Activities – Transport – Tours

Cooking Holidays in Abruzzo

Learning how to cook Italian food is a secret dream for many people. During your cooking holidays you will have the opportunity to learn the main recipes of traditional Italian and Abruzzese cuisine in an informal and friendly way directly in the home of housewives, wineries or trabocchi, Abruzzo’s ancient fishing huts raised on stilts from the sea.
The dishes you’ll prepare come from the oldest and most authentic tradition; recipes originated and transformed through the ages, or handed down from family to family, mother to daughter.

Accommodation

You will stay in the charming 3-Star Hotel Locanda dei Baroni (7 rooms) in the heart of the old town of Vasto (pop. 40,000). Hotel Locanda dei Baroni occupies an entirely-renovated 17th-century noble palazzo. Just a stone’s throw from the Belvedere, a scenic look-out point with a marvellous view of the gulf, this elegant and warm hotel sets the standard for hospitality in the old town centre.
The beautiful location of the hotel, together with refined dishes and service offered by its restaurant, make it a tranquil, sought-after refuge. The guests of the Hotel Locanda dei Baroni are greeted by a warm, friendly atmosphere that is expressed through comfortable, well-decorated rooms, elegant common areas and the restaurant’s arched dining room.

Itineraries

Typical 4 day itinerary:

Typical 7 day itinerary:

Day 1 Welcome to Abruzzo. Dinner
Day 2 Visit to a colorful local market, cooking class in a housewife’s home, visit to olive oil mill and visit to Vasto’s historic town center
Day 3 Relax, cycling or walking in a Natural Park, cooking class inside a winery, tour of vineyards and wine tasting
Day 4 Day trip to Abruzzo mountains and castles
Day 5 Cooking class in a housewife’s home, truffle hunting and exceptional truffle dinner with homemade pasta by mamma Maria
Day 6 Special day grazing and milking sheep and cheese making
Day 7 Exclusive cooking class on a Trabocco on the sea, visit to a charming abbey and departure

Also in our offer

Painting classes
The course will allow you to learn and/or increase your pictorial techniques, to develop observation skills and to seek – and find! – your own innate creativity.
The award-winning Italian artist Keziat will guide you in the study of different painting techniques.

Pottery classes
The course will allow you to learn and/or increase your pottery decoration and manipulation techniques, to develop observation skills and to seek and find your own innate creativity.
The Italian ceramists Michela and Giuseppe will guide you in the study of different techniques of ceramic manipulation and decoration.

Transport

To really get to know Italy of course you must visit the historic cities such as Rome, Pisa and Florence with their beautiful architecture and museums, to the romantic and unique city of Venice. But exploring the countryside tells you much more about this wonderful country, and exploring the countryside is best done with a rental car.

Our rental car partner in Italy is Maggiore – a modern fleet of all car sizes, and rental locations everywhere you need them. We have excellent rates with Maggiore and have worked with them for many succesful years. One way hires within Italy are without fees, and the cars may be taken into the neighbouring countries but must be returned in Italy. Drivers must be 21 years of age.

Car hire driving tips in Italy
Driving in Italy is easy, although we cannot recommend driving in the cities – locals drive and park erratically and traffic rules are generally ignored so visitors need to take great care. Don’t expect drivers to give right of way or stop at red lights. The motorway network is well-maintained and sign-posted, making this the way to go in many cases. The historic cities have criss-crossing streets and one-way systems, with many areas off-limits to vehicles. Hiring a vehicle with GPS will help you to navigate these areas.

Essentials
New Zealand drivers need to carry their New Zealand driver’s licences AND an International Driving Permit, their passport and a major credit card. These documents AND the rental agreement/insurance agreement must be carried AT ALL TIMES.
Italy drives on the RIGHT.

The speed limit: on motorways and dual carriageways (outside urban areas) is 130kph and on national or provincial roads: 110kph. Open roads: 90kph. Urban roads: 50kph.

Alcohol limits: 0.05 per cent or 0.5mg of alcohol per millilitre of blood. This is lower than the New Zealand’s limit. Drink driving is strictly enforced via breathalysers, especially in the cities. Drivers are subject to steep on-the-spot fines or in the worst case, imprisonment, if caught driving over the limit.

Children under 12 years of age must use a car seat or booster seat and may not sit in the front of the vehicle. It is mandatory to carry a warning triangle and a reflective vest. Snow chains are mandatory if driving in the north between October and April. If you are driving a vehicle from the UK, then headlamp converters are compulsory.

Seat belts are mandatory for both front-seat and rear-seat passengers. This regulation is enforced by the police and fines are issued on-the-spot for failure to comply.

Mobile phones and GPS: mobile phone usage while driving is prohibited. Offenders of this rule are subject to an on-the-spot fine. Hands-free devices are allowed. GPS devices should be programmed while stationery.

Insurance: small accidents, particularly in the cities, are a common occurrence in Italy. We urge you to buy the full comprehensive insurance coverage for your rental car or purchase a travel insurance policy that includes cover for rental car damage and theft excesses. Instances of small damage to vehicles, with drivers leaving the scene, are common.

Traffic and parking: parking is only allowed on the right side of the street. To park in the city, drivers must obtain a parking disk. These are available from hotels, tourist offices or petrol stations. Simply move the arrow to the time you leave your car and leave the disk on the dashboard on the driver’s side. Maximum parking with a parking disk is one hour.

Scenic Driving

The original film “The Italian Job” with Michael Caine and a fleet of minis introduced many of us to the joy of driving Italy’s spectacular driving routes, and here are some of our favourites:

The Amalfi Coast – a hair raising but beautiful coastal drive on the SS163 highway. The road hugs the coastline and offers spectacular views. Pity the poor driver though!

Tuscany, from Florence to Siena. Take the minor roads through little, traditional rural villages taking care of the opposing farm traffic. This drive is particularly interesting during the wine harvest.

Dolomites – the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti is a winding mountain road providing wonderful views of the Dolomite Mountains. The scenery on this route is simply breathtaking.

The Italian Riviera – another beautiful drive. It is possible to do both short and long trips along the coast, both west towards France and east towards the tip of Italy. Must-stops include Portofino, Ventimiglia and San Remo.

Self drive Itineraries
We have prepared several self-drive holiday packages including car hire, accommodation and driving notes.

INDEX

Apulian Delights 5 nights Bari, Alberobello, Lecce
Enchanting Sicily 7 nights Palermo, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Taormina
Etruscan Week 7 nights Viberbo, Orvieto, Cortona, Volterra
History & Love 7 nights Florence, Pisa, Monterosso
Northern Lakes 6 nights Sirmione, Como, Stresa
Sunshine Coast 5 nights Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi
The Alternative South 7 nights Apulia & Basilicata
The Essence of Wine 7 nights Umbria & Tuscany
Tuscany Art & Wine 5 nights Cortona & Siena
Umbria Art & Wine 6 nights Spoleto, Perugia, Gubbio

Sightseeing

Rome

Sightseeing Tours
Excursions from Rome
Special Tours

Venice

Sightseeing Tours
Excursions from Venice

Florence

Sightseeing Tours
Excursions from Florence

Milan

Sightseeing Tours
Excursions from Milan

Rest of Italy

Naples
Pisa & Turin
Sorrento
Sicily

Coach Tours

Romantic Italy, a land of lakes, mountains, history and ancient sites. Discover Italy on one of our regional coach tours. Operated by a consortium of Italian tour operators using deluxe touring coaches and 4 star hotels in central locations. All tours have English speaking escorts and local, registered guides.

Included meals: (B= breakfast; L = lunch; D = Dinner; HB = Half board, Breakfast & one other meal; FB = Full board, All Meals)

ADD ROME BEFORE YOUR TOUR

Day One, Arrive Rome
You will be met on arrival at Rome Airport or Roma Stazione Termini (central station) and transferred to your hotel.
Day Two, Rome (B)
In the morning you will enjoy a 3 hrs “Discovering Rome”, walking tour (small group – English only). You will be picked up at your hotel at about 9.00am. The tour will start from Largo Argentina and continue to Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and will end at the Spanish steps. The rest of the day at leisure for you to explore Rome at your own pace.

The Sorrentine Peninsula & Capri (from Rome)
Rome-Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento-Capri-Rome, 2 days or 3 days. Operates daily

Day One – Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento (L,D)
Pick up from any central Rome Hotel and depart for Naples. Upon arrival in Naples our local guide will take you for a walking tour of the historical centre to admire the Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the Gallery of Umberto I, and the San Carlo Opera House, stop for lunch
where you will enjoy typical Neapolitan specialties. This afternoon continue to Pompeii with a short visit to a coral cameo factory. Visit the excavations of this ancient Roman city, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvio in 79 b.c. and buried under of ash and stones.
Overnight in Sorrento, a charming town of the Sorrentine Peninsula famous for the cultivation of Oranges, Lemons and Olives.
Day Two – Sorrento & Capri (B,L)
Depart for the island of Capri. Visit Anacapri, the Blue Grotto (weather permitting), the Augustus Gardens and stop at the famous Piazzetta. Return to your Rome hotel.

An extra night in Sorrento is possible with this tour.

Amalfi Coast (from Rome)
Rome-Naples-Pompeii-Amalfi-Rome, 3 days Operates daily

Day One – Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi (L,D)
Pick up from any central hotel in Rome and depart for Naples. Walking tour and lunch in Naples.
This afternoon continue to Pompeii for a visit of the excavations. Then on to Amalfi via the breathtaking Amalfi coast drive with views of picturesque fishing villages including Positano.
Day Two – Amalfi (B,D)
A day to discover the beauty of this wonderful coastal village, or to explore the area. You can take the hotel’s shuttle bus to reach its private beach and plunge into the water of the Mediterranean Sea. Or you may visit the city centre of Amalfi. It is also possible to arrange optional excursions in the area, and visit towns like Ravello and Positano.
Day Three – Amalfi to Rome (B)
A morning at leisure before returning to your Rome hotel.

Extra nights in Amalfi are possible with this tour.

You can also replace Amalfi with Positano on this tour.

Splendid Tour (from Rome)
Rome-Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento-Capri-Amalfi-Rome, 5 days. Operates daily

Day One – Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento (L,D)
Pick up from any central hotel in Rome and depart for Naples. Walking tour and lunch in Naples.
This afternoon continue to Pompeii for a visit of the excavations. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day Two – Capri (B,D)
A full day on the island of Capri with visits to the Blue Grotto, Augustus Gardens and Anacapri.
Day Three – Amalfi (B,D)
Drive via the breathtaking Amalfi Coast via Positano other picturesque fishing villages to Amalfi. The afternoon is at liesure for swimming or exploring the pretty town.
Day Four – Amalfi (B,D)
A full day for relaxation, optional excursions in the area, or visiting other towns like Ravello or Positano.
Day Five – Amalfi to Rome (B)
A morning at leisure before returning to your Rome hotel.

Up North (from Venice)
Venice-Verona-Sirmione (Lake Garda)-Lake Como-Milan or Rome, 3 days

Day One, Thursday. Venice (D)
Independent arrival at the hotel. Meet your tour leader in the evening then dinner at the hotel.
Day Two, Friday. Venice – Verona – Sirmione (Lake Garda) – Lake Como – Milan (B,D)
Depart for Verona to visit the town of Romeo and Juliet. Continue to Sirmione. Free time for lunch and tour of the town. In the afternoon, a panoramic drive to Milan via beautiful Lake Como.
Day Three, Saturday. Milan (or Rome)(B)
A panoramic tour of the city includes the shopping gallery of Vittorio Emanuele II, the Sforza castle, and the Splendid Duomo, one of the world’s largest, most striking Gothic cathedrals. The tour will end 11:00 a.m. at the central railway station.

It is possible to return to Rome with a free transfer by bus. (Early evening arrival)

Art & Culture Tour (from Florence)
Florence-Padua-Venice-Rome, 3 days

Day One, Tuesday. Florence (D)
Independent arrival at the hotel. Meet your tour leader in the evening then dinner at a local restaurant.
Day Two, Wednesday. Florence – Padua – Venice (B,D)
Departure for Venice by coach. Along the way you will stop in Padua to visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello’s “Gattamelata”. Continue to Venice for a panoramic guided walking tour of this unique city. You will see St. Mark’s square, the Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons.
Day Three, Thursday. Venice to Rome (B)
A morning islands tour by boat. You will cross the lagoon to the island of Murano and visit a glass blowing studio. In the afternoon, transfer back to Rome by rail or motor coach.

You can leave the tour in Venice, stay extra time or continue with your European travel plans.

The Art Cities (from Rome)
Rome-Assisi-Siena-Florence-Padua-Venice, 5 days

Day One, Monday. Rome – Assisi – Siena – Florence (D)
From your Rome hotel, drive to Assisi with a visit to the Basilica of Saint Francis then via the beautiful medieval city of Siena to Florence.
Day Two, Tuesday. Florence (B,D)
Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan Church.
Optional tour to Pisa.
Day Three, Wednesday. Florence – Padua – Venice. (B,D)
On the way to Venice, you will stop in Padua and on arrival in Venice take a guided walking tour. You will see St. Mark’s square, the Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons.
Day Four, Thursday. Venice (B,D)
Morning boat tour to the islands of the lagoon. At the island of Murano view a demonstration of glass blowing (shopping time included). Afternoon is free to explore Venice at your own pace.
Day Five, Friday. Depart Venice (B)
Transfer back to Rome by train or Coach.

ADD A TASTE OF VIENNA – 3 days

Day Five, Friday. Venice to Vienna (B)
In the afternoon transfer from the hotel to Venice train Station and depart for Vienna with a late evening arrival.
Day Six, Saturday. Vienna (B,D)
The morning tour will give you an overall impression of the most significant sights of Vienna. Along the Ringstrasse we show you numerous magnificent buildings, such as the MAK, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum, the cultural district, the Museum Quarter, the former Habsburg winter residence, the Hofburg, the Parliament, the City Hall and the Burgtheater. The highlight of this tour will be a visit of the rooms of Schönbrunn Palace. In this former summer residence of the Habsburg family lived e.g. Maria Theresia. The MAK shows applied and contemporary art in temporary exhibitions as well as in its unique permanent and study collections. On the way back to the opera we pass by the Belvedere Palace, the former summer residence of Prince Eugen.
In the evening, dinner is at Restaurant Piaristenkeller with a wine cellar visit.
Day Seven, Sunday. Vienna (B)
American buffet breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day Eight, Monday (B)
Breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the airport or train station.

Flavours of Tuscany & The Enchanting Cinque Terre (from Rome)
Montepulciano-Pienza-Siena-San Gimignano-Tavarnelle (Chianti)-Pisa-La Spezia-
Portovenere , 4 days

Day One, Sunday. Rome – Montepulciano – Pienza – Siena (D)
Pick up from any central Rome Hotel. Start a delightful trip through the rolling hills of the Chianti Region. Reach the hilltop town of Montepulciano, an ancient village rich of medieval and Renaissance buildings, famous for one of the oldest wines of Italy, the “Nobile di Montepulciano”.
Visit a wine cellar for a tasting of wines and local products like ham, cheese, and salami. Then to Pienza, the Renaissance town built under Pope Pius II and well-known for its pecorino cheese. On to Siena old city centre to walk the medieval streets admiring splendid palaces before coming to the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful town squares in the world and site of the famous 600 years old horse-race – “Il Palio”.
Day Two, Monday. Siena – San Gimignano – Chianti – Pisa – La Spezia (B,L,D)
Depart for San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries; situated on a hilltop and famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures. Then to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa in the Chianti Classico “Gallo Nero” region, for a wine tasting and light lunch at the farmhouse La Tancia. On to Pisa for a pleasant walk into the enchanting historical centre, Piazza dei Miracoli, with its famous Leaning Tower and other beautiful monuments. Overnight in La Spezia.
Day Three, Tuesday. Portovenere – Gulf of the Poets – Cinque Terre (B,D)
Embark on an excursion boat for an unforgettable day dedicated to the discovery of one of the most amazing and enchanting landscapes in the World. The five villages, “Cinque Terre” is an area suspended between sea and land, hanging from sheer cliffs surrounded by hills and vineyards. By touring the coast line by boat, you will be able to stop at Portovenere, Vernazza and Monterosso.
Day Four, Wednesday – Carrara Marble Quarry – Montecarlo de Lucca – Rome. (B)
Visit Carrara, the impressive marble quarries carved deep into the mountain. This is where Michelangelo took the raw material to create his superb masterpieces. Then to Montecarlo di Lucca, a lovely town on the hills above Lucca. An area that is ideal for wine olive oil.
Call at a farmhouse where the owners will have you taste delicious Tuscan food specialities, olive oil, cheese, bread, wine and of course pasta. Proceed to Rome and arrival in the evening. End of our services.

The Best of Sicily (from Taormina)
Palermo-Monreale-Mondello-Erice-Trapani-Selinunte-Agrigento-Etna-Siracusa-
Taormina, 8 days

Day One, Saturday. Taormina Area (D)
Independent arrival at the selected Hotel in the Taormina area.
Day Two, Sunday. Taormina – Castelbuono – Cefalu’ – Palermo (B,D)
Breakfast in Hotel. Briefing with the tourguide and departure to Castelbuono, a medieval town, with a famous castle around which the city grew in the 14th century. Visit the streets, the medieval castle and the church of Matrice Vecchia. On to Cefalù to visit this lovely medieval town and its famous cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Sicily, founded by Ruggero II, the first King of Sicily. The cathedral of Cefalù, and some monuments of the Normann period of Monreale and Palermo are acknowledged as a UNESCO heritage site in 2015. Overnight in Palermo.
Day Three, Monday. Palermo, Monreale (Optional Monte Pellegrino & Mondello) (B,D)
A half-day guided tour of Palermo, regional and provincial capital of Sicily. We will start the visit from the old part of the city with the Royal Palace, the Palatina Chapel and the Cathedral. Afterwards you will visit Monreale, which is famous for its its Cloister, its Cathedral and its Byzantine mosaics figurating the Christ Pancreator.
In the afternoon optional excursion to Monte Pellegrino with the sanctuary of Saint Rosalia, the patron of the city. Here you can enjoy the spectacular views on the city, the surrounding mountains and the sea. Goethe once described Monte Pellegrino as the most beautiful promontory in the world. Afterthat on to the small fishing village Mondello with its marvellous beach, where you will have some freetime.
Day Four, Tuesday. Erice – Selinunte – Agrigento (B,D)
Depart for Erice, the medieval town on the summit of Monte San Giuliano. Admire the Norman Castle and the Cathedral. You will have a stop at a bakery shop to taste the typical almond pastry of Erice. On to Trapani, the ancient Dreapanum. In the afternoon visit of the archaeological park of Selinunte with ruins of the temples and the Greek Acropolis. Overnight in Agrigento.
Day Five, Wednesday. Valley of the Temples – Piazza Armerina – Taormina Mare (B,D)
Visit the Valley of the Temples where you can admire the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde, one of the best preserved doric temples in the whole Greek world, the Temple of Ercules and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. On to Piazza Armerina where you will have a short break for tasting some typical Sicilian food like olive paté, olives, marmelades and wine. You will visit the Villa Romana del Casale, famous for the most beautiful collection of late-Roman mosaics.
Day Six, Thursday. Etna (B,D)
An excursion to Mt. Etna, the highest and most active volcano of Europe. The territory surrounding the vulcano is the “Park of Etna”, one of the largest protected areas in Italy: you will be astonished about the great variety of vegetation and landscapes that we will meet along the way before arriving at the “ Silvesti Craters” (about 1,900m). From here on you have the opportunity to continue 4X4 vehicle. On the way back we call on a local beekeeper for a honey and wine tasting.
In the afternoon visit Taormina, situated on a plateau on the slopes of the steeply dropping Monte Tauro, dominating the Ionian coast from Capo Sant’Andrea to Capo Taormina. There is an optional visit of the Greek-Roman theatre, the 2nd largest classical theatre in Sicily.
Day Seven, Friday. Noto & Syracuse (B,D)
First stop is Noto to discover the beautiful baroque in Sicily. On to Syracuse, one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the island, visit the Archeological Park, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus, the Cave of the Cordari, Island of Ortigia, the most ancient nucleus of the city with its stunning cathedral. Return to Taormina Mare.
Day Eight, Saturday (B)
The tour ends with breakfast.

Renaissance Cities (from Rome)
Rome-Assisi-Siena-Florence-Padua-Venice-Rome, 4 days

Day One, Monday. Rome – Assisi – Siena – Florence (D)
Depart by coach to Assisi. Visit the mystic town of Saint Francis and the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. On to the beautiful medieval city of Siena and overnight in Florence.
Day Two, Tuesday. Florence (B,D)
A guided sightseeing tour of the city, known to be the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan Church with Cimabue’s famous crucifix. The balance of the day is at leisure for optional sightseeing (we suggest the Pisa half day tour) or for shopping. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Day Three, Wednesday. Florence – Padua – Venice (B,D)
On the way to Venice, stop in Padua, where you will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello’s “Gattamelata”. On arrival in Venice enjoy a panoramic guided walking tour of this unique city. You will see the St. Mark’s square, the Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons.
Day 4, Thursday. Venice – Rome. (B)
A morning tour by boat. You will cross the lagoon with a view of the islands and reach the island of Murano where you will assist to a demonstration of glass blowing. Early afternoon, return to Rome by train or coach.

It is possible to finish the tour in Venice, stay extra days or travel on according to your travel plans.

Ideal Classic Tour (from Rome)
Rome-Assisi-Siena-Florence-Padua-Venice-Verona-Sirmione (Lake Garda)-
Lake Como-Milan or Rome, 6 days

Day One, Monday. Rome – Assisi – Siena – Florence (D)
Depart by coach for Assisi to visit the Basilica. Visit the Medieval city of Siena and overnight in Florence.
Day Two, Tuesday. Florence (B,D)
A morning tour of Florence and an afternoon free for optional tours and activities.
Day Three, Wednesday. Florence – Padua – Venice (B,D)
Drive to Venice with a tour of Padua on the way. On arrival in Venice enjoy a walking tour that includes St. Mark’s square, the Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons.
Day Four, Thursday. Venice (B,D)
A morning islands tour by boat. You will cross the lagoon to the island of Murano and visit a glass blowing studio. Time will be allowed for shopping. Afternoon free to explore Venice at your own pace.
Day Five, Friday. Venice – Verona – Sirmione (Lake Garda) – Lake Como – Milan (B,D)
Depart for Verona to visit of the town of Romeo and Juliet. Continue to lovely Sirmione. Free time for lunch and tour of the town. A panoramic drive via Lake Como will bring you to Milan.
Day Six, Saturday. Milan (or Rome) (B)
The panoramic tour of the city includes the shopping gallery of Vittorio Emanuele II, the Sforza castle, and the splendid Duomo, one of the world’s largest, most striking Gothic cathedrals. The tour will end at 11.00 a.m at the central railway station.

It is possible to return to Rome with a free transfer by bus. Early evening arrival.