Ignas Tour Italy 2017

1ITALY 2017

2017

2 ITALY 2017

Staff“You can train someone but you can’t teach someone to care”Our creative and dedicated staff has decades of experience, is passionate, attentive and committed to provide our clients the highest standard of service.

100 employees and 15 languages spoken24/7 service and after hours assistance

About Us

Our history and mission

Our services

Ignas Tour is one of the largest integrated Incoming Tour Operator in Italy, a leading supplier for Italian and foreign Tour Operators and major supplier for large-scale retail channel. “The Art of traveling in style” lies at the very heart of Ignas Tour. Our commitment is to provide our clients with the highest standards, outstanding service and deliver exceptional quality vacations at an unbeatable value.

Established in 1997 and privately owned, Ignas Tour has been making a difference to our client’s group traveling experiences for two decades. In 1999 opening of a local office in Hungary, adding a new destination to the company’s portfolio. Since 2001 is also part of TUI Travel plc.

Last addition to the company’s umbrella is the office in Slovakia opened in 2014, consolidating Ignas Tours presence in the Eastern European market and expanding and diversifying even more the product line.Ignas Tour maintains an uncompromising commitment to offer the highest standards of product integrity and leisure experience by

providing competitive travel services.Trust, reliability, financial stability, passion and attention to details are key aspects Ignas Tour is known for. The company prides itself on a long-term vision and strategy and keeps in sync with the latest market trends in order to develop new products and solutions.

We provide an array of group travel services from incentives, leisure travel, team building, theme based itineraries in special interest destinations, conferences and events throughout Italy at highly competitive rates.Introducing a dedicated Small groups brand “The Five Senses” with suggested itineraries for the discerning travelers starting as low as 8 paying passengers and a LGBT dedicated product line.

Groups operated per year

2500Hotel contracts

4600Passengers per year

500.000

Why ignas Tour• 20 years of experience in group travel • Fully integrated online offline distribution channel• Expert and knowledgeable Tour directors• Hand picked and carefully selected hotels, restaurants and guides to guarantee an authentic Italian experience• Vast selection of accommodations of all categories from B&B to luxury hotels in both art cities and resorts • Theme-based small groups brand “The Five Senses” carefully designed to enhance client’s sensory experience• LGBT dedicated product line• Client’s satisfaction: our Tours receive 97% rating in post-trip survey

Key facts

3ITALY 2017

Your Destination.Our Group Services

MICEArt CitiesMinor CitiesBorghiMountainLakesSea ResortsCooking ClassesActive VacationsReligious Groupsand more...

4 ITALY 2017

The Five Senses Philosophy

Our small group themed itinerary suggestions are designed around the Five Senses: whether your group is looking to See (Visus) and discover beautiful landscapes or be amazed by the uncountable art and cultural wonders, to Taste (Gustus) the local regional cuisine, to just Smell (Odoratus) the roses, gardens and experience Italy’s Great Green Beauty with unique tours, to learn the ancient crafts from the masters and Touch (Tactus) with your own hands,

to Hear (Auditus) and attend major and lesser known music events, Ignas Tour has the perfect experience for you.And for those that dare to know more we are introducing the new concept of the Sixth Sense, suggested itineraries and excursions focusing on the discovery of myths, legends, mysteries and miraculous stories surrounding the Bella Italia and covering minor towns and charming Borghi.

And now choose your Sensory Experience...

5ITALY 2017 Six

th S

ense

Aud

itus

Tact

usO

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tus

Gus

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Visu

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The ClassicsRome & Enchanting Amalfi Coast ............................... 8Heart of Tuscany & Cinque Terre ............................... 10Impressions of Italy ................................................... 12Milan & Northern Lakes ............................................. 14Italo Train Experience ................................................ 16Sicilian Odissey ......................................................... 18DiscoveryLand of Lakes, Castles and Mighty Dolomites .......... 20

Italy coast to coast .................................................... 22Deep South ............................................................... 24

Italy & BeyondAcross the Italian Alps ............................................... 26The Far East Border .................................................. 28From Fashionista to Jet-Setter .................................. 30The Savoy Route ....................................................... 32

Culinary Experience in Piedmont, Aosta Valley & Liguria ........................................................................................36Culinary Experience in Apulia, Basilicata & Campania............................................................................................38Culinary Experience in Sicily ...................................................................................................................................40Culinary Experience in Lake Garda, Dolomites and Veneto ....................................................................................42Culinary Experience in Veneto and Friuli .................................................................................................................44Culinary Experience in Umbria & Tuscany...............................................................................................................46Culinary Experience in Emilia Romagna, Marche & Tuscany ..................................................................................48

Margherita - Featuring: Trauttmansdorff Gardens ...................................................................................................51Magnolia - Featuring: Aromatic Salt Workshop in Spoleto .....................................................................................51Lavanda - Featuring: The Garden of Tarot ..............................................................................................................52Iris - Featuring: Artesella the Contemporary Mountain ...........................................................................................52Orchidea - Featuring: The Orchids World ................................................................................................................53Rose - Featuring: The Rose Garden of Vacunae Rosae ..........................................................................................53

How to... Carve your Wooden Piece of Art .............................................................................................................55How to... Create your own Wafer ............................................................................................................................55How to... Become a Master of Falconry ..................................................................................................................56How to... Olive harvest experience in Apulia ...........................................................................................................56A day in a farm. Sheep shearing and goat milking ..................................................................................................57A day in a farm. Bread making and bee breeding ...................................................................................................57

Verona Opera Experience ........................................................................................................................................59Venice La Fenice Opera Experience........................................................................................................................60Following the footsteps of Puccini ..........................................................................................................................61Milan and La Scala Experience ...............................................................................................................................62Stradivari the Master Luthier ...................................................................................................................................63Following the footstep of the famous composer Giuseppe Verdi ...........................................................................64Discover Mantua and Sabbioneta ...........................................................................................................................65Spider Bite: Pizzica and Tarantella in Salento .........................................................................................................66Pavarotti ..................................................................................................................................................................67

Narni and other Stories - Part I ...............................................................................................................................70

Narni and other Stories - Part II ..............................................................................................................................72

Roma Caput Mundi .................................................................................................................................................74

6 ITALY 2017 | Visus

VisusItaly boasts the richest artistic heritage of the world. Discover the most celebrated cities, the minor towns as well as Italy’s diverse and breathtaking landscape and untouched nature. From the peak of the Dolomites to the warmth of Sicily, we feature a wide range of itineraries for the first timers and the most discerning travelers.

7Visus | ITALY 2017


VisusTheClassics

Rome & Enchanting Amalfi Coast

Day 1: RomeArrival transfer from Fiumicino airport to hotelin Rome. Welcome drink. Relax or join a vicinity walk with your English speaking tour leader upon arrival. Welcome dinner and overnight.Meals: D

Day 2: Naples - CapriBuffet breakfast. Departure by motor coach to Naples. Panoramic walking tour of Naples where you will admire the historical center. Your guide will then take you to the Gallery Umberto I, followed by the Royal Palace and San Carlo Theater (outside visit), one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Lunch will be at a local restaurant where you will have the chance to taste a real GeothermalPizza, the only one risen in tuff caves, a very rare specialty! After lunch you will embark the hydrofoil for a short cruise to reach the pearl of the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri. Upon arrival to Capri you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight. Meals: B - L

Day 3: CapriBuffet breakfast. Morning tour of the island with first stop and visit at the famous Villa

San Michele and the Church of San Michele. Continue to the center of Capri, the famous Piazzetta and discover the narrow streets with its glamour boutiques and get a taste of the famous Limoncello, the lemon based liquor. Together with your guide visit the Augustus Gardens and enjoy the fantastic view of the Faraglioni cliffs. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon free time to discover Caprior to just enjoy some shopping or relax time. Return to your hotel. Meals: B**suggestions

Day 4: Sorrento - Positano - AmalfiBuffet breakfast. This morning transfer from Capri to Sorrento by hydrofoil. Once in Sorrento join a walking tour of the town with your tour leader. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon you board your private motorcoach and drive along the spectacular scenic Amalfi coast with stop in the village of Positano, a pastel resort town perched on the cliffs, known for its romance and elegance. Follow the footsteps of Shelley, Goethe, Steinbeck and the town’s myriad other famous visitors as you climb Positano’s winding staircases and explore its narrow streets. Poke into the upscale boutiques, order sandals made to

fit your foot or relax over a fresh fish lunch, all the while admiring unbeatable views. Continue to Amalfi area where you will check in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight.Meals: B - D

Day 5: RavelloBuffet breakfast. This morning you will visit the Emerald Grotto. Discovered in 1932 by a local fisherman, the grotto is an underground cave famous for its translucent, turquoise-

•TheSistineChapelandVaticanMuseums•TouroftheundergroundsofNaples•The realGeothermal Napolitan Pizza the only one risen intuffcaves

•2nightstayontheIsleofCapri•ThemysteryandtragedyofPompeiidestruction

Itinerary

Highlights8 days priced from € 949

Small group suggested tour starting from 8 guests

Featuring: Rome, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii

13 meals and English speaking tour leader throughout the trip

9Visus | ITALY 2017

blue waters, which sparkle as the sun’s rays percolate underground. Continue to the village of Ravello considered one of the most romantic and beautiful small townsin southern Italy. Perched on steep, terraced slopes, it is a place blessed with lush gardens, quiet lanes, sleepy, sun-drenched corners, and a lofty setting. Its heart lie in an 11th-century cathedral and the Villa Rufolo (included visit and entrance fees), the latter one of two villas for which the town is famous. Built in the 13th century, the villa’s guests have included Popes and Kings, as well as Richard Wagner, Who composed part of his opera Parsiefal her in 1880. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Pompeii - RomeBuffet breakfast. Morning departure from the

Amalfi Coast and proceed to Pompeii, the city destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 B.C, for a 2-hours guided walking tour of the excavations. During the tour you will be taken on a trip back to what life was like when Pompeii was buried under 65 ft. of volcanic ashes. After the tour you lunch in a local restaurant in the Vesuvio area. Continue to Rome. Check in at the hotel. Overnight.Meals: B - L

Day 7: RomeBuffet breakfast. This morning you will join a tour of Vatican City. Your English speaking guide will take you inside the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, passing through St. Peter’s Square and Bernini’s famous colonnade to reach St. Peter’s Basilica where you will admire Michelangelo’s

Pieta. After lunch, you will continue with the Ancient Rome tour by visiting the legendary Colosseum (skip the line and entrance fees included), oneof the largest amphitheater built by Roman Empire with more than 50,000 seat, in which gladiator contests and public events took place. Afterward visit to the Roman Forum, the central area of ancient Rome. You will also admire the magnificent Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate his leadership over the Eternal City. Overnight. Meals: B – D

Day 8: DepartureBuffet breakfast. Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Meals: B

Capri Island Hotel Girasole or similar

Amalfi coastHotel Lloyd Baya or similar

RomeHotel Romanico Palace or similar

*The itinerary is on request and rates are subject to the availability of the hotels at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change if travel occur during trade shows, bank holidays or special events and supplements may be applied.

*Price per person sharing a double/twin room:

Prices

Included features• Welcome drink

• 7 nights in 4*centrally located hotels

• 13 meals (7 Breakfast, Geothermal Pizza with with drinks included in Naples,

3 3-course lunch in Pompeii and 2 3-course dinner at local restaurants with

drinks included , 2 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included )

• Underground Tour of Naples with English speaking local guide

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Capri, Pompeii and Rome)

• Skip the line tickets at Vatican Museum, Colosseum

• Entrance fees at Villa San Michele, Villa Rufolo and Emerald Grotto

• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary

• Airport transfers

• Porterage in/out at all hotels

• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip

• Headsets throughout the trip

Do you like this itinerary but would like to customize it? Contact us at [email protected]

Not included:Tips, City Taxes and everything not listed under “Included features”

Ignas Tour Hotel Collection

Dates 8 guests 15 guests 25 guestsSingle

supplement

01/03/17 - 03/30/17 10/15/17 - 12/27/17

€1559 €1169 €949

€29903/31/17 - 06/01/17 09/24/17 - 10/14/17

€1659 €1299 €1099

06/02/17 - 08/03/17 08/27/17 - 09/23/17

€1899 €1499 €1269


VisusTheClassics

Heart of Tuscany & Cinque Terre

Day 1: RomeArrival private transfer from the airport to the hotel. Welcome drink. Relax or join your Tour leader for a vicinity walk. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: Vatican Museum & St. Peter’s Basilica – ColoseumBuffet breakfast. Full day tour through the Eternal City. Visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, passing through St. Peter’s Square and Bernini’s famous colonnade to reach St. Peter’s Basilica where you will admire Michelangelo’s Pieta. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon Ancient Rome tour with the legendary Coliseum , one of the largest amphitheater built by Roman Empire with more than 50,000 seat, in which gladiator contests and public events took place. Visit the Arena, the Underground and the Third Tier included. Afterward Roman Forum and Capital Hill, the central area of ancient Rome. You will also admire the magnificent Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate his leadership over the Eternal City. Overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Rome - Siena - San GimingnanoBuffet breakfast. Depart from Rome direction Tuscany and visit of Siena and S. Gimignano. Arrive in Siena where you will be enchanted by the splendid Cathedral built in a Romanesque/Gothic style and by

the Town hall. This palace is situated in the picturesque Piazza del Campo, in which the famous Palio takes place every year. Lunch on your own. Continue to San Gimignano declared by UNESCO World Heritage site. San Gimignano is also known as the “The Manhattan of Tuscany: 15 of the original 72 towers still dominate the almost unchanged, well preserved, historic center and were once a symbol of the power and wealth of its inhabitants. Before departing you will taste the best ice cream in the world, which has won the last two editions of the Ice Cream World Championship. Dinner and Overnight in the Chianti area. Meals: B - D

Day 4: San Gimignano - VolterraBuffet breakfast. This morning you will first reach Volterra, a former Etruscan settlement, located on top of a hill and offering beautiful view of the surroundings. Here you will have a guided visit of the city center with includedvisit the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum one of the best place to learn about this mysterious per-roman civilization. After lunch, you will attend to an Alabaster workshop. Dinner and overnight in the Chianti area.Meals: B - L - D

Day 5: Pisa - Italian RivieraBuffet breakfast. This morning you will first reach Pisa to admire the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, one of the most

instantly recognizable structures onearth. Get stunned from Piazza del Duomo which create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Lunch on your own and time at leasure. Continue to Massa Carrara area where we will visit a Larderia and taste the delicious lard. Continue with an excursion through the famous marble caves with 4x4 jeep in Carrara, where it is said Michelangelo spent a lot of time quarrying the marble for his projects. Drive to Versilia coast hotel. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Cinque TerreBuffet breakfast. Today be ready for a full day excursion to the amazing and world known

•SanGimignano,theManhattanofTuscany•EtruscanhistoryinVolterraandAlabasterworkshop•Carraramarblequarrytourby4x4jeep•Lucca,thecityofthe101churchesand“Buccellato”sweetbread

•CruisetotheCinqueTerre

Itinerary



Featuring: Rome, Siena, San Gimignano, Cinque Terre, Florence


11Visus | ITALY 2017

Cinque Terre. You will admire the breathtaking scenery of the Ligurian Coast, rightfully nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site. These enchanting five villages are nestled into the cliffs overlooking the sea, surrounded by vineyards, producing some of Ligura’s most celebrated wines. Arrive by bus to La Spezia and start your boat excursion that will take you to Rio Maggiore and Monterosso, the largest village of the Cinque Terre and the only one with the beach. Stop in Vernazza, the pearl of Cinque Terre, for included lunch. Free time to enjoy this Paradise on Earth and return by train to La Spezia. Transfer by bus back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight Meals: B - L - D

Day 7: Lucca - FlorenceBuffet breakfast. Today you will travel in direction Florence with a stop in the city of

100 and one churches, Lucca. Lucca is a jewel of medieval architecture, with its mostworldwide renown city walls, that are the only one to be completely accessible on foot The walls offer over 2 miles of panoramic walkway overlooking the city and those secret corners that you won’t be able to discover by walking through the tiny streets of the old city center. Other sights to be visited are the Cathedral and the Giunigi Palace. Stop at a local coffee house for a capuccino and a slice of “Buccellato”, a round shaped sweet bread with raisins topical of Lucca. Lunch on your own and free time to stroll around the historical center. Continue to Florence. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B – D

Day 8: RomeBuffet breakfast. Morning tour of Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and

the center of the world’s finest art and architecture. Guided tour where you can admire the magnificent Santa Maria Novella, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery’s famous“Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Afterward Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is housed. Continue to the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Continue with the visit to the the Accademia Museum where you will admire the famous statue of the David. Lunch on your own. Free time or optional tours available. Meals: B

Day 9: DepartureBuffet breakfast at the hotel. Transfer hotel to airport. Meals: B

Rome Hotel Romanico Palace or similar

ChiantiPalazzo Leopoldo

Italian RivieraHotel Negresco or similar

FlorenceClub Hotel or similar



Prices



• 16 meals (8 Breakfast, 2 3-course lunch in local restaurants with drinks

included and 2 3-course dinner at local restaurants with drinks included , 4

3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included)

• Ice cream tasting in San Gimignano (seasonal)

• Larderia visit with lard tasting

• Bucellato and cappuccino in Lucca

• Private boat tour in the Cinque Terre

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Siena, Volterra, Firenze and

Rome)

• Skip the line tickets at Vatican Museum, Colosseum and Accademia museum

in Florence

• Entrance fees at Museum Guarnacci in Volterra and Basptistry in Florence

• Alabaster workshop










supplement

01/07/17 - 04/01/17 10/31/17 - 12/20/17

€1859 €1499 €1199

€39904/01/17 - 06/30/17 €1999 €1659 €1359

08/01/17 - 10/31/17 €2199 €1659 €1429


VisusTheClassics

Impressions of Italy

Day 1: VeniceArrival transfer from the airport to the hotel. Welcome drink. Following the check-in, relax or join a vicinity walk to get familiarized with your surroundings. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: Venice - Lagoon IslandsBuffet breakfast. This morning you will join your private English speaking guide to explore the city center of Venice with St. Mark’s Square and view the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. Admire the Canal Grande, Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sights, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. Then continue to Doge’s Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon your tour will continue exploring the beauty of the Venice Lagoon, visiting Murano, the city famous for its glass production, and the colorful city of Burano. Return by private boat to your hotel. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 3 - Brenta river Cruise - Palladio’s villa – PaduaBuffet breakfast. This morning transfer by private motor launch and motor coach to

Villa Foscari Malcontenta for guided inside visit. Following the visit, board the ship and start sailing along the Brenta River. During the sailing we will admire the beautiful Venetian Villas of Palladio built as summer residence for rich patricians, see quaint villages along the river, enjoy bridge commentaries and experience locks and swing bridges. Stop in Oriago for typical lunch and continue sailing towards Villa Wiedman (inside visit) and Villa Pisani (inside visit). After the visit, meet our driver and motor coach and transfer to our hotel in the Padua area. Dinner and overnight.Meals: B - L - D

Day 4 - Lake Garda - Verona - FlorenceBuffet breakfast. This morning visit of the old University City of Padua, worldwide known as the city of Saint Anthony. Guided walking tour of the old-town where will see the major sites such as the Scrovegni Chapel, a masterpiece in the history of painting in Italy and Europe of the 14th century, famous for the most complete series of frescoes executed by Giotto. Continue to Verona. Following lunch on your own, guided tour of the city where your English speaking guide will show the famous Piazza Bra with theArena (Amphitheater) and of course take you the house of the unlucky lovers. Continue

our itinerary to Florence with a stop in the charming village of Sirmione, famous since ancient times for its thermal waters. The charming lake town stretches along a thin peninsula that protrudes into Lake Garda for about 3 miles. It’s one of the most beautiful places on the lake, from which one can enjoy superb views of both shores: beautiful Villas overlooking the lake, some of them tracing back to the Roman times like the one of poet Valerio Catullo and the more recent owned by the famous soprano Maria Callas that used to spend her summer here. Your tour leader will

•BrentaRivercruiseandPalladio’sVillas•The open-air museum city of Florence and its artistictreasures

•Giotto’sfrescosattheScrovegniChapelinPadua•OvernightinanauthenticXVIIcenturyVenetianVilla•TouroftheArena,theUndergroundsandThirdRieroftheColosseum

Itinerary



Featuring: Venice, Padua, Lake Garda, Florence, Pisa Assisi, Rome



point out the major sights such as the Castle, the Roman ruins and the thermal bath. Arrive in Florence later in the day. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Florence - PisaBuffet breakfast. Morning tour of Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and the center of the world’s finest art and architecture. Guided tour where you can admire the magnificent Santa Maria Novella, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery’s famous“Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Afterward Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is housed. Continue to the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Continue with the visit of the Accademia Museum where you will admire the famous statue of the David. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon continue with an excursion to Pisa where you will visit the impressive Cathedral, the Baptistery and of course the

world famous Leaning Tower (outside visits only). Free time and then return to your hotel. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 6: Siena - Assisi - RomeBuffet breakfast. This morning you will depart from Florence and reach Siena where you will be enchanted by the splendid Cathedral built in a Romanesque/Gothic style and by the Town Hall. This palace is situated on the picturesque Piazza del Campo, in which the famous Palio takes place every year. Lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit of Saint Chiara Cathedral, pass by the Temple of Minerva onto the Basilica of Saint Francis to admire the famous frescoes which depict the life of the Saint. Free time and then continue to Rome. Overnight. Meals: B - L

Day 7: Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s - ColosseumBuffet breakfast. Full day tour through the Eternal City. Visit to the Vatican Museums

and the Sistine Chapel, passing through St. Peter’s Square and Bernini’s famous colonnade to reach St. Peter’s Basilica where you will admire Michelangelo’s Pieta. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon Ancient Rome tour with the legendary Colosseum, one of the largest amphitheater built by Roman Empire with more than 50,000 seat, in which gladiato contests and public events took place. Visit the Arena, the Underground and the Third Tier included. Afterward Roman Forum, the central area of ancient Rome. You will also admire the magnificent Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate his leadership over the Eternal City. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant and overnight. Meals: B – D

Day 8: DepartureBuffet breakfast. Departure transfer to the airport. Meals: B

Venice Hotel Romanico Palace or similar

Villalta di Gazzo (PD)Villa Tacchi or similar





Prices



• 13 meals (7 Breakfast, 2 3-course lunch and 3 3-course dinner at local

restaurants with drinks included, 1 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks

included)

• Brenta river cruise with included visit to the Palladian villas (Malcontenta,

Wiedman and Pisani)

• Skip the line tickets at Vatican Museum, Colosseum, Accademia Museum

and Scrovegni Chapel, Verona Arena, Pisa baptistery

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Venice, Padua, Verona, 2 x

Florence, Assisi and Rome)










supplement

01/07/17 - 04/01/17 10/31/17 - 12/20/17

€1699 €1329 €1129

€24906/30/17 - 08/31/17 €1969 €1549 €1369

04/01/17 - 06/30/1708/31/17 - 10/31/17

€2139 €1749 €1559


VisusTheClassics

Milan and Northern Lakes

Day 1: Milan - Lake Maggiore

Arrival transfer from Milan airport to hotel in

Lake Maggiore area. Welcome drink. Relax

on the shore of the lake or take a leisure stroll

into town. Welcome dinner and overnight.

Meals: D

Day 2: Milan

Buffet beakfast and departure to Milan. Half

day visit to the Italian Capital of Fashion.

Your tour will start at the Duomo Square with

the view of Milan’s Cathedral (Inside visit

of the Duomo plus visit of the spire-laden

roof). Then onto Victor Emmanuel Gallery, a

pedestrian mall built in the 1800s featuring a

large arched glass ceiling. After lunch on your

own, free time to stroll around the city center

for some shopping or further discovery. Back

to your hotel, dinner and overnight.

Meals: B - D

Day 3: Lake Maggiore

Buffet breakfast and departure to Lake

Maggiore. Excursion by boat from Stresa to

visit the Borromean islands: Isola dei Pescatori

and Isola Bella. Visit of the Palace and

Gardens. Count Vataliano Borromeobegan

the construction of this opulent Baroque

palace and its splendid gardens in 1632.

A guided tour of the ornate family home,

showcases priceless works of art, tapestries

and furniture in an elegant and sumptuous

setting. Continue to Isola dei Pescatori and

have lunch. Return to Stresa and free time to

stroll around the town. Continue Lake Como

area, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 4: Lake Como & Bellagio

Buffet breakfast and departure to Lake Como,

one of Italy’s most romantic destinations

surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains.

Private boat from Cadenabbia to the quiet

village of Bellagio, “The Pearl” of Lake Como.

Visit of Bellagio followed by lunch in a local

restaurant. Continue to Tremezzo by private

boat and visit to precious Villa Carlotta where

you will visit the Museum and appreciate the

Italian garden with steps, amazing fountains

and sculptures. Back to your hotel, dinner

and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 5: Bergamo - Lake Garda

Buffet breakfast. This morning we will

depart to Bergamo, a beautiful town built on

two levels connected with a funicular. The

•MilanandinsidetouroftheCathedralincludedlifttothespire-ladenroof

•IsolaBellainLakeMaggioreanditsbeautifulpalaceandgardens

•LakeComo,BellagioandVillaCarlottabyboat•InsidetouroftheArenadiVeronaandtheRome&Juliettragicfate

•Bergamodiscoverytourwithfunicularride

Itinerary



Featuring: Milan - Lake Maggiore - Lake Como - Lake Garda

– Verona - Venice



charming old town is located on the upper

level and is town surrounded by medieval

walls. Guided tour to discover this medieval

jewel with included the funicular to discover

both sides of the town. Lunch on your own

and free time. Continue to Lake Garda area.

Dinner and overnight. Meals: B

Day 6: Verona - Venice

Buffet breakfast. Morning visit of Sirmione,

famous since ancient times for its thermal

waters. The charming lake town stretches

along a thin peninsula that protrudes into

Lake Garda for about 3 miles. It’s one of the

most beautiful places on the lake, from which

one can enjoy superb views of both shores:

beautiful Villas overlooking the lake, some

of them tracing back to the Roman times

like the one of poet Valerio Catullo and the

more recent owned by the famous soprano

Maria Callas that used to spend her summer

here. Your tour leader will point out the major

sights such as the Castle, the Roman ruins

and the thermal bath. Walking tour with your

English speaking guide through this romantic

city, setting of Shakespeare’s tragedy “Rome

and Juliet” with included visit of the Roman

amphitheater, the famous Arena di Verona.

Lunch on your own. Free time and continue

to Venice. Overnight Meals: B

Day 7: Venice

Buffet breakfast. This morning you will

join your private English speaking guide to

explore the city center of Venice with St.

Mark’s Square and view the Golden Basilica

of San Marco, built over several centuries in

a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetia

architecture. Admire the Canal Grande,

Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sights, created

at the beginning of the 17th century to serve

as a link between prisons. Then continue

to Doge’s Palace, official residence of the

Venetian ruler (skip the line tickets included).

Afternoon at leisure for shopping or further

discovery. Farewell dinner at local restaurant.

Meals: B – D

***suggestions

Day 8: Departure

Buffet breakfast. Departure transfer from the

hotel to the airport. Meals: B

Stresa Milan e Speranza au lac or similar

ComoHotel Cadenabbia or similar

Lake Garda areaPoiano Resort or similar

VeniceHotel Bonvecchiati or similar



Prices





3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included )

• Boat excursion to the Borromean islands (Isola Bella & Isola dei Pescatori)

• Boat excursion to Bellagio and Tremezzo

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Milan, Bergamo, Verona, Venice)

• Skip the line tickets at Doge’s Palace in Venice

• Entrance fees at the Palace and Gardens (Isola Bella), Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)

and Arena di Verona

• Funicular ticket in Bergamo










supplement

01/07/17 - 04/01/17 10/31/17 - 12/20/17

€1649 €1229 €1159

€22906/30/17 - 08/31/17 €1839 €1499 €1339

04/01/17 - 06/30/1708/31/17 - 10/31/17

€2009 €1669 €1499


VisusTheClassics

Italo Train Experience

Day 1: RomeTransfer from Rome airport to your hotel. Welcome drink and check in at you hotel in Rome. The remaining of the day at leisure. Optional tours available. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at your hotel. Meals: D

Day 2: Baroque and Ancient RomeBuffet breakfast. You will start a walking tour of the Eternal City’s fabulous fountains and Piazze. The tour begins at the Spanish Steps and continues to the legendary Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon Ancient Rome tour with the legendary Colosseum, one of the largest amphitheater built by Roman Empire with more than 50,000 seat, in which gladiator contests and public events took place. Visit the Arena, the Underground and the Third Tier included. Afterward Roman Forum, the central area of ancient Rome. You will also admire the magnificent Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate his leadership over the Eternal City. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 3: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s BasilicaBuffet breakfast. Full day tour through the Eternal City. Visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, passing through St. Peter’s Square and Bernini’s famous colonnade to reach St. Peter’s Basilica where you will admire Michelangelo’s Pietà. Lunch on your own. Free time in the afternoon or join other optional tours. Overnight at your hotel. Meals: B**suggestions

Day 4: Rome and FlorenceBuffet breakfast. This morning transfer to Rome train station to board your Italo Train to Florence. Once in Florence you will be met by our coach and transferred to Piazzale Michelangelo where you will enjoy a wonderful view over Florence and see a bronze copy of the David. On the way back stop at Boboli Gardens, a beautiful oasis close to the historical center of Florence. Transfer to the hotel. After lunch join your guide for a walking tour of Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and center of the world’s finest art and architecture. You can admire the magnificent Santa Maria Novella

Cathedral, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery’s renowned “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Continue to the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 5: Accademia MuseumBuffet breakfast. Morning visit of the Accademia Museum, house of the famous

•VisittoaSqueroGondolashipyardandcicchettiappetizers•SunsetcruiseontheGranCanalwithProseccowineandfingerfood

•VisitoftheVatican,SistineChapelandColosseum•VisitoftheAccademiaMuseuminFlorenceandPisa•1stclassItalotrainticketwithpre-assignedseats

Itinerary



Featuring: Venice, Florence, Rome



Rome Hotel Romanico Palace or similar





Michelangelo’s masterpiece David. Following the tour, free time to enjoy the city on your own. Perhaps visit another museum or just enjoy some good shopping the charming street of the old town. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 6: VeniceBuffet breakfast. This morning transfer to the train station to board your Italo train to Venice. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Free time for lunch. Afternoon walking your of Venice with visit of St. Mark’s Square, to admire the Golden Basilica of San Marco,

built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. Admire the Canal Grande, Rialto Bridge and bridge of Sights, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. Then continue to Doge’s Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler. After the visit enjoy an unforgettable sunset cruise tour on the Gran Canal with Prosecco and finger food. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 7: VeniceBuffet breakfast. This morning will have the

opportunity to visit a real Venetian Squero, a shipyard specialized in building the famous Venetian Gondole. The visit will end with a Venetian ‘cichettata’: a selection of traditional finger foods and light ‘sfuso’ wine. Afternoon at leisure for shopping or further discovery. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight. Meals: B – D

Day 8: DepartureBuffet breakfast. Transfer hotel to the airport. Meals: B

Prices



• 10 meals (7 Breakfast, 3 3-course dinner at local restaurants with beverages

included)

• Chicchetti (traditional Venetian finger food) and wine tasting in Venice

• Sunset cruise on the Gran Canal with Prosecco and finger food

• Skip the line tickets at Vatican Museum, Colosseum, Accademia Museum

• English speaking guide during guided tours

• 1st class Italo train ticket with per-assigned seats










supplement

01/07/17 - 03/15/17 11/01/17 - 12/20/17

€1539 €1129 €979

€22903/15/17 - 04/30/17 10/01/17 - 10/31/17

€1649 €1369 €1199

04/30/17 - 06/30/1708/30/17 - 09/30/17

€1899 €1599 €1399


VisusTheClassics

Sicilian Odissey

Day 1: PalermoArrival transfer from Palermo airport to hotel in Palermo. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: Palermo - MonrealeBuffet breakfast. Morning walking guided tour of Palemo that will take you through quaint narrow streets and alleys surrounded by Arabic-influenced urban structure. Major sights to be seen are, Piazza Politeama, Teatro Massimo and visit of the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel with its golden mosaics, depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments, and the Norman Cathedral, testimony of the long Norman reign over the island. Of particular note are the fine icons of St Peter & St James and the throne. The large central mosaic icons represent Christ Pantocrator, one of several Byzantine images in western Sicily. Lunch at your own. If you want to try something different your tour leader will point out restaurants/pizzeria whose owners said no to Mafia and the protection racket (called Pizzo) and are recognizable through a sign displayed on the shop window that reads “Pizzo free”. Afternoon guided visit to Monreale Abbey whose cathedral and the

cloisters are frequently referred as Sicily’s greatest Norman buildings and are dated back to the 12th century. The upper part of the cathedral’s interior is completely covered in gleaming, more than 6.000sq m wide gold mosaics. Return to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Erice - Trapani - AgrigentoBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to the medieval village of Erice situated on the top of a hill overlooking the city of Trapani and the Egadi Islands. Walk through its tiny and characteristic streets, winding lanes and inner courtyards. Lunch on your own. Head down to Trapani area for a panoramic tour of the salt windmills and basins which are still in use. Continue to Agrigento with a guided visit to the famous Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of Sicily’s most famous historical attractions. This splendid archeological park consists of 8 temples built between about 510 and 430 BC. Dinner and overnightl in Agrigento area. Meals: B - D

Day 4: Piazza Armerina - Caltagirone - RagusaBuffet breakfast. Departure to Piazza Armerina and visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, declared a UNESCO World

Heritage Site, thanks to its well preserved mosaics depicting mythological themes and hunting scenes. Lunch in Piazza Armerina area. Continue to one of the most lively Baroque towns in central Sicily, known as “The city of Sicilian ceramics” due to its thousand-year-old tradition. The name itself – Caltagirone – derives from an Arabic word meaning the Castle or Fortress of the vases. Continue to Donnafugata castle where you will have dinner based on «antipasti» and pasta at Trattoria da Mamma Lucia, drinks

•MonrealeAbbey“ThemostbeautifulTempleintheworld”•Villa del Casale, UNESCO World Heritage Site and itsmosaics

•UNESCOCaveNecropoliofPantalica,themostimportantprehistoricalsettlementinEurope

•ExcursiontoEtnaVulcanoby4x4jeep•The breathtaking beauty and crystal clear water of theAeolianislands

Itinerary

Highlights8 days priced from € 969Small group suggested tour starting from 8 guests

Featuring: Palermo – Monreale – Agrigento – Taormina –

Aeolian islands



included. Overnight in Ragusa area.Meals: B - L - D

Day 5: Ragusa - Siracusa - TaorminaBuffet breakfast. Walking tour of Ragusa Ibla with wine tasting. Continue to the UNESCO Cave Necropolis of Pantalica the most important prehistorical settlement of Europe, in a walking tour through the archeological area. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon continue to Siracusa to visit the most beautiful Greek colony of Sicily. Visit the archaeological area including the famous Latomie of the Paradise, the Greek Theatre, the Roman amphitheater and Dyonisios “Ear”. Discover the island of Ortigia, the small baroque city center of Siracusa, built by the Aragonians: see the Cathedral and the “Fontana Aretusa”. Continue to Taormina. Dinner and overnight in Taormina area. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Etna Vulcano - TaorminaBuffet breakfast. Morning excursion visit of Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. During the tour you will explore the less known northern part by 4x4 Jeeps and reach the altitude of 9186 feet (warm clothes recommended). Lunch at a local private farmhouse where you will have the chance to taste authentic local products and wine. Afternoon guided visit to Taormina, Greek Theatre ticket is included. Happy hour and dinner in Castemola from where you will enjoy the splendid view over Taormina and the Golf of Giardini Naxos. Overnight at your hotel. Meals: B - L - D

Day 7: Milazzo - Lipari Islands Volcano - CefalùBreakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure to Milazzo and start a full day excursion to the Islands of Volcano & Lipari (weather permitting), two must-see islands

of the stunning Unesco-listed Aeolian Archipelago. Guided morning tour of Lipari, then free time to shop in Lipari’s flower-filled streets and to stroll around the idyllic Old Town. Lunch on your own. Embark your boat to reach the second island: Volcano. Unlike Lipari, famous for its vulcanoes, Volcano’s star attraction are its mud baths. Perhaps use your time on the island to relax at one of the mud baths or take a dip in the warm seas and simply bask on the beach. Return back to Milazzo by boat and meet your driver and motor coach. Transfer to Cefalu’. Dinner and overnight in your hotel in Cefalu’ area.Meals: B – D**suggestion: Visit the Archeological Museum in Lipari

Day 8: Departure Buffet breakfast. Transfer to the Palermo airport. Meals: B

Palermo Boutique Hotel Vecchio Borgo or similar

AgrigentoVilla Romana or similar

RagusaSan Giorgio Palace or similar

TaorminaEli Hotel or similar

CefalùHotel Baia del Capitano or similar



Prices






• Excursion to Mt Etna by 4x4 jeep

• Full day boat excursion to the Aolian islands of Vulcano and Lipari

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Palermo, Agrigento, Siracusa,

Etna and Piazza Armerina)

• Entrance fees at Cappela Palatina and Norman Palace (Palermo) Monreale

Abbey, Piazza Armerina, Neapolis Archeological Park Ortigia, Valley of the

Temple (Agrigento) Greek Theater (Taormina)

• Ferry for crossing the Strait of Messina










supplement

03/01/17 - 03/31/17 10/31/17 - 12/20/17

€1479 €1149 €969

€19908/31/17 - 10/31/17 €1529 €1199 €999

06/30/17 - 08/31/17 €1729 €1399 €1119


VisusDiscovery

Land of Lakes, Castles and Mighty Dolomites

Day 1: MilanArrival transfer from MXP Milano airport. Transfer to your hotel in Milan area. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: New Milan Tour - Certosa di PaviaBreakfast at the hotel. This morning departure to Milan also known as the Capital of Fashion. Here you will take part to a new tour of the city that will concentrate on the New Milan, that will take to discover the neighborhood of Porta Nuova where the Milan Skyline has been totally redesigned with innovative architectural solutions. You will admire the first World’s Vertical Forest, a pair of vertical towers that host more than 900 trees (approximately 550 and 350 trees in the first and second towers respectively) on 96,000 sq ft of terraces. Happy hour Milanese style on a roof top location from which you can enjoy a spectacular view over Milan skyline. Return by metro with your guide and to the Duomo area and free time. Afternoon visit to the Certosa of Pavia, one of the Italian Renaissance’s most notable buildings situated near the town of Pavia. Inside guided visit. Return to your hotel. Meals: B - D

Day 3: ComoBuffet breakfast and departure to Lake Como, one of Italy’s most romantic destinations

surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains. Private boat from Cadenabbia to the quiet village of Bellagio, “The Pearl” of Lake Como. Visit of Bellagio followed by lunch. Continue to Tremezzo by private boat and visit to precious Villa Carlotta where you will visit the museum and appreciate the Italian Garden with steps, amazing fountains and sculptures. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 4: Bergamo - Lake Iseo - Lake GardaBuffet breakfast. This morning we will depart to Bergamo, a beautiful town built on two levels connected with a funicular. Guided tour to discover this medieval jewel and ride the funicular to discover both sides of the town. Lunch on your own. Continue to Lake Iseo. Lake Iseo is smaller than Lake Como but considerably quieter and more charming. We will board the ferry in Iseo and enjoy a 30’ cruise to Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in southern Europe. Arriving at Peschiera Maraglio, our docking destination and tasting of the Salame of Monte Isola, a cured sausage still produced following the old traditions with wines from the Franciacorta area. Free time to stroll around this charming village. Board the ferry to Sulzano to meet our driver and motor coach and continue to the Lake Garda area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 5: Isola del Garda - SirmioneBuffet Breakast. Departure to the wonderful Isola del Garda “Island of Garda”, situated on the Lombardy side of Lake Garda. Today it owes its fascination to the extraordinary Venetian no-Gothic style villa, designed by the architect Luigi Rovelli at the beginning of the 20th century; an imposing harmonious building, rich in surprising architectonic details. We will reach the island via a private boat. During this tour we will discover the rich history of this spectacular place that has housed many illustrious names from the Roman Age to the present day. The tour includes the visit of two rooms inside the elegant neo-gothic Venetian style villa from the early 1900’s, where currently the owners still reside. Welcome drink included. Return by boat and meet our motor coach and driver and continue to Sirmione. Stop for lunch. Sirmione it’s famous since ancient times for its thermal waters, it stretches along a thin peninsula that protrudes into Lake Garda for about 3 miles. Main attractions include the Fortress, S. Pietro in Mavino Church, Roman Ruins. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Limone - Riva - Canale Tenno - BolzanoBuffet breakfast. This morning transfer to Limone, famous for its lemons (thanks to a favorable micro climate), healthy inhabitants (they are the most long-lived in the country) and

•NewMilanSkylineandtheWorld’sVerticalForest•Isola del Garda tour of the beautiful gardens with theCountsofBorgheseCavazzafamily

•ThecharmingmedievalBorgoofCanalediTenno•Oetzi, the5000yrsoldmummypulledfromaglacier20yearsago

•19thcenturyhistoricaltrainrideontheRenonplateauwithviewoftheDolomites

Itinerary


Featuring: Milan – Lake Como – Lake Iseo – Lake Garda –

Dolomites



also set of 2008 James Bond movie Quantum of Solace. Scenes included a car chase along the lakeside road, the Via Gardesana. Visit of the small village and limoncello tasting. Continue by bus to Riva del Garda where and stop for lunch (on your own). After lunch and visit of the historical center, continue by bus to the village of Tenno, part of “The Most beautiful villages of Italy” list. Perched on a hill halfway between Garda Lake it’s a borgo of medieval origin survived almost intact until our days. Free time to wander around this charming borgo. Transfer by motor coach to Bolzano area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 7: Bolzano - Renon PlateauBreakfast at the hotel. This morning breathe in the fresh alpine air and leave the city behind during a full day excursion to the mountains. You will explore the Renon Plateau by cable car and by riding the picturesque Ritten Railway and spend time in the alpine village of Callalbo. We will hop on the Renon cable car and riding up into the mountains to over 4,000 feet. Don’t

forget your camera as the views from the top overlooking the valley below are breathtaking! At the peak, find yourself in the village of Soprabolzano, where the 100-year old Ritten Railway electric train is waiting to transport you to the alpine village of Collalbo on the Renon Plateau. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch return by cable car to Bolzano for a guided tour of the historical center with included visit of the Archeological Museum. During the visit you will have the chance to admire the 5,000 years old Otzi Mummy, the famous mummified corpse pulled from a glacier in the Italian Alps about 20 years ago. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B – L

Day 8: DolomitesBreakfast and departure to the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites Mountain range. Drive to Lake Carezza, for a short photo stop. Tour over the Sella range and experience a true awe inspiring

drive through the Pordoi and Gardena Pass. Canazei, Corvara and Ortisei are the most famous alpine villages we will cross. Lunch on your own. In Ortisei we stop at a wood carving workshop and witness a wood carver in action. Wood carvings from Val Gardena are world famous and testimony of a century old tradition. Continue to your hotel in the Dolomites. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 9: Belluno - TrevisoBreakfast and departure to Belluno. Short visit of this city, located on a narrow ledge high above the river Piave. The old town on the tip of the headland always offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy its Venetian style and Gothic and Renaissance buildings. Continue to Treviso. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 10: DepartureBreakfast and departure to Venice airport. Meals: B - D


Milan area Hotel Villa Porro Pirelli or similar

Lake GardaHotel Maderno or similar

BolzanoHotel Scala or similar

DolomitesHotel Ambra or similar

TrevisoHotel Villa Corner or similar



Prices

• Welcome drink• 9 nights in 4*charming hotels• 19 meals (9 Breakfast, 2 lunch in local restaurants with drinks included 1

3-course dinner at local restaurants with drinks included , 7 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included

• Happy hour in Milan• Tasting of Salame di Monte Isola (Monte Isola cured sausage) with

Franciacorta wine• Visit of the Honey Museum in Renon with honey tasting• Boat excursion to Bellagio and Tremezzo• Boat excursion to Isola Madre on Lake Iseo• Boat excursion and guided tour of the gardens of Lake Garda with welcome

drink• English speaking guide during guided tours (Milan, Bergamo, Bolzano)• Skip the line tickets at Archeological Museum in Bolzano, and entrance fee at

Villa Carlotta• Funicular ticket in Bergamo and combo ticket Funicular and Cable car ticket

in Renon• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip



Included features

© Museo Archeologico dell’Alto Adige-Eurac-Samadelli-Staschitz


supplement

01/07/17 - 03/15/17 11/01/17 - 12/20/17

€1819 €1239 €1129

€38903/15/17 - 04/30/17 10/01/17 - 10/31/17

€1859 €1389 €1169

04/30/17 - 06/30/1708/30/17 - 09/30/17

€1899 €1409 €1219


VisusDiscovery

Italy coast to coast

Day 1: VeniceArrival transfer from Venice airport to hotel. Welcome drink. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: VeniceBreakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of Venice to discover lesser-known Venice the so called ‘Minor Venice’ with a fascinating guided walk between St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge that will allow you to admire the outside of majestic architectural masterpieces generally not included in the main tourist itineraries and some unique structures that contribute to making Venice a unique city. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco and admire the exterior of the La Fenice Theatre in Venice - the most important opera house in Venice, destroyed and rebuilt several times, which hosted the premieres of the great Italian composers of the 19th century. Continue to Doge’s Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler to discover the environments that have shaped the history of the Republic of Venice. Lunch on your own. Free afternoon for own discovery or shopping. Overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Padua - Ferrara - Ravenna Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will

leave Venice and our first stop will be Padua for a walking tour where we will admire the Scrovegni Chapel, which holds entirely preserved, the most complete cycle of frescoes produced by Giotto (1303-1305) and one of the greatest monuments of figurative art of all time. Continue with the visit of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery. Free time and lunch on your own. We will continue our journey with a stop in Ferrara and guided tour of the city through its striking UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center. Admire the 14th century Castello Estense (outside visit), and don’t miss the city’s Duomo, a stunning combination of Gothic and Romanesque styles. During the guided tour we’ll take a stroll along the narrow and evocative alleys of the Jewish ghetto (bearing witness to one of the most ancient and numerous Jewish communities in Italy). Depart for Ravenna. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 4: Ravenna - San MarinoBreakfast at the hotel. Guided tour of Ravenna, the city of mosaics, one of the most unusual towns in Emilia-Romagna and once capital of the Western Roman Empire, the

Visigoth Empire and the Byzantine Empire. Visit the splendid Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the tomb of the great poet Dante, who finished “The Divine Comedy” in Ravenna and died there in 1321. Other sights are the Mausoleum of Theodoric and the magnificent basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe. Free time for lunch and for stroll around and then continue to San Marino, the City-State. Tour of the the old town, where you will explore the major sights such as the Three Towers, the House of Montefeltro, Palazzo Pubblico, site

•HiddencornersofVeniceandtheDoge’sPalaceapartment•Ravenna“TheCityofMosaics”and“Piadina”tasting•Ferrara,theEsteDynastyandoldestJewishcommunity•MonteriggioneanditsperfectlypreservedMedievalwalls•CinqueTerreanditsbreathtakingPanorama

Itinerary


Featuring: Venice, Ravenna, Ferrara, Monteriggioni, Cinque Terre



of the primary institutional and administrative organs and for official ceremonie in the neo Gothic style. Following the tour, return to Ravenna. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B

Day 5: Bologna - SienaBreakfast at the hotel. This morning depart for Bologna and walking tour of the city. The historical center has been beautifully maintained: the historical towers from the 12th and 13th century, the oldest university in Europe, San Petronio cathedral, the Neptune fountain . Free time for lunch. Continue to Siena where you will be amazed by the splendid Cathedral built in a Romanesque/Gothic style and by the Town Hall. This palace is situated on the picturesque Piazza del Campo, in which the famous Palio takes place every year. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Florence - Monteriggioni - San GimignanoBreakfast at the hotel. Today excursion to Florence and visit of the best known attractions, such as the Duomo, the Baptistery and Ponte Vecchio, and finally visit at the Accademia Museum to admire

statue of David. Lunch on your own and free time to stroll around the city. Continue to Monteriggioni, one of the most beautiful and intact walled towns in Tuscany and walk along the walls and enjoy a breathtaking view over the valley. Continue to San Gimignano, UNESCO World Heritage site. San Gimignano is also known as the “The Manhattan of Tuscany”: 15 of the original 72 towers still dominate the almost unchanged, well preserved, historic center and were once a symbol of the power and wealth of its inhabitants. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 7: Pisa – Massa Carrara – Carrara Marble QuattyBreakfast at the hotel. Travel to Pisa to view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, one of the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. Get stunned from Piazza del Duomo which create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Lunch on your own. Continue to Carrara where you will enjoy and excursion through the marble caves with 4x4 jeep. Drive to your hotel in the Versilia coast. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B – D

Day 8: Cinque TerreBuffet breakfast at the hotel. Today be ready for a full day excursion to the amazing and world known Cinque Terre. You will admire the breathtaking scenery of the Ligurian Coast, rightfully nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site. These enchanting five villages are nestled into the cliffs overlooking the sea, surrounded by vineyards, producing some of Liguria’s most celebrated wines. Arrive by bus to La Spezia and start your boat excursion that will take you to Rio Maggiore and Monterosso, the largest village of the Cinque Terre and the only one with the beach. Stop in Vernazza the pearl of Cinque Terre, for included lunch. Free time to enjoy this Paradise on earth and return by train to La Spezia. Transfer by bus back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B

Day 9: DepartureBreakfast at the hotel. Transfer from hotel to airport. Meals: B

VeneziaHotel Bonvecchiati or similar

RavennaHotel La Reunion or similar

ChiantiPalazzo Leopoldo or similar

Italian RivieraHotel Negresco or similar

Genoa areaHotel Torre Cambiaso or similar



Prices

Included features• Welcome drink• 8 nights in 4* charming hotels• 16 meals (8 Breakfast, 2 lunch in local restaurants with drinks included , 2

3-course dinner at local restaurants with drinks included , 4 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included

• Piadina tasting in Ravenna• Tour to Carrara quarry by 4×4 jeep• Boat excursion through the Cinque Terre (Rio Maggiore, Vernazza) with return

train ticket from Monterosso• English speaking guide during guided tours (Venice, Padua, Ferrara, Ravenna,

Florence)• Skip the line tickets at Doge’s Palace in Venice and Accademia Museum in

Florence• Entrance fees at Scrovegni Chapel, Baptistery (Padua), Combi ticket for

Mausoleum-Sant’Apollinare and San Vitale (Ravenna)• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip





supplement

01/07/17 - 04/01/17 10/31/17 - 12/20/17

€1799 €1399 €1169

€39906/30/17 - 08/31/17 €1999 €1609 €1359

04/01/17 - 06/30/1708/31/17 - 10/31/17

€2109 €1699 €1439


VisusDiscovery

Deep South

Day 1: BariArrival transfer from airport to hotel. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight in Alberobello area. Meals: D

Day 2: Alberobello - Castel del monteBreakfast at the hotel and start of your guided tour to discover Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city of Trulli, famous worldwide for their beauty and unique characteristics, and represent one of the most extraordinary examples of Italian folk architecture. They were built in a particular historical period, when the construction of stable dwellings was highly taxed; the inhabitants of the region thus boasted a great capacity to adapt and an exceptional cleverness in coming up with the idea for the Trulli, temporary houses built with local stone. Guided tour through this area to see Casa d’Amore and Sant’Antonio Church. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon continue to Castel del Monte, certainly the most important building that has left the Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen of Swabia, full of mysteries not fully revealed. After the visit of the castle back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: M - D

Day 3: Polignano Mare - OstuniBreakfast at the hotel and departure to

Polignano a Mare for a visit the old town. The old name of the town, Polisnea, clearly indicates its Greek origins. It is located on a steep, rocky cliff cut by a deep gorge, overlooking the sea. Because of the karst nature of this cliff a number of caves have been formed, particurlarly in the sea. Some of the these where inhabited by prehistoric men. Polignano a Mare was a fortified town in the Middle Ages, and in the XVI century it was politically affiliated to Venice. Lunch based on typical products in a local Masseria. Continue to Ostuni, the “white city”. Explore the city famous for its whitewashed houses glittering in the sun. Here you can walk along winding alleyways that lead to aristocratic homes, ancient fortified walls and finally to Ostuni’s magnificent cathedral. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 4: Matera - Policoro - MateraBreakfast at the hotel and continue to Matera, voted European Capital of Culture for 2019. Guided walking tour through Matera’s Sassi area and its city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting Casa Grotta, Chiesa di Santa Lucia delle Malve, Saint Chiara and Saint Francesco d’Assisi and the Roman Cathedral. The Sassi represent a unique urban settlement in the harsh territorial area of

Murge (Apulia region). The stunning scenario of Matera has been the set for many famous movies, national and international, including the spectacular “The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson. Lunch on your own. Drive to Policoro, a picturesque beach resort just 2 miles from the Ioniana Sea also famous for its Archeological Park that contains the ruins of the ancient Greek colonies of Siris and Herakleia. Visit of the Park and the continue to Maratea. Dinner and overnight.Meals: B - D

Day 5: Pizzo - Tropea - Reggio Calabria - TaorminaBreakfast at the hotel. This morning we will be driving through Calabria and stop first in Pizzo, a fishing village and seaside resort overlooking the sea, famous for its local ice cream Tartufo DOP and spaghetti with squid. Tasting of Tartufo ice cream. Continue to Tropea a seaside resort nationally and internationally known for its impressive scenery. From its Marina you can easily reach the Aeolian islands. This stretch of the coastline on the Tyrrenian Sea is called “Costa Bella” and “Costa degli Dei” – Beautiful coast and God’s Coast. Bella because of its beautiful landscape and God’s coast because it evokes Greek Mythology.

•CasteldelMonte,theworldfamouscastleanditsmysteries•TheancientSassidiMateracavedwellings•The spectacular God’s Coast of Calabria and the PGITartufoIcecreaminPizzo

•TheArcheologicalMuseumofSirtide•Noto,themostbeautifulbaroquecityofSicily

Itinerary


Featuring: Apulia – Matera – Calabria - Etna – Aeolian Islands



Some of the main sights you will spot are the Norman cathedral, one of the most interesting buildings in town. Lunch on your own. Continue to Reggio Calabria where you will cross the Strait of Messina and reach Sicily. Dinner and overnight in Taormina area. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Mount Etna - TaorminaBuffet breakfast at the hotel. This morning is dedicated to the visit of Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. During the tour you will explore by 4x4 Jeeps the less known northern part and reach the altitude of 9186 feet (warm clothes recommended). Lunch at a local private farmhouse where you will have the chance to taste authentic local products and wine. Afternoon guided visit to Taormina also known as the “Jewel of the Ionic”. Visit to the Greek Theatre, one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily. Happy hour and dinner in Castemola from where you will enjoy the splendid view over Taormina and the Golf of Giardini Naxos. Overnight at your hotel. Meals: B - L - D

Day 7: Aeolian Islands - Lipari e VolcanoBreakfast at the hotel. Early morning

departure to Milazzo and start of a full day excursion to the Islands of Volcano & Lipari (weather permitting), two must-see islands of the stunning Unesco-listed Aeolian Archipelago. Guided morning tour of Lipari, then free time to shop in Lipari’s flower-filled streets, stroll around the idyllic Old Town or perhaps visit the Archeological Museum (on your own). Free time. Board your boat to reach the second island: Volcano. Unlike Lipari that has three volcanoes, Volcano’s star attraction are its mud baths. Perhaps use your time on the island to relax at one of the mud baths or take a dip in the warm seas and simply bask on the beach. Return by boat to Milazzo where to meet your motor coach and return to Taormina area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B – D

Day 8: SiracusaBreakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion to Siracusa, a magnificent example of Magna Grecia culture and art and birthplace of Archimedes. Visit to the City Center, Ortigia a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue to Neapolis Archaeological Park, the Roman Amphitheater and the “Ear of Dionysius”. Lunch on your own. Following the tour return

to Taormina area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B

Day 9: GenoaBreakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion to Noto e Marzamemi. Noto, is considered the most beautiful baroque town of Sicily, and rightly so. The Old Town is often compared to a stage setting: the ensemble of palaces, churches e squares and a view reaching all the way to the sea will inspire your imagination. After the walking tour, lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to the fishing town of Marzamemi. Soak up some free time to explore at your leisure, checking out the Old Town or the tonnara – the town’s famous tuna production factory. You can also opt for a relaxing swim in the sea or purchase fresh Sicilian seafood. Return to Taormina. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 10: DepartureBreafast at the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Meals: B

AlberobelloHotel La Chiusa di Chietri or similar

MarateaLocanda Monache or similar

Taormina AreaHotel Eli Hotel or similar

CefalùBaia del Capitano or similar



Prices



• 10 meals (9 Breakfast, 3-course lunch in a typical Masseria with drinks

included , 3-course lunch in a farmhouse on Mt. Etna with drinks included, 9


• Excursion to Mt Etna by 4×4 jeep

• Full day boat excursion to the Aolian islands of Vulcano and Lipari

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Matera, Siracusa, Etna)

• Entrance fees at Castel del Monte (Trani), Neapolis Archeological Park Ortigia,

Valley of the Greek Theater (Taormina)

• Ferry for crossing the Strait of Messina







Ignas Tour Hotel CollectionDates 8 guests 15 guests 25 guests

Single supplement

01/03/17 - 03/30/1710/15/17 - 12/27/17

€1999 €1499 €1289

€29903/31/17 - 06/01/1709/24/17 - 10/14/17

€2219 €1709 €1479

06/02/17 - 08/03/17 08/27/17 - 09/23/17

€2339 €1839 €1599


VisusItaly&Beyond

Across the Italian Alps

Day 1: VeniceArrival transfer from Venice airport to hotel. Welcome drink. Welcome dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: VeniceBreakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of Venice to discover lesser-known Venice the so called ‘Minor Venice’ with a fascinating guided walk between St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge that will allow you to admire the outside of majestic architectural masterpieces generally not included in the main tourist itineraries and some unique structures that contribute to making Venice a unique city. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture and admire the exterior of the La Fenice Theatre in Venice - the most important opera house in Venice, destroyed and rebuilt several times, which hosted the premieres of the great Italian composers of the 19th century. Then continue to Doge’s Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler to discover the environments that have shaped the history of the Republic of Venice: the precious rooms of the Doge’s apartment; the Institutional Chambers - where the political and administrative life of the Republic of Venice was decided. Lunch on your own. Free afternoon for own discovery or shopping. Overnight. Meals: M - D

Day 3: Verona - Bolzano - Ötzi the IcemanBuffet breakfast. This morning you will arrive to Verona, the city of Romeo of Juliet where a guided tour awaits. Sights you will enjoy are the famous Piazza Bra with the Arena (Roman Amphitheater) and of course the house of the two unlucky lovers. After lunch on your own, free time to stroll around the historical center. We will board our motor coach and travel north, direction Bolzano. The city of Bolzano has two lifestyles, one Northern European and the other more Mediterranean, combine to make the perfect union, which can be clearly seen in the historic and artistic treasures of this city. For centuries, Bolzano has been the privileged center of commercial exchanges between Italy and Germany. Today, the capital of Alto Adige/Suedtirol has become a cosmopolitan city that knows how to be lively, cheerful, modern and yet refined all at the same time. Visit to the Archeological Museum to view Ötzi, the Ice Man the famous mummified corpse pulled from a glacier in the Italian Alps about 20 years ago and to be estimated 5300 years old. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 4: The Mighty DolomitesBuffet breakfast. Walking tour of the old town, passing by the inviting market square (Piazza delle Erbe) heart of the city center, with its famous permanent fruit and vegetable stalls

(closed on Saturday afternoon, Sunday and public holidays). Continue the visit with the Medieval Arcade (Portici) and view of the Gothic Cathedral. You will enjoy getting lost among its beautiful streets. Drive to Lake Carezza, for a short photo stop. Tour over the Sella range and experience a true awe inspiring drive through the Pordoi and Gardena Pass. Canazei, Corvara and Ortisei are the most famous alpine villages we will cross. Lunch in a local restaurant. In Ortisei we stop at a wood carving workshop and witness a wood carver in action. Wood carvings from Val Gardena are world famous and testimony of a century old tradition. Return to the hotel. Overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Innsbruck - MittelwandBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Innsbruck by train. We will travel on a scenic journey that will take us over the Brenner Pass and over the Europe Bridge, the tallest road bridge in Europe. We will reach Innsbruck where we will have a walking tour of the old town. Highlights are the magnificent City Tower, built in 1442 and later crowned by a Baroque bulbous cupola, the Golden Roof Palace, erected by Archduke Friedrich IV in the early 15th century as the residence of the Tyrolean sovereigns. Lunch on your own and some free time. Continue to Mittenwald, a charming Bavarian village famous of its fine violins, violas, and other string instruments

•TourofthehiddencornersofVeniceandDoge’sPalaceapartmentroomsandchambers

•Dolomites: spectacular views, century old wood carvingtraditionanddiscomusic!

•Bavariaand its majestic castles: Neuschwanstein andLinderhof

•Salzburg,thebirthplaceofMozartandsetofTheSoundofMusic

•Fruehschoppen experience in Munich: Weisswurst,PretzelandWeissbier

Itinerary


Featuring: Venice - Bolzano - Dolomites - Innsbruck -

Neuschwanstein - Salzburg - Munich



that are manufactured by skilled craftsmen. The Geigenbaumuseum (Violin Museum) of Mittenwald is home to a permanent exhibition of locally made classical stringed instruments, which have been produced in the town for more than 300 years. Dinner and overnight in Oberammergau area. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Oberammergau - Linderhof - Neuschwanstein - MunichBuffet breakfast. Visit Oberammergau, the village famous for the Passion of the Christ play also known for its Lueftl - fresco paintings are the characteristic decorations on houses in Alpine regions - woodcarvers, and Christmas shops. Lunch and some free time to explore on your own, and to shop for great souvenirs. Our next stop is Linderhof, built between 1870 and 1879, in an elaborate rococo style recalling the Bourbon Kings and where Ludwig actually lived for several years. We tour inside the palace with a local castle guide, and your have time to go for a stroll in the formal gardens. Continue to the village

of Hohenschwangau. Visit King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle for an inside guided tour with a local castle guide. Following the tour continue to Munich. Bavarian dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.Meals: B - L - D

Day 7: SalzburgBuffet breakfast. This morning we will drive east along the Bavarian Alps to the baroque city of Salzburg, this world famous city of Mozart and Sound of Music. Upon arrival join your guide for a walk through the old town, since 1996 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. See the Mirabell Gardens – one of the settings for The Sound of Music, Getreidegasse with Mozart’s Birthplace, and the Cathedral. Enjoy plenty of free time afterward for shopping, sightseeing, maybe take the funicular up to Fortress Hohensalzburg for fabulous views, or spend time in one of the traditional Kaffeehaus and try the famous Salzburger Nockerln or the original Mozart Kuegeln (Mozart Balls by

Furst). Return to Munich. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 8: MunichBreakfast in the hotel. This morning join your guide for a 2 hours walking tour of the historical center of Munich where you will have the chance to see historic landmarks like the Old Town Hall, Frauenkirche and St Peter’s Church and Munich Residenz (outside visit). Peek inside the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall, Munich oldest beer hall founded in 1589 by Willhelm V, Duke of Bavaria. Visit the lively Viktualienmarkt food market, Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz. During the tour you can experience the German breakfast or “Fruehschoppen”, Beer and Weisswurst. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 9: DepartureBreakfast in the hotel and transfer to the MUC airport. Meals: B


BolzanoHotel Scala or similar

OberammergauHotel Boeld or similar

MunichHotel Munich Arabella Park or similar



Prices


• 8 nights in 4* centrally located hotels

• 14 meals (8 Breakfast, 2 3-course lunch with drinks included. 3 3-course

dinner in a local restaurant with drinks included, and 1 3-course dinner at

hotel drinks included)

• Wood carving workshop in Val Gardena followed by coffe and cake

• Bavarian Fruehschoppen experience in Munich (Weisswurst, Pretzel and

Weissbier)

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Venice, Bolzano, Salzburg,

Munich, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof)

• Skip the line entrance ticket to Doge’s Palace

• Entrance fees to the Archeological Museum (Bolzano), Neuschwanstein and

Linderhof Castles









Single supplement

01/07/17 - 03/15/1711/01/17 - 12/20/17

€1799 €1399 €1199

€21903/15/17 - 04/30/17 10/01/17 - 10/31/17

€2009 €1599 €1399

04/30/17 - 06/30/1708/30/17 - 09/30/17

€2139 €1689 €1499


VisusItaly&Beyond

The Far East Border

Day 1: VeniceArrival transfer from airport to hotel. Welcome drink. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: Venice and the Lagon IslandsBuffet breakfast. This morning you will join your private English speaking guide to explore the city center of Venice with St. Mark’s Square and view the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. Admire the Canal Grande, Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sights, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. Then continue to Doge’s Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon your tour will continue exploring the beauty of the Venice Lagoon, visiting Murano, the city famous for its glass production, and the colorful city of Burano where you will have the chance to attend to a lace making workshop by an authentical Italian Nonna. Return by private boat to your hotel. Overnight.Meals: B

Day 3: Gorizia - Postojna - LjubjanaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, located at the

border with Slovenia. Friuli is one of Italy’s least touristy region, but nevertheless a great destination for the discerning traveler looking for art cities, deliciously wild landscapes and the fascinating Slovenian-Croatian-Austrian Italian cultural mash up. We will reach the town of Gorizia, an oft-shifting border zone throughout much of its history and scene of some of the most bitter fights of WWI’s eastern front, and most recently also an Iron Curtain checkpoint. Walking tour. Lunch in a local restaurant. We will cross the border and arrive in Slovenia, where our next stop will be at Postojna Caves, one of Slovenia’s most notable natural sights. Tour of the the caves by a small cave train. We then continue to Predjama Castle, part of which is pressed next to a 400 feet tall vertical cliff, was originally home of the legendary outcast knight Erasmus. Following the visit continue to Ljubjana. Dinner and overnight.Meals: B - D

Day 4: Bled Castle - Ginger Bread MuseumBuffet breakfast. Morning walking tour of Ljubjana. You will see all the major sights in Ljubljana including the main square with the Prešeren monument, Franciscan Church

and Three Bridges, Congress Square (Park of the Star), the National University Library, Križanke Monastery, the New Square, the Cobbler’s Bridge, the Old Square, just to name a few. Lunch on your own and free time to own discovery. After lunch continue to Lake Bled. Here we will a walk around the lake and taste the ‘kremšnita’ vanilla-custard-and-cream cake, one of the best known Slovenian desserts. Boat ride to the Bled Island and visit the museum at Bled Castle. On the way back to Ljubljana, stop at the

•LagooncruiseandlacemakingworkshopinBuranowitharealNonna

•PostojnaCavestourbysmallcavetrain•GingerbreadMuseumvisitinmedievaltownofRadovlijca•VisittoLipicaStudFarm•EpressotastinginTriesteandMiramareCastle

Itinerary


Featuring: Venice and its Lagoon, Trieste, Slovenia, Croatia



famous medieval town Radovljica and visit to Lectar gingerbread museum. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Socerb Castle - Piran - Saline Nature Park - OpatjaBuffet breakfast. Today we will reach Croatia by driving along the Slovenian coast. First stop for photo at Socerb Castle, which offers marvelous views of the Slovenian coast. Next drive along the coast to reach the Istrian village of Piran, lunch based on typical seafood dishes and some free time to stroll around the medieval streets. Continue through the modern coastal town of Portorožand and reach the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, where we will get acquainted with the rich tradition of sea-salt harvesting in Slovenia. Afterward continue to the remote village of Hrastovlje outside of the city Koper and visit the famous Church of the Holy Trinity. Then snap photos of the acclaimed Gothic fresco, “Dance of Death” (Dance Macabre). Following the visit arrival in Opatja later in the day. Dinner and

overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 6: Cruise on Kvarner BayBreakfast at the hotel. Today we will visit the island of Krk in the Kvarner bay. This beautiful island has been a monument to life and culture for over two thousand years. Explore the most important sights of city Krk, visit small islet Košljun and taste homemade prosciutto, cheese and wine in a unique local tavern in Vrbik. Return to the Optaja. Leisurely walk through the city with your guide. Dinner and overnight. (Boat excursion is subject to weather conditions). Meals: B - D

Day 7: Lipizza - Trieste - TrevisoBreakfast at the hotel. Today we say goodbye to Slovenia and return to Italy but before crossing the border we stop in Lipizza to visit the Lipizzaner Stud Farm where the famous Lipizzaner horses have been bred since 1580. A local guide will take us on a tour of the farm and give us an insight into the breeding and training of Lipizzaner. Continue to Trieste and

stop for lunch on your own followed by a tour of the city. Trieste is an amazing Italian city with a rich historical and cultural background that played a strong role for the economy of the Hapsburg Empire and later Austria Hungarian monarchy. The famous coffee brand Illy is originated from here. Don’t miss the chance to savor a “caffe nero” before strolling the city streets with your guide. Continue to the Miramare Castle, located on the tip of the promontory of Grignano. The castle was built by the Archduke Maximilian of Hapsburg and was the residence of Sissi, Empress of Austria. Its position overlooking the sea, provides wonderful views over the Gulf of Trieste. Continue to Treviso. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B – D

Day 8: DepartureBreakfast in the hotel and transfer to Venice airport. Meals: B


LjublianaRadisson Blue or similar

OpatjaDesign Hotel Royal or similar

TrevisoVilla Corner della Regina or similar



Prices

Included features• Welcome drink• 7 nights in 4* charming hotels• 15 meals (7 Breakfast, 2 3-course lunch with drinks included 1 3-course

dinner in a local restaurant in Venice with drinks included, and 5 3-course dinner at hotel drinks included)

• Tasting of “kremsnita” vanilla -custard and cream cake in Bled• Tasting of homemade prosciutto, cheese and wine at local tavern in Vrbik• Tasting of Cafè nero in Trieste• Boat excursion to island of Krk• Excursion to Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle with entrance fees

included• Excursion to Bled with visit of Bled Castle with entrance fees included• Excursion to Scovilje Salina Nature Park with entrance fees included• Visit to the Lipizzaner Stud farm in Lipizza• English speaking guide during guided tours (Venice, Trieste)• Skip the line entrance ticket to Doge’s Palace• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip




Single supplement

01/07/17 - 03/15/1711/01/17 - 12/20/17

€1599 €1259 €1109

€21903/15/17 - 04/30/17 10/01/17 - 10/31/17

€1779 €1429 €1289

04/30/17 - 06/30/1708/30/17 - 09/30/17

€1929 €1599 €1449


VisusItaly&Beyond

From Fashionista to Jet-Setter

Day 1: MilanArrival transfer from Milan airport to the hotel. Welcome drink. Welcome dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: MilanBuffet Breakfast. Morning visit to the Italian Capital of Fashion. Your tour will start in Duomo Square with the view of Milan’s Cathedral (outside visit). Then onto Victor Emmanuel Gallery, a pedestrian mall built in the 1800s featuring a large arched glass ceiling and visit to the La Scala Theater, the world-famous Opera Theater. Stroll through the medieval heart of Milan to Sforza Castle, the impressive fortress of the former Dukes of Milan, and now the home of many of Milan’s finest museums. Lunch on your own and free time for own discovery and shopping. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 3: Milan - GenoaBuffet Breakfast. This morning we will drive to Genova also known as “The Superb”. The birth town of explorer Sir Christopher Columbus, the city has a rich maritime history. Genoa has Europe’s largest medieval city center and during the guided tour you will walk on its narrow little lanes, known in Genoese as “Carrugi” and you guide will

show you many of the most interesting sights in Genoa as you go and explain their history and relation to Columbus After the tour enjoy a typical Genoese aperitif with focaccia and wine. Free time to explore the city at your leisure. Suggested sights are the Aquarium of Genoa, the largest of Europe, the Galata Sea Museum, just to name a few. Dinner and overnight in Genoa. Meals: B - D

Day 4: Porto Venere - Cinque TerreBuffet breakfast. This morning the full day excursion along the Italian riviera of Levante will take you to the quaint fisherman village of Portovenere where you will enjoy some walking around the cozy village before your included lunch. Boat tour from Portovenere to Vernazza and Monterosso for an excursion to the amazing Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site. These enchanting five villages are nestled into the cliffs overlooking the sea, surrounded by vineyards that produce some of Ligura’s most celebrated wines and offering breathtaking view of the sea. Happy hour drink during the cruise included. Following the tour your will return to your hotel by motor coach. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Bussana - Sanremo

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will drive along the beautiful Riviera dei Fiori (The Riviera of Flowers) direction to the town of Sanremo. First you will stop in Bussana, an ancient village that was completely destroyed by a earthquake in 1887. Bussana remained a ghost town until the 1960s when a Piedmontese artist, Clizia, settled here and established an international community of artists. Nowadays Bussana Vecchia is a very unique village. Here you can find every type of craftsman’s and artists’ workshops, ranging

•InsidetourofLaScalaTheaterandSforzaCastle•DiscoverytourofGenoafollowingColumbus’Footsteps•DiscoverBussana Vecchia, aGhost town on the ItalianRiviera

•ExcursiontothecharmingvillageofSt.Paul-de-Vence•VisittoaperfumefactoryinGrasse

Itinerary


Featuring: Milan - Cinque Terre - Monaco - Provence - Nice



from goldsmiths’ to designers or botanists. The village has been literally reborn, and every year its peculiar atmosphere attracts thousands of tourists, who are eager to find out what spell lingers in the air of this Medieval village built on the hills of Sanremo. Lunch on your own. Continue to Sanremo famous for being the host of the annual Sanremo Music Festival. The city is a melting pot of both French and Italian culture, due to its proximity to France. Take a stroll down the promenade or browse the boutiques near Sanremo Casino. Free time for own discovery. Transfer to Nice. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Saint Paul de Vence - Grasse - NiceBreakfast at the hotel. Today full excursion to the French Riviera, reaching the locality of St. Paul de Vence, a lovely medieval village which has become a flourishing community

of artists: painters, sculptors and artisans. Lunch in a Provencal restaurant. We will then continue further inland towards Grasse, capital of perfumes, where we will visit the International Museum of Perfumery, which recounts the centuries-old history of the French master perfumers. Afterward we will visit a modern perfume factory, such as Molinard, Galimard and Fragonard, where you can view an actual atelier for the creation of perfumes. Continue to Nice. Meals: B - L

Day 7: Monaco - EzeBreakfast at the hotel. This morning we will drive to Monaco where we will visit the Old Town, the cathedral, the street circuit used for the Formula One Grand Prix, and the famous Place du Casino with its luxury boutiques and admire the Prince Palace. Lunch on your own and free time to stroll around town. Continue along the spectacular Grand Corniche with

a stop at the enchanting medieval hillside village of Eze where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the French Riviera and Mediterranean. Continue to Nice, passing by the Russian Church, where you will see the historic Hotel Negresco and the Promenade des Anglais. Stop near the Place Massena and free time to stroll through the characteristic narrow streets of the old city where open markets take place (the flower market is held on Tuesday and Saturday and the flea market on Mondays). Overnight. Meals: B

Day 8: DepartureBreakfast in the hotel and transfer to Nice airport. Meals: B

MilanAC Hotel or similar

Genoa areaTorre Cambiaso or similar

NiceVilla Otero or similar



Prices


• 7 nights in 4* charming hotels

• 12 meals (7 Breakfast, 1 3-course typical provencal lunch with drinks

included, 1 3-course dinner in a local restaurant in Milan and 1 3-course

dinner in a local restaurant in Nice with drinks included, and 2 3-course

dinner at hotel drinks included)

• Tasting of Genoese wine and focaccia

• Happy hour during boat excursion to Cinque Terre

• Boat excursion from Portovenere to Monterosso and Vernazza

• Visit of the International Museum of Perfumery in Grasse with entrance fees

included

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Milan, Genoa)

• Skip the line entrance ticket to Scala Theater and Sforza Castle










supplement

03/07/17 - 06/30/17 €1399 €1159 €989

€39908/31/17 - 10/31/17 €1399 €1169 €989

06/30/17 - 08/31/17 €1429 €1179 €999


VisusItaly&Beyond

The Savoy Route

Day 1: TurinArrival transfer from airport to hotel. Welcome drink. Welcome dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: Turin - Venaria RealeBuffet breakfast. Morning guided city tour of Torino starting with Piazza Castello and Palazzo Madama, home of the 1st Italian Senate. Continue to Turin Cathedral to see the Holy Shroud, (when the Chapel of the Holy Shroud is closed, visit of the Royal Church of San Lorenzo where a copy of the Holy Shroud is on display). Stroll past elegant cafés, stopping for a typical bicerin (hot chocolate-coffee) drink. The tour continue to Museum of Cinema inside the famous Mole Antonelliana and take the lift to enjoy a panoramic view over the whole city of Torino. Lunch on your own. Afternoon visit to Venaria Reale, the Versailles of Piedmont, just outside Torino. The Reggia (1658-1679) was of the main residence of the Savoy Royal Family and now an Unesco world heritage site. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 3: Aosta - Fenis CastleBuffet breakfast. Today we are going to take and excursion to the nearby region of Val d’Aosta also known as the “The Vallée”.

Visit of Fenis Castle, one of the most famous and scenic castles in Aosta Valley for its architecture, many towers and battlement walls. Visit to nearby distillery with tasting of local Grappa, liquors and local products. Continue to the town of Aosta for a guided tour. Time at leisure. On our way back to Turin we will stop at the Museum of Wine and Wine cellar Caves Cooperatives di Donnas for visit and tasting of local products. Return to your hotel in Turin area. Overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 4: Courmayeur - Chamonix - AnnecyBuffet breakfast. This morning we will experience the 8th Wonder of the World, the cable car Skyway, an extreme engineering challenge that will take you close the eternal ice of Mont Blanc, up to 11482 ft. From the base station of Courmayeur will reach the mid station of Pavillon de Mont-Frety and stop to visit the highest botanical gardens of Europe. Continue with a second ride up to Punta Hellbronnen where you will enjoy the spectacular 360° view on the Mont Blanc and roof of Europe. Some free time to discover the Crystal Room, the permanent exhibition of crystals of Mont Blanc, take pictures from the 360’ terrace and visit the Mont Blanc room. Lunch will be at Rifugio Torino (alpine hut) that

we will reach comfortably by elevator. You will savor locals dishes with a spectacular view. Return to Courmayeur by cable car continue our journey by motor coach crossing the border with France, passing by Chamonix in the Haute Savoie, one of the most famous mountain villages at the foot of the majestic Mont-Blanc. Arrival in Annecy, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

•Turinandits“bicerin”tradition•FenisCastleinAostaandGrappatasting•TheMontBlancSkywaycablecar,the8thWonderoftheworld•Annecy,themostpicturesquevillageinFrance•VisitoftheAbbeyofNovalesa,theoldestintheAlpswithaBenedictinemonk

Itinerary


Featuring: Milan - Cinque Terre - Monaco - Provence - Nice



Day 5: Annecy - GenevaBuffet breakfast. This morning we will reach Geneva where we will have a 2-hour guided tour that will take us to the city’s international district that’s home to the world’s peacemaking organizations, and to the city center as well. Enjoy a mini-train tramway tour and a guided walk through the historic old town area. Free time for personal discovery and lunch. Return to Annecy, also known as the Venice of the Alps for a walking tour in the old town and its colorful pedestrian streets. The town, crossed by the River Thiou, offers a picturesque and enchanting scene, and numerous food markets and flea markets enliven the streets. Rich in cultural activities, including museums and castles to visit, Annecy has received the sought-after

Art and History designation. Free time for own discovery or shopping or visit to the a museum or castle. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Chambery - Susa - Novalese - TurinThis morning we will first stop in Chambery where we will visit the Palace of the Dukes of Savoie. Continue on to Italy by driving trough the Susa Valley, located on the Francigena pilgrimage route from Rome to Mt. St Michele. Stop in the Old Town of the city of Susa that still retains it’s alpine style and charm. The antiquity of its origin is testified by the druid rock carvings (cup marks) found in a stone in the higher point of the city. Lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to the village of Novalesa

and visit of the Abbey. Here Benedictine monks will accompany you to discover the beautiful Chapel of saint Eldrado, painted with frescoes dating to the XI century, built in a panoramic position and surrounded by an immense park. The abbey today also houses the Archaeological Museum containing the archaeological findings emerged from the excavation campaigns. Visit also of section dedicated to the restoration of books, activity that is still practiced today in the abbey . Continue to Turin. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 7: DepartureBreakfast in the hotel and transfer to Turinairport. Meals: B

TurinTurin Palace or similar

AnnecyHotel Les Trésomes or similar

TurinHotel La Corte Venaria or similar *The itinerary is on request and rates are subject to the availability of the

hotels at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change if travel occur during trade shows, bank holidays or special events and supplements may be applied.


Prices


• 7 nights in 4* centrally located hotels

• 12 meals (6 Breakfast, 2 3-course lunch with drinks included, 1 3-course

dinner in a local restaurant with drinks included, and 3 3-course dinner at

hotel drinks included)

• Bicerin tasting in Turin (hot-chocolate coffee)

• Visit to a Grappa distillery in Val D’Aosta with tasting

• Visit to the Museum of Wine and Wine cellar at Cooperatives Donnas with

wine tasting included

• English speaking guide during guided tour in Turin and Geneva

• Mini train traimway ticket in Geneva included

• Entrance fees to the Church of San Lorenzo and the Holy Shroud, Mole

Antonelliana and lift, Reggia di Venaria, Fenis Castle, Palace of the Duke of

Savoie in Chamberie

• Full day excursion to Mont Blanc with roundtrip ticket cable car Skyway

• Visit to the Abbey of Novalese










supplement

01/03/17 - 05/10/1711/26/17 - 12/20/17

€1519 €1219 €1139

€41911/05/17 - 07/31/17 €1549 €1259 €1169

08/01/17 - 11/25/17 €1579 €1579 €1189

34 ITALY 2017

From cooking classes with Italian Nonnas to the ones led by starred chefs, from wine tasting with expert sommeliers to tour of vineyards conducted by estate owners, from hand-picked local restaurants to street food tours, Ignas Tour will offer a feast for your eyes and a treat for your palate! All of this and more combined with carefully selected accommodations in unique locations and out of the beaten path itineraries.

Gustus

35Gustus | ITALY 2017

36 ITALY 2017 | Gustus

Gustus

Piedmont, Aosta Valley & Liguria

Day 1: TurinArrival transfer from airport to hotel. Welcome drink. Welcome dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2 - Royal Torino & Bicerin TraditionBuffet breakfast. Morning guided city tour of Torino starting with Piazza Castello and Palazzo Madama, home of the 1st Italian Senate. Continue to Turin Cathedral to see the Holy Shroud, (when the Chapel of the Holy Shroud is closed, visit of the Royal Church of San Lorenzo where a copy of the Holy Shroud is on display). Stroll past elegant cafés, stopping for a typical bicerin (hot chocolate-coffee) drink. The tour continue to Museum of Cinema inside the famous Mole Antonelliana and take the lift to enjoy a panoramic view over the whole city of Torino. Lunch on your own. Afternoon visit to Venaria Reale, the Versailles of Piedmont, just outside Torino. The Reggia (1658-1679) was of the main residence of the Savoy Royal Family and now an Unesco world heritage site. Overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Aostaand Fenis CastleBuffet breakfast. Today we are going to take and excursion to the nearby region of Val d’Aosta also known as the “The Vallée”.

Visit of Fenis Castle, one of the most famous and scenic castles in Aosta Valley for its architecture, many towers and battlement walls. Visit to nearby distillery with tasting of local Grappa, liquors and local products. Continue to the town of Aosta for a guided tour. Time at leasure. On our way to Turin we will stop at the Museum of Wine and wine cellar Caves Cooperatives di Donnas followed by tasting of local products from the Bertolin cured pork factory. Return to your hotel in Turin area. Overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 4: MilanBuffet Breakfast. Morning visit to the Italian Capital of Fashion. Your tour will start in Duomo Square with the view of Milan’s Cathedral. Guide of the Duomo with includes also the climb up to the roof from where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Then onto Victor Emmanuel Gallery, a pedestrian mall built in the 1800s featuring a large arched glass ceiling and visit to the La Scala Theater, the world-famous Opera Theater. Lunch on your own and free time for own discovery and shopping. Join your tour leader to a metro discovery experience and discover the neighborhood of Porta Nuova where the Milan skyline has been totally redesigned

with innovative architectural solutions. Here you will admire the World’s Vertical Forest, a pair of vertical towers that host more than 900 trees on 96,000 sq ft of terraces. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Wines and Truffles in Langhe RegionBuffet breakfast. Departure to the Langhe wine area. Morning visit to Alba, worldwide known for its succulent white truffles, one of the world’s finest food and also wine region.

•DiscoveryItaly’sFoodValley•WineBank, thehistoricalSavoywinecellars that storeswinesfromalloverItaly

•Traditionaltrufflehuntwithatruffleexpertandhistraineddog•CookinglessonatAgenziadiPollenza,headquarteroftheSlowFoodMovement

•Genoafarmermarketvisitandpestomakingdemo

Itinerary


Featuring: Turin - Aosta - Alba – Barolo - Serralunga - Genoa


Culinary Experience in


Settled in pre-Roman times by Celtic and Ligurian tribes, Alba’s history is dazzlingly long. It’s a lovely town with castles, medieval palaces, towers and many churches. Stop for visit and for tasting of truffle and local products and light lunch. Continue to Barolo, famous for the red wine named after the city. Visit at Enoteca del Barolo for visit and tasting some prestigious wines. We continue to our hotel in the village of Pollenzo, home of the Slow Food movement and seat of the only University of Gastronomic Sciences in the world. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Cooking ClassBuffet breakfast. Today visit and tasting at the Wine bank, located in the historical Savoy wine cellars in Pollenzo and is precisely what

you’d imagine: it stores wines from all over Italy, a vault of the best vintages, as many producers do not keep reserves of their more age-worthy wine. During the visit and the local guide will give a brief introduction of the history of the cellar and explain the Slow food movement and University of Gastronomic Sciences. Tasting of 3 wines included. Continue with a cooking class followed by lunch. Departure to Genova. Free time . Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 7: GenoaBuffet breakfast. Morning visit of Genoa also known as “The Proud”. The birth town of explorer Sir Christopher Columbus, the city has a rich maritime history, and you’ll learn about its past on a tour of the fully

restored Ancient Port of Genoa. Visit of the historic center, with its narrow little lanes, known in Genoese as “carrugi”, where the Renaissance Cathedral of San Lorenzo can be found. Together with your tour guide reach a small food market where a ligurian expert will welcome you to teach you how to make pesto the famous green sauce using mortar and pestle, as the tradition wants. After the demonstration free time for lunch and own discovery. Dinner and overnight in Genoa area. Meals: B

Day 8: DepartureBreakfast in the hotel and transfer to Genoa airport. Meals: B

TurinHotel Villa Matilde or similar

Langhe areaHotel Dell’Agenzia or similar

Genoa areaHotel Torre Cambiasi or similar



Prices


• 7 nights in 4* charming located hotels

• 14 meals (7 Breakfast, 7 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included)

• Bicerin tasting in Turin (hot-chocolate coffee)

• Visit to a Grappa distillery in Val D’Aosta with tasting

• Visit to the Museum of Wine and Wine cellar at Cooperatives Donnas with

tasting of wine and local products included

• Wine tasting in Barolo

• Truffle hunt with an authentic trifolaio

• Visit of the Wine Bank with wine tasting included

• Cooking class followed by lunch

• Pesto demonstration in Genoa

• English speaking guide during guided tour in Turin, Genoa

• Entrance fees to the Church of San Lorenzo and the Holy Shroud, Mole

Antonelliana and lift, Reggia di Venaria, Fenis Castle










supplement

01/03/17- 05/10/1711/26/17-12/20/17

€1689 €1359 €1199

€30311/05/17- 07/31/17 €1719 €1389 €1229

08/01/17-11/25/17 €1759 €1459 €1259


Gustus

Apulia, Basilicata & Campania

Day 1: BariArrival transfer from Bari airport to your hotel. Welcome drink, dinner and overnight.Meals: D

Day 2: Apulian culinary tradition in Bari & AlberobelloBuffet breakfast. Morning guided tour to discover Bari and its particular Old City (known as “Bari Vecchia”). Admire the Cathedral and the stunning Romanesque Basilica of San Nicola, housing the relics of St. Nicholas. Continue your walking tour reaching the Swabian Castle built by the Normans just above ancient ruins of a Byzantine church and have a peek of the Harbor and its open-air fish market. Lunch on your own. Continue to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city of Trulli, famous worldwide for their beauty and unique characteristics. They were built in a particular historical period, when the construction of stable dwellings was highlytaxed; the inhabitants of the region thus boasted a great capacity to adapt, and an exceptional cleverness in coming up with the idea for the Trulli, temporary houses built with local stone. Guided tour through this area to see Casa d’Amore and Sant’Antonio Church. Back to your hotel, dinner and

overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Fisherman tradition in Barletta - Castel del MonteBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Barletta for a walking tour of the city, visit the Old Town, the Castle, the Eraclio Statue, the imposing bronze statue dating from the fourth century, the Cantina of the Disfida and the Cathedral. Continue to Castel del Monte in Andria, one of the 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th Century, with a massive and dominating octagonal structure that sits on a small stretch of the Murge plateau. Lunch in a typical Apulian Masseria and then continue to the amazing city of Trani . Explore the old town with your guide and visit the Cathedral of Trani an elegant example of Romanesque-Puglian architecture. Dinner in a beautiful and charming restaurant just along Trani’s harbour. Back to your hotel and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 4: Cooking class in Ostuni - Polignano a MareBuffet breakfast. Drive to Ostuni where we will have a private cooking class followed by lunch. Learn the secrets of how to make homemade orecchiette pasta and other

delicious local dishes like the panzerotti. In the afternoon departure to Polignano a Mare for a walking tour of the old town. The old name of the town, Polisnea, clearly indicates its Greek origins. It stands overlooking the sea on a steep, rocky cliff cut by a deep gorge. Because of the karst nature of this cliff a number of caves have been formed. Some of the these where inhabited by prehistoric men. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

•AccommodationinanauthenticTrulloinApulia•The world famous castle, Castel del Monte and itsmysteries

•TheAncientSassidiMateracavedwellings•HowtocookapulianOrecchiettepastaandPanzerotti•Acerenza “The Cathedral City” and the Aglianico winetradition

Itinerary


Featuring: Bari – Alberobello – Andria – Ostuni – Matera –

Acerenza – Amalfi Coast - Naples




Day 5: Matera - Acerenza - SalernoBuffet breakfast. Departure to Matera, the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Guided walking tour through Matera’s Sassi area and its city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting Casa Grotta, Chiesa di Santa Lucia delle Malve, Saint Chiara and Saint Francesco d’Assisi and the Roman Cathedral. The Sassi represent a unique urban settlement in the harsh territorial area of Murge (Apulia region). Lunch on your own. Free time to stroll in center of the town. In the afternoon continue to Acerenza, officially listed as one of the top 50 most beautiful towns in Italy. Known locally as ‘Cathedral City’, Acerenza is home to a stunning cathedral in romanesque-gothic style dated back to the 11th century. Following the visit stop at a local wine producer and taste the Aglianico DOC. wine. In the street of the “Cantine” (via delle Cantine) is still possible to visit the ancient caves where the wine was

originally produced and stored. Transfer to Salerno. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Amalfi CoastBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to the famous Amalfi coast, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular place in the world with its amazing landscapes and panoramas. The scenic drive through the Amalfi coast will give the opportunity to take countless pictures of this breathtaking landscape. Stop in Positano for pictures to explore the city center and lunch on your own. Continue to Amalfi, a very unique town with the 11th century cathedral of St. Andrew and tasting for real Limoncello, the lemon based liquor. Next stop Ravello, located above Amalfi, that has long been a retreat for artists and writers. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 7: Pompeii - Vesuvio - NaplesBuffet breakfast. Departure to Pompeii, the city which was frozen in time under volcanic

ashes. You will still see people attempting to escape as well as its preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter and the Forum. Continue to Vesuvio to admire the place known for the eruption that led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and several other settlements. Lunch in a local restaurant just under the imposing Volcano. Afternoon travel to Naples for a panoramic city tour of Naples. Admire the famous Spaccanapoli, then continue the walking tour with the Royal Palace and the Maschio Angioino. Free time and then return to the hotel in the Naples area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 8: DepartureBreakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to the Naples airport. Meals: B

AlberobelloHotel La Chiusa di Chietri or similar

Amalfi coastHotel Lloyd’s Baya or similar

NaplesPalazzo Alabardieri or similar



Prices



• 15 meals (7 Breakfast, 1 3-course lunch in a farmhouse on Mt. Etna with

drinks included, 1 3- course dinner a local restaurant in Trani with drinks

included, 6 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included )

• Cooking class in Ostuni followed by lunch

• Visit to an olive oil mill with tasting

• Visit of to a local wine producer in Acerenza and tasting of Aglianico DOC

wine

• Limoncello tasting in the Amalfi coast

• Excursion to Vesuvius

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Matera, Pompeii, Vesuvius and

Naples )

• Entrance fees at Castel del Monte (Trani), Swabian Castel (Bari), Pompeii









supplement

01/03/17 - 03/30/17 10/15/17 - 12/27/17

€1399 €1079 €919

€24503/31/17 - 06/01/17 09/24/17 - 10/14/17

€1429 €1109 €949

06/02/17 - 08/03/17 08/27/17 - 09/23/17

€1499 €1179 €1019


Gustus

Sicily

Day 1: PalermoArrival transfer from Palermo airport to your hotel. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: Sicilian food tradition in PalermoBuffet breakfast and guided tour of Palermo. Explore the historic markets of the city (Borgo vecchio, Ballarò, Capo, Vucciria), then continue to the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel. During this tour you will learn about the Sicilian Street food which will include several stops at bakeries, street vendors and old inns to taste the delicious street food of Palermo and a selection of Sicilian sweet wines. Along the walking tour you will enter hang out places known only among locals. Continue to the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel with its golden mosaics depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments, and the Norman Cathedral. Afternoon guided visit to Monreale Abbey, the cathedral and the cloisters are frequently cited as the island’s greatest Norman buildings. The upper part of the cathedral’s interior is competely covered in gleaming, more than 6.000sqm wide gold mosaics. Return to your hotel, dinner and overnight.Meals: B - D

Day 3: Marsala - Erice

Buffet breakfast. Morning departure towards Western Sicily to reach Marsala and visit of a local winery’s cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Later travel between Trapani and Marsala on the Salt Way Road. Visit the historical saltpan works, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced. This afternoon continue to the town of Erice, located about at 2500 feet of altitude and surrounded by well preserved medieval walls. Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the famous homemade pastry shops— world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastries. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 4: Agrigento - Corleone area - AgrigentoBuffet breakfast. For today’s excursion to the Corleone area we have partnered up with the organization “Libera Terra” that reunite all those hotels, restaurants, farms, and transport agencies that stand up to Mafia and the Mafia racket. We will reach San Giuseppe Jato for a guided visit of the Wine cellar “Centopassi”, built on lands once owned by the Mafia and seized by the government. A dedicated guide will explain the civil anti-mafia movement behind the organization and how these lands are re qualified and how the local community

is benefiting. Wine tasting included. Continue with a stop at Portella della Ginestre Memorial to learn about the 1st State mass massacre perpetrated by the Mafia on May 1st 1947. If possible meet with some of the witnesses that are still alive. Continue to the Agriturismo Portella delle Ginestra, also built on Mafia seized land, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with local products. In the afternoon guided visit to the famous Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the splendid archeological park with its 8 temples built

•SicilianStreetFoodtourthoughPalermohistoricmarkets•Pastry shops visit in Erice and tasting of almond andpistachiopastries

•CorleoneandthecivilAnti-mafiamovement:Agriturismovisitandwinetasting

•CaltarigionepotterworkshopandwinetastinginRagusaIbla

•Modicaandit’schocolatetradition

Itinerary


Featuring: Palermo – Marsala – Corleone – Caltarigione – Noto –

Avola – Siracusa – Taormina – Mt. Etna




between about 510 and 430 BC. Dinner and overnight in your 4* hotel in Agrigento. Meals: B - L - D

Day 5: Piazza Armerina - Caltarigione - RagusaBuffet breakfast. This morning travel to Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its well preserved mosaics depicting mythological themes and hunting scenes. Continue to Caltarigione one of the most lively Baroque towns in central Sicily. It’s known in Italy as “The city of Sicilian ceramics” due to its thousand-year-old tradition. Here you will attend to a pottery workshop. Lunch on your own. After lunch continue to Ragusa and visit of Ragusa Ibla followed by wine tasting. Dinner and overnigth at the hotel in Ragusa. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Modica - Noto - Avola - SiracusaBuffet Breakfast. Departure to the beautiful small town of Modica, situated in the Hyblaean Mountains and part of the UNESCO Heritage Sites in Italy. Here we visit Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate

factory in Sicily, founded in 1880, followed with chocolate tasting. Continue to Noto, considered the most beautiful baroque town of Sicily. After the visit, lunch on your own. Free time and then continue to Avola. Wide sandy beaches, delicious almond specialties and the famous red wine Nero d’Avola - that is what the town is well known for. The people here still live mostly on farming, vineyards and groves of lemon, orange and almond trees characterize the landscape. Visit of a local wine cellar followed by a wine tasting. Dinner and overnight in Siracusa. Meals: B - D

Day 7: Ortigia - TaorminaBuffet Breakfast. Morning walking tour of Siracusa, a magnificient example of Magna Grecia culture and art and the birthplace of Archimedes. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city centre of Siracusa: visit of the Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethuse Fountain and the Temple of Apollo. Continue to Neapolis Archaeological Park, the Roman Amphitheater and the “Ear of Dionysius”. Lunch on your own. Continue to Taormina and visit of the town also known

as the “Jewel of the Ionic”. Visit to the Greek Theatre, one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily. From there enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Etna and the Gulf of Giardini-Naxos as well as the small island Isola Bella off the coast at Toarmina. After the visit, free time to stroll in the historical center. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 8: Mount Etna - TaorminaBuffet breakfast. Morning visit of Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. During the tour explore the less known northern part by 4x4 Jeeps and reach the altitude of 9186 feet (warm clothes recommended). Afterward we’ll head on to a wine cellar, where you will visit the vineyard and production facilities and eventually taste ETNA DOC wines and Sicilian specialties. Lunch in Mount Etna area at a local restaurant. Return to Taormina. Free time for shopping or relax. Dinner and overnight Meals: B - L - D

Day 9: DepartureBuffet breakfast. Departure transfer to the airport of Catania. Meals: B

PalermoBoutique Hotel Vecchio Borgo or similar

AgrigentoVilla Romana or similar

RagusaSan Giorgio Palace or similar

SiracusaGrand Hotel Villa Politi or similar

TaorminaEli Hotel or similar



Prices

Included features• Welcome drink• 8 nights in 4*centrally located hotels• 18 meals (8 Breakfast, 1 3-course lunch in agriturismo in Corleone area

with drinks included , 1 3-course lunch in Mount Etna with drinks included, 8 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included)

• Street food tour in Palermo with food tasting included• Visit and wine Tasting at winery Centopassi• Visit to Portella delle Ginestre Memorial• Marzipan candies tasting in Erice• Wine tasting in Ragusa Ibla• Visit of a chocolate factory in Modica with tasting included• Visit of a wine cellar in Avola with wine tasting included• Excursion to Mt Etna by 4x4 jeep• English speaking guide during guided tours (Palermo, Corleone, Agrigento,

Siracusa, Etna and Piazza Armerina)• Entrance fees Norman Palace (Palermo) Monreale Abbey, Piazza Armerina,

Neapolis Archeological Park Ortigia, Valley of the Temple (Agrigento) Greek Theater (Taormina)

• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip




Single supplement

03/01/17 - 03/31/17 10/31/17 - 12/20/17

€1729 €1289 €1089

€21908/31/17 - 10/31/17 €1779 €1229 €1129

06/30/17 - 08/31/17 €1989 €1519 €1329


Gustus

Lake Garda, Dolomites and Veneto

Day 1: Verona - Lake GardaArrival transfer from Verona airport to your hotel in Northern Lake Garda. Welcome drink, dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: Limone - Varone falls - Tenno - ToblinoBuffet breakfast. Morning embark the high speed ferry to cross the lake and reach the stunning village of Limone del Garda, famous for its Lemon groves. Taste of some typical lemoncello and free time stroll around the main piazza and take pictures to capture the beautiful corners of this charming village. Continue by bus to the famous Cascate di Varone. The visit takes only 30 minutes but will offers spectacular view of the waterfall as it tumbles from high above over the cliff edge. Typical Trentino lunch with Carne Salada and Fasoi (Salted meat and beans) a typical delicacy of the region obtained from the best cut of the adult ox, namely the loin, which is treated with a few but very effective manual operations. Continue to Lake Tenno to visit Canale di Tenno, member of “The Most beautiful towns of Italy”. Stop for photo at the enchanting Castle Toblino, setting of lots of Italian Films. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Grappa distillery - Trento - Wineroute - Lake Caldaro

Buffet breakfast. Departure from the hotel and stop for visit at the Marzadro Distillery to enjoy a delicious tasting of Italian typical Grappa. Continue to Trento, a unique charming Medieval and Renaissance Alpine city, where history is art. Unique amongst the Alpine cities, the City of the Council (1545 - 1563) still keeps its precious monuments as tokens of its rich artistic and historic heritage. Admire the Castello del Buonconsiglio (for several centuries residence of the Prince Bishops of Trento), the Duomo, its splendid Piazza and fountain dedicated to Neptune, the frescoed houses and Council Churches as well as the museums and exhibitions which make Trento a true landmark of Alpine arts, culture and traditions. After lunch on your own, continue to South Tyrol following the wine route. Stop for wine tasting at the historical Tiefenbrunner Castel Turmhof in Niclara dated back to the 13th century. Continue to Lake Caldaro. Typical Tyrolean dinner with folk music. Overnight at your hotel. Meals: B - D

Day 4: Bolzano - Southern Tyrolean Cooking ClassBreakfast and departure to visit Bolzano. The city has two lifestyles, one Northern European and the other more Mediterranean, combined to make the perfect union, which can be clearly seen in the historic and

artistic treasures of this town. For centuries, Bolzano has been the privileged center of trade between Italy and Germany and today the capital of South Tyrol, has become a cosmopolitan city that knows how to be lively, cheerful, modern and yet refined at the same time. Guided tour of the historical center with included visit of the Archeological Museum. During the visit you will have admire the 5,000 years old Otzi Mummy, the famous mummified corpse pulled from a glacier in the Italian Alps about 20 years ago. Lunch on your own. Free time for individual visits and shopping. Continue with a Southern Tyrol

•CulinarytraditioninLakeGarda•Europe’s famous Trauttmansdorf Botanical Gardens inMeran

•Castle Katzenzungen and the world oldest and largestgrapevine

•LunchatMalgaTofanaalpinehutat6100ft•Life in the Italiancountryside: visit toa teaching farm inVeneto

Itinerary


Featuring: Lake Garda – Bolzano and the South Tyrolean Wine

Route – Dolomites - Belluno




cooking class with a starred chef, where you will learn local recipes, followed by dinner. Back to your hotel. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Merano - Trauttmansdorf GardensDeparture Spa town of Merano, with its leafy boulevards, birdsong, oleanders and cacti, Merano feels like you’ve stumbled into a valley Shangri-La. Long lauded for its sunny micro climate, this poignantly pretty town was a Hapsburg-era spa and the hot destination of its day, favored by the Austrian royals, Freud, Kafka and Pound. Your guide will take you to a leisure walk from the historical center following the footsteps of Sissi Empress of Austria, that loved to take walks to her holiday residence, Trauttmansdorff Castle. Arrive at the lovely botanical gardens that counts amongst the most visited in Europe. Guided tour of the botanical gardens and castle. Lunch at the gardens with a flower inspired menu. After lunch some free time and then continue to Castle Katzenzungen to visit the world oldest and largest grapevine. Guided tour of grapevine and meeting with the castle owner that will reveal stories and anecdote of the charming castle. Wine tasting included. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight.

Meals: B - L

Day 6: Land of DolomitesBreakfast and departure to the Dolomites -UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites Mountain range. Drive to Lake Carezza, for a short photo stop. Tour over the Sella range and experience a true awe inspiring drive through the Pordoi and Gardena Pass. Canazei, Corvara and Ortisei are the most famous alpine villages we will cross. Lunch on your own. In Ortisei we stop at a wood carving workshop and witness a wood carver in action followed by a slice of Strudel and coffee. Wood carvings from Val Gardena are world famous and testimony of a century old tradition. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 7: Cortina - Tofana - Malga MisurinaBuffet breakfast. Morning visit of Cortina d’Ampezzo, one the most famous Italian winter destination. After the tour, cable car ride (25 minutes) from Cortina to Col Druscié where you can enjoy a breathtaking view above the valley and of the Dolomites. Lunch at 6000 ft. After lunch, return to Cortina. Continue by bus to Malga Misurina, an

historic building born in 1921 only for the purpose of summer hill country for 230 heads of livestock, a real maso (farmhouse) located at 6100 ft. Discover the many activities of this farm and taste some of the typical products. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 8: Belluno - TrevisoBuffet breakfast and departure to Belluno. Short visit of this city, located on a narrow ledge high above the river Piave. The old town on the tip of the headland offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy its Venetian style and Gothic and Renaissance buildings. Continue to a typical Veneto teaching farm to see the production of milk products and where you will also be able to experience how the local products are made. Afterward Treviso. Dinner and overnight.Meals: B - D

Day 9: DepartureBreakfast and departure to Venice airport.Meals: B

Lake GardaHotel Maderno or similar

Lake CaldaroHotel Goldener Stern or similar

Treviso areaHotel Villa Corner or similar



Prices

Included features• Welcome drink• 8 nights in 4* charming hotels• 18 meals (8 Breakfast, 1 typical Trentino lunch in Lake Garda with drinks included, 1

3-course flower-based lunch at Trauttmansdorf Gardens with drinks included, 1 typical lunch at Malga Tofana with drinks included, 1 3-course dinner at local restaurants on Lake Caldaro with folk music with drinks included, 5 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included)

• Limoncello tasting in Limone• Visit to Marzadro Distillery with grappa tasting• Visit of the historical 13th century wine estate Tiefenbrunnen Castle Turmhof with wine

tasting• South Tyrolean Cooking class with a starred Chef followed by dinner in Bolzano• Visit of the Castel Katzenzungen, its grapevine followed by wine tasting• Boat excursion to Limone• Excursion to a teaching farm• English speaking guide during guided tours (Trento, Bolzano, Trauttmansdorf Gardens)• Skip the line tickets at Archeological Museum in Bolzano• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip





supplement

03/01/17 - 04/30/17 €1909 €1499 €1319

€31905/01/17 - 07/05/17 09/15/17 - 10/31/17

€1929 €1509 €1349

07/06/17 - 09/15/17 €1999 €1579 €1409


Day 1: VeniceArrival transfer from the airport to your hotel. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight.Meals: D

Day 2: Venice Rialto marketBuffet breakfast. Morning half day tour of the island to discover its many flavors and history. First visit to the Venice Rialto Market where you will find many Venetian specialities. Get involved and smell the atmosphere of this medieval market (the fruit and vegetable Market is opened from Monday to Saturday from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm, the fish market from Tuesday to Saturday from 7.30 am to 12.00 am). Continue the walking tour to St. Mark’s Square where to admire the view of the Golden Basilique of San Mark, admire the Canal Grande, Rialto Bridge and Sospiri Bridge, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. The tour continues with the famous “Bacaro Tour” (“Bacari” are a kind of bar) in which you will be served local finger food specialties called “cicchetti” as well as the famous local drink, Aperol or Campari spritz. Lunch on your own followed with some free time for individual discovery. Back to your hotel and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Venice - Cividale - San DanieleBreakfast at the hotel. Morning departure to the region of Friuli. First stop is in Cividale to visit the pictoresque historical center and some free time. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon continue to San Daniele del Friuli, a beautiful village world known for the production of prosciutto. After a walking tour of the town visit a prosciutto factory and taste the “Prosciutto San Daniele DOP”. Continue to your hotel in the Udine/Cividale area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 4: Trieste - AquileiaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Trieste, an amazing Italian city with a rich historical and cultural background that played a strong role for the economy of the Hapsburg Empire and later Austria-Hungarian monarchy. The famous coffee brand Illy is originated from here. Your tour guide will take you to one of the famous coffee houses to taste the “caffe nero” . Lunch on your own. Continue to the Miramare Castle, located on the tip of the promontory of Grignano. The castle was built by the Archduke Maximilian of Hapsburg and was the residence of Sissi, Empress of Austria. Its position overlooking the sea, provides wonderful views over the Gulf of Trieste. Continue to Aquileia, an important

archaeological site with UNESCO World Heritage status. Continue to Treviso area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Treviso - ValdobbiadeneBuffet breakfast.This morning start with a walking tour of the medieval town of Treviso. Lunch on your own. Continue to «Villa Sandi» one of the most famous Villa Veneta created by the Rennaissance architect Palladio. Continue to Valdobbiadene, the elegant home of Prosecco wine to stop and visit of a

•BacaroTourinVeniceandtaste“cicchetti”thelocalfingerfoodwiththeaglassofSpritz(localVenetiandrink)

•Tastethe“ProsciuttoSanDanieleDOP”inSanDaniele•TheValdobbiadeneProseccowineroute•Bassano and the famous Old Bridge built by AndreaPalladio

•VisitofaricefarminIsoladellaScala

Itinerary


Featuring: Venice – San Daniele – Bassano del Grappa – Aquileia

– Trieste - Verona


Gustus

Veneto and FriuliCulinary Experience in


winery with tasting of their products. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. . Meals: B - D

Day 6: Bassano - Marostica - VicenzaBuffet breakfast. Departure to Bassano del Grappa. Visit of the city to admire its principal landmark, the Ponte degli Alpini, also known as the Ponte Vecchio. This covered wooden bridge over the broad Brenta river was designed by Andrea Palladio in 1569. Continue with visit of the most famous Grappa Distillery, and enjoy an unlimited Grappa tasting. Departure to Marostica, a pictoresque town home of live a giant chess game enacted with human chess-pieces that takes place very two years. Free time for lunch. Continue to Vicenza. Its ‘unique appearance,’ largely owing to the work of influential sixteenth-century architect Andrea Palladio, has led to the town’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking tour and will visit of the Olympic Theatre, a

masterpiece of Renaissance master builder Palladio. Return to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 7: Verona - Isola della scalaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Verona, the city of Rome and Juliet. During the walking tour your guide will show you the major sights, Piazza Bra with the Roman anphitheater “L’Arena” (inside visit), Piazza delle Erbe and the historical center and of course take you the house of the unlucky lovers. Lunch on your own. Continue to Isola della Scala to visit a rice farm. Learn how the rice is refined in a traditional fashion, followed by a tasting of rice products. Back to Treviso. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.Meals: B - D

Day 8: Tasting in Padova & Colli Euganei areaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to the old University City of Padua, worldwide known as the city of Saint Anthony. Guided

walking tour of the old town where will see the major sites such as the Scrovegni’s Chapel, famous for the most complete series of frescoes executed by Giotto. Lunch on your own. Afternoon excursion to the scenic wine region of Colli Euganei. The region is characterized by its steep, almost triangular hills (caused millennia ago by volcanoes), medieval hamlets and monasteries (many still inhabited by Benedictine monks) and unspoiled landscapes. Continue to Arqua Petrarca for visit, a charming small village part of the “Most beautiful towns of Italy” Association and once home of the famous poet Francesco Petrarca. Stop and tasting of local products at Agriturismo Le Volpi. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 9: DepartureBreakfast and departure to Venice airport. Meals: B


UdineAstoria Hotel or similar

TrevisoVilla Corner della Regina or similar



Prices

Included features• Welcome drink• 7 nights in 4* charming hotels• 15 meals (8 Breakfast, 1 3-course dinner in a local restaurant in Venice with

drinks included, and 6 3-course dinner at hotel drinks included)• Bacaro tour with cicchetti (finger food)• Visit to a proscutto ham factory with tasting included• Visit to a coffee house and tasting of Cafè nero in Trieste• Excursion through the Prosecco wine route with wine tasting• Visit to a Grappa distillery in Bassano with grappa tasting included• Excursion to Isola della Scala with visit of a rice farm with tasting of rice

products• Excursion to Colli Euganei with tasting of local products in an agriturismo• English speaking guide during guided tours (Venice, Verona, Padua and

Trieste)• Skip the line tickets at Scrovegni Chapel• Entrance fees to Arena di Verona, Miramare Castle (Trieste), Olympic Theater

(Vicenza)• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip





supplement

01/03/17 - 03/15/17 10/09/17 - 11/30/17

€1789 €1389 €1149

€21904/01/17 - 04/13/17 07/09/17 - 08/24/17

€1979 €1569 €1319

04/14/17 - 07/08/17 08/25/17 - 10/31/17

€2049 €1699 €1369


Day 1: FlorenceArrival transfer from Florence airport to your hotel in the Chianti. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: San Gimignano - SienaBuffet breakfast. Morning excursion San Gimignano, also known as the “The Manhattan of Tuscany”: 15 of the original 72 towers still dominate the almost unchanged, well preserved, historic center and were once a symbol of the power and wealth of its inhabitants After the visit continue to a typical and organic farm for tasting of local Tuscan products. Visit of the Wine Cellar observing wine production and, tasting of local wines together with a rich buffet with local specialties. Continue to the enchanting medieval city of Siena that sits elegantly over three hills. Guided tour to explore the city to admire the major attractions like the Piazza del Campo where the famous horse race Palio takes place every year and the Basilica of St. Dominico. Back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 3: FlorenceBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and the center of the world’s finest art and

architecture. Guided tour where you can admire the magnificent Santa Maria Novella, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery’s renowned “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Afterward Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is housed. Continue to the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio.In the afternoon visit to a Leather Factory and Shop, where you can admire how the product their fabulous bags and leather products. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 4: Volterra - PisaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Volterra, a former Etruscan settlement, located on top of a hill and offering beautiful view of the surroundings and. Visit of the city center with included visit at the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum, one of the best place to learn about this mysterious pre-roman civilization Stop at a cheese factory to learn how cheese production, followed by a tasting. Lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to Pisa to admire the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower (outside visit), one of the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. Return to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Perugia and its Chocolate tradition - Truffle HuntBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Tuscany’s neighbour region of Umbria and visit its capital city, Perugia. Take on a stroll with your tour leadr in the historical center full of narrow streets with medieval corners and views, and admire one of the most wonderful church of Perugia: San

•Florence, the cradle of Renaissance and the authenticFlorentinesteak

•EtruscanhistoryinVolterraandcheesefactoryvisit•PerugiaandPeruginaChocolatehousetour•Giotto’sastonishingfrescoesattheBasilicaofAssisi•TheLakeTrasimenoWineRoute

Itinerary


Featuring: Florence – Chianti – Assisi – Lake Trasimeno Wine Route


Gustus

Umbria & TuscanyCulinary Experience in


Francesco al Prato with its Reinassance San Bernardino’s oratory. Continue with the visit of the Casa del Cioccolato Perugina (House of Chocolate) a unique place, where we will discover the famous chocolate in all its ways. Chocolate tasting included. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon get ready for the highlight of the day, you will go hunting for truffles with a truffle-expert and his trained dog. At the end of the activity learn how to prepare this delicacy and have the chance to taste it. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Assisi - NorciaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and founder of the Franciscan order. Visit the major historical and religious monuments of Assisi

such as the Roman Temple of Minerva, and the Basilica, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe containing the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto’s astonishing frescoes. Lunch on your own. Continue to Norcia, an amazing city full of art and culture, made it famous in the world by its culinary specialties of meat and pork delights of and black truffles. Visit a “Norceria” (Pork butchers) to learn the ancient technique of curing and processing the meat (brought by the Jews that settled in the area following the destruction of Jerusalem) followed by a succulent tasting of local products. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.Meals: B - D

Day 7: Lake Transimeno - Florence areaBuffet breakfast. Morning drive along the

Wine Route of Trasimeno Hills that extends to the territories that surround Lake Trasimeno. Among the rolling hills that embrace the Lake Trasimeno winemaking is an art that has been practiced for thousands of years; originally by the Etruscans, followed by the Romans. Stop for visit of a local wine producer with wine tasting included. Continue to Montepulciano for leasure stroll around the medieval historical center and break for lunch (on your own). Continue to Pienza for visit of a cheese factory and taste some “Pecorino” and olive oil. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in the Florence area. Meals: B - D

Day 8: DepartureBreakfast at the hotel and airport transfer to the Florence airport. Meals: B

ChiantiHotel Palazzo Leopoldo or similar

PerugiaRelais Il Canalicchio or similar

FlorenceFattoria degli Usignoli or similar



Prices

Included features• Welcome drink• 7 nights in 4* charming hotels• 15 meals (7 Breakfast, 1 3-course lunch in a local restaurant in San

Gimignano with drinks included, and 7 3-course dinner at hotel drinks included)

• Visit to a wine cellar in San Gimignano with wine tasting and light lunch• Visit to a cheese factory in Volterra area with cheese tasting included• Tour of the Chocolate House in Perugia with chocolate tasting included• Truffle hunt in Perugia area with a quarrymen and taste of tartufo included• Visit to a Grappa distillery in Bassano with grappa tasting included• Visit to a Norceria (Pork butchery) in Norcia with tasting included• Visit to a cheese factory in Pienza with pecorino and olive oil tasting included• Excursion along the Trasimeno Wine area with stop at a local producer with

wine tasting included• Visit to a leather workshop in Florence• English speaking guide during guided tours (Florence, Siena & San

Gimignano, Assisi, Volterra)• Skip the line tickets at Accademia Museum, Giotto Bell’s Tower and Baptistery• Entrance fees to Guarnacci Museum in Volterra and Chocolate House in

Perugia• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip





supplement

01/03/17 - 03/15/17 10/09/17 - 11/30/17

€1889 €1529 €1249

€24903/16/17 - 05/08/17 €1979 €1609 €1329

05/09/17 - 10/08/17 €2069 €1699 €1399


Gustus

Emilia Romagna, Marche & Tuscany

Day 1: BolognaArrival airport transfer to your hotel. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight. Meals: D

Day 2: Bologna - DozzaBuffet breakfast. Morning half day visit to the city of Bologna: the historical centre has been beautifully maintained: the historical towers from the 12th and 13th century, the oldest university in Europe, San Petronio cathedral, the Neptun fountain. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon visit to the medieval village of Dozza, one of the 100 most beautiful village of Italy, situated on a crest of a gentle hill dominating the Sellustra river valley. Stop in a local wine cellar for tasting of the famous Lambrusco wine. Dinner and Overnight in your hotel. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Parma - ModenaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Parma. Visit to Parma, the famous city in Italian gastronomy. Parma is also famous to host one of Italy’s most important opera venues, the Regio Theatre. Some of the monuments you can admire during the tour are: the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral and Baptisterium. Continue with visit to the Ham Museum in Langhirano and tasting of local products and light lunch. Next stop is

in Modena, the city worldwide known for its vinegar. Stop in a typical vinegar cellar (Acetaia) where you can taste the famous “Aceto Balsamico di Modena”. Return to Bologna, back to your hotel, dinner and overnight. B - L - D

Day 4: San Marino and San LeoBuffet breakfast. Departure to San Marino. Half day guided tour of the City-State, exploring the old town, the Three Towers, the House of Montefeltro, the neo-Gothic style Palazzo Pubblico, home of the primary institutional and administrative organs and venue for official ceremonies, the Casa Piccola del Comune. Lunch on your own and some free time. In the afternoon visit of San Leo, a sharp pinnacle surrounded by overhanging cliffs in a countryside sloping from the Appennines to the sea, with houses clustered between a magnificent fortress and a prominent bell tower. Transfer to Urbino area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - L - D

Day 5: Urbino - Acqualagna - CupramontanaBuffet breakfast. Welcome to the Marche region! First thing on the program is a walking tour of the small hill town of Urbino, a town that experienced a great cultural flowering

in the 15th century, attracting artists and scholars from all over Italy and beyond and influencing cultural developments elsewhere in Europe. Free time and then continue to the town of Acqualagna, famous for its truffles. Each year towards the end of October/ beginning of November the National Truffle Trade-show takes place here. Lunch at a local restaurant where you will have the chance to taste delicious dishes preared with local truffles. In the afternoon continue

•MedievaltownofDozzaandLambruscowinetasting•Parmabetweenfinegastronomyandmusictradition•Modenaandbalsamicvinegartasting•Aqualagnaanditstrufflespecialties•SanMarino,thecity-State•Chiantibetweencharminghamletsandfantasticwines

Itinerary


Featuring: Bologna – Parma – Modena – San Marino – Urbino –

Chianti - Florence




to Cupramontana, the capital of the famous white wine Verdicchio. Visit of a local wine producer fallowed by tasting. Continue to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.Meals: B - L - D

Day 6: Urbino - Cortona - ChiantiBreakfast.Continue to Cortona spectacularly sited hilltop town and set of the famous movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” as well as birth place of famous artists as Luca Signorelli and Pietro da Cortona. Your tour leader will take you on a stroll through the historical center where you will see the house where Pietro da Cortona was born, the church of San Francesco, the piazza della Repubblica, just to name a few. Lunch on your own. Free time to discover this charming little town. In

the afternoon continue to Siena and visit the enchanting medieval historical center. Major sights include Piazza del Campo site of the famous horse race Palio and St. Dominic’s Basilica. Following the tour, wine tasting at a local winery. Continue to your hotel in the Chianti area. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 7: FlorenceBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and the center of the world’s finest art and architecture. Guided tour where you can admire the magnificent Santa Maria Novella, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery’s renowned “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti.

Afterward Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is housed. Continue to the open-air museum at Signoria Square ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Lunch on your own and free time. Continue to Castiglionchio Farm, an old fortified settlement, dating back to the 12th century, located in the small valley of the river “Mill riots”, about 9 miles from Florence. Wine and Oil tasting. Back to your hotel in the Chianti. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 8: DepartureBreakfast and transfer to the Florence airport. Meals: B

Chianti areaHotel Palazzo Leopoldo or similar

Perugia areaRelais Il Canalicchio or similar

FlorenceFattoria degli Usignoli or similar



Prices


• 7 nights in 4* charming hotels

• 16 meals (7 Breakfast, light lunch at Ham Museum in Langhirano with drinks

include, 1 3-courses lunch in Acqualagna with drink included and 7 3-course

dinner at hotel drinks included)

• Visit to a wine cellar in Dozza with Lambrusco wine tasting included

• Visit to a Acetaia in Modena with balsamic vinegar tasting included

• Visit to wine cellar in Cupramontana and Verdiccio wine tasting included

• Visit to a wine cellar in Siena with wine tasting and light lunch

• Visit to the Ham Museum in Langhirano

• Visit to Castiglionco farm with wine and olive oil tasting included

• English speaking guide during guided tours (Bologna, Urbino, Florence, Siena)

• Skip the line tickets at Accademia Museum, Giotto Bell’s Tower and Baptistery










supplement

01/03/17 - 03/15/17 10/09/17 - 11/30/17

€1579 €1279 €1099

€24903/16/17 - 05/08/17 €1679 €1359 €1179

05/09/17 - 10/08/17 €1769 €1449 €1269

50 ITALY 2017

Discover, Experience and Live the most beautiful and the lesser known Gardens of Italy with unique activities and events to stimulate all the senses. Sensory guided tours, special events and activities to fully enjoy the Great Green Beauty of Italy.

Odoratus

Photo: Villa Arvedi

51Odoratus | ITALY 2017

Odoratus

DiscovertheenchantingTrauttmansdorffCastle and Gardens. The medievalcastleitselfwasreconstructedbyCountTrauttmansdorff 1850and theEmpressSisiused tocometo theSouthTyrol inwintertoenjoyamilderclimatethanhernative Austria. The gardens now havean extensive plant collection arrangedaccording to countries of origin. TheGardens of Trauttmansdorff Castleencompassesmorethantwelvehectaresand has an altitude differential of 100meters. The designers of the botanicalgardenshad the fortuneofbeinggivena truly remarkable site, affording themboundless creative possibilities. Thesepanoramic photos will give you a little

preview of this stunning botanicalcomplex.Aftertheguidedtourofthegardensandcastle, lunch at the restaurant locatedinside the gardens with a menu withflowerbasedmenu.Afterlunchcontinueto Spa town of Merano, with its leafyboulevards, birdsong, oleanders andcacti,Meranofeelslikeyou’vestumbledintoavalleyShangri-La.Longlaudedforits sunnymicro climate, this poignantlyprettytownwasaHapsburg-eraspaandthehotdestinationofitsday,favoredbythe Austrian royals, Freud, Kafka andPound.Followingthetourreturntoyourhotel

Haveyoueverthoughtaboutlivinganexperienceusingallyoursensesincontactwith

nature?Nowit’suptoyou!Thereisaspacewhereyoucanenjoycolorsthatyoucan

listento,discoversoundstosee,experienceinfinitespaceonhand,toappreciatethe

tasteofthehillsonyourtongue,feelthefragranceofsize.Bereadytotakepartofa

beautifulworkshopaboutaromaticherbsandsalts.Youwillobservethepreparation

andpackingofjarsofsaltandtakeonebackhomewithyou.Attheendoftheactivity,

freetimetorelaxbythepool.

• FulldayDeluxeACMotorcoachatdisposalfrom• Trento/Bolzano/Dolomites• EntrancefeesatTrauttmansdorffGarden• 1h30EnglishSpeakingGuideatTrauttmansdorffGarden• 3 course Lunch at Garden’s restaurant with drinksincluded

• FulldayEnglishspeakingTourLeader

•Half day Deluxe AC Motorcoach at disposal from

Perugia

•AromaticSaltWorkshop(2/3hours)

•AromaticSaltSouvenir

•EnglishspeakingTourLeader

Included features

Included features

PricesPrice per person


Margherita Featuring: Trauttmansdorff GardensAdd-on Full day excursion to the Dolomites from Bolzano or Trento

Add-on Half day excursion from Perugia

8 guests 15 guests 25 guests

€119 €89 €69


€89 €69 €59

These are some suggestions of wide range of activities that Ignas Tour is able to arrange anywhere in Italy

Not included:Tips and everything not listed under “Included features”


Magnolia Featuring: Aromatic Salt Workshop in Spoleto

52 ITALY 2017 | Odoratus

Odoratus

Welcome to the amazing “The Gardenof Tarot”! In the surroundings of thecharmingCapalbioinMaremmayouwillfindtheimpressiveTarotGardenbuiltbyNikideSaintdePhalleinthesecondhalfofthelastcentury.TheGardendisplaysthehugeandbeautifulsculpturesbytheFrenchartistanditwastheresultofthewish to express Niki’s idea of a “smallEdenwheremanandnaturemeet”.Shetook inspiration from the beautiful ParkGuell byGaudì in Barcellona, in Spain.Guided visit of the gardens with localguide. Lunch in a local restaurant withdrinks included.ContinuetothenaturalCascate dei Mulini (Cascate dei MuliniFalls). Hidden in a corner of Southern

Tuscanythat’soffmost tourists’ radars,thesewaterfallsare located justoutsidethe town of Saturnia in the Maremma.The water that flows into the CascatedelMulino contains sulfur and ThermalPlankton, two proprieties which havebeen said to help cure skin, digestiveandcirculatoryailmentssincethetimeoftheRomans. Like all natural splendors,theCascatedelMulinocanbeenjoyedfor free every day and night. On thisexcursion remember to bring yourbathingsuitsothatyoutakeadipinthewarm waters (the temperature is 98Fconstantly) and enjoy their beneficialproperties.Returntothehotel.

Be ready to explore the magnific

and unique outdoor exhibition of

contemporaryart setup in1986 in the

fieldsandwoodsoftheSellaValley.More

than300artistswereadmiredbyValdi

Sella and decided to give their help to

Arte Sella is both a qualified exhibition

of artisticworks and,most importantly,

an ongoing creative process in which

art works can be actually followed as

they grow and evolve. The artists are

called upon to express a respectful

relationshipwithnatureandtreatitasa

sourceofinspiration.Therouteconsists

ofaforestroadinafalsefloor,about1.5

mileslongwalkingpathinabout2hours,

alongwhichyouwilladmireabout25art

installations.Thevisitincludethevisitof

MalgaCostaandVegetalCathedral(1.5

hour).MalgaCosta(CostaBarn)isarural

building shepherds used in the past to

breedcattleandmakecheeseandbutter

during spring and summertime. After

the visit attend to a Polenta workshop

(boiled cornmeal) typical dish from this

regionfollowedbylunch.Returntoyour

hotel.

•Full Day Deluxe AC Motor coach at disposal fromRomeorChiantiarea

•FulldayEnglishspeakingtourleader•3courselunchinalocalrestaurantwithdrinksincluded•EntranceTicket–TheGardenofTarot•HalfDayEnglishSpeakingGuideatTarotGarden

•FullDayDeluxeACMotorcoachatdisposalTrento/Bolzano/Dolomites

•Entrance fees Arte Sella (Malga Costa + VegetalCathedral)

•Polentaworkshopfollowedbytypicallunchwithdrinks•GuidedTourAreaofMalgaCosta+VegetalCathedral•FulldayEnglishspeakingtourleader

Included features

Included features



Add-on Full day excursion from the Chianti area, Rome

Add-on Full day excursion from Bolzano, Trento or Dolomites


€139 €119 €89


€90 €70 €60 Not included:Tips and everything not listed under “Included features”


LavandaFeaturing: The Garden of Tarot

Iris Featuring: Artesella the Contemporary Mountain


53Odoratus | ITALY 2017

Odoratus

Would you like to see a uniqueTheme

Park in Europe? Welcome to Orchids

World in Gargazzone (very close to

Bolzano).

HereyoucansmellOrchids,walkamong

theplantsandabsorbtheirexoticscent.

The tropical oasis offers a world of

emotions.Walkingthroughthelakes,

you will find yourself in a world of

lakes,waterfalls and flowers. For those

interested you can take a look at the

laboratory of orchids production. After

the toor continue to theOrchid Room,

toenjoyadelicioussliceofcaketogether

withacoffee.

TheRoseGardenofVacunaeRosaeisoneofitskindassaidbyformerPresidentof

theWorldRoseFederationGeraldMeylan,andrightlyso.

TheGardenboats9coloredfountains,28waterpumpsthatcreateamazingwater

shows, the only Zen garden following the philosophical and esoteric approach of

garden.

Visitingthegardenislikefollowingapaththatgoesthroughthedifferentthemeareas

(RosesoftheBelleEpoque,TheThreeMuskeeters..)andthatwilltakethevisitortoa

spiritualjourney.Guidedtourofthegarden.

Lunchatthegardenwithdrinksincluded

•FullDayDeluxeACMotorcoachatdisposalTrento/Bolzano/Dolomites

•EntranceTicket–Orchideenwelt•TourwithEnglishSpeakingGuide(90min)•Cake&Coffee•EnglishspeakingTourLeader

• FulldayDeluxeACMotorcoachatdisposalfrom• Trento/Bolzano/Dolomites• EntrancefeesatTrauttmansdorffGarden• 1.5 hour English Speaking Guide at Vacunae RosaeGarden

• 3courseLunchatGarden’srestaurantwithdrinksincluded• FulldayEnglishspeakingTourLeader

Included features

Included features






€79 €59 €49




OrchideaFeaturing: The Orchids World

Rose Featuring: The Rose Garden of Vacunae Rosae


54 ITALY 2017

Learn from the Masters! Attend to local workshops and visit artisans atelier; learn the skills behind centuries of tradition. Unique activities built around the “Made in Italy”

Tactus

55Tactus | ITALY 2017

Tactus

EnjoyafulldayexcursiontotheDolomites

UNESCONaturalHeritagesiteandlearn

about the century old wood carving

tradition of this area.Wewill cross the

Sella range and experience a true and

inspiringscenicdrivethroughthePordoi

and Gardena Pass. Canazei, Corvara

andOrtisei are themost famousalpine

villages we will cross. Arrival In Ortisei,

birthplaceofGiorgioMoroderGodfather

of disco music and visit of a wood

carving factory and its wood themed

park.Theparkiscraftedwithattentionto

thesmallestdetail,decoratedaccording

to the season.Wood connoisseurswill

find a vast assortment of thousands of

sculpturesandotherproducts,selected

from a range of over 60,000 products

which have beendevelopedduring the

courseofDolfi’sfactory120-yearhistory.

Attendtoawoodcarvingworkshopand

witnessawoodcarver inaction.Wood

carvings from Val Gardena are world

famous and testimony of a century old

tradition. Lunch in local restaurantwith

typical products. Following the tour

returntoyourhotel.

Start you full day excursion with firsta visit to LakeBraies, one of themostfamousmoviesetsandnaturalwondersof Italy. Free time to take pictures ofthis amazing location, enjoy a walkaround the lake following the markedpath or rent a boat and enjoy shortand panoramic sailing. Continue toSanCandidoandstop for lunchwhereyouwill have lunch. After lunchwewillride the per-arrangedbike to cross theborderwithAustriaandreachHeinfeldsheadquarterofthefamousWaferfactory,Loacker. During The bike ride (veryeasy, on flat surface, distance approx.of 9miles) youwill enjoy the unspoilednatural surroundings and view of themountains.Loaker’sWorldofGoodness,

thecompanyfactory,liesinthemiddleofthemountainsinEastTyrol,surroundedbyfields,farmsandforests.Uponarrival,firstvisitthemuseumwhereyouwilllearnabout thesedeliciouscookiesand theirhistory. Then join a a pastry workshopwhere,withinstructionfromexperts,youcanindependentlycreateyourindividualspecialty to your personal taste. YoucanrandomlycombineLoacker’screamfillings, spread them on freshly bakedwafers, portion them and take themhomeinaspeciallypreparedpackaging.Attheendofthetour,coffeebreakwithcake at the Loaker cafeteria.Return toSanCandidobytraintomeetthemotorcoachforfinaltransfertoyourhotel.

• FullDayDeluxeACMotorcoachatdisposalfromBolzano• FullDayEnglishSpeakingGuideforDolomitesTour•GuidedTourofWoodCarvingFactory•WorkshopforWoodPainting•ApieceofStrudel(typicalSouthTyrolDessert)withcoffee• 3 Course Lunch in the Dolomites area with drinksincluded

•Full Day Deluxe AC Motor coach at disposal fromBolzano

•3CourseLunchinSanCandidowithdrinksincluded• InteractiveWorkshoptocreateyourownWafer•CityBikeSanCandido–LoackerFactory•EnglishSpeakingTourLeader•ReturnbyTrainfromSilliantoSanCandido

Included features

Included features



How to... Carve your Wooden Piece of Art

How to... Create your own Wafer

Add-on Full day excursion to the Dolomites from Bolzano or Trento

Add-on Full day excursion to the Loaker Factory from Bolzano or Lake Garda


€139 €99 €79





56 ITALY 2017 | Tactus

Tactus

JustoutsideMilan, youcanexperience

a half day like a Falconer. Visit of the

Falconry Center, tour with didactic

explanation and demonstration of

falconrywithfreeflightsandthechance

tointeractpersonallywiththeseanimals.

Lunchinalocalrestaurant.Theexcursion

continue to visit Crespo Village d’Adda

(Crespi Workers’ Village). Crespi is the

nameofafamilyofcottonmanufacturers

from Lombardy. This family realized

an “ideal workers’ village” nearby their

cottonmillfactory,alongtheAddariver.

The village is an entire town, built from

nothingbytheownerofthefactoryforhis

workersand their families.Theworkers

were provided with homes, gardens,

vegetable gardens and all necessary

localservices.TheUNESCOCommittee

for the World Heritage entered Crespi

d’Adda in the World Heritage List in

1995, as an “extraordinary example of

thephenomenonoftheworker’svillages,

themost complete andbest preserved

ofsouthEurope.”Visitwithalocalguide

that comes from or live in the Village.

The localguidewill letyoudiscoverthe

fascinatingpastof thisuniqueplaceas

wellasthepresentof theVillagewhere

“timehasstopped”.

Be ready for visit the famous Apulian

olive groves. Not far from charming

cities like Bari, Trani and the famous

Castel del Monte, you will attend and

participateintheoliveharvest,observing

the processing of milling with granite

millstones, kneading, cold extraction,

and finally packaging, afterwhich each

participantswillgetacustumizedbottle

ofOliveOilmadewithyourownhands.

At the end you will taste the Apulian

Bruschettas seasoned with freshly

produced oil (taken directly from the

separator).FinallyenjoyatypicalApulian

lunch.Afterlunchcontinuetotheancient

town of Trani. The town extends along

theportintoasmallpeninsulawherethe

CathedralofS.NicolaPellegrinostands

inaamazingpositiondirectlybesidethe

sea. Visit of the historical center and

Cathedral.Returntoyourhotel.

•FullDayDeluxeACMotorcoachatdisposalfromMilan•FulldayEnglishspeakingtourleader•VisitandTouroftheFalconryCenter•DidacticExplanation•3courselunchinalocalrestaurantswithdrinksincluded•VisitfoCrespiiWorker’sVillagewithlocalguide

•FullDayDeluxeACMotorcoachatdisposalfromBari•FullDayEnglishspeakingTourLeader•VisittotheOliveMill•2/3HoursOliveHarvestWorkshop•TastingofDifferentTypesofOliveOil•TypicalApulianLunchwithdrinksincluded•VisitofTranianditsCathedral

Included features

Included features



How to... Become a Master of Falconry

How to... Olive harvest experience in Apulia

Add-on Full day excursion from Milan

Add-on Full day excursion from Bari


€169 €129 €99





57Tactus | ITALY 2017

Tactus

Didyoueverdreamaboutexperiencearealfamerlife?Nowyoucanhavethechance

tospendafulldayinateachingfarmintheareaaroundofPerugia.

Uponarrivedguidedvisitofthefarm,oftheanimalsandenjoyalunchandsavoring

theirproducts.Attendtotwowokshopsandactivitiesthatdependingontheseason

thatcouldbe:

-Harvestingofolives

-Goatsmilking

-Sheep-shearingandwoolspinning

Followingthetourreturnbacktoyourhotel.

FulldayexcursiontoateachingfarminTrezzodell’Adda.Guidedtouroftheagriturismo,

followedbythefirstworkshopwhereyouwilllearnhowtomakebreadfromscratch.

Firstyouwillgrindcornintoflourthenworkthedoughandbakethebread.

Breakforlunchpreparedwiththefarmhomemadeproducts.

Attendtoasecondworkshopwhereyouwilllearnaboutbee’sbreedingandthehoney

productionofthefarm.Attheendoftheactivityreturntoyourhotel.

•Full Day Deluxe AC Motor coach at disposal fromPerugia

•Lunch at the farm with typical product with drinksincluded

•Twoworkshops•Guidedtourofthefarm•EnglishSpeakingTourLeader

• FullDayDeluxeACMotorcoachatdisposalfromMilan• Lunchatthefarmwithtypicalproductwithdrinksincluded•BeebreedingworkshopandhoneytastingHoney•Guidedtourofthefarmandfieldsandstables• EnglishSpeakingTourLeader

Included features

Included features



A day in a farm. Sheep shearing and goat milking

A day in a farm. Bread making and bee breeding

Add-on Full day excursion to a teaching farm from Perugia

Add-on Full day excursion to a teaching farm from Milan


€139 €109 €79





58 ITALY 2017

From the most acclaimed Operas and Concerts to the smaller regional and lesser known Music Festivals, Venues and Events, Ignas Tour get your group in. Itinerary suggestions and full day music excursions to discover the history behind Italy’s famous composers.

Auditus

59Auditus | ITALY 2017

Auditus

Verona Opera Experience

Day 1Arrival transfer form airport to hotel in Verona area. Welcome drink. Welcome dinner and overnight

Day 2Breakfast. Full day excursion to Lake Garda. Upon arrival in Riva, charming town on the northern lake shore guided tour. Continue to visit the unique hamlet of Canale di Tenno, member of “The Most beautiful towns of Italy” association. Perched on a hill halfway between Garda Lake it’s a rural settlement of

medieval origin survived almost intact until our days. Free time to get lost in the narrow cobble stone alleys of this charming little borgo. Continue to Limone famous for its lemons (thanks to a favorable micro climate), healthy inhabitants (they are the most long-lived in the country) and also set of 2008 James Bond movie Quantum of Solace. Stroll around the small village and enjoy a limoncello tasting. Board the ferry for the short cruise across the lake to reach Malcesine and meet your motor-coach. Return to your hotel Dinner and overnight.

Day 3Morning at leisure to relax and enjoy your included entrance at the hotel wellness center or walk around the park or visit the Romanic Chapel. Wine tasting with light lunch at Bottega, the hotel restaurant.Later departure to Verona for a guided tour of the city….Dinner in a local restaurant and continue to the performance. Return to the hotel.

Day 4Breakfast and departure.

•StayinawonderfulVenetianVillajustoutsideVerona•VeronaandLakeGarda•ThecharmingmedievalborgoofCanalediTenno

Itinerary

HighlightsFeaturing: Verona - Lake Garda - Canale di Tenno

Included features• Deluxe A/C motor coach for airport transfers and round trip

transfer to the Arena• English speaking assistant for transfers• English speaking guide for full day excursion to Lake Garda • English speaking guide for guided tour of Verona• 3 nights at historical hotel Villa Quaranta or similar• 2 3-course dinner with drinks included at the hotel• 1 Entrance to the Sauna and Thermarium• 1 Wine tasting with light lunch• 3-course dinner at a local restaurant in Verona with drinks

included• Limoncello tasting in Limone• Ferry Limone to Malcesine.


See Opera Calender €619 €519 €469

Single supplement €84 €84 €84


This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be extended and customized around client’s request.



Prices

60 ITALY 2017 | Auditus

Auditus

Following the footsteps of Puccini

Day 1Arrival transfer from Pisa airport. Welcome drink. Dinner at hotel. Overnight.

Day 2Breakfast at the hotel. Lucca is a jewel of medieval architecture, with its most worldwide renown city walls, that are the only ones to be completely accessible on foot. This offers over 2 miles of panoramic walkway overlooking the city and those secret corners that you won’t be able to discover by walking through the tiny streets of the old city center. Other sights you will see during the tour are the Cathedral, the Giunigi Palace just to name a few. Within the walls of the historic city of Lucca you will find Piazza Cittadella and Corte San Lorenzo, places full of memories which are directly related to the childhood and early

youth of Giacomo Puccini. Visit of Puccini birthplace and museum.Stop at a local coffee house for a capuccino and a slice of “Buccellato”, a round shaped sweet bread with raisins topical of Lucca. Lunch on your own and free time. Continue to Pisa to admire the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, one of the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. You will be stunned by Piazza del Duomo which create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free for discovery. Afternoon departure to Torre del Lago to visit the house where Puccini once lived. The composer did not like the city

noise and often retreated here to enjoy the silence and look inward. Inside visit to Villa Puccini and afterward boat excursion on Lake Massacciuoli. The lake is located inside the Natural Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massacciuccoli, an area protected by the WWF. The lake is also an important station for many migratory bird species that find refuge in the area’s small channels located between the reeds. Return ashore and dinner at a local restaurant and transfer to the performance. Return to hotelDay 4Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.

•Luccaanditswalls•PisaandtheLeaningTower•VillaPucciniandcruiseonLakeMassacciuccoli

Itinerary

HighlightsFeaturing: Lucca and Torre del Lago

Included features• Airport transfers• Full day A/C deluxe motor coach at disposal for Day 2 and

Day 3• Fulllday English speaking guide for tour of Lucca and Pisa• Full day Tour leader for day 3• Welcome drink• 1 3-course dinner in Torre del Lago with drinks• 2 3-course dinner at hotel• 3 nights at Villa La Principessa or similar• Cruise on Lake Massacciuccoli• Ticket to performance sector 5• Entrance fees to Puccini birthplace, Puccini Villa


See Opera Calender €599 €469 €399

Single supplement €69 €69 €69





Prices


Auditus

Venice La Fenice Opera Experience

Day 1Arrival transfer form airport to hotel in Venice. Welcome drink. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant and overnight.Day 2Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of Venice to discover lesser-known Venice the so called ‘Minor Venice’ with a fascinating guided walk between St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge that will allow you to admire the outside of majestic architectural masterpieces generally not included in the main tourist itineraries and some unique structures that contribute to making Venice a unique city. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco and admire the exterior of the La Fenice Theatre in Venice - the most important opera house in Venice, destroyed and rebuilt several times, which hosted the premieres of the great Italian composers of the 19th century. Then continue to Doge’s Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler to discover the environments that have shaped

the history of the Republic of Venice. Lunch on your own. Free afternoon for own discovery. Tonight get ready and dressed up for your performance.Day 3Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure to discover the beautiful Villas of Palladio located along the River Brenta. First we will visit Villa Widman. Following the visit, we will continue by coach driving along the Brenta River. During the panoramic drive we will admire the beautiful Venetian Villas of Palladio built as summer residence for rich patricians and see quaint villages along the river. You can see wonderful examples of architecture that demonstrates the opulence and splendor of a forgotten past. We stop in Oriago for typical lunch and continue with our next visit, Villa Pisani (inside visit). Drive to Oriago area where you will check in an authentic Venetian Villa. Dinner and overnight.Day 4Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure for

a full day excursion discovering Bassano del Grappa tour and the Prosecco area of Italy and visit some of the most famous areas of the Venetian wine tradition. First we will start by visiting a wine cellar in the Valdobbiadene area with wine tasting. We will have lunch in a local Agriturismo and taste the local dishes like risotto, sliced meat. Then we will continue to Bassano del grappa, an enchanting medieval town on the River Brenta, that takes its name from the nearby Monte Grappa. A short tour in Bassano del Grappa will lead you through the old characteristic streets of the centre, where you can appreciate the craft traditions of Bassano, like ceramics and jewelry masterpieces, the Alpini Bridge and the Grappa Museum. A tour in Bassano del Grappa must include a grappa distillery tour as grappas one of the most famous products of Veneto. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel.Day 5Breakfast at the hotel. Departure

•TourtoVeniceminorandtheLagoonIslands•TheBrentaRiveranditswonderfulVenetianVillas•StayinawonderfulVenetianVilla

Itinerary

Highlights

Featuring: Doge’s Palace, The Palladian Villas, Bassano and the Wine Route

Included features• Private motor launch transfer from Venice airport to hotel• Private motor launch transfer from Venice hotel to Tronchetto• Deluxe A/C motor coach for excursions as per itinerary• English speaking assistant for transfers• English speaking guide for full day excursions• English speaking guide for guided tour of Venice• Entrance fees at Doge’s Palace and Villa Widman and Pisani• Performance ticket• Wine tasting in Valdobbiadene• 1 3-course Lunch at a Agriturismo with drinks• 2 nights at historical Villa Margherita or similar• 2 nights at Hotel Bonvecchiati• 2 3-course dinner with drinks included at the hotel• 1 3-course dinner in Venice





PricesDates 8 guests 15 guests 25 guests

Single supplement

01/07/17 - 03/31/17 €1009 €869 €699

€11904/01/17 - 10/20/17 €1099 €999 €799

10/20/17 - 12/21/17 €1009 €869 €699


Auditus

Milan and La Scala Experience

Day 1Arrival transfer from airport to hotel. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Italian Capital of Fashion. Your tour will start in Duomo Square with the view of Milan’s Cathedral (outside visit). Then onto Victor Emmanuel Gallery, a pedestrian mall built in the 1800s featuring a large arched glass ceiling and visit to the La Scala Theater, the world-famous Opera Theater. Stroll through

the medieval heart of Milan to Sforza Castle, the impressive fortress of the former Dukes of Milan, and now the home of many of Milan’s finest museums. Lunch on your own and free time for own discovery and shopping. After the tour experience a real Milanese Happy Hour. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight get ready and get dressed for your Opera experience at La Scala Theater. Overnight.Day 3Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will take part to a new tour of the city that will concentrate on the New Milan, that will take to

discover the neighborhood of Porta Nuova where the Milan Skyline has been totally redesigned with innovative architectural solutions. You will admire the first World’s Vertical Forest, a pair of vertical towers that host more than 900 trees (approximately 550 and 350 trees in the first and second towers respectively) on 96,000 sq ft of terraces. Afternoon visit to the Certosa of Pavia, one of the Italian Renaissance’s most notable buildings situated near the town of Pavia. Inside guided visit. Return to your hotel.

Day 4Breakfast at the hotel. Departure.

•TourtoMilan,theItalianCapitalofFashion•OperaexperienceatLaScalaTheater•VisittheCertosaofPavia,oneoftheItalianRenaissance’smostnotablebuildings

Itinerary

Highlights

Featuring: Doge’s Palace, The Palladian Villas, Bassano and the Wine Route

Included features• Deluxe A/C motor coach for airport transfers

• English speaking assistant for transfers

• English speaking guide for tour of Milan

• English speaking guide for full day excursion

• Entrance fees at La Scala Theater and Duomo

• Performance ticket

• Happy Hour in Milan

• 3-course Dinner with drinks in Milan





PricesDates 8 guests 15 guests 25 guests

Single supplement

01/07/17 - 03/31/17 €519 €429 €319

€7904/01/17 - 10/20/17 €569 €469 €369

10/20/17 - 12/21/17 €519 €429 €319


Auditus

Stradivari the Master Luther

Morning departure to the City of Violin and Music: Cremona, the world Capital of the art of violin and string making. Still today over two hundred violin makers workshops keep the tradition alive by following the footprints of world known Cremonese violin makers such as Antonio Stradivari, the Amati’s end the Guarneri’s. Furthermore, a prestigious international school of violin making prepares every year many students coming from all over the world.During the tour of Cremona admire all the monuments of Piazza del Comune, the

Cathedral, Baptistery, Torrazzo, Palazzo del Comune and Loggia dei Militi. The tour will then continue with a visit of the Museum of Violin where will have an insight into the origin and history of the violin, the method of construction and the most important families of Cremonese violin makers. The museum hosts a beautiful collection of various string instruments made by the most known violin makers of all time: Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari * Lunch in a local restaurant to savor a succulent lunch based on typical cuisine.

Following lunch continue with a pleasant walk to the district of luthiers to see the places where Antonio Stradivari lived. Stop for a visit to a contemporary violin maker’s workshop to discover the secrets and charm of modern lutherie. At the end of the tour stop at a local pastry shop for a nougat tasting, the local delicacy.

*Upon request we can also include a Stradivari violin performance

•VisittheMuseumofViolin•Visittoaviolin’smakerworkshop•Tastethedeliciousnougatthelocaldelicacy

Itinerary

HighlightsAdd-on Full day excursion to Cremona - from Milan or Verona

Included features• Full day A/C deluxe motor coach at disposal

• Full day English speaking tour guide for tour of Cremona

• Entrance tickets at Museum of Violin

• Visit to a Violin-making Shop

• 3-Couses Lunch in a local restaurant with drinks included

• Nougat tasting


€159 €99 €89

Not included:Tips and everything not listed under “Included features” This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be extended and customized around

client’s request.

*Price per person All year long

Prices


Auditus

Following the footsteps of Giuseppe Verdi

Morning departure to Parma, the city of

Music and Arts, worldwide known thanks

to Giuseppe Verdi. During your tour you will

admire Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral and

Baptistery, the Teatro Farnese and visit the

Museum of Sound. For lunch we will continue

to Langhirano famous for the production of

Prosciutto. Light lunch in a local restaurant.

Continue to Roncole to visit the birthplace

of Giuseppe Verdi and the Church of San

Michele Arcangelo which preserves the organ

on which the young Verdi played the first

notes.

Finally you will reach Busseto, where Verdi

with the financial support and encouragement

of Antonio Barezzi undertook with decision

to study music. In the historical center of

Busseto you will visit Teatro “Giuseppe Verdi”

and Casa Barezzi. Return to your hotel.

•DiscoverthecityofParma•VisitRoncole,birthplaceofGiuseppeVerdi•LunchinLanghirano,famousfortheProsciuttoDOPproduction

Itinerary

HighlightsAdd-on Full day excursion to Parma and Busseto - from Milan or Verona

Included features• Full day A/C deluxe motor coach at disposal

• Fulll day English speaking guide for tour of Parma and Busseto

• Entrance tickets at Museum House of Sound in Parma,

Birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi, Giuseppi Verdi Theater and Casa

Barezzi.

• 3-Course Lunch in a local restaurant with drinks


€149 €99 €89


client’s request.

*Price per person

Prices


Auditus

Rigoletto

Morning departure to Mantua. Be ready for a

journey between fantasy and reality, following

the footstep of the places of the most

famous Giuseppe Verdi’s Opera, Rigoletto,

set in Mantua in the 16th century. During this

excursion you will visit the Ducal Palace, the

immense residence of the Gonzaga Family

during its four centuries of domination. The

visit includes the “Camera degli Sposi“ of

Mantegna and other beautiful rooms. Walking

tour through the streets and squares of the

old town, the Teatro Scientifico Bibiena , the

Palace of Accademia Virgiliana, the House of

Rigoletto and St. Andrew Basilica. Lunch in a

local restaurant.

After lunch continue to Sabbioneta, the

town built by the Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga,

an extraordinarily preserved example

of architecture and urban design of the

Renaissance. The visit includes a short route

around the walls, view of the Ducal Palace,

the Garden Palace with the Gallery, the

Ancient Theater and the Synagogue. Back to

your city and hotel.

* Upon request we can also include Opera and

Concert tickets depending on the Season-

•VerdiandtheRigolettoOperamaking•MantuaandtheDucalPalaceoftheGonzagaFamily•TheRenaissancetownofSabbioneta

Itinerary

Highlights

Add-on Full Day Excursion to Mantua & Sabbioneta from Milan, Verona and Bologna

Included features• Full-day Deluxe AC Motorcoach at disposal

• Full day English Speaking Guide for visit of Mantua & Sabbioneta

• Entrance fee at Ducal Palace Mantua

• Entrance fee at the Garden Palace and Gallery

• Entrance fee at the Ancient Theatre

• Entrance fee at Synagogue

• Typical 3-Courses Lunch in a local restaurant with Mantua’s

specialities with drinks included


€181 €129 €99


client’s request.

*Price per person

Prices

Following the footsteps of Giuseppe Verdi


Auditus

Spider Bite: Pizzica and Tarantella in Salento

Departure from Lecce to enjoy a precious tour

based on a typical Apulian folk dance: the

Pizzica. The original legend tells that someone

who had been bitten by the tarantula spider

had to dance to an upbeat tempo to sweat

the poison out. Arrival to Torrepaduli and visit

the mysterious San Paolo and Tarantate’s

Chapel where you will admire the miraculous

well. Continue by motor coach to Galatina to

Casa Museo Centro del Tarantismo (Museum

of Tarantella) to discover more about this

particular tradition and dance. Lunch in the

area where you can assist to a real Pizzica

show. Then you will participate to a workshop

where you will learn the secrets of this dance

and learn its steps. Following the tour back

to Lecce.

•TorrepaduliandthemiraculouswellofTarantate’sChapel•PizzicaandTarantelllaworkshop•LunchwithPizzicashow

Itinerary

HighlightsAdd-on Full Day Excursion from Lecce


• Full day English Speaking Guide for excursion in Salento

• Typical 3-Courses lunch in a local restaurant with drinks

included with Pizzica show

• Pizzica and Tarantella workshop


€139 €109 €99


client’s request.

*Price per person

Prices


Auditus

Pavarotti & his Land

Morning departure to Modena to discover

the places dear to Pavarotti. Walk through

the alleys of the historical center and

discover the stores, the restaurants familiar

to the great Maestro. We will discover Piazza

Grande (the main square), the cathedral

and the Ghirlandina Tower, all UNESCO

World Heritage sites. We will stop at a local

balsamic vinegar producer to learn a little bit

about this famous dressing and enjoy a light

lunch . Afterward we continue with the visit of

Casa Museum Pavarotti (Pavarotti house and

museum). Every details reflect his personality.

Discover the rooms, admire his costumes and

see videos and pictures as well as the many

awards that describe his amazing 40 years

long opera career.

Last stop of our excursion is the visit at Enzo

Ferrari Museum which rather than a museum

is a fascinating, exciting event that manages

to combine truly unique elements: in the

futuristic 2,500 m2 pillar-free hall visitors can

get close and personal with the many cars

exhibited, but also experience a show that –

through an immersible biopic screened using

19 projectors – tells Enzo Ferrari’s incredible

life story, spanning 90 years. Following the

tour, return to your hotel.

•ModenaCasaMuseumPavarotti•Balsamicvinegartasting•EnzoFerrariMuseum

Itinerary

HighlightsAdd-on Full Day excursion to Modena from Bologna


• Full day English Speaking Guide

• Balsamic vinegar tasting and light lunch with drinks included

• Entrance fees to Casa Museo Pavarotti and Enzo Ferrari

Museum


€169 €129 €119


client’s request.

*Price per person

Prices

Spider Bite: Pizzica and Tarantella in Salento


Auditus

VeronaArena

NabuccoJune 2017: 23/29July 2017: 7/12/15/18August 2017: 4/9/12/23/26

AidaJune 2017: 24/30July 2017: 5/9/11/16/20/23

Aida 1913 Historical Stage designJuly 2017: 28August 2017: 3/6/8/13/16/20/24/27

RigolettoJuly 2017: 1/6/14/19/27

Madame ButterflyJuly 2017: 8/13/22/29August 2017: 11/19

Gala with Placido DomingoJuly 2017: 21

ToscaAugust 2017: 5/10/17/22/25

Gala IX Symphony BeethovenAugust 2017: 15

MilanLa Scala

Madame ButterflyDecember 2016: 10 to 8 January 2017

FalstaffFebruary 2017: 2 to 21 February

Don CarloFebruary 2017: 2 to 21March 2017: 16 to April 5th

Anna BolenaApril 2017: 12 to 7 May 2017

Don GiovanniJune 2017: 7 to 14 July 2017

La Bohème June 2017: 7 to 14 July 2017

NabuccoNovember 2017: 14 to 26 November

VeniceLa Fenice

La Bohème March 2017: : 1/2 La Traviata May 2017: 19/24/26/28 June 2017: 1/3 July 2017: 12/13/14/15 August 2017: 26 September 2017: 2/6/12/14/15/21/22/24 The Barber of Seville May 2017: 23/25/27 June 2017: 4/6 Madame Butterfly August 2017: 25/27/29 September 2017: 5/13/17/19/23

Don Giovanni October 2017: 13/14/15/17/18/19/20/21/22/24/25/26

Carmen March 2017: 24/25/26/28/29/30/31 April 2017: 1/2/4

Sleeping Beauty May 2017: 10/11/12/13/14

Torre del LagoFestival Puccini

TurandotJuly 2017: 14/23August 2017: 4/12

La RondineJuly 2017: 15August 2017: 5

La Bohème July 2017: 21/28August 2017: 11

ToscaJuly 2017: 29August 2017: 10/19

Madame ButterflyAugust 2017: 18

Opera Calendar 2017

69ITALY 2017

Myths, Legends, Tales, Religious Heritage Itineraries and curious stories that surround the Bel Paese, covering minor towns and charming Borghi, Natural Wonders and Underground City Tours. Ignas Tour exclusive itineraries for the history and mystery buffs or for those that just dare to know more!

Sixth Sense

70 ITALY 2017 | Sixth Sense

Sixth Sense

Narni and other Stories – Part I

Day 1: RomeWelcome to Rome! Arrival transfer to your hotel. Welcome drink. Dinner at a local restaurant followed by a unique tour of the Eternal City where you will learn about the Ghosts, the Mysteries and Legends of Rome. Discover attractions like the Castel Sant’Angelo (outside visit), Piazza Navona, Palazzo Farnese and Ponte Sisto. Learn about the ghosts of Olimpia Pamphili, that you can spot at full moon nights on her carriage pulled by black horses and the one of aristocrat Beatrice Cenci, unfairly killed in the 16th century and many more interesting strories. Overnight. Meals: DIgnas Tour Tip: visit the Museum of the Souls of Purgatory, located by the Gothic Church of the Sacre Heart of the Suffagio, its unique in its kind and here you will find proves and testimony of ghost appearances on sheets and books. Small donation, no entrance fee

Day 2: Rome - Underground RomeBuffet breakfast. This morning you will learn about another interesting aspect of the history of Rome and experience the underground side of it. Visit the Mithraeum of Circus Maximus, one of the largest secret Mithraic temples in Rome hidden next to the

famous Circus Maximus and discovered in 1931 as part of Rome’s fascist-era building projects.The site dates to the 2nd century AD and features five parallel but separate chambers with a central sanctuary paved in white marble, with two niches for statues of Caute and Cautopates and a place of honor which would have held a statue of Mithras. Following the tour you will have the rest of the day free for shopping or visit some other attractions that the Eternal City has to offer. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 3: Rome - Civita Bagnoregio - Narni - PerugiaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Civita di Bagnoregio, known as “The dying city”. The town is set on a pinnacle rising high above a vast canyon ruled by wind and erosion. Today there are only about seven year-round residents and many of its buildings have been lost. The village can only be reached by a footbridge. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Narni, the town that has inspired C.S Lewis bestsellers “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Tour of the medieval historical center and will learn about the life during the Middle Age. Continue with a Narni underground tour and visit the subterranean rooms of the antique convent complex of St. Dominic,

along with the adjoining protoromanic church with its frescoes of the 13th and 15th centuries. Dinner and overnight in Perugia. B - L - D

Day 4: Perugia - San Bevignate - Marmore fallsBuffet breakfast. Morning walking tour of Perugia, popular Italian city of art, with a beautiful square with architectural jewels like the superb Palazzo dei Priori and the splendid Cathedral. Continue the visit to the Church of San Bevignate, an intact proof of Templar presence in its own territory, attested in the sources since the middle of XIII century. After lunch on your own, stop for testing of mead and drive to the Marmore Falls, a man-made waterfall created by the ancient Romans. Its total height is 541 feet, making it one of the tallest in Italy and the tallest man-made waterfall in Europ. Guided tour. Return to Perugia. Dinner and overnight Perugia. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Perugia - Assisi - Assisi UndergroundBuffet breakfast. This morning we will reach Assisi the birthplace of St. Francis and founder of the Franciscan order. You will visit the major historical and religious monuments

•Romebetweenmysteries,ghostsandlegends•CivitadiBagnoregio“TheDyingCity”•UndergroundNarni•SanGalganoAbbeytherooflessabbeyandthemythoftheswordintherock

•MarmoreFalls:ThetallestwaterfallsinEurope

Itinerary


Featuring: Rome – Narni – Civita di Bagnoregio – Assisi –

Marmore Falls – San Galgano - Vinci


A journey through the legendsand natural wonders of Eastern Central Italy

71Sixth Sense | ITALY 2017

of Assisi such the Basilica, the Roman Temple of Minerva, St. Francis birthplace as well as the visit of the underground of the city and learn about its Roman history. Lunch on your own and some free time. Continue to farmhouse where we will attend a medieval cooking class followed by included dinner. During this unique and rare experience you will learn recipes from the 14th to the 17th century found in Umbrian monasteries and convents. Overnight in Perugia. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Perugia - Siena - San Galgano - Abbey - Chianti AreaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Siena, where you will be amazed by the splendid Cathedral built in Romanesque/Gothic style and by the City hall)and by the picturesque Piazza del Campo, in which the famous Palio takes place every year. Lunch on your own. Continue to San Galgano for visit of the roofless San Galgano Abbey a ruined Cistercian monastery dating from the 13th century. The whole site has a very mysterious

and magic atmosphere. We continue to visit the Montisiepi Chapel where the legendary sword in the stone linked to legendary King Arthur has been kept for 800 years. Dinner and overnight in the Chianti area. Meals: B - D

Day 7: Vinci - LuccaBuffet breakast. This morning we depart to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci. Walk around the historical center and visit the museum and learn about his inventions. Continue by walking on a picturesque path (easy walk of 30’) to his birth house where you will be able to even see his hologram. Stop at a local farmhouse to taste the the local wine, Chianti di Montalbano followed with a light lunch. Afterward continue to Lucca, known as the city of 100 and one churches. Admire the Cathedral of S. Martino a place that preserves unresolved symbols and legends, the Torre Delle Ore and walk along the medieval walls. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B- L – D.

Ignas Tour Tip: Visit the Botanical Gardens of Lucca , it’s said to be haunted by the ghost of Lucida Mansi who is said, sold her soul to the devil in order to remain young

Day 8: Chianti - PisaBuffet breakfast. Drive to San Miniato and visit the historical center. For those who are not afraid to face the uphill climb, the tour continues to the Tower of Frederick II from where one can enjoy a breathtaking view over the northern part of Tuscany. Lunch on your own. Afternoon arrival in Pisa. Visit the historical center of Pisa and admire the famous Piazza del Miracoli with the Leaning Tower, one of the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. Dinner and overnight in Pisa. Meals: B - DIgnas Tour Tip: Climb to the top of the Tower of Frederick II for few euros.

Day 9: DepartureBreakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Meals: B


Assisi areaRelais il Canalicchio or similar

UrbinoTenuta Santi Giacomo & Filippo or similar

ChiantiPalazzo Leopoldo or similar

PisaHotel Bagni di Pisa or similar

Prices

Included features• Welcome drink• 8 nights in 4* charming hotels• 16 meals (8 Breakfast, 1 3-course lunch in local restaurant in Civita di

Bagnoregio with drinks included , 1 3-course dinner at local restaurants with drinks included , 5 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included

• Visit to a farmhouse in Vinci area with wine tasting and light lunch included• Medieval cooking class followed by dinner • English speaking guide during guided tours (2 x Rome, Assisi, Siena, Lucca,

Narni underground, Perugia)• Guided tour of Narni historical center • Guided visit of the Marmore Falls• Entrance fees at Underground Narni, Civita di Bagnoregio, Basilica of San

Bevignate, Montesiepi Chapel, Leonardo da Vinci birthplace and museum• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip







supplement

01/03/17 - 03/15/17 10/09/17 - 11/30/17

€1709 €1369 €1159

€30903/16/17 - 05/08/17 €1839 €1489 €1279

05/09/17 - 10/08/17 €1949 €1499 €1299


Sixth Sense

Narni and other Stories – Part II

Day 1: RomeWelcome to Rome! Arrival transfer to your hotel. Welcome drink. Dinner at a local restaurant followed by a unique tour of the Eternal City where you will learn about the Ghosts, the Mysteries and Legends of Rome. Discover attractions like the Castel Sant’Angelo (outside visit), Piazza Navona, Palazzo Farnese and Ponte Sisto. Learn about the ghosts of Olimpia Pamphili, that you can spot at full moon nights on her carriage pulled by black horses and the one of aristocrat Beatrice Cenci, unfairly killed in the 16th century and many more interesting strories. Overnight. Meals: DIgnas Tour Tip: visit the Museum of the Souls of Purgatory, located by the Gothic Church of the Sacre Heart of the Suffagio, its unique in its kind and here you will find proves and testimony of ghost appearances on sheets and books. Small donation, no entrance fee

Day 2: Rome - Underground RomeBuffet breakfast. This morning you will learn about another interesting aspect of the history of Rome and experience the underground side of it. Visit the Mithraeum of Circus Maximus, one of the largest secret Mithraic temples in Rome hidden next to the

famous Circus Maximus and discovered in 1931 as part of Rome’s fascist-era building projects.The site dates to the 2nd century AD and features five parallel but separate chambers with a central sanctuary paved in white marble, with two niches for statues of Caute and Cautopates and a place of honor which would have held a statue of Mithras. Following the tour you will have the rest of the day free for shopping or visit some other attractions that the Eternal City has to offer. Overnight. Meals: B

Day 3: Civita Bagnoregio - Narni - PerugiaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to Civita di Bagnoregio, known as “The dying city”. The town is set on a pinnacle rising high above a vast canyon ruled by wind and erosion. Today there are only about seven year-round residents and many of its buildings have been lost. The village can only be reached by a footbridge. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Narni, the town that has inspired C.S Lewis bestsellers “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Tour of the medieval historical center and will learn about the life during the Middle Age. Continue with a Narni underground tour and visit the subterranean rooms of the antique convent complex of St. Dominic,

along with the adjoining protoromanic church with its frescoes of the 13th and 15th centuries. Dinner and overnight in Perugia. B - L - D

Day 4: San Bevignate - Marmore fallsBuffet breakfast. Morning walking tour of Perugia, popular Italian city of art, with a beautiful square with architectural jewels like the superb Palazzo dei Priori and the splendid Cathedral. Continue the visit to the Church of San Bevignate, an intact proof of Templar presence in its own territory, attested in the sources since the middle of XIII century. After lunch on your own, stop for testing of mead and drive to the Marmore Falls, a man-made waterfall created by the ancient Romans. Its total height is 541 feet, making it one of the tallest in Italy and the tallest man-made waterfall in Europ. Guided tour. Return to Perugia. Dinner and overnight Perugia. Meals: B - D

Day 5: Assisi Underground - Medieval Cooking ClassBuffet breakfast. This morning we will reach Assisi the birthplace of St. Francis and founder of the Franciscan order. You will visit the major historical and religious monuments

•DiscoverthelargestMithraicTempleinRome•Narniundergroundandmedievalhistoricalcenter•Medievalcookingclass•Discover the FrasassiCaves the largest cave system inEurope

•LearnthestoryofAzzurrinatheghostofMontebelloCastle

Itinerary


Featuring: Rome – Narni – Civita di Bagnoregio – Assisi –

Marmore Falls – San Galgano - Vinci


A journey through mysteries, ghost storiesand natural wonders of Western Central Italy


of Assisi such the Basilica, the Roman Temple of Minerva, St. Francis birthplace as well as the visit of the underground of the city and learn about its Roman history. Lunch on your own and some free time. Continue to farmhouse where we will attend a medieval cooking class followed by included dinner. During this unique and rare experience you will learn recipes from the 14th to the 17th century found in Umbrian monasteries and convents. Overnight in Perugia. Meals: B - D

Day 6: Abbey of S. Vittore - Frasassi Caves - UrbinoBuffet breakfast. Morning departure to the Marche region. Stop at the Abbey of S. Vittore alle Chiuse, in Genga, Ancona, a Romanesque abbey that belongs to a group of four churches in Marche “dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, which are unique in the region. Continue to the Frasassi Caves, only discovered in the 1971 and one of the largest known cave systems in Europe with an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites spread along 1500 metres of accesible caverns. Guided tour (75 minutes) that will leave astonished by the range of

rock formations, stalactites, water pools that you will witness. Following the tour, stop for lunch in a local restaurant and taste the local cuisine. Continue to Genga to visit the Temple of Valadier and the Sanctuary of Saint Maria Infrasaxa situated in a hillside cave and in a particularly scenic location. Continue to Urbino. Dinner and overnight Meals: B - D

Day 7: San Marino - Montebello Castle - BolognaBuffet breakfast. Morning departure for visit of Urbino. The city’s extraordinary Renaissance art and architecture, which blend superbly with its Medieval past, it’s so stunning that Urbino is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit of the historical center. Continue to the Republic of San Marino, the City-State, where we will explore the old town, the Three Towers, the House of Montefeltro, Palazzo Pubblico, just to name a few. Lunch on your own. Continue to visit the Castle of Montebello also known as the Castle of Azzurrina, the ghost of the little girl that disapeared in mysterious circumstances in the 14th century. During the guided visit of the castle, we qill listen to the recordings

of what seems to be cries and voices of the little ghost. Continue to Bologna. Dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Chianti - PisaBuffet breakfast. Morning guided tour of Bologna, the city that has been called with many names; La Dotta (The wise) thanks to its University, one of the oldest in Europe, the Grassa (the Fat) because of its delicious gastronomical tradition. The tour will provide you not only with the visit of the major sights, such as the historical towers from the 12th and 13th century, San Petronio Cathedral, the Neptun Fountain, will also find out about another side of Bologna, related to a much darker story made of vampires, witches and revenants. Lunch on your own. Afternoon at your leisure. Meals: B - DIgnas Tour Tip: Visit the l’Archiginnasio. The Palace now has the City Library and the ancient Anatomical Theater of the University of Bologna. Free of charge

Day 9: DepartureBreakfast at the hotel. Departure transfer to the airport. Meals: B


Assisi areaRelais il Canalicchio or similar

UrbinoTenuta Santi Giacomo & Filippo or similar

Bologna areaHotel Monte del Re or similar

Prices

Included features• Welcome drink• 8 nights in 4* charming hotels• 16 meals (8 Breakfast, 1 3-course lunch in local restaurant in Civita di

Bagnoregio with drinks included , 1 3-course dinner at local restaurants with drinks included , 5 3-course dinner at hotel with drinks included

• Mead tasting in Perugia• Medieval cooking class followed by dinner • English speaking guide during guided tours (2 x Rome, Assisi, Urbino, Narni

underground, Perugia)• Guided tour of Narni historical center • Guided tour of the Montebello castles• Guided visit of the Frasassi Caves• Entrance fees at Underground Narni, Civita di Bagnoregio, Basilica of San

Bevignate, Montebello Castles• Deluxe AC motor-coach as per itinerary• Airport transfers• Porterage in/out at all hotels• Ignas Tour English speaking tour director throughout the trip• Headsets throughout the trip







supplement

01/03/17 - 03/15/17 10/09/17 - 11/30/17

€1699 €1349 €1139

€28903/16/17 - 05/08/17 €1819 €1469 €1249

05/09/17 - 10/08/17 €1939 €1489 €1249


Sixth Sense

Roma Caput Mundi

Day 1: RomeArrival transfer from the airport to the hotel. Welcome drink. Following the check-in, relax or join a vicinity walk to get familiarized with your surroundings. Dinner and overnight.Meals: D

Day 2: Rome and the Roman Empire: The life of a GladiatorBuffet breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will start a full day of the Eternal City. First we will start with a walking tour where you will admire the famous fountains and piazze. We will stop at the Spanish Steps and continues to the legendary Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona. You will also admire the government buildings such as the Parliament, the Pantheon, the Senate and learn about the politics during Roman times as well as the more modern situation. After lunch (on your own) we will continue by visiting another important sight of ancient Rome. We will first visit the Lupus Magnus, or The Great Gladiatorial Training School which is the largest of the gladiatorial arenas in Rome, that was built by the emperor Domitian (81-96 AD). We will continue to the Colosseum, once the set of ferocious fights and shows of the gladiators. You will

be able to visit the arena, the underground areas where gladiators waited here to be hoisted onto the floor and the third tier. Next on the program is the Roman Forum, here was where Rome ruled its empire of untold political and cultural influence—and of more than 2.5 million square miles and 65 million people. Here we will also have the chance to visit the Roman Villa of Caeser and Livia, that after an extensive restoration has been finally re open. Here you can admire the beautiful ancient fresco paintings that have survived with the original colors still intact. Overnight. Meals: B - D

Day 3: Villa Adriana and castelli romani: how did romans live and how did romans party...Bacco experienceBuffet breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will start the day by reaching Tivoli and visiting Villa Hadriana the biggest and richest Villa among all the Roman Villas. It was built in the 2nd century by Emperor Hadrian, and once greater than the center of Imperial Rome. Highlights of the grounds include the caryatids and columns of the Canopus and Serapeum, the villa’s pool and artificial grotto. We will then continue to the Castelli Romani a retreat from the city on hot summer

weekends, and see its panoramic hilltop small villages. A idyllic retreat for the wealthy city dwellers and famous personalities, Castelli Romani is an ideal place to have an authentic Italian experience Dinner and overnight. We will reach Frascati, famous for its beauty and considerable production of wine. We will walk through the narrow streets and we will have a tasting of local wines (3 wines) followed by a light lunch. Passing by Rocca di Papa e Grottaferrata, famous for its mystic Abbey we will drop by Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Popes. Than continue on to the city of Ariccia, famous for its large bridge with three arches and the city of Albano which dominates his Lake Genzano. Arrive in Rome. Overnight. Meals: B - L

Day 4: Vesuvio - Pompeii excavation - Pizza Lunch in Naples. Love & Relationship during Roman timesBuffet breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion Pompeii to visit the excavation. First we will reach Naples where we will have lunch at a local restaurant where you will have the chance to taste a real Geothermal Napolitan Pizza, the only one risen in tuff caves, a rare specialty!We will then continue to Pompeii. Explore the city which was frozen

•TouroftheArena,theUndergroundsandThirdTieroftheColosseum

•VisittheRomanvillaofEmperorCaesarandLivia•TheEmperor’sAbode:Hadrian’sVilla•WinetastingintheRomanCastles•FarewellRomandinner

Itinerary


Featuring: Rome – Pompeii – Hadrian’s Villa – Roman Castles



in time under volcanic ash. Pompeii was once a resort area for the rich Patrician. You will still see people attempting to escape and its preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. Here the guide will show you the remains of a Lupanaro (Roman brothel) where you will have a look at the erotic frescoes and allured graffiti. You will learn about love and relationship during the Roman times. Next is a stop at the Vesuvius where you will climb to its the summit. It is a 20-minutes walk from the parking area, traveling through soft volcanic ash and pumice. Vesuvius has erupted many times since 79 AD, and lava flows have scarred the sides, stripping away vegetation to leave a visible reminder of the destructive power of nature. But you will be rewarded with stunning views into the crater, where even now steam

escapes from its vents and also enjoy the panoramic views of the Bay of Naples. Return to Rome. Overnight. Meals: B – L**Vesuvius ‘Great Crater’ tour will be substitute with a visit to the Archeological Museum of Naples in November and March.

Day 5: Rome - Christian Catacombs - Christian Rome and CatacombsBuffet breakfast at the hotel. The first stop will be on the Esquiline Hill where your guide will show you some of the treasures inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, before continuing by coach to stop and see the Holy Staircase and the Lateran Palace before visiting inside the Basilica of San Giovanni, the cathedral of Rome (visit inside). Then proceeding along the Ancient Appian Way, you will pass by the Chapel of “Domine Quo

Vadis?” before arriving to the Catacombs, the ancient underground cemeteries and first hiding places for the Christians. A visit will be made to either the Catacombs of St. Callisto, Santa Domitilla or San Sebastiano depending upon seasonal conditions. The tour will end with a spectacular view of the Baths of Emperor Caracalla. Return to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening a very special dinner awaits you! You will dine like a Roman and be dressed like one! Enjoy a 3-course dinner with drinks and Toga included. Dinner and overnight. **upon request a Gladiator show can be added. Meals: B - D

Day 6: DepartureBuffet breakfast at the hotel. Bye bye Rome! Meals: B - D


Prices

Included features• 6 nights in 4* central located hotel in Rome

• 9 meals (5 Breakfast, 1 3-course lunch in local restaurant in Frascati with

drinks included , Geothermal Pizza in Naples with soft drinks, 1 3-course

dinner at local restaurants in Rome with drinks included, 3-course Ancient

Rome dinner with toga with drinks included

• Wine Tasting in the Roman Castles

• English speaking guide during guided tours (3 x Rome, Pompeii and Vesuvio,

Roman Castles)

• Excursion to Vesuvio Great Crater

• Entrance fees and skip the line tickets for Colosseum, Catacombs and

Caeser’s house

• Entrance fees in Pompeii and Hadrian’s Villa

• English speaking assistant during restaurant and airport transfers











supplement

01/07/17 - 03/05/1711/16/17 - 12/20/17

€919 €799 €669

€27903/06/17 - 03/31/1707/07/17 - 08/31/17

€1159 €1029 €899

04/01/17 - 07/06/1709/01/17 - 10/31/1712/28/17 - 12/31/17

€1179 €1039 €999

Largo C. Battisti, 26I-39044 - Egna (BZ) ITALYTel. (+39) 0471 806 600Fax (+39) 0471 806 700www.ignastour.com

Claudia BoldrerSales Manager Usa & North America

(+1) 310 430 [email protected]

Ignas Tour Italy 2017

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