Local Living Italy: Southern Tuscany (EIST)
Experience life the local way and you’ll experience a Tuscany that most tourists miss. This trip offers plenty of opportunity to get your hands dirty in the kitchen as you’ll learn to prepare and enjoy this picturesque region’s culinary and viticultural delights. Peruse the local markets and delis in search of the finest organic fare, sample wines in the very vineyards that produced them, and work off all that deliciousness with walks across some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Just start forwarding your mail here now.
Highlights: Learning traditional recipes and eating delicious Tuscan cuisine, touring the agriturismo's organic orchards and wine cellar to learn more about the 'Slow Food' movement, visiting medieval Montalcino and sampling delicious local wines, exploring the Tuscan countryside and stone-walled hill towns
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Cycling in Tuscany (EITC)
In a country famed for its extensive (not to mention delicious) culinary traditions, Tuscany is top dog. And what better way to work up an appetite for all those gastronomic delights than by taking a leisurely ride through some of the most gorgeous countryside you’ll find anywhere? On this trip, you’ll explore the gently rolling hills and tiny villages of this idyllic patch of Europe from the seat of a bike, then dig in to expertly prepared meals and flavourful wines drawn from the land you’ve spent all day traversing. If you really are what you eat, expect to become exquisite.
Highlights: Learning traditional recipes and eating delicious Tuscan cuisine, cycling through Tuscan countryside and stone-walled hill towns, visiting quaint Pienza and medieval Montepulciano.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Trekking in Garfagnana (EITG)
The difference between a tourist and a traveller? Tourists visit. Travellers explore. And once you’ve seen, smelled, felt and tasted northern Tuscany, you’ll want to devour as much of it as possible. This journey into Garfagnana—one of Italy’s top trekking regions—offers plenty of exercise for mind, body and soul alike. Over eight days, you’ll hike the unspoiled mountains by day, learn to prepare delicious local cuisine in the evening and put your well-used feet up at the end of it all to soak in the simple pleasures of country life.
Highlights: Enjoying day hikes in stunning Tuscany, tasting local specialties, savouring home-cooked meals, relaxing at our authentic countryside accommodation
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Ultimate Italy (EIUL)
From the villages of Cinque Terre to Tuscany's medieval splendour, this is an adventure for those looking to indulge in all of Italy’s delights. Walk through grand piazzas and winding lanes, stroll the canals of Venice and float past villas on Lake Como. Marvel at the ancient grandeur of Rome and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence. Your CEO will take care of the details so you can travel at a leisurely pace and appreciate the scenery, whether it’s sipping vino in Tuscany or sampling local delicacies on the shores of Lake Como. Experience the best of Italy in this all-encompassing tour.
Highlights: Experiencing medieval and Renaissance delights, discovering a passion for regional wines and Italian cuisine, savouring the sea views and mountain grandeur, exploring the elegant countryside of Lake Como by boat
France to Italy Adventure (EFIA)
Sip wine in Burgundy, feast on local delicacies in Provence, follow scenic tracks along Italy's Cinque Terre coast and raise your glass to the best of France and Italy. Over 13 well-paced days, travel from Paris to Rome and savour the region's cultural and natural highlights. Your expert CEO will take the hassle out of travel but leave you with plenty of free time to explore. Witness the grandeur of Paris and Florence's great masterpieces, relax on the beach and fall in love with the beauty of this region.
Highlights: Wandering through charming medieval cities and glorious countryside, tasting fine wines and eating local delicacies, soaking up the classic European culture, exploring the European capitals of Paris and Rome
Mont Blanc Explorer (EFME)
The French call her 'La Dame Blanche'; to Italians, she’s 'Il Bianco'. And to all who set out to tame her, she is known simply as 'The Big One'. Towering above the already towering Alps, Mont Blanc commands respect. This trip puts committed travellers with excellent fitness on intimate terms with the ceiling of Europe, rewarding all comers with strolls through quaint alpine villages, hearty dinners, relaxing spa visits and some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain scenery you’ll ever see. Prepare to be challenged, awestruck and amazed.
Highlights: Marvelling at Mont Blanc massif from France and Italy, Hiking along stunning Alpine trails, Spending your evenings relaxing in quaint Alpine villages.
Cinque Terre Coastal Walk (EICW)
Isolated from the rest of Italy by the impressive landscape, you're here to hike. The rugged villages of Cinque Terre still remain a world away from the bustle of Rome. Follow coastal trails and discover villages clustered on windswept cliffs and perched above beautiful coastlines. Hike and swim by day and sample the fresh seafood and local delicacies by night. For the active traveller who wants to experience a real slice of Italian life, this compact adventure tops the menu.
Highlights: Walking narrow coastal trails with magnificent sea views, sampling the local cuisine and wines, staying in a Cinque Terre village.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Local Living Italy: Tuscany San Gimignano (EIGL)
If you’ve ever wanted to forge a deeper bond with a destination, this is your chance. Centred in San Gimignano, this Local Living adventure places you in the heart of Tuscany for eight days of exploring. After a chef-prepared lunch, you’re free to explore the town, visit vineyards, discover medieval highlights or embrace your inner artist wandering the Tuscan countryside. You’ll share the accommodation with like-minded travellers, and with a CEO there to point you in the right direction, prepare to fall in love with Italy.
Highlights: Sharing a rental property with optional day trips and activities, eating delicious Tuscan cuisine, making new friends at your home away from home, strolling the medieval lanes of beautiful San Gimignano, relaxing at your haven in the Tuscan countryside
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Local Living Italy: Rome (EILL)
Rome has been a world capital for millennia—give yourself the time needed to get acquainted. This Local Living option situates you in a comfortable apartment—kitchen, wi-fi, dining area—within walking distance to St Peter's Basilica and Vatican City. Spend your time exploring Roman ruins, medieval sites and Renaissance highlights. You’ll share your home with like-minded travellers but your days are your own. You can’t rush a love affair—take it slow and fall in love with one of Europe’s most impressive cities.
Highlights: Sharing a rental property with optional day trips and activities, strolling to St Peter's Basilica and Vatican City, making friends in your new home, being close to a metro station for easy exploring, finding hidden gems on out of the way streets, having the time needed to connect with this ancient capital.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 1
Local Living Italy: Puglia (EIPL)
Some destinations are best experienced quickly in a single gulp. Puglia, on the other hand, is a place you sip and savour slowly. From a charming apartment inside the walls of an ancient city, this Local Living trip to Italy’s boot heel puts you in close contact with the people who are lucky enough to live here full-time. Discover the culinary secrets of the region’s age-old winemaking and olive oil trades, learn to make your own pasta, bike down dozens of scenic trails or simply soak up the splendour of your surroundings. Above all, make yourself at home.
Highlights: Sharing a rental property with optional day trips and activities, exploring one of Italy's least touristed provinces, strolling the narrow lanes of the historical centre, sipping on a cappuccino looking out at white limestone cliffs towering over the bright turquoise blue sea, sampling regional gastronomic delights.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 1
Local Living Italy: Sicily (EISL)
Trade the hustle and bustle of the mainland for eight soul-soothing days immersed in the agrarian coziness of Sicily. On this unique Local Living departure, you’ll get an up-close-and-personal glimpse of everyday life on this laidback island from three different yet equally charming towns, with five of the nights in a comfortable apartment. By day, you’ll stroll the streets of baroque Catania, the beautiful fishing village of Acitrezza, and the tiny, volcano-ringed Lipari—considered by some to be the 'Sicilian Santorini'. Pleasant seaside strolls? Volcano hikes? Kayaking excursions? Loads of downtime? Why leave?
Highlights: Exploring three very unique communities in Sicily, witnessing the organized chaos of the Catania fish market, hiking the Aeolian Islands, strolling the colourful streets of Lipari, soaking up the Sicilian vibe and sun.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Amalfi Family Adventure (EITF)
Eager to expose the kids to Italian cuisine that doesn’t come in a cardboard box in 30 minutes or less? Take ‘em to the Amalfi Coast. Long a secluded hideaway for adults, the Coast has the most for the younger set as well. Based in smaller towns amidst truly breathtaking scenery, there's a huge variety of activities for your family. Try a delicious cooking class, see the ruins of the doomed city of Pompeii, hike the hills of Tre Calli, explore Capri and more, all in a breezy and affordable seven days. This is pizza’s ancestral home, after all. Deliver yourself to its doorstep.
Highlights: Visiting the ruins of the Roman town of Pompeii, Staring into the crater of Mt. Vesuvius, enjoying small town life in Amalfi
- Trip Style:
- Family
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Venice Carnival (EIVC)
Peel back the mask and uncover the secrets of Venice during the legendary Carnival. From the marvels of St Mark's Square to the exuberant crowds in full costume, Venice is a feast for the senses. Feel the pull of mystery at the Bridge of Sighs and visit the tiny fishermen's island of Burano, known for it's lace-making and painted houses. Explore Byzantine basilicas and the famous traditional glass-blowing studios of Murano. And of course, immerse yourself in the sounds and energy of the crowds on festival night.
Highlights: Experiencing the costumes and masks of Carnevale di Venezia, witnessing spectacular glass-blowing, exploring fishing villages and Byzantine basilicas.
Ultimate Italy: Winter (EIULC)
From the delightful small towns of Umbria to Venice's splendour, this is an adventure for those looking to indulge in Italy’s delights in the winter, when the crowds are fewer and the food and drink in even greater abundance than usual. Marvel at the Renaissance glories of Tuscany and sample the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna in Ravenna. Your CEO will take care of the details so you can travel at a leisurely pace and appreciate the scenery. Experience the best of Italy in winter in this all-encompassing tour.
Highlights: Indulging in a Roman meal with new local friends, wandering the winding streets of Siena, sipping a cappuccino in a piazza in Florence, visiting the medieval town of Gubbio, revelling in the breathtaking piazza San Marco in Venice
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Living Italy: Southern Tuscany (EIST) | 7 days | Local Living | Standard |
From
$1299
USD
|
| Cycling in Tuscany (EITC) | 7 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1020
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1199
|
| Trekking in Garfagnana (EITG) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1020
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1199
|
| Ultimate Italy (EIUL) | 13 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$2199
USD
|
| France to Italy Adventure (EFIA) | 13 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$2399
USD
|
| Mont Blanc Explorer (EFME) | 8 days | Active | Standard |
From
$1549
USD
|
| Cinque Terre Coastal Walk (EICW) | 5 days | Active | Standard |
From
$807
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$949
|
| Local Living Italy: Tuscany San Gimignano (EIGL) | 8 days | Local Living | Standard |
From
$825
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1099
|
| Local Living Italy: Rome (EILL) | 8 days | Local Living | Standard |
From
$850
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$999
|
| Local Living Italy: Puglia (EIPL) | 8 days | Local Living | Standard |
From
$1099
USD
|
| Local Living Italy: Sicily (EISL) | 8 days | Local Living | Standard |
From
$1199
USD
|
| Amalfi Family Adventure (EITF) | 8 days | Family | Standard |
From
$1011
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$1189
|
| Venice Carnival (EIVC) | 5 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1299
USD
|
| Ultimate Italy: Winter (EIULC) | 13 days | Classic | Standard |
From
$1999
USD
|
