SouthernTuscany to Rome A CULTURAL WALKING ADVENTURE
Yes,we have a weakness for hilltop picnics in Italy. It’s not just the way sun-warmed formaggio pairs with a hunk of crusty bread.And it’s more than how the sweepingexpanse before you, cross-hatched with vineyards, glows in theTuscan sun. It’s the utter serenity, the sense that the world can happen without us, that brings us back again and again to the heart of this amazingcountry. If you love the idea of Italy too much to limit yourself to one region here is your answer.This journey begins in southernTuscany… wanders into rustic Umbria…and winds up with an insider’s glimpse of life in Rome. Beginning as we do near Siena, it’s a compact journey that still manages to incorporate breathtaking art treasures, rural walks, photogenic hilltowns, evocative Etruscan tombs and memorable dining (in magnificent ristorantes and on hilltops).
ITINERARY
We meet in Cortona (1 night) for a walk that includes a stroll past the home that inspired Under the Tuscan Sun. A countryside olive oil tasting punctuates our first day. In the morning, we explore medieval Siena before settling into our palazzo hotel in Spello (2 nights) and a wine-tasting in our friend’s cellar.
Assisi is nearby and we’ll make the pilgrimage to experience its glorious art and the landmarks of St. Francis’ life. Our walks include a grand picnic and a visit to Deruta’s ceramic workshops. En route to Orvieto, we’ll pause for a cheese-tasting. Next day, we join the locals for a stroll along Lake Bolsena (3 nights). Our views overlook sunflower fields and vineyards that produce the region’s famed wine. On our last country day, an art historian leads us to the enigmatic Etruscan tombs in the surrounding hills.
Finally: Rome! We’ve arranged for a friend to give you his own unforget- table perspective on his beloved town. It’s a memorable morning…and a great orientation if you decide to treat yourself to some time in the Eternal City.
Zurich R
Tour Dates: May 15-21, June 19-25, July 10-16, September 11-17, October 2-8
Trip Length: 7 days/6 nights Price: From $3895 (includes all breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners) Single Supplement: $695 Begins: Cortona Ends: Rome
Other Tours in Tuscany: Family Journey pg 41, Culinary pg 48.
Maggiore E Milan
Orta Lake
Lake Orta
Florence Rome Cortona Orvieto Bolsena Rome Naples Assisi Spello Todi Lugano Lake
Lake Como
Milan Bellagio Italian Lake Retreats A CULTURAL WALKING ADVENTURE
A Renaissance mirage, the villa floats on a mirror-smooth lake. It’s morning. The mountains that slide into the water are still hidden in deep blue shadows, except the peaks high above that are tipped in apricot alpenglow. Italy’s Lake District always makes us poetic, and this Classic Journey visits the three most inspiring lakes: Como, Maggiore and Orta. Since the Roman emperors, these gracious waterside resorts have drawn visitors.The climate is mild, loaded with the vibrant colors of alpine wildflowers and lush semi-tropical gardens.Our footpaths sometimes traverse mountaintop meadows and often hug the crystal clear waters.We spend generous parts of several days on leisurely cruises and visit fine villas, palaces and fishing villages.Nowhere else does stunning scenery, mellow air and rich history come together with such romantic results.
ITINERARY
We meet in Bellagio (3 nights), the lovely center of the region’s silk trade, and settle into our lakeside hotel. In a region known for its incredible villas, our first walk leads to one of the finest—Villa Serbelloni—where we’ve arranged a private visit to its rose gardens. Later, a countryside walk with lake and mountain views culminates at a villa for a wine-tasting.
After boating to Como, we enter Switzerland briefly where a funicular ride leads to a downhill walk with the reward of a lakeside gelato. Back to Italy, we end the day in Orta (3 nights), the most beautiful of the Italian lakes. We’ll hop a motor launch to reach San Giulio, a perfect little island with a thousand-year-old monastery. The Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore are studded with palaces and gardens. We reach them by boat and spend a whole day exploring, mooring for lunch at rustic Isola Dei Pescatori.
Among several lovely walks on country roads and bridle paths we enjoy, one of our favorites leads past silvery olive groves to a shepherdess who invites us in for a tast- ing of the local cheese. On our final day, you’ll have time to amble in Orta and do some shopping if you like before we transfer to Milan.
Tour Dates: May 15-21, June 12-18, July 17-23, September 4-10, October 2-8
Trip Length: 7 days/6 nights Price: From $3995 (includes all breakfasts and 5 dinners) Single Supplement: From $695 Begins: Bellagio Ends: Milan
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