Italy - Romantic Italy! Land of art, history, great food, warm people, wonderful cities, charming old villages and spectacular scenery!

Guided Walking Tours



Cinque Terre and Portofino
“Walking the Emerald Coast of the Italian Riviera”
Dramatic and sweeping views over the rocky emerald coast, bright sunny blue skies, colorful fishing villages and delectable Ligurian food …. no wonder that many poets have sung the praises of this intoxicating region of Italy. And so will you!

Our 7-day tour combines the enchanting walk connecting the five colorful Cinque Terre fishing villages with a visit to dazzling Portofino and a master chef’s Ligurian cooking lesson! We welcome you on the delightful terrace of our charming hotel in Monterosso, a small seaport, the first of the proper 5 villages in the “Cinque Terre” region, with excellent train connections to some Italy’s major cities. From our central location we’ll walk along the inspiring Ligurian coast to Bonassola and the Cinque Terre villages, often with spectacular views on the turquoise water. By staying in Monterosso we also break the rather long Cinque Terre walk into two easier, more satisfying segments.

We’ll visit unforgettable Portofino, a photographer’s delight with its colorful boats shimmering in the calm waters of its marvelous harbor. Here nature and men have perfectly worked together and it is no wonder that this dazzling seaport appeals so much to the European “jet set”! We’ll savor our cappuccino on one of Portofino’s many terraces and “see the world pass by”. La dolce vita! It does not get any sweeter than this!

Over the much less frequented ridge of the Cinque Terre Peninsula we walk through olive groves, pine woods and flower-filled meadows to reach our multi-hued final destination Portovenere. Our acclaimed four-star hotel overlooks another stunning harbor and the surrounding old city with its picturesque alleys and climbing streets. Breakfast and dinners are lovingly served on the outside terrace and a cooking lesson by the master chef will send you home with at least four outstanding Ligurian recipes! Overall a glorious and unforgettable experience!

Included:
Daily lodging in 3 and 4 star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners, cooking class (min. 6 persons), all transportation (trains, ferries, minivan) during the tour.

2008 Tour Dates: May 10-16, June 22-28
and Sept. 20-26
Tour Price: $2125
Single Supplement: $475
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Umbrian Delight
“Walking in Historic Umbria”
Umbria is called "the heart of Italy" and "the land of artists, saints and warriors”. Less well known than its neighbor Tuscany, Umbria is rich in every type of historic site from the Etruscan onward. Reminders of Roman, medieval and Renaissance life can be found everywhere. Its ancient walled cities and hilltop villages are beautifully preserved. The hotels used on our tour all are totally unique and serve fabulous, authentic fresh food.

Our tour begins in fascinating, historic Spoleto, magnificently situated over gently sloping hills and more richly endowed with historic medieval monuments than most other cities in Umbria or even Italy. On day one a knowledgeable local guide will bring us to Spoleto’s Roman Theatre, the splendid Cathedral of Santa Maria Assurta with its gorgeous frescoes, the awe inspiring medieval bridge and the Monastery of Saint Agatha. We’ll admire other medieval and Roman monuments from high above on our second day of walking in the hills above Spoleto.

Assisi, where St. Francis was born and founded his religious order, is the symbol of the religious and mystical soul of Umbria. Many famous artists, first and foremost Giotto, have decorated its churches and you'll have ample time to admire most of the art works, beautifully restored after the devastating recent earthquake. Our unique 4-star hotel with swimming pool is gorgeously situated on a peaceful hilltop in the Monte Subasio Park with stunning views all around.

Next is Perugia. Once an important Etruscan and Roman city, it still possesses an impressive, medieval town center and the wonderful Umbrian National Art Gallery, one of the finest in Italy.  We’ll enjoy an unusual tranquil ambience in our immaculately renovated hotel in the historic city center.

On our final day we'll transfer to surprising Gubbio, built on a hill, with incredible views, splendid buildings and a wonderfully unaltered medieval appearance.  We’ll make an easy climb to the church above Gubbio and later enjoy a walk in the wooded, peaceful surroundings before we return to Perugia for our farewell dinner.

Included:
Daily lodging in exclusive 4 star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners, guided walking tour in Spoleto and Assisi, all transportation during the tour

2008 Tour Dates: June 22-28, October 12-18
Tour Price: $2125  
Single Supplement: $425
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

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La Dolce Vita Tour
“Walking under the Tuscan Sun”
Tuscany has a wonderful history, a magnificent cultural heritage and splendid cuisine. It was the beloved homeland of Galileo, Dante and Machiavelli. It also was where Michelangelo, Donatello and da Vinci lived and created their artistic masterpieces. In the unspoiled countryside that still rings many of the walled cities, you'll find villas, castles and estates that once belonged to the Tuscan rich and famous. The cypress-covered hills still resemble the backgrounds of Renaissance paintings. This is the Tuscany that Frances Mayes so elegantly describes in her "Under the Tuscan Sun".

Despite its popularity Tuscany still remains the "greenest region in Italy" and it is here where the local olive oil and Chianti wine are produced. Tuscans have always liked straightforward food, which they elevate to exquisite tastiness by the freshness and excellence of the ingredients. Herbs are used liberally to create distinct flavors that we'll enjoy heartily. But above all we'll appreciate the scenic walking paths and quiet country lanes with breathtaking views over the surrounding villages.

Tuscany is the heart of Italy and Siena is the heart of Tuscany. Siena is the age-old rival of Florence but it is a more intimate town. The twisting, narrow streets lead to unexpected, delightful squares and the Duomo, the majestic Piazza del Campo and the Palazzo Pubblico will thrill you. North of Siena we'll visit the ancient walled city of San Gimignano, easily recognizable by its many square towers, erected as signs of prosperity during medieval times. South of Siena we'll find San Quirico where we start our walking tours. Our cozy, modern hotel here has an excellent kitchen and offers spectacular views over the Tuscan hills. Our hotel in Siena has a beautiful garden terrace and both hotels offer a refreshing swimming pool!

Included:
Daily lodging in 3 and 4 star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners, all transportation during the tour, guided walking tour in Siena

2008 Tour Dates: May 25-31, June 15-21
and Oct. 5-11
Tour Price: $2125  
Single Supplement: $395
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Dazzling Dolomites!
“Heavenly Hiking above Lake Garda”
Our "Dolomita" walking tour starts with a winding ride up from historic and architecturally important Trento with its well preserved medieval, Renaissance and baroque buildings, to Madonna di Campiglio, a charming high mountain resort in the dramatic Dolomites. From our hotel we have stunning views on the Brenta Range, the name the Dolomites have here in the province of Trentino. The many scenic glacial lakes sprinkled throughout this area, sometimes called the "Little Finland of Italy", draw walkers and sightseers from around the world. Our tour combines walking along some of the smallest lakes in the locale with walks above the largest, and some say, the most beautiful lake in Italy, Lago di Garda. Since Roman times visitors have flocked to Lake Garda, to enjoy the combination of snow-capped mountains, steep granite cliffs, emerald water, colorful villages, lush vegetation and the mild, Mediterranean climate.

Walking in these gorgeous surroundings is a pure delight. Cable cars will drop us high above the "tree line", where we'll have heavenly, unobstructed views for miles in all directions. The lakes we'll see are crisp, clean and soothing to the soul. At times we'll trek through lovely meadows with unusual wild flowers, accompanied by the strangely pleasing sounds of melodious cowbells.

Our two four-star luxury hotels feature friendly, first class service and the best of Italy's fresh food. Both hotels have swimming pools, wonderful atmosphere and can provide soothing massages, great for relaxing tired muscles! It cannot get any better in life! Please join us!

Included:
Daily lodging in 4 star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners all transportation (cable cars, ferries, minivan) during the tour

2008 Tour Dates: June 29-July 5 and
August 30-September 5
Tour Price: $2125
Single Supplement: $450
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

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