ITALY - La Dolce Vita!
There are many attributes that make Italy a marvellous place to visit- from the majestic Alps in the north; the soft and greenhills of Tuscany & Umbria; the romantically rugged landscape of the Bay of Naples  dominated by Mt. Vesuvius; hundreds of UNESCO World Heritage sites; more than 3000 museums, churches and archeological sites dating back to Roman and Greek times; romantic islands of Capri and Ischia; stunning coastlines in Cinque Terre and Amalfi and much more.
The influence of the Renaissance art and culture can be relived today as the towns of Italy are mostly unaffected by the centuries, inviting you to relax and enjoy the 'café culture', the wine, food and Italian lifestyle.
A sample of our Italian Experiences:
8 Day Cinque Terre Hiking Adventure
8 Day Northern Veneto Escorted or Self-Guided Cycling Trips
11 Day Best of Italy by Rail
Guided Girlfriend Getaways
CINQUE TERRE on Foot, by Boat or Train
8 Day Hiking Adventure along the finest Coastal Walk in Europe
The Cinque Terre is undoubtedly the most picturesque coastline in Europe. This hike offers a great combination of fine weather, palm trees, medieval villages, gastronomic cuisine and fine wines.
This route takes you along the ancient Etruscan trade route with an endless variety of walks. There is a choice of hikes or you can take a boat or the local train from town to town.
Explore the Cinque Terre at liberty, walking along quiet roads through changing scenery, without the hassle of carrying any luggage.
Daily distances are moderate, allowing you to walk at your own pace and enjoy the countryside. Our detailed route notes and up-to-date maps, together with the official marker posts, will ensure that you arrive at your destination each day.
The tour departs daily between April and June, and in September. It starts in Levanto and includes overnights in Monterosso and Riomaggiore, ending in Portvenere.
TOUR COST: from $1895 per person sharing accommodation
or from $1250 per person for the 5 day option
Single room supplement on request
Included:
- Lovely 3* accommodations, always with private facilities
- Luggage transport
- Route notes and maps
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Northern VENETO Bike Tour
8 day Escorted or Self-Guided trip through Authentic Italy
- far from the maddening crowds
 Pedal past picturesque stone houses, along the seashore past bobbing boats with fishing nets extended into the water. This itinerary takes in the most beautiful and scenic towns in the Veneto region, connected like a pearl necklace, linking you back to the starting point.
Combining an active holiday with a slower, ancient way of life makes for a relaxing holiday, suitable for everybody. Travelling over mostly even terrain with few hills, accommodation at the end of the day is in charming B&B’s, well located for a lovely evening stroll into the old part of town, or to enjoy a fine dinner with some wonderful local wines.
Choose daily between two itineraries - depending on your cultural interests, mileage required and weather conditions.
The tour departs every weekend between April and October, starts and ends in Vincenza and includes overnights in Grappa, Treviso, Mestre/Venice, Chioggia, and Padova.
TOUR COST: from $1895 escorted* per person sharing accommodation
or from $1095 self-guided**
Bike Rental: $150
Single room supplement from $250
Included:
- Lovely accommodations, always with private facilities
- Buffet breakfasts
- Luggage transport
- Route notes and maps
* Escorted tour includes 7 dinners and a guide.
** Half-board and superior accommodation options are available
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BEST OF ITALY by Rail (EX05-RIT)
11 Day Classic Guided Journey from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian Sea
Discover the spires and squares of Venice, this remarkable watery-city which has attracted artists and traders throughout its history.
Travel by train to Florence - still a living centre of artisan crafts, with bustling workshops carved into the celebrated walls and palazzos of the Renaissance. There's also a visit to Pisa, with its legendary Leaning Tower.
The walled city of Siena is the archetypal Italian medieval town. Explore San Gimignano, the medieval tower-town noted for its dramatic and instantly recognizable skyline.
Next, it’s off to Rome, the “Eternal City” with the Trevi Fountain, the mighty Coliseum and Vatican City.
Explore remains of the affluent city of Pompeii, and visit the ruins of Herculaneum - hermetically sealed under volcanic mud by the last great eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
From Sorrento it’s possible to visit exclusive Isle of Capri, and the delightful Villa San Michele with its eccentric museum, and to enjoy some free time for scenic walks or boat excursions.
Tour Highlights:
Venice - Explore the canals and piazzas of this unique city
Florence - Artistic and cultural capital of Italy
Pisa - Stunning Pisan architecture and famous Leaning Tower (optional)
San Gimignano - Quintessential Tuscan medieval hilltop village and chance to walk in the breathtaking scenery
Rome - Discover the majesty of the Roman Empire, (optional) visit the Sistene Chapel & Vatican Museum
Sorrento - Visit the ruins of Pompeii and enjoy its stunning coastline
Detailed trip notes (pdf)
Tour Dates: 14-24 April and 01-11 September 2012
Tour Cost: from $2960 per person sharing twin
Single Supplement: $1070 per person
Group Size: 14 - 16 passengers
Type of Accommodation: 8 nights Standard & 2 nights Basic Hotel
Transportation: Train, Taxi, Bus
Meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 dinner
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Check out our 'Guided Girlfriend Getaways’ to
Picturesque Amalfi Coast - Spring departure
good food, nice wine, brilliant walking and the company of like-minded women
Alpine Piemonte - late Summer departure
combining leisurely walks with an array of gourmet delicacies and baroque and art nouveau palaces and castles
Charming Umbria - Autumn departure
Exploring the lovely countryside on foot and enjoying the meals you create under the tutelage of your Italian chef - a true delight and one of our favourite trips
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