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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
Request More Information
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Our other exciting trips





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This
was an outstanding adventure! Our guide Lorenzo was exceptional.
He was very knowledgeable, well organized, always patient and
smiling. To handle 9 women the way he did deserves a medal!

Jackie Kemp,
Whittier, CA
The
hiking was extraordinary, difficult but exhilarating. Especially
spectacular was approaching the Cinque Terre towns from the hilltops.
Overall it was a dream vacation, full of surprises every day!
Catherine Cappetta, Nashua, NH
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Umbria
is a jewel! From the Abbey to Assisi to Gubbio - the countryside
is just beautiful. Everything was terrific, the hotels were wonderful,
the food was superb and the hikes were great. 
Leslie Oppenheimer,
Chicago, IL |
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I
found the variety of excursions to be exceptional - from quiet walks
through vineyards and forests to exploring ancient cities, magnificent
cathedrals and abbeys. The chanting of Gregorian monks in the Abbey
of Sant' Antimo was especially magical. 
Elizabeth Tarpy,
Portland, ME |
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Each day to reach our destination and look back at the beautiful terrain we had just covered was such a feeling of accomplishment. The towns we went to were all so beautiful. I was awed at the architecture and history behind each city. To stand among such history is the thrill of a lifetime. 
Virginia Pitzer,
Evergreen, CO
It was just what we needed. Good hard exercise and great food to come back to. This area of the country is spectacular. Lorenzo, our guide, was a superstar. This trip was one of the highlights of our honeymoon. 
Nick Shepley,
Newnham, GB
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