet life”, and they truly embrace that phrase. It’s not just an expression, it’s a way of life! Italians seem to know how to magically relish the simple, understated joys of life; the pace is slower, the people are more laid back… they see the beauty in all things and look to make the most out of each moment.

This is why Italy is the perfect destination to reset, recharge, and decompress.

Whether you’re a new visitor or a returning one, It’s impossible not to be completely and utterly seduced time and time again.

The allure of Italy is endless.

Multiple payment plans and room options available.

Shared
Room

$9,000

All-inclusive access for one
Shared Room

September 2-11, 2023

**Double Occupancy**

SOLO
Room

$10,800

All-inclusive access for one
Solo Room

September 2-11, 2023

**Single Occupancy**

Couple’s
Room

$18,000

All-inclusive access for two
Room for two

September 2-11, 2023

**Double Occupancy**

Italy is the kind of place where the food and culture are just as memorable as the experience. Good food and conversation enjoyed in the company of beautiful souls.

Fast friends are always made at the dinner table. Travelers from all walks of life bond over shared experiences and new memories.

Come join us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will I share a room with if it’s just me?

Traveling solo? No problem. We’ll pair you up with a same-sex roommate to share your journey. Warning: this could lead to life-long friendships and memories to last a lifetime!

Can I bring my kids?

While we love kids, this is an adults-only event. Children 16 years or older may be considered if accompanied by a guardian.

Is the flight included?

No, each traveler is responsible for getting to and from Rome.

Once you arrive in Rome, all of your travel is included.

How do I get from the airport to the retreat?

We will arrange transport for you from Fiumicino (FCO) airport to our hotel.

What city should I fly into?

You’ll fly in and out of Rome.

The main Rome international airport is Fiumicino (FCO), also called Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci Airport

Is there any transportation I need to arrange?

Your flights to and from FCO.

If you are staying additional nights you will need to arrange transport and hotel accommodations. If you require assistance with this, we are happy to assist.

Is tipping included?

Mostly...

While we cover the expected gratuities on our scheduled routes and tours.

Gratuities that are not included would be for taxis, bellhops or any services you choose to schedule, like massages or spa treatments.

What about alcoholic beverages?

Two glasses of wine will be included per person at each dinner.

Cocktails and additional wine will be available for purchase.

What if I don’t want to do one of the activities.

Please let us know if there is something you would like to opt-out ahead of time of so we can prepare accordingly.

How can I make accommodations for my dietary preferences or food allergies?

We will be eating at several restaurants where we may not have our normal range of dietary options available.

We will make every effort to accommodate your preferences but we can make no guarantees.

After you sign up, we will ask you for your dietary preferences and restrictions.

What will the weather be like?

The climate in September is usually dry. The temperatures in different parts of Italy vary from each other.

Northern Italy experiences 55-75°F (13-24°C), Central Italy has an average temperature of 65-80°F (18-27°C) and it is 70-80°F (21-27°C) in Southern Italy

Expect highs near 77f and lows around 59f.

What should I pack?

Once you sign up, we’ll send you a packing list that covers everything you’ll need.

What is NOT included?

Airfare to and from Rome.

Any trip extensions or additional services.

All items of a personal nature, and travel insurance (required).

What is your cancellation policy?

Please see our Terms Of Service for the complete cancellation policy.

Greater than 90 days 50% refunded
90 - 60 days 10% refunded
Less than 60 days no refund
20% fee for bookings that are transferred to another person or event

Is laundry service available?

There is laundry service at the hotels for an additional charge.

Is WiFi available?

Yes, wifi will be available in all hotels.

Experience Italy’s culinary delights like never before on our highly curated food and wine tour, led by an executive chef.

The Adventure Begins in Rome
September 2-11, 2023

Our company is dedicated to providing the very best quality products and service. Happy customers is our number one goal! We strive to be the best in the industry and innovate our products.

CST 2147017-40