We’re focusing on Italy. Did you know there are many ways to travel around Italy?
You can take an escorted tour, like this one with Best of Italy by Bicycle, Boat, Bus, Metro, Train with Intrepid: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/italy/best-italy-92902
or see Northern Italy including Cinque Terre with Trafalgar https://www.trafalgar.com/can/tours/northern-italy-including-cinque-terre
You can have a spa retreat – see http://www.virtuoso.com/articles/spa-escape-italys-island-of-ischia?search=&mode=Gts#.VwEmrPkrKM8
You can learn to make pasta http://www.virtuoso.com/articles/learn-how-to-make-pasta-in-tuscany?search=&mode=Gts#.VwEm5_krKM8
You can visit iconic Italian hotels like http://www.villadeste.com/ or http://www.hotelhasslerroma.com/
You can rent a villa in Amalfi like http://www.villasofdistinction.com/villas/amalfi-coast/cleta/ or in Tuscany like http://www.villasofdistinction.com/villas/tuscany/ippolita/ . Or you could rent an apartment in Rome like http://www.italyperfect.com/rome-vatican-apartment/via-aureliana.html
This only scratches the service, of course.
Veneto Bike & Barge
8 Days – July 2, 2016 -Guided: Introductory to Moderate (other dates)
Journey through the historic Veneto region and beyond to the regions of Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna.
Beginning in the magical city of Venice, cycle through seaside towns and along rivers and canals to the Renaissance town of Mantova. Along the way, take in the artistic, cultural and historical legacies entwined in the region and explore the unique landscapes of the Venetian lagoon and the Po Delta area, where bird life is prolific. Wander through classic towns such as Ferrara famous for bicycles and the ancient Greek port of Adria. There will be opportunities to taste wine and cheese as you wind your way to Mantova, rich in artistic masterpieces. In the evening experience the camaraderie of your fellow cyclists, whilst moored at picturesque locations.
Priced from $1,749 CDN p.p. $ land only (based on double).
Food Lover’s Francigena Way
14 days – July 9, 2016
A visit to Italy is worth it for the food alone. To combine a food focussed itinerary with one of the country’s most charismatic walking trails and historically rich regions, as this trip does, makes the allure to travel to Italy almost irresistible.
Follow the route of the Francigena Way, the ancient pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Rome, to discover the essence of Italy’s culinary scene. Beginning in Parma, famous for its ham and Parmesan cheese, this special Food Lover’s trip will explore the incredible Italian historic and artistic heritage, as well as experience why the simple produce of the land can be created into gastronomic masterpieces, as you make your way on foot to the “Eternal City” of Rome. The guided day walks combine the incredible Tuscan landscapes with numerous opportunities for tastings of local products and wines, delicious food as well as the intriguing history of the Via Francigena, which encompasses classic cities like Lucca, Florence and the medieval fortified citadels of Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. You’ll also enjoy two hands-on cooking classes so that you can learn the secrets of Italian cuisine.
Priced from $5,429 p.p. CDN $ (based on double), land only..
Walking the Amalfi Coast
8 days – June 25, 2016 (other dates available)
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines in Europe. Mountains rise steeply out of the Mediterranean far below and picturesque towns nestle neatly in isolated coves.
While walking the Amalfi Coast we follow mule tracks and old paths through hillside villages, lemon groves and beautiful deep gorges, we descend from our rural base on the Agerola Plain to the towns with their narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and fascinating churches, monasteries and cathedrals. Away from the trails there is plenty of time to partake in the traditional Amalfi pastimes of sampling incredible food and wine, as well as enjoying the Mediterranean climate. This walking holiday in Italy would not be complete without seeing the incredible Roman remains beneath the volcanic cone of Vesuvius. In 79AD the two Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were engulfed in volcanic ash and pumice when Vesuvius erupted, preserving the buildings and leaving a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the average Roman citizen. Saving the best till last, we complete our week with one of the world’s great walks, the ‘Walk of the Gods’.
Priced from $1,675 CDN per person, based on double, land only (excl flights).
Read more http://www.exodustravels.com/ca/italy-holidays/walking-trekking/walking-amalfi-coast/tda-84451
AND for some VAST trips (Virtuoso Active & Specialty Travel) see these trips:
1. Abercrombie & Kent Italy Sardinia & Corsica
2. Tauck Tours Classic Italy
3. Blue Parallel Sicily & Aeolian Islands
4. National Geographic Private Expedition: Italy
5. Backroads Piedmont & Portofino Walking
Contact me for information and to book.
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
613-837-0699